10 BEST Things to do in Miami, Florida

Looking for the absolute best things to do in Miami? You’ve come to the right place!

We love the glorious coastal city of Miami, with its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and fantastic food. We’ve had so much fun visiting Miami over the years, and it’s definitely one of those places that you can come back time and time again without ever getting bored. 

So if you’re planning a trip to the Magic City, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best things to do! From boat rides and exploring Little Havana to fun day trips and learning how to salsa dance, we’re here to help you plan an unforgettable trip. 

Best Things to do in Miami

1. Explore Miami’s “Little Havana” on a food tour 

The absolute BEST thing that we did in Miami was this food tour of Little Havana! We got to eat so much delicious food, drink cocktails, and dive deep into the local culture of this vibrant neighborhood. We cannot recommend it enough! 

Little Havana is the most famous Cuban exile neighborhood in the world, so it was absolutely fascinating to learn how it developed during the 1960s and 70s. Our guide, Bianca, was super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the area, and she made everybody feel very welcome. 

If we could give you one piece of advice for this tour, it would be: arrive hungry! The portion sizes were very generous and we loved that all of the restaurants we visited were family-owned spots that have been feeding the neighborhood for years.

We got to try really yummy empanadas, as well as croquetas, and guava pastelitos, which were very unique! My favorite dish, though, was the flan ice cream, even though I’m not usually a big fan of flan. 

As well as all of the food, we got to learn more about Cuban culture by checking out some of Little Havana’s top attractions, such as Calle Ocho. I also really enjoyed visiting a cigar factory to witness the art of cigar rolling!

Not only did we love every second of this tour, we also thought it was fantastic value for money. We got an enormous amount of food and three Cuban cocktails to boot – I absolutely loved the guarapo! Miami is a pretty expensive city, so we honestly couldn’t believe how much we got for $73 USD. 

2. Rent a private boat and relax on the water

Miami is a very glamorous city, so why not make like a VIP with this private boat tour? We found that it was the perfect way to relax and beat the heat, while taking in views of the city’s skyline from the water. 

Often, private boat tours are only affordable if you’ve got a big group, but we did this tour with just the two of us and only had to pay $65 USD each – not bad, hey? Plus, there’s a cooler on board, so we were able to bring our own drinks and enjoy them as we cruised around! 

Our captain, Andre, was so warm and welcoming. When we arrived at the marina, he asked us what we would most like to see, and then customized the route accordingly. We loved cruising along the waterfront of East Star Island Drive, which is where tons of celebs live, and of course we had a blast seeing downtown Miami from out on the water. 

We booked this tour during the daytime, but it’s also possible to enjoy the sunset on board, or admire the city lights after dark. Either way, we promise that you’re in for a treat! Honestly, it’s pretty rare to find a private boat tour for such a great price, and getting out on the water is a quintessential Miami experience. Basically, don’t miss the chance to book this tour while you’re in town! 

3. Learn about Miami’s Art Deco district

The Art Deco district is easily one of the coolest areas of Miami, and you can’t say you’ve properly explored the city until you’ve checked it out! This neighborhood has the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the USA, and it’s certainly one of Miami’s most elegant areas. We booked this walking tour of the area, and it truly felt like stepping back in time!

Our guide, Julie, taught us how the area came to be such an iconic part of the city, and took us to historic highlights. Personally, I was fascinated to see the mansion where Gianni Versace lived, and was tragically assassinated in 1997. 

We felt good about having booked this tour because the proceeds actually go towards preserving the Art Deco district’s beautiful buildings. We also enjoyed complimentary admission to the Art Deco Museum, which was definitely worth visiting, so that was a real bonus! 

Julie also gave us lots of great bar and restaurant recommendations, which was super helpful, so after the tour we decided to stay awhile in the area and check out a few spots. We probably wouldn’t have been to these places on our own, so the tour was worth it. 

All in all, we really enjoyed this tour and definitely think it should be on everyone’s Miami itinerary. The Art Deco District is an essential part of Miami’s fabric, and the city just wouldn’t be the same without it!

4. Go on a private sunset cruise

Miami has the most stunning pinkish-red sunsets, so why not see one in style? We were so excited when we booked this evening boat cruise, and we had a blast! 

We also booked this cruise because, as it was a private experience, we thought it would be super romantic – and we were right! We met our captain, Luca, in Coconut Grove and we set off on what turned out to be a pretty magical adventure.

He welcomed us on board with a complimentary bottle of champagne, which made the night even better, and there was a cooler on board where we could store our own drinks.

