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Miami 4th of July Weekend

10+ fun things to do on Independence Day weekend
By Katie Sagal

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.

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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Miami Beach
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Miami Family Vacation Ideas

From intriguing museums, bike rides and a side trip to Key West, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Miami
Katie Sagal
Blog

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
Blog

Things to do in Miami During the Day

Miami may be known for its non-stop nightlife, but that doesn’t mean that you should just sleep the day away! From interesting cultural amenities and historical sites to wonderful hidden gems, the city is bursting with fantastic attractions for you and your loved ones. Of course, the city is a haven for beach bunnies and seaside lovers - if you’re looking to soak up the sun, head over to South Beach where you can enjoy a wide array of water sports or simply kick back with a book. For nature enthusiasts, Miami is a great place to be, with some wonderful botanical gardens to be enjoyed – we recommend Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its expansive collection of exotic plants. Or, if you’re looking for art and culture, why not check out Pérez Art Museum? With so much to see, do and experience, there’s no way you’ll be bored in the Magic City. So, if you're planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best things to do during the day in Miami. Keep scrolling to learn more! See the Sites If you’re looking to fit some culture into your travels, one of the best things you can do is make a stop at the local art gallery. Standing out for its comprehensive collection of contemporary international pieces, the Pérez Art Museum has been a long-time favorite for locals and visitors alike. The institution itself is beautiful and spacious, having been redesigned in 2013. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive repository of over 2,000 works coming from the Americas, Western Europe, and Africa. Take a good look at Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s colorful works, then stroll out through the grand staircase to enjoy the magnificent waterfront view. A fantastic educational experience for those of all ages, we love this space because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Whether you’re a fine art aficionado or a crafting geek, you’re sure to enjoy this attraction. Though Miami may best be known a fun beach town, there’s still plenty to see here for architecture buffs. Located on Biscayne Bay in the picturesque neighborhood of Coconut Grove, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of Miami’s most popular visitor attractions – and it’s not hard to see why. The impressive historic building, surrounded by 50 acres of gardens is truly not to be missed. Built in the early 20th century, this stunning Gilded Age estate retains much of its original grandeur. The villa’s breathtaking façade, (adapted from traditional Mediterranean architectural elements) still impresses to this day. Upon entrance, visitors can explore the idea of what a luxury home meant in a different time. The museum is well-restored, and there are exceedingly opulent and curious pieces dotted around the building. In addition, the house is circled by extensive Italian Renaissance gardens with fountains, sculptures and other decorative design objects most definitely worth seeing. With its exquisite beauty and historical backstory, this attraction should rank pretty high on the itinerary. Get Some Fresh Air For those who want to take in the natural beauty of Miami – don't worry, we’ve got you covered! Situated just downtown of the city, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a historical 83-acre green space featuring plants from all over the world. The garden is named after famous botanist David Fairchild and showcases much of his collection which was brought back from his travels many decades ago. No doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the city, there’s a little something for everybody here – and in every season. Walking around the park, you’ll be able to enjoy America’s biggest palm collection, as well as the largest collection of tropical bamboo in the world, with 125 species to be enjoyed. To put the icing on the cake, the garden also has a small butterfly emporium bursting with color and life. A true urban jewel, this wonderful attraction should the keenest of nature lovers. Those who are travelling with family might enjoy the next item on our list. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, Jungle Island merges the tropical backdrop of Miami with wonderful exotic animals for an awesome day trip to remember. We love this attraction because it offers the chance to see animals close up without affecting them or their habitat. The park was first founded under the name ‘’Parrot Jungle’’ in 1936. To this day, their collection largely features rare and unusual parrots and other birds species. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. From alligators and snakes to tigers and lemurs, Jungle Island has a lot to offer for everybody. The park is also home to Parrot Cove Beach, Miami’s only private beach. Naming this place a beach might be a bit of a misnomer – this place is more of a fantastic waterpark, with obstacle courses, rides, slides, and a climbing wall. Providing a great educational opportunity for all the family, this place is one of our favorite spots in the city. Hit the Beach! No Miami vacation is complete without a trip to the beach. If you’re looking for the ultimate Floridian seaside experience, look no further than South Beach. Known for its turquoise waters and palm fringed shores, this picturesque attraction more than lives up to the image it brings to mind. Walking along the shores, you might find this spot all too familiar – which is because it’s a pretty popular filming location for movies and shows shot in Miami. Among the various things to do here, you’ll find that surfing, paddleboarding, jet skiing and sailing are all popular activities. But for those who just want to relax, you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella for a small charge. Aside from the beach itself, the surrounding area is well worth exploring. Venture just a little off from the shores to find an eclectic mix of world-class eateries, waterside cafes, fashion boutiques, galleries, and much more. Offering a paradisial break from city life, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in Miami. There are countless things to do in Miami. It’s all up to you to pick your favorite! To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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