Adventurous Things to do in Miami

Feeling a little reckless? Don’t worry – we've got you covered! Famed for its year-round wonderful weather and beautiful tropical landscape, Miami makes a fantastic destination for fun outdoor excursions and anybody with an adventurous spirit. From scenic hiking trails and relaxing days at the beach to clear bottom kayaking and helicopter tours, the Magic City is bursting with cool and exciting things to do. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to suit you. So, if you're looking to experience the Magic City in an original way, have a read through our list of the best adventurous things to do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the area we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

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See the City

It’d be just wrong to visit Miami without heading to the beach. Well-recognized for its sugar-sand shores and gentle surf, South Beach established itself as one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions long ago. Of course, there are plenty of watersport activities available at this beloved bustling hotspot - from surfing and paddleboarding to sailing and jet skiing, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. Aside from the beach itself, there’s a scenic boardwalk and lively surrounding neighborhood with plenty of celebrity-chef eateries, galleries and fashion stores to explore. We highly recommend staying in the area until nightfall to enjoy Miami’s legendary nightlife. After sunset, kick back with a piña colada at one of the many waterfront bars, or head further into the area to check out the local dance clubs and cocktail lounges. With its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, we couldn’t quite think of another spot in the city that represents Miami with such force.

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If you’re looking to appreciate the city from a whole new perspective, why not take to the sky? With tourhelicopter, you can soar over Miami’s breathtaking coastline, take in the beautiful views of South Beach, and see the wonderful architecture on Biscayne Bay all in one trip. Gliding over the Magic City, the lush greenery you’ll get to see along the way is sure to have you wowed. In addition, the tour provides a more comprehensive view of the cityscape, allowing you to catch things that you might otherwise have missed. Unlike a bus tour, this activity shoots an enormous jolt of adrenaline through the system – but we love it precisely for this reason. Though most certainly not for the faint-hearted, this activity provides a thoroughly thrilling and unforgettable experience which we love. Whether you’re an architecture buff or just looking for that Instagram-perfect photo op, we couldn’t recommend this stop enough.

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Find Fun Activities

Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well, as it turns out, you can! Bringing all of our fanciful dreams to life, Dolphin World is a fantastic place for spending quality time with friends and family. Touch, train and play with the ocean’s friendliest creatures and learn more about them as you go. In addition, the park offers different packages for seals, penguins, and sea lions more – all you have to do is pick your favorite! If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry – the park has shallow pools where you can still interact with the animals in the same exact way. If you’ve ever wanted to take a dorsal fin ride or kiss a dolphin on the nose, this place should be right up your alley. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind experience, Dolphin World offers a fun and exciting excursion to remember. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can take some snaps of this wonderful endeavor!

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Miami is fairly well known for its clear and beautiful waters. In accordance, the city’s rich coastlines have long been a popular fishing destination for many. If you’re looking to try a hand at it yourself, we recommend Therapy IV for the ultimate deep sea fishing experience. On the southeastern coast, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the chance to catch snapper, blackfin tuna, sailfish, marlin, and much more. Don’t fret if you’re new to the game - the crew will be there to guide you through any questions you might have. All you have to do is show up with a smile on your face and true enthusiasm for the sport! Merging the wonderful natural attributes of Miami with a quintessential American pastime, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon in the city.

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Enjoy Nature

Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is characterized by its unusually warm weather and captivating scenery. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, look no further than Everglades National Park. A protected landscape and listed World Heritage Site, the attraction draws in over a million visitors each year – and who are we to argue with that many people? The park is the largest tropical wilderness space in the United States, exhibiting a thoroughly unique ecosystem. Walking through the area, visitors can enjoy a wide array of rare plants and threatened animals. Amongst the various activities here, you’ll find that hiking, kayaking, canoeing and air boating are all popular choices. Not only one of the most stunning areas in Miami, but in the United States entirely, this place is a total must-see.

Miami beaches are not only well-recognized for their picturesque beauty, but likewise the wonderful wildlife which inhabits their crystal-clear waters. For those who are interested in viewing Florida marine life up close, we recommend taking a clear bottom kayaking tour. This is a great way to get in touch with the Sunshine State’s wild side for those who aren’t strong swimmers. On the tour, you’ll be able to see everything from colorful tropical fish and coral to dolphins and manatees up close. If you decide to do this, it’s always important of course to bring plenty of sunscreen and water – but remember that the less that you bring, the better view that you’ll have through the bottom of the boat. Those who don’t have much experience with kayaking shouldn’t worry about it, since you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides. We love this option because it’s a great way to see animals without disrupting their environment or lifestyle in any way.

