5 Days in Miami

Forever fun and easy to love, Miami makes the perfect short getaway any time of the year. Famed for its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife, the city is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the United States – and it’s easy to see why. Interesting things to do there run the gamut – from world-class cultural institutions and historic landmarks to fantastic shopping opportunities and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Still, planning a trip to a new city can be pretty daunting. Where do you even begin? How do you choose one attraction over another? If you’re planning a trip to the Magic City and are struggling to make sense of it all, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in the area. Miami is what you make of it, so however you choose to spend your vacation, we know that you’ll have a blast!

Day 1 - Rejuvinate

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Since travelling can knock the energy out of a lot of people, we recommend taking it slow on your first day in the city. There are a lot of ways to relax in Miami, but one of our favorite spots is the Venetian Pool. This beloved aquatic attraction was built into an abandoned rock quarry in 1921, and has been serving the local community ever since. Standing out from all other attractions of its kind, the pool is well-recognized for its unique beauty and architectural features. It is built in Mediterranean Revival style to reflect the local community, and utilizes a large amount of coral for ornamentation. Perfect for a refreshing dip on those long hot Florida days, this spot is filled with fresh water daily from artesian wells and features refreshing waterfalls and water-filled caves. For those who like to soak up the sun, there is an area with lounge chairs and umbrellas where you can kick back with a book and take some time for yourself. Beautiful, calm, and luxurious, too, this place is great for recharging after a long journey.

Day 2 - Explore the City

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Now that you’ve had time to rejuvenate, it’s time to see the city. One of the best places to start for this is Coconut Grove, affectionately known as the ‘’The Grove’’ by Miami locals. As the city's oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood, this scenic spot is great for exploring. If you’re an architecture buff, we highly recommend checking out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – a lavish Mediterranean Revival estate. Here you can take self-guided tours to see how the wealthiest lived during the first half of the twentieth century. Another popular visitor attraction in the area is Biscayne Bay on the eastern border of the area. Visitors can take sailing lessons or simply enjoy a bite to eat at one of the site's many great waterside cafes and restaurants. We suggest setting an entire day aside to explore The Grove, since there’s so much to see and do here. Go for a casual stroll and enjoy the many farmers’ markets, galleries and boutiques which flank these historic streets. A charming and unique district of Miami, this spot is well worth the visit.

Day 3 - Soak Up the Sun

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Since Miami is well-recognized for its year-round beautiful weather and lush greenery, it'd be a sin not to check out one of the area’s gorgeous green spaces. To truly take in the captivating natural attributes of the city, we recommend heading over to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Located in Coral Gables just south of the city, this 83-acre landscape is famous for its expansive and delightful collection of exotic flora. Established way back in 1936, the park was named after renowned botanist David Fairchild, as it displayed his unique plant collection which was brought back from his world travels. Walking around the site, there’s no doubt you’ll be blown away by all that there is to see here. Think magnificent towering banyan trees, romantic trailing vines and vibrant flowers of all kinds. In addition, this spot is home to the largest tropical bamboo collection in the world, with over 125 species to see. A treasure trove of natural beauty, this place is a total must-see for all nature enthusiasts.

Day 4 - Discover the Area

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When travelling, it’s always a great idea to explore the city’s local art scene. To discover Miami's most creative side, we suggest heading over to the Wynwood Art District, where you'll find countless galleries, fashion boutiques and streetside cafes to explore. One of the area’s most notable attractions has got to be Wynwood Walls, a large open-air graffiti museum which works to bring together some of the world’s most unique talents from across the globe. Though the exhibit is changing constantly, the walls have seen the likes of famous working urban artists including Shepard Fairey, Miss Van and Lady Pink. Walking through Wynwood Walls, you’ll find that the museum embraces a wide range of styles and subject matter. Whether you’re a true art lover or just looking to capture that perfect Instagram moment, this spot is most certainly not to be missed.

Day 5 - Hit the Beach

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No visit to Miami is quite complete without a trip to the beach. Whilst there are many fantastic seaside stops in the city, our favorite has got to South Beach for its remarkable natural beauty. Well-recognized for its sparkling clear waters and white-sand shores, this place is perfect for those looking to experience the paradisial postcard image of Miami in real-time. Don’t believe us? This place is so widely known for its looks that it has long served as a popular filming location for many famous movies and TV shows, including Miami Vice, There’s Something About Mary and even Scarface. Walking down the beach, you might even catch something in action! Aside from its undeniable visual appeal, you’ll find that there are a lot of fun activities to get involved in here, including surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing and sailing. If you can, we recommend staying past sunset, since the surrounding area is famed for its wonderful cocktail lounges and nightclubs.

