10+ Things to Do in South Beach & Downtown Miami During Your Trip
South Beach is the perfect destination for those looking for sun, surf, and sand. But did you know there’s much more to this Miami destination than just the beach? Searching for a fun city tour? Got it. Interested in exploring the art world? Go for it. Hoping for a nice relaxing cruise? You’re all set. So, if you’re looking for things to do in South Beach and downtown during your trip to Miami, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...
- Duck Tours South Beach
- Art Deco Walking Tour
- Bike rentals from Bike and Roll
- Perez Art Museum
- Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise
- And more!
Save on South Beach & Downtown Attraction Admission
Admission to many of these top Miami attractions and activities and more are included on the Go Miami® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.
Things to Do in South BeachDuck Tours South Beach
Roam this beautiful beach city on land and in the water for the most thorough overview. This entertaining and informative 90-minute tour escorts you through Miami’s top destinations like South Beach, the Art Deco district, Fisher Island, Millionaire’s Row, and more. It’s a great chance for some beautiful scenic photographs! Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included on the Go Miami® Card.
Miami Art Deco Walking Tour
Miami has the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world in this historic South Beach district. These tours feature everything from hotels to office buildings, and are a big draw for anyone interested in architecture or the arts. Tours run 90 minutes long and are guided by local historians and architects. This is one of my personal favorite things to do in South Beach. Getting In: Miami Art Deco Walking Tour tickets are included on the Go Miami® Card.
Bike & Roll Bike Rental
Cruising on two wheels is a great way to explore South Beach. Don’t worry about finding space to bring your own bike – it couldn’t be easier to rent one and set out on the beachfront trails. The included map with suggested routes makes it simple for you to plan a bike tour that’s as informative or picturesque (and importantly, as long) as you want it to be. Getting In: Miami bike rentals from Bike and Roll are included on the Go Miami® Card.
Nearby Things to Do in Downtown Miami Hop On Hop Off Miami Tour
Explore the city of Miami in a whole new way with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Choose to stay on for the entire route to see all the top landmarks and neighborhoods, or disembark at a place the intrigues you. Featured stops & nearby areas on interest on your hop-on hop-off tour of South Beach and Miami include (Beach Route):
- Pérez & Frost Museums
- Bass Museum
- The Riviera
- Art Deco District
- Lummus Park
- The Wolfsonian
- and more!
After you’ve had you fill of exploring, simply hop back on the next bus to continue the tour! The entire route takes about 90 minutes, or three hours if you choose to ride both loops. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Bus Tour tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card.
Miami Children’s Museum
This interactive museum is the perfect place for your kids to think, play, and create. Explore the two-story Castle of Dreams, look into the Ocean Odyssey tank, and try your hand at an instrument in the World Music Studio. There are so many things for kids to engage with that they’ll practically never want to leave. Getting In: Miami Children’s Museum tickets are included on the Go Miami® Card.
Pérez Art Museum
One of the top art museums in Miami, PAMM features primarily modern and contemporary art with an international flair. Focusing on Miami’s unique artistic culture and its role as a transition point between multiple languages, ethnicities, and artistic trends, the collections here are truly striking and unique. Don’t forget to check out the hanging gardens! Getting In: Pérez Art Museum tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card.
Jungle Island
An amazing zoological park nestled in the heart of Miami, Jungle Island is adored by animal lovers everywhere. Some of the world’s rarest creatures call Jungle Island home, along with favorites like tigers, primates, tropical birds, snakes, and more. This attraction is also particularly interactive, with many opportunities to engage with animal keepers, and even touch or hold different animals. Getting In: Jungle Island tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card.
Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise
This 80-minute cruise around the gorgeous Biscayne Bay is one of the best sightseeing opportunities you’ll find in all of Miami. Cruise the bay and the Venetian Islands, while taking in top tourist destinations like the aforementioned Jungle Island, South Point Park, the Miami Herald Building, and several more. Feel free to relax and indulge in the food and beverages available on board. One of my favorite nearby things to do in downtown Miami. Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
For those of you looking to complement cultural activities like a visit to the PAMM or the Art Deco tours, the Arsht Center is the perfect choice. A stellar venue for the performing arts that hosts both the Florida Grand Opera and the Miami City Ballet, visitors will find a wide variety of performances and shows to choose from here. Getting In: Admission to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is separately ticketed and not included on the Go Miami ® Card. To purchase tickets and for more information about this attraction, please visit the attraction website.
Shopping at Bayside Marketplace
Image credit: Greater Miami CVB.Lummus Park Beach
This delightful public park is located in South Beach, along Ocean Drive between 6th and 14th Streets. It's the perfect place for a picnic, a game of Frisbee, or just some lounging. You'll find paved paths for running, roller-blading, cycling, or walking. There's even an open-air set of workout equipment, making it a popular destination for some fit folks. They also host a number of special events throughout the year, so keep an eye out during your visit to see if you can catch a concert, etc. Getting In: Lummus Park Beach is free to explore.
Remember to Save on Attraction Admission
These are our top recommendations for things in South Beach and downtown Miami. And remember, many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Miami® Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Miami vacation plans.