Miami 4th of July Weekend

Visiting sunny Miami during this 4th of July holiday season? If so, you’ll likely be in search of some top local activities, events, and things to do to help celebrate the occasion.

By Katie Sagal
Explore Miami with Go City

Although you’ll find plenty of fireworks, Miami has more to offer than just your traditional fireworks show - much more! If you’re looking for Miami 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in Miami in July, including...

  • Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade
  • Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise
  • Miami Beach Fire on the 4th Festival
  • Day Trip to Key West & Key Lime Festival
  • and more...

4th of July Parade - Key Biscayne July 4

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If you’re up for an all-day-long celebration, you should head to Key Biscayne’s 4th of July Parade. Now in its 60th year, the jamboree features a traditional parade with homemade floats, high school marching bands, and more. Following the parade, head to the Village Green to enjoy a picnic on the grass while listening to live music.

Of course, the night finishes off with fireworks at 9:00 pm. A classic way to spend your Independence Day holiday! While you are in the area, we suggest you head aboard a Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise. This is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the area. 

Getting In: The Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade is free to watch. Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise tickets must be purchased separately.

America’s Birthday Bash - Bayfront Park July 4

If your goal for your 4th of July in Miami is finding the best spot to watch the fireworks, consider joining the crowds at America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park. This popular party features a free Kids Zone, a massive beer garden, live music, lawn games, and one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida. Tourists and locals alike flock to Bayfront Park for this all-day extravaganza. It's the place to be. 

Getting In: America's Birthday Bash is free to attend.

Miami Beach Fire on the 4th Festival July 4

This all-day festival is a great option for those looking for family entertainment. It's filled with live music, food trucks, DJs, and even yoga! It's located in the North Shore Park Bandshell, at 73rd Street and Collins Avenue. The event runs from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, so there's fun to be had all day.

If you'd like to watch the fireworks from the beach itself, be sure to arrive early to save a spot. As it's a very popular event, you may find trouble parking, so use their shuttle system to get to the event. 

Getting In: Miami Beach Fire on the 4th Festival is free to attend.

July 4th Fireworks Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel

Fireworks

Another top local July 4th event can be found in charming Coral Gables. Enjoy a special concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band, plenty of concessions for purchase, and of course, a spectacular fireworks show. The event is held on the Biltmore Hotel Golf Course, so you'll get a beautiful view of the hotel from afar.

The grounds open at 5:00 pm, the concert is at 7:00 pm, and the fireworks commence at 9:00 pm. We recommend taking the free shuttle to the Biltmore to avoid the hassle of parking. 

Getting In: The July 4th Fireworks Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel is free to attend.

Miami Animal Attractions

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Take advantage of the nice weather and give your kids a wonderful afternoon. Pay a visit to Jungle Island, modest in size but big on fun and education. See some of the world's most amazing animals in areas like the feather-filled Winged Wonders and the felines of Wild Encounter. Jungle Island has endless exciting things to do, like the new Neo Splash Water Park pop-up.

Another option is Zoo Miami, which houses animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Amazon. The Playworld Playground is the perfect place for the kids to frolic after they've had their fill of animal adventures, too.

Getting In: Zoo Miami tickets and Jungle Island tickets are both included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Outdoor activities in Miami

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It wouldn’t be a proper Miami vacation without some fun in the sun. Get off your feet and explore scenic South Beach with an informative bus tour of Miami. It’s a great, low-effort introduction to the city and it’s fun to boot! If you prefer to be more active, rent a bike and explore the Art Deco district. You can also use your bike rentals as transportation to some of these fun 4th of July events, many of which offer specific bike parking. 

Getting In: Big Bus Miami tickets, and Miami bike rentals are included on all Go City®  Miami passes.

The Key Lime Festival in Key West

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A delightful local tradition is the Key Lime Festival, held each year around the 4th of July in Key West. It takes place from July 4-7 and offers a wide variety of citrus-themed events from culinary demonstrations to cocktail judging contests. If you'd like to explore Key West during this festival - or at another time - take a guided Key West Day Tip that escorts you all the way from Miami to this amazing island. There is much to explore, from arts and culture to food and drink. 

Getting In: Key West Day Trip tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes. The Key Lime Festival is separately ticketed.

Save up to 50% on 4th of July Miami attractions  

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Miami in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, with Go City®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

Please note: Some of these special Fourth of July events and activities are separately ticketed.