Miami is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Though five days might not sound like a lot, with the right amount of planning, it could be all that you need. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Outdoor Activities Miami

Miami has very warm weather and a lot of sunshine, making it the perfect place for outdoor activity. In fact, even if you choose to visit in the wintertime, the temperatures should still be great for those who like to get out in the open air. Trust us when we say that there’s a lot to do here. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, something educational, or just to kick back with a book at the beach, you’re sure to find something for you. If you’re not quite sure where to begin, don’t worry – we've done all the heavy lifting for you! So, if you’re planning a visit to the Magic City, have a read through our list of the best outdoor activities in the area. See the Sites When travelling, visiting the zoo is a great idea for a day out. Honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in the city. Ranking high up on our itinerary, Zoo Miami is a total crowd-pleaser, merging the beautiful backdrop of the area with some wonderful wildlife. What makes this place a little different is that it’s the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The park houses over 3, 000 animals and has over 100 exhibits in total – so if you’re an animal lover, this is the place to be. Prepare to see everything from river otters and ostriches to Asian elephants and Bengal tigers. The coolest part about this spot is probably its animal encounters, feedings and rides that it offers. In addition, the zoo has several spacious play areas for kids. A fantastic educational excursion, you won’t want to miss out on this one. For those who are looking for something a little different, we’ve got you covered! Merging history, architecture, and art, Coral Castle is a fantastic historical attraction that’s sure to keep you guessing. Carved out of over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone in a time where no modern construction advances were available, this one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit stands as both a curious scientific anomaly and jaw-dropping testament to the artist’s handiwork. Because of its mind-bending backstory, the structure has been featured in countless books, magazines and television shows since its conception. In fact, the piece is so well-recognized that Billy Idol even wrote a song about the place, entitled ‘’Sweet Sixteen.’’ So, what can you expect? Well, upon entrance visitors can see awe-inspiring sculptures in a wide variety of shapes, as well as a stunning fountain and sundial. For history lovers and art enthusiasts alike, this world-famous structure is not to be missed. Get Some Fresh Air If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, look no further than Everglades National Park. An average of one million people visit the park each year – and with good reason! Covering over 2, 000 square miles of tropical wetlands and flatwoods, this place is the third largest national park in the United States. Characterized by its unusually rich biodiversity, the Everglades’ ecosystem is completely unique to this area of Florida. Walking through the park, visitors are sure to notice the area’s wonderful greenery and the protected species which thrive there. Amongst the many activities to do here, you’ll find that hiking, birdwatching, airboat tours, and kayaking are all popular choices. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful areas in America, this place is sure to blow you away. Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its year-round tropical weather and all of the greenery that comes along with it. If you’re looking to discover the true natural beauty of the area, there’s no better place to be than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Founded and designed in 1936 by Robert H. Montgomery, this place works to house the expansive plant collection of avid botanist David Fairchild. Covering over 83 acres, this wonderful space has over 10, 000 species of exotic and native flora to show. Those looking to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city will find solace in this sensational space. Soak up the Sun Miami can get pretty hot and humid, especially around the summertime. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, we recommend checking out the Venetian Pool. An aquatic attraction unlike any other, this spot provides an idyllic escape from the hectic pace of city life. Built into an abandoned coral rock quarry in 1921, the pool’s unique Mediterranean Revival style sets it apart from other attractions of its kind. Filled with 820, 000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the US of A. This place is great for a relaxing day with the family, with a kiddie pool for the little ones. For those who just want to soak up the sun, there’s an area with beach chairs where you can take some time for yourself uninterrupted. Fun, refreshing, and luxurious, too, we love this spot because it just has so much to offer. It goes without saying that one of the best things to do in Miami is hit the beach. The city is home to countless great seaside tourist hotspots, but our top pick has got to be South Beach. With its clear waters and pristine shores, this picturesque place is pretty much perfect for catching some rays. Visitors can rent out lounge chairs and umbrellas for a small fee for a great relaxing beach experience. Still, this stop is no one-trick pony. For those who like to stay active, there are a wide array of water sports, including surfing, paddleboarding, longboarding and sailing – it's just up to you to decide! We also recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area. There’s a wonderful boardwalk, beautiful Art Deco architecture, and many cafes and stores to be enjoyed. Set aside a whole day for this to take some time away from the sprawling city. Boasting perennial warm weather and clear blue skies, Miami is the perfect place to take things outdoors. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Things to do Alone in Miami