We loved cruising along the waterways as we sipped on our champagne, and the sunset we got was absolutely glorious. Watching the sky change behind the city skyline was just mesmerizing! It was super romantic, and Luca took such great care of us.

There was also a Bluetooth speaker on board so that we could play our own music, and since this is a private tour, we didn’t have to worry if our tunes weren’t to anyone else’s taste! 

There are 1- and 2-hour versions of this tour. We went for the 2-hour tour so that we could enjoy golden hour and then a glorious sunset, but the 1-hour tour can be a great budget option for big groups. Honestly, you’re in for a great time either way, so don’t hesitate to book this tour! 

5. Take a day trip to Everglades National Park

As much as we love exploring Miami’s glamorous urban landscape, we really couldn’t resist the chance to escape the city and explore the Everglades on this tour! These world-famous wetlands are stunningly beautiful and they’re teeming with alligators, and they’re only around 45 minutes from Miami.

As huge nature lovers, we were so excited to climb aboard an airboat and explore the Everglades. We loved listening to the commentary from our guide, Antoine, because he knew so much about the history and ecology of the wetlands. Best of all, he had a real knack for spotting wildlife and we spotted six alligators thanks to him!

As well as lots of gators, we saw tons of wetland birds, which was super cool, as well as some fish and exotic snakes. The boat ride lasted for 50 minutes, which is 15-20 minutes longer than most tours offer, hence why we chose this one! 

Once we were back on dry land, we also visited a wildlife center where we learned about nuisance alligators, and even an alligator wrestling demonstration! We also saw lots of tortoises and peacocks, which was pretty cool. 

This tour was so much fun from start to finish. We would honestly recommend it to anyone visiting Miami, but especially families, as it’s perfect for all ages.

6. Take a thrilling speedboat ride along Miami’s coast

If you want your movie moment in Miami, then we highly recommend you book this speedboat cruise. We were so excited to hit the water and sightsee in true “Miami Vice” style! And honestly, it felt every bit as cool as it sounds. 

We met our captain, Andy, who was a really fun and friendly guy. We set off along the shore of Biscayne Bay, and cruised towards Fisher Island and Star Island, which is where Miami’s creme de la creme lives. I’m not kidding – Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, and Mel Brooks all own homes here! 

We also loved cruising past Miami Beach, South Beach, and the Art Deco district. The colorful homes looked arguably even more picturesque from out on the water! And not only did we love all of the sightseeing, we also really enjoyed the ride itself. Andy did lots of sharp turns and fishtail spins, so we got a bit of a thrill along the way. 

This boat cruise was honestly one of the most fun experiences we had in Miami. Plus, it’s only 45 minutes long, so it was super easy to make time for it! It’s actually a great way to explore if you’re short on time, because you get to see so much by zooming around on a speedboat.

7. Learn how to salsa dance!

A night out in Miami is a must, but a night out with salsa lessons, mojitos, cabaret, and Cuban snacks? That’s what we call a good time! 

We were keen to experience the party scene on South Beach’s famous Ocean Drive, so we booked this tour and it delivered the best night out that we’ve ever had in Miami! Salsa and bachata are both very popular dance styles in Miami thanks to the city’s strong Latin American and Afro-Caribbean populations. And we promise, they’re both so much fun! 

The complimentary mojito helped us settle our nerves, and we had so much fun dancing. This class was welcoming to dancers of all abilities, so there’s no need to worry if you’re a total beginner.

After the two classes, we got to see the pros take the stage, and spent the night singing and dancing along. It was so much fun, and the professional dancers were so impressive, even if they did remind us just how much we still had to learn! 

But the performances weren’t just limited to dancing. We also got to enjoy multiple cabaret and samba performances, so we truly got a smorgasbord of entertainment. It was such a memorable evening and we loved every moment of it.

8. Cycle around Miami Beach 

On our very first visit to Miami, we found that this bicycle tour was the perfect way to get to know the city! It’s perfect for anyone who’s short on time, as we covered a ton of ground in a short amount of time, and cycling instead of walking is a great way to beat the heat.

Miami is a relatively flat city, so it’s easy to get around on two wheels! 

We were in a small group so it was easy to keep up with our guide, Julian, and hear what he was saying each time we stopped. He gave us a fantastic introduction to Miami, starting in the Art Deco District, where he shared plenty of insights into the area’s history. We were excited to see the former Versace Mansion, and we couldn’t get enough of the coastal views as we pedaled along the beachfront. 

We made stops at places like the Lincoln Road Theatre, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, where we were able to take in the sights and snap photos without feeling rushed.

Julian was an engaging guide and he did a great job of keeping the pace manageable. We also really enjoyed his historical commentary, and local anecdotes. He certainly gave us a much deeper appreciation of Miami’s culture! 

This tour is a fun, active, and efficient way to see Miami, and we’d say it’s suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness.

9. See Miami from the sky on a private flight

Miami is a beautiful city, especially when seen from above, so taking this scenic flight is one of the best ways to see the cityscape in all its glory!

We were truly wowed by how gorgeous the Magic City’s islands and waterways looked from the air. But honestly, a big reason that we booked this tour was that we thought it was such great value for money. Compared to a lot of other flights we’ve taken, $99 USD for a 40-minute ride is pretty impressive! 

Our pilot, Piero, was a truly lovely guy and we really enjoyed listening to his commentary as we flew over the city. He pointed out opulent celebrity homes to us, took us over Biscayne Bay, and taught us a little about the history of the iconic South Beach area.

We even had the option to personalize the itinerary, but to be honest, we were more than happy to trust Piero, because he clearly knows Miami like the back of his hand. This flight is yet another way to enjoy Miami in true VIP style. It’s the ideal way to celebrate a special occasion!

Perhaps the only downside to this tour is that since it’s such an exciting experience and represents such great value for money, it does tend to sell out pretty fast! Fortunately, you get free cancellation when you book through Viator, so there’s really no harm in grabbing your spot in advance! 

10. Explore the Wynwood Graffiti scene in a golf cart 

Checking out the Wynwood Art District is one of the most iconic things to do in Miami! This colorful area came to be in 2009, when local developers decided to revitalize old warehouses by turning them into works of art. The idea was to foster a community of artists, and when we visited the area on this golf cart tour, we saw that it was definitely a good one!  

We loved our guide, Lance, because he not only taught us about the murals that we saw, but he had us cracking up with laughter all the way around. Cruising through the district in a golf cart couldn’t have made this easier, it was an ideal way to beat that sweltering Miami heat. 

I loved learning about not only the murals themselves, but also the buildings that they have been painted onto, which include schools, boutiques, and hotels. But most of all, some of the optical illusions that we saw were just amazing! 

The great thing about Wynwood is that the artwork is constantly changing, so even if you’ve been to the area before, I still think that it would be worth doing this tour! It’s perfect for those with mobility issues, too, as you’re driven around the entire time. 

We couldn’t go to Miami and not check out Wynwood, and nor should you! Plus, traveling around in a golf cart is not only practical, it’s such a fun and novel experience.

Related Read: To make the most of your time in Miami, follow our expert 3-day itinerary!

Where to Stay in Miami, Florida

Now that you’ve planned your ultimate Miami itinerary, you need somewhere perfect to stay! Miami isn’t the most affordable city, so hotels are a little higher priced than in other places. But, you do have access to beachfront or downtown stays, so the location is key!

Here are three hotel recommendations for a range of budgets. 

Luxury – $$$

East Miami is a luxury stay, located right in downtown Miami. The rooms are upscale and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and all the comforts of a luxury hotel. There are also four onsite pools, a spa, a rooftop bar, and top-choice restaurants. It’s only a 15-minute drive from the lively South Beach area, and its location in downtown Miami puts you right in the action.

Rooms start around $300 USD a night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Albion Hotel is located a block from Miami Beach, so you’re very close to all the action! I love the style of this Art Deco hotel, it’s eclectic but makes for a comfortable stay. Best of all, you can enjoy this location and style at a moderate price point with rooms starting at $200 USD per night. 

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Esme Miami Beach is a stylish yet affordable boutique hotel tucked along charming Española Way. Just steps from the beach and buzzing nightlife, it offers a rooftop pool, chic design, and peaceful courtyards, making it a hidden gem for budget-conscious travelers who still want a bit of flair.

Prices start around $100 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

For even more options, check out all the hotels in Miami here.

Related Read: If you don’t see a hotel you love, our where to stay in Miami guide has more options, including pros and cons for the most popular areas!

Thanks for reading!

If you like sun, vibrant culture, and amazing food, you’ll love Miami! We love visiting this coastal city and always find something new to explore. Whether this is your first or fifth visit, I’m sure you will enjoy a few items on this list, they are the top things to do in Miami after all!

If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out our other USA blogs. We’ve put together resources on cities all over the world and love sharing our favorite places with fellow travelers. I’ll leave a few related reads below to help you plan your next adventure – cheers!

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