☀️See all Miami attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a Miami pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Design District Miami

With beautiful beaches, tropical weather and great journeys of the imagination, it's no wonder that Miami is an uber-popular destination for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Located just north of Downtown, the Miami Design District is a cutting-edge and creative neighborhood with a lot to be discovered. Though small, the area packs a punch with everything from trendy art galleries and luxury shopping destinations to enticing food halls and bars. Still not sure how to tackle the Miami Design District? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Have a read through our list of things to see and do in the area. However you choose to explore this unique area of Miami, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast! Get Creative Those looking for art and culture in Miami will not be disappointed with what the Design District has to offer. For a long time, the area has been a center of innovation and creative thought, drawing visitors in from both near and far. If you’re looking for a source of inspiration, perhaps the De La Cruz Collection would be right up your alley. This trendy attraction works to educate its visitors, with a focus on well-established current working artists. Those featured here are a result of reputation, research and exquisite work. Though the institute specializes in contemporary art, you’ll notice that there’s a wide variety of styles – from abstract and surrealist paintings to unique video work and installations, there truly is a lot to see here. We love this place because it’s refreshing and gives us a taste of what’s new in the art world. Some of the best trips include a day or two spent deep inside the halls of a museum. Luckily, perhaps no area more than any other presents more opportunity for fulfilling this very need other than the Design District. If you’re looking to view some first-class art within a beautiful space, there’s no better place to be than the Institute of Contemporary Art. The gallery’s impressive and thoughtfully considered repository works to showcase the recent history of modern art as well as new development within the community. Though the collection steers towards emerging artists, the institute’s permanent collection has works by Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein, and Roy Lichtenstein, among others. Whether you’re a modern art aficionado or a crafting geek, you’re sure to enjoy this wonderful bright space. Art galleries are chock-a-block in the Miami Design District, each offering something a little different. Founded in 1998 by ultra-cool duo COOPER and Elizabeth Withstandley, Locust Projects is a non-profit exhibition space for up-and-coming contemporary artists. Built into a bright renovated warehouse which screams cool, the site is a joy to visit and tends to attract the more creative crowd. Since the space encourages innovation and experimentation, you’ll find a wide variety of styles on display here. The staff is knowledgeable and approachable, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. We love this spot because it works to provide a great look into where the art scene is heading next. Eat and Drink in the Design District Aside from all of the great creative spaces which the Design District is perhaps best known for, the area boasts some seriously great food stops. In fact, there are so many great places that it would be difficult to list them all, but if you’re looking to sample a few different things, we recommend checking out some of its fantastic food halls. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, one of the area’s most renowned food halls has got to be St. Roch Market, a southern-style stop with all the flavor. Serving up a carefully cultivated mix of local food and beverage talent, this place is a sure winner. Another one of our top picks is MIA Market, known for its gourmet culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a tempting mix of cuisines from all across the globe. Whichever you choose to go with here, there’s seriously no going wrong! As if all of the fantastic cultural attractions weren’t enough, the Design District is also home to a great variety of places to wet your whistle. From cool, laidback hangouts to ritzy cocktail lounges, the area has much to offer no matter your style. If you’re looking for the ultimate upscale experience, we recommend Abaco Premium Wines for their scheduled tastings. Known for its impressive collection and knowledgeable staff, this place will make you feel like you’re sipping Pinot Noir in the Napa Valley. Whilst the drinks aren’t cheap here, the experience can’t be beaten. For those who are looking for something a little more laidback, we recommend Wood Tavern, a cozy all-American style bar which specializes in quality craft beers. The Design District comes to life after the sun goes down, so we recommend staying to check out some of the area’s fantastic watering holes, such as Sweet Liberty and Jaguar Sun. Learn Something New When travelling, it’s always a good idea to incorporate a little education into your vacation. For this reason, one of our favorite spots in the Design District is the award-winning Haitian Heritage Museum. Since its inception in 2004, the institute has worked to highlight and maintain the rich culture and background of the region internationally, nationally and locally. The institute is known for its carefully-curated and transcending exhibitions featuring everything from historic artefacts and documents to fantastic art and music. Walking around the place, you’ll no doubt be drawn in by everything that it has to show. Combining art, history and culture all under one roof, there’s a lot to see here. Since Little Haiti is nearby, we recommend taking some time to explore this beautiful and complex area of the city – trust us when we say that you won’t regret it for one minute! Forever fun and undoubtedly cool, the Design District is one of the best places in Miami to explore. Explore the area 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
Miami
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Best Museums in Miami

Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is often recognized for its year-round wonderful weather and natural beauty. Still, those looking to squeeze in a bit of education on their vacation will not be disappointed with what the city has to offer. With specialties ranging from contemporary art and graffiti to science and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. For those who aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – we've pulled out all of our absolute favorites for this one. If you’re anything like us, you’ll love these museums to visit in the city. If you only have a few days in Miami, make time to check out some of these incredible cultural amenities. See the Sites For many travelers, a trip to the art gallery is the perfect way to spend the day. And if you’re a fan of contemporary art, we know just the place. Standing out for its comprehensive collection of 20th- and 21st-century work, Pérez Art Museum has been a long-time favorite for locals and visitors alike. It might be hard to tear yourself away from Miami’s sunny tropical beaches – but we promise this place is worth it. Though the museum is small, it’s home to a wonderful and impressive repository that’s well worth seeing. Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude are just a few of the influential artists on display here. From surrealist paintings and bold pop art pieces to modern sculpture and photography, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into. Great for those of all ages, this rich creative site is the perfect stop for all art lovers. Science and fun don’t have to contradict one another. For an exciting day of learning, head over to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. An attraction for those with curious minds, this place works to break down complicated ideas for a broad audience. Learn about the past, present and future development of science through a number of immersive and engaging exhibitions. The institute houses both a state-of-the-art planetarium and a cutting-edge aquarium, so there’s plenty to see here. Aside from which, its exhibits cover everything from evolution and the ice age to psychology and technology. With so much to see, do and experience, this scientific fun house is most certainly not to be missed. We recommend setting aside a good few hours for this, since there’s a lot to cover. Learn About the Area If you’re want to learn about the rich background of the city, HistoryMuseum Miami is a great place to start. An affiliate of the Smithsonian, this place is recognized as the second oldest museum in South Florida and the largest in the whole state. The museum’s permanent exhibition, Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida covers over 10, 000 years of the history of the area in great depth. And if that’s still not enough Florida for you, don’t worry about it, because there’s plenty more to see here. In fact, the museum’s repository is comprised of over 1,000, 000 photographs and 30, 000 3-dimensional artefacts. Past exhibits have covered specialist topics such as transportation, cultural diversity, and environmental changes in Miami. Not only one of the best cultural institutions in Miami, but quite possibly Florida as a whole, this place makes for a fantastic day trip. When travelling, it’s always interesting to learn about the culture of the area. Built into Miami beach’s first synagogue, the Jewish Museum of Florida works to preserve, protect and showcase the fascinating history of Jewish life in the Sunshine State. The institute’s extensive repository reflects the background of the community going way back to 1763, with historic documents, photographs, artwork and more. The institute’s mainstay exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida tells the immigration story, with personal anecdotes and artefacts along the way. The museum also has rotating exhibits and educational programs throughout the year. An engaging educational excursion, this specialist museum is great for those visitors with a thirst for knowledge. Try Something Different With the beautiful Miami weather, you’d be crazy not to check out some of the city’s wonderful outdoor museums. For those looking for something a little different, Coral Castle is a great way to soak up the sun and learn a little about the history of the area at the same time. Located in the suburbs of Homestead, this extraordinary attraction is known for its unusual method of construction – or rather lack thereof. Built out of several tons of monolithic stone in the early 1900s, the sculpture garden was made in secret. To this day, nobody is quite sure how artist Edward Leedskalnin created the piece. Either way, Coral Castle draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors a year for its handiwork alone. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind experience, this place is sure to take your breath away. Once a punishable offence by law, graffiti has now become a mainstream modern art form in its own right. So popular, in fact, that there are museums where you can go to view some of your favorite urban artists, should that be your jam. Whilst Wynwood Walls has received some criticism for trying to take away graffiti’s anti-authoritarian edge, it works to bring a lot of great artists together. Here, visitors can enjoy works by some of the world’s most renowned street artists as well as talented up-and-comers. From bold political statements and messages of hope to great humor pieces, the walls have a lot to say. If you’re looking to take some great vacation snaps, this is the place to go. We suggest sticking around to explore the surrounding area, since there’s a lot to see here. So, there you have it: some of the best collections and exhibitions in Miami right this minute. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or planning a fun family day trip, the city is filled with great cultural attractions. From hip downtown galleries to interesting outdoor museums, there’s something around every street corner. 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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