In many ways, Miami is the perfect solo city. With its pristine beaches, fantastic cultural attractions and world-famous nightlife, the Magic City boasts no shortage of great things to do. And luckily for us, pretty much anything you want to do in the city can be done alone – it's just up to you to pick your favorite. If you’re an outdoorsy type, head over to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to experience the true beauty of Florida. Or, if you want to inject a bit of education into your travel experience, check out the Rubell museum. And of course, no Miami vacation would be complete without a trip to the beach – we like South Beach for its energetic atmosphere. So you see, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a creative type, or a seaside lover, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Looking for the best things to do alone in Miami? Have a read though our list! See the Sites If you’re into architecture, you might just enjoy the next item on our list. Located in the scenic Coconut Grove area of the city, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a historic villa and estate well worth the visit. The magnificent structure was built in Mediterranean Revival style to resonate with the tropical climate. Though this beautiful spot once served as a private home to businessman James Deering, it is thankfully now open to the public for viewing. A feast for the eyes and excellently preserved, the museum features much of the original art and furniture from Deering’s private collection. Visitors will no doubt also enjoy ambling through the meticulously maintained extensive formal gardens, as well as the native woodland which surrounds the estate. A thoroughly unique experience, we love this spot for offering a glimpse into the life of luxury in a different time. With the city‘s perennial wonderful weather and clear blue skies, it’s only right to check out some of the local outdoor exhibits. A quintessential Miami mainstay and historical feature of the city, Coral Castle has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. In 1923, Edward Leedskalnin first began creating Coral Castle in secret following a difficult breakup with his fiancé. Since the structure is made of over 1, 000 tons of sedimentary rock in a time when no modern construction advances were available, this unusual attraction brings up many questions. To this very day, the site has many scientists, engineers and philosophers questioning the artist’s method of construction. The attraction was a spectacular success, and has been drawing in visitors from near and far ever since out of sheer curiosity. A thoroughly unique experience, this place is perfect for those who are craving something a little different. Soak Up the Sun A Miami vacation just wouldn’t be a Miami vacation without hitting the beach – are we right? Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or go for a dip, we recommend South Beach - almost for its beautiful scenery alone. Standing out from a lot of other beaches in the area, this spot is known for its pristine, palm-fringed shores and turquoise waters. Because of its inherent beauty, this spot is often used as a backdrop for modelling shoots, and many popular TV shows - walking down the beach, you might even catch some in action! For those who are looking to kick back and relax, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent upon arrival. You’ll also find that there are many activities at the beach, including surfing, paddleboarding, longboarding, and sailing. We suggest staying until the evening time, since the surrounding area has a lot of great bars and restaurants to be enjoyed. For those who want to take refuge in the beauty of the natural world, there’s no better place than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Accountant Robert H. Montgomery first established this garden in 1936, naming it after his friend, renowned botanist and plant collector David Fairchild. Today, the park stretches over 83 acres, and still houses many of Fairchild’s tropical plant collection which was brought back from his travels. Think magnificent centuries-old oak trees, wild romantic trailing vines, and colorful flora of all kinds. The garden is also home to the largest palm collection in America, and the biggest tropical bamboo repository in the world, with over 125 species. Walking through the park, visitors will also enjoy viewing the wide variety of wildlife which thrives there. A tranquil urban oasis, this space is perfect for getting some fresh air and taking a little time for yourself. Get Creative There are some things that are certain in life, and Miami weather is one of them. If you’re looking to beat the heat, there’s no better option than checking out one of the city’s incredible cultural amenities. We particularly love the Rubell Museum for its impressive collection of contemporary art. In fact, its repository is the largest of its kind in North America. The institute houses many recognizable names, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, and Cindy Sherman. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroee, 1967 and Damien Hirst’s Dance Naked, 1997. We recommend setting at least a couple of hours aside for this, so that you can truly take in the masterpieces here. No doubt one of the best museums in the city, this place works to provide a fantastic visual experience to remember. Another one of our favorite solo spots in the city is Wynwood Walls. Situated in the trendy Wynwood Art District, this fantastic outdoor art museum works to spotlight some of the best working urban artists today. Covering over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is one of the largest open-art installations in the world. Visitors can expect to see everything from bold tagging pieces and stencils to wheat paste posters and ceramic tile works. The murals change constantly, but some names you might recognize include Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink, and Miss Van. We recommend sticking around to explore the surrounding area, where you’ll find quaint cafes, unique stores and of course, tons more galleries! A great stop for all artsy types, we love this space for bringing something new to the table. Miami is a mecca for millions of tourists per year – many of whom tackle the city solo! Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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