So, there you have it – six of our favorite adventurous things to do in Miami. 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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Miami in September

Known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and perennially sunny disposition, Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the American south. September is a fantastic time to visit since it will be hot enough to enjoy all of the city’s wonderful outdoor attractions to their fullest. Still, Miami is much more than just a place for beach bunnies to wash their feet in the sand. From fantastic cultural amenities and hidden gems to great shopping opportunities and dining, the city has so much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re planning to make a trip to Miami, and aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – that's where we come in. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing some of our favorite things to do in the area. Let’s dive in! See the Sites Since Florida is well-recognized for its unusual subtropical climate and beautiful greenery, it only makes sense to visit one of the area’s wonderful botanical gardens. Standing out for its expansive collection of rare and exotic plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is recognized as one of the best parks of its kind. Established and opened to the public in 1938, this space works to showcase the unique collection of keen botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Throughout his lifetime, Fairchild brought over 200, 000 specimens back to the United States – many of which grow in the garden. Walking through the space, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful mixture of local and native flora. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously cared for, each display is a total sight to behold. No doubt one of the most breathtaking places in all of Miami, this wonderful treasure trove of natural beauty is a total must-see. If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Ranking way up high on our travel bucket list, Coral Castle is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and culture of the city at the same time. Sat just off the South Dixie Highway, this unique historic attraction draws in visitors for its beautiful handiwork as well as the mystery surrounding it. Built out of 1,100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, nobody is quite sure how the artist created this piece. As a result, this sculpture garden is not only a beautiful art piece but a weird and wonderful accomplishment that continues to stump its visitors. Though it has been decades since the artist’s passing, scientists, engineers and scholars still debate Leedskalnin’s creative process. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this popular attraction is no doubt one of the most interesting stops in the city. Find Interesting Activities September has always been one of Miami’s hottest months. For those who have trouble dealing with all the heat and humidity, the city has plenty of great indoor activities to offer to keep you cool. If you’re looking for art and culture in the Magic City, Miami's museums are the perfect place to take refuge from the heat and soak up some knowledge at the same time. Just downtown, you’ll find the Pérez Art Museum, specializing in 20th- and 21st-century art from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking through the establishment, you’ll be able to enjoy a comprehensive collection of over 2,000 works covering a wide variety of styles. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Both fun and interesting, the institute works to provide a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. Though Miami is known for all of its glitz and glamor, the city has a grungier side that’s well worth checking out. Situated in the city’s coolest neighborhood, is a fantastic outdoor street museum showcasing bold and colorful works from some of the world’s finest graffiti artists. Spanning over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, the space works to spotlight alternative artists. At Wynwood Walls, you’ll see realist, surrealist, and pop art all in one space. To gain further insight into the artists and styles which are shown here, look for guided tours of the area. Since this spot is always transforming itself, you can visit over and over again and still be blown away each time. Don’t forget to bring a camera to catch some snaps of the incredible pieces! Relax! With daily high temperatures rarely falling below the mid-80s, September would be a great month for hitting the beach. Whilst Miami is home to a great number of legendary beaches, our favorite is always South Beach for its soft turquoise surf and sugar-sand shores. With a long history of glitz and glam, this beach is well known for drawing in visitors with its picturesque views. You might see modelling shoots whilst walking along the sand, or even recognize it from one of your favorite TV shows. Amongst the various things to do here, surfing, paddle boarding, longboarding, and sailing are all popular choices. A total crowd-pleaser, this place has long served as one of the city’s most beloved visitor attractions not only for its crystal-clear waters but also because of the area in which it is situated. Venture a little off from its pristine shores to enjoy fantastic Art Deco architecture and tempting eateries close by. We also recommend staying in the area come nightfall, since South Beach is a total hub for exciting nightlife hotspots. We think it’s safe to say that you’ll never be bored at South Beach. Forever fun and bursting with life, there’s no place quite like Miami. Once the heat cranks up, you’ll find tourists soaking up the sun and exploring the boardwalk at South Beach. Still, there are so many things to do in September, that it’s difficult to count. From interesting museums and historic sites to wonderful tropical gardens and outdoor exhibits, the city has a little something to offer everybody. Explore the city to its full potential with Go City’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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10+ Free Things to Do in Miami

