Things to Do in Miami for Adults

South Beach Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
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Miami is an ideal destination for adult-only trips. With so many fun and exciting things to do in the city or at the beach, you can easily stay busy whether you're here for a week or only a weekend. If you’re looking for things to do in Miami for adults, check out our favorite attractions for couples and groups of friends to enjoy, including...  

  • Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise 
  • Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 
  • Miami Art Deco Walking Tour 
  • Key West Day Trip from Miami 
  • Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise 
  • Explore Little Havana 
  • and more... 
South Beach Miami

Tour the City on a Double Decker Bus or Duck Boat 

Big Bus Tour Miami

Explore Miami by way of a convenient Hop On Hop Off Big Bus tour that lets you customize your day (and decide how much sightseeing you really feel like doing!) Or, choose a fun Miami Duck Boat Tour that indulges your inner tourist. The Duck Tour in particular is a delightful option if you'd like the explore the city on multiple fronts. It's a fun way to combine land and water excursions.

Soak up the art scene

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Miami is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, so it's no surprise that it inspires people to make more beautiful things. Art lovers will find much to appreciate in this highly creative city, from world-renowned film festivals to fine art museums. One of the most popular institutions is the compelling Pérez Art Museum, which primarily features collections of modern and contemporary international art. There's even a beautiful hanging garden for sitting and sipping a latte.

If you're looking to see artistic inspiration on a large scale, the must-see Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a surefire hit. Stunning, European-inspired architecture combines historical furnishings and significant works of art to make for a truly inspiring visit. Don't forget the luxurious gardens that surround the estate! Both of these suggestions are great things to do for couples.

Get up close with the animal world

Miami zoo giraffes

You don't have to be a kid to enjoy meeting some of the world's most fascinating creatures at a top-notch zoo! Head to Zoo Miami, where you'll meet critters large and small that hail from around the globe. This 340-acre expanse features diverse habitats that mimic the animals' natural surroundings, with exhibits like Africa, Asia, the Amazon, and Australia. "Amazon and Beyond" is a popular choice, featuring jaguars, snakes, and a tropical rainforest. 

Or, if aquatic creatures are more your style, head to the admirable Miami Seaquarium. They're renowned for their conservation work, and their marine animal shows are truly a sight to behold. 

Take an airboat ride through the Everglades

Airboat through the Everglades

We all know Miami has some excellent outdoorsy things to do, but many of us don't think beyond the beaches and boardwalks. If you're looking to see more of South Florida than some (admittedly very beautiful) sand, try an always entertaining airboat ride in the Everglades. You'll get to see large swathes of Everglades National Park and plenty of iconic Florida gators.

Head to South Beach 

South Beach Miami

South Beach is probably the most popular beach in Miami, but don’t let that turn you off from visiting what many call the Surf Capital of Miami. If you’ve never seen surfers before, South Beach is an excellent spot for seeing these impressive athletes in action.

The people-watching at South Beach is also ideal, you may see A-list celebrities on any given day. Spend some time at South Beach and enjoy a relaxing day of sunbathing, rollerblading, shopping, dining, and swimming. You won’t be disappointed!

For the architecture buffs, there's also the Art Deco Architectural Historic District, which is a rare, diverse collection of buildings in this signature style. Take a Miami Art Deco Walking Tour of the neighborhood and snap those perfