Things to Do in Miami in Summer 2018 - Attractions, Activities & More
Everyone thinks of Miami when they think of summer fun – after all, where could you find better sand and surf than South Beach? Of course, there’s more to Miami than just getting a tan – there are also plenty of fun festivals, events, cruises, and more to get you and the whole family set for summer. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in Miami in the summer 2018, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including...
- Key West Day Trip from Miami
- Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
- Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise
- Gator Park Airboat Tour & Florida Everglades
- and more...
Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in Miami 4th of July Weekend. Here around Labor Day? Our suggestions for things to do in Miami Labor Day Weekend.
Save on Summertime Activities
Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Miami Card. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all Miami tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of these special Summer events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Miami Card.
Duck Tours South Beach
Experience South Beach by land and sea on a 90-minute narrated Duck Tour packed with entertainment and exclusive insight to all that the city has to offer.
This tour covers the most popular spots in Miami including, South Beach, Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, and many more. Each tour guide is guaranteed to be entertaining and to serve as a local expert on all things Miami. Getting In: Miami Duck Tour tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.
Key West Day Trip
Looking for a tropical getaway in the middle of your Miami vacation? This day long trip to Key West from Miami is an excellent option. Cruise down to the southernmost city in the Continental U.S., and then spend the day biking, strolling, exploring, or shopping in Key West. Here you will find a beautiful Caribbean atmosphere, street artists, outdoor cafes, restaurants, and much more. You can also visit the Ernest Hemingway House, a botanical garden, several state parks, and much more. Be sure to stop by Mallory Square at sunset for some unbeatable photos. Getting In: Key West Day Trip tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.
Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise
Enjoy this peaceful, 80-minute tour of Biscayne Bay and the Venetian Islands with the whole family. Soak up the natural beauty of the waters around Miami and take a few moments to scope out the homes of the rich and famous. You’ll also find food and beverages available on board, so it’s a pretty sweet little cruise. Before or after your tour, take advantage of where the Sightseeing Cruise departs from and do some shopping or even more sightseeing at Bayside Marketplace. The waterfront Marketplace also offers a variety of entertainment choices and myriad dining options for you to choose from. Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.
Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
If you're looking for a unique cruise excursion among the many wonderful options that abound in Miami, you should consider the Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. This unique vessel actually boasts a see-through glass portion of the bottom of the boat, making it perfect to peering into the bright blue waters below. The cruise will escort you out to the Pennekamp Coral Reef, which is an amazing natural site and the only underwater National Park in the United States. You’ll also get a great view of the Florida Keys from the Key Largo Princess Cruise, making it the perfect sightseeing excursion and fun thing to do in the Miami area. Getting In: Key Largo Princess Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.
Miami Bike Rentals
Work some exercise into your tanning regimen with a relaxing bike ride through Miami. Pedal along the boardwalks and through the sunny streets of South Beach on two wheels and really invoke that vacation vibe. If it simply isn't practical to bring your own bike, no worries! It couldn't be easier to rent one for the day from Bike n' Roll. They'll even include a map with suggested routes to take the stress out of navigating. Getting In: Miami Bike Rentals are included with the Go Miami Card.
Gator Park Airboat Tour & Florida Everglades
Explore the wild and wonderful Florida Everglades on this famous sightseeing cruise. Some of the highlights of the Gator Park Airboat Tour include a replica of a Native American fishing camp, some fascinating natural sights like a chickee, and lush, tall sawgrass. Of course, the real highlight is the wildlife: expect to see soft-shelled turtles, wading birds, fish, deer, and the iconic alligators themselves. You'll also get to enjoy an alligator wrestling show, too! Getting In: Gator Park Airboat Tour tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is simply an amazing place to visit any time of year. In the summer, with the greenery all around you and the perfume of the flowers heavy in the air, the gardens are particularly magical. The architecture, of course, is fantastic as always. Explore this luxe European-inspired estate and scope out their extensive collections of historic furniture and artwork. They also host a number of special community events (usually separately ticketed, but not very expensive), including yoga and meditation classes, family art-making workshops, and even a wine tasting (with a bit higher price tag). Getting In: Regular Vizcaya Museum & Gardens tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.
Zoo Miami & Zoo Miami Summer Camp
Spanning 340 acres right in the heart of Miami, Zoo Miami is home to more than 3,000 animals and 1,200 plants from around the world. This zoo is also a tremendously interactive experience: feed rhinos, ride a camel, meet keepers, and much more. Perfect for family trips! Zoo Miami also offers a special summer camp for young kids, should you be in the area for a while. Getting In: Zoo Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Zoo Miami Summer Camp is separately priced and is not included with the pass.
Miami Seaquarium
The Miami Seaquarium is a marvelous destination filled with stunning animal shows, fascinating exhibits, intriguing demonstrations, and informative presentations. Spread across 38 acres on a tropical island, the Seaquarium really feels like a destination unto itself. Their particular focus on conservation makes this a truly special marine park, too, because you know that their efforts are really making a difference in the animal kingdom. They also offer summer programming for kids of all ages, Girl Scouts, home-schoolers, and more. Consult their website for further details and pricing. Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Summer camps are separately priced and are not included with the pass.
Redland Summer Fruit Festival
Fruit & Spice Park June 23, 2018
This is a great family-friendly event that gets everyone outdoors and enjoying the bounties of nature. The Redland Summer Fruit Festival, as you may have guessed, showcases local agriculture, as well as tropical fruits, local wines, and food samples. Getting In: Admission is $8 or free for the 11 and under crowd; it is not included with the Go Miami Card.
Taste of the Caribbean
The Caribbean Hotel June 22- 28, 2018
Foodies, this is the place for you. This is the region’s “premier culinary competition and cultural showcase.” Come to see the area’s best chefs come together to compete, demonstrate, and teach their craft. The specialty, of course, is delicious Caribbean cuisine. Getting In: The Taste of the Caribbean is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Miami Card.
Colombian Independence Day Festival
Mana Wynwood July 20, 2018
Come celebrate the annual Colombian Independence Day with music, arts and crafts, and delicious traditional food. This is another great family event. Plus, free parking! Getting In: The MegaRumba Colombian Independence Day Festival is free to attend.
Let's Recap
There you go. A few things to do in Miami in the Summer, including some special events, and other seasonal activities in June, July, August, and September. Please note, the Summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available with the Go Miami Card. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your summer vacation itinerary.