Miami is more than just perfect weather, pristine beaches, and great nightlife, it's also a busy, multi-cultural metropolis with more to offer visitors than its beaches. Miami is the closest city in the US to the Caribbean – a metropolitan tropical paradise, right in the US. Despite what you may have heard about it being one of the most expensive cities in the US, there's no shortage of affordable and free things to do in Miami for a fun vacation. Our local experts put together a list of some of the best free things to do in Miami, all great suggestions that can help round out your vacation itinerary, including... Little Havana South Beach Lummus Park Beach South Pointe Park Gables Art Walk and more... Miami Art Museum Experience Miami's Museum Scene: Head to the Miami Art Museum between 1PM and 4PM on the second Saturday of the month, when it's free for families with children. It's a great opportunity to create art, enjoy exhibitions and learn something new with your kids. An organized family tour takes place at 2PM If you are in Miami during spring, try to get to the Miami Art Museum Family Festival, when the Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza is filled with art activities, entertainment, and games. South Beach Miami is known for its beaches and South Beach has something for everyone. If you have kids to entertain, South Pointe Park has a playground and splash fountain, and is the ideal setting for a picnic. If you want to escape the crowds for an hour or two, Miami Beach Botanical Garden has 4.5 acres filled with subtropical plants, right in the center of South Beach. Wander around the beautiful Art Deco hotels and houses, such as Casa Casuarina, the former home and murder site of fashion designer the late Gianni Versace. Follow the Art Deco District Walking Tour to make sure you do not miss any of these carefully preserved buildings. Many of the South Beach Museums offer free admission on certain days, including the Holocaust Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU Art Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Gables Art Walk Art lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore some of Miami’s most inspiring art galleries along Ponce de Leon Boulevard. On the first Friday of every month, visitors can stroll through open galleries between 7-10PM to peruse a diverse selection of artistic projects. As a bonus, some galleries offer complimentary wine! There’s even a free trolley to take you between galleries. Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design Another popular destination for art lovers. Located in the historic Freedom Tower (itself a really cool site to see), this free museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by both local and international artists. While exhibits change over quite often, they consistently represent artists with an international and multicultural aesthetic (evocative of Miami’s own diverse cultural landscape). Spanning a multitude of genres and forms, these exhibits are sure to delight and inspire. Holocaust Memorial This thought-provoking museum is always free to the public, so you can visit whenever it fits into your itinerary. The Holocaust Memorial serves as a testament to the millions who died as a result of the Holocaust. The memorial features a wall with the names of concentration camp victims, a reflecting pool that serves to provide solace to survivors and all those affected, a moving photographic mural, and many additional informative exhibits. They also offer a number of educational programs and special events, so it’s a great place to go to expose your kids to this important part of history. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts The Arsht Center is the largest performing arts center in the city with events running year-round. The venue hosts a variety of events, including musical concerts, plays, ballets, and lots of family-friendly events as well. This towering building itself stands out as it was designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli (known for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur). History Miami Delve into the history of the city of Miami itself at History Miami. This museum features a wide range of exhibits on Southern history, including always-rotating exhibits that provide fresh, new perspectives on Miami's unique history and culture, from past to present. Casa Bacardi Enjoy a bit of rum every now and then? Traveling with friends? Then why not tour the famous Casa Bacardi, home to the world-famous brand of rum? Daily tours are free and available to guests 21 and older. Explore the history and heritage of this long-running company, founded in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba. Take a tour behind the scenes to see how rum is produced, sample a few select products, and browse a charming history of their advertising campaigns. Biscayne National Park Family Fun Fest If you’re visiting Miami with the whole family, stop by this educational and fun Family Fun Fest. Held on the second Sunday of every month from December through April, this interactive outdoor program is free to all. Hands-on activities and nature interactions are only some of the many options open to your kids at this fun event. If you happen to miss the Fest, then Biscayne National Park is well worth exploring on its own merits! The Bayside Marketplace Located in Downtown Miami, the Bayside Marketplace is one of the best places to get views of Biscayne Bay. This enormous shopping complex hosts more than 150 upscale boutique shops worth visiting (even if just to look). Robert is Here No trip to Miami is complete without sampling some local produce! Head to the Robert is Here fruit stand, set up in 1959 by Robert Moehling to sell produce for his father, now a Miami icon. You'll get to see the farmer's market in action, buy fresh Miami produce from local vendors, and maybe even try a few free samples. The Biltmore Hotel Spa & Golf Club Of course, you can't stay at the hotel, get a massage, or play golf for free - but - the grounds of the hotel offer a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk with stunning Miami views located right in Coral Gables. The famous golf club opened in 1926 and features a 71-par golf course known for its doglegs. Fun fact – this is where the University of Miami golf teams practice. The historic hotel offers free tours on Sunday afternoons. Learn about the heritage of the establishment, a luxury locale that at one time hosted famous figures like Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and even Al Capone. As one of the most visually striking hotels and renowned golf courses in the world, it's definitely worth a quick visit! Little Haiti Cultural Center Despite the large size of Miami, this is one of the only locations where you can experience the fusion of African, Caribbean, and Miami cultures in one place. Learn all about the cultural history of Miami through the center's art gallery, theater, and dance studios. This cultural center is very integrated with its communities, so you'll get to experience Miami's unique culture first-hand. A Way to Save on Ticketed Miami Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the free things to do in Miami, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? Consider using a pass with Go City® - which includes free admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available Miami attractions, passes & prices. With Go City® you can make savings on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich
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Miami in June

There are countless reasons to visit Miami in the summertime. A quintessential Floridian beach city, the area is characterized by its palm-fringed shores, gentle surf and year-round beautiful weather. Still, this place is no one-trick pony. More than 20 million people visit Miami each year, and they all go for something different. For nature lovers, Miami has some of the best botanical and zoological gardens in the United States. If art and culture is what you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice with fantastic cultural amenities and architectural sites. After dark, the city comes alive with waterside cocktail bars and rooftop hotspots to be enjoyed. Trust us when we say that the only problem you’ll run into when deciding on fun things to do in Miami is narrowing down your options. So, grab your sunscreen and comfiest walking shoes and get ready to jot some things down! However you choose to enjoy your time in Miami, we’re sure it’ll be just great! See the Sites It’s summertime and you’re in Miami. So, what do you do? Go, to the beach, of course! Stretching for 3 miles offshore of the city, South Beach’s white-sand shores and turquoise waters are famed as some of the area’s most beautiful. If it all seems a little too familiar to you, it’s because this particular outdoor attraction has appeared on just about every movie and TV show set in Miami. Amongst the various things to do here, you’ll find that surfing, longboarding, paddle boarding and sailing are all popular activities. If you’re looking to just relax on the beach, you’ll be able to rent seats and umbrellas and just watch the world pass you by. As one of Miami's most popular tourist attractions, the area surrounding the beach is pretty interesting to explore – we suggest taking a stroll to enjoy the unique Art Deco architecture and fantastic eateries. We also recommend sticking around after dark to experience a taste of South Beach’s legendary nightlife. A quintessential Miami attraction, this one is a total must-see. No matter what your age, seeing animals up close is always a captivating experience. As fascinating as it is fun, Jungle Island offers the chance for you to see and learn about animals from all over the globe in one place. Founded in 1936, Jungle Island is known for being one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to view around 3000 animals, with over 1000 varieties of parrots. Highlights include king vultures, African penguins, alligator snapping turtles, lemurs and more. For those who interact with the animals, this place offers experiences to satisfy this need, including animal feedings and a petting zoo. You'll also catch tours, keeper talks, and educational presentations throughout the park daily. In addition, there are cafes, stores, kid’s playgrounds (and even a waterpark!) to be enjoyed. Combining the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with rare and exotic animals, this place provides a fantastic educational experience to remember. Find Interesting Activities If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, there’s no better place to be than Miami. Aside from its beautiful beaches, the area is home to some wonderful botanical gardens thanks to its unique ecosystem and wonderful weather. Standing out for its expansive collection of rare and exotic plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is one of the most interesting parks of its kind to visit in the United States. Covering over 83 acres, this quiet and serene green space showcases much of avid plant explorer David Fairchild’s discoveries which he brought back from his travels. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to enjoy carefully planted flower beds, shrubs, vines, trees, and much more. This landscape is also home to the largest palm collection in America, with over 500 species to see. A treasure trove of natural beauty and wonder, this spot is perfect for those looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the area. Don’t forget to take your phone for this one, since you’ll definitely want to capture some snaps of this outstanding excursion. Though Miami is perhaps best known for its great beaches and tropical greenery, there’s a lot to see here for all types of travellers. Anybody looking for art and culture in the area will be pleasantly surprised by the city’s unique offerings. A peculiar achievement defying all laws of physics, Coral Castle is most certainly one of the city’s most distinctive attractions. Carved out of 1, 100 tons of megalithic stone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, the structure is most notable for the questions it brings up. Over the years, this piece has even become subject to many conspiracy theories, which postulate that the artist might have used reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to make it. Whatever the case, the final result is well worth the visit for its incredible handiwork alone. Fascinating and beautiful, this unusual work of art tells the artist’s story whilst retaining a little mystery. Relax! June marks the beginning of hurricane season in Florida, making it pretty hot and humid throughout the month. Still, if you’re looking to beat the heat, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Great for those days when you just want to take it easy, the Venetian Pool is the perfect place for spending time with friends and family. Built into an old coral rock quarry and opened to the public in 1924, the pool has been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. Filled with an impressive 820, 000 gallons of water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the United States. The pool starts at four feet, going deeper as you move further on, and there is a two-foot kiddie pool with a lifeguard station for little ones – so nobody is left out! The end wall has a grand waterfall, where you can feel the rush of fresh water over your face. If you’re not much of a swimmer, you’ll find a great sunning area where you can kick back and soak up those summer vibes. Fun, laid-back, and unique too, this place kind of has it all. There’s nothing quite like Miami in the summertime. With a fantastic blend of nature and urban attractions, this place truly has it all. And now, you don’t have to miss out – with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can find an exhaustive array of things to do, for cheaper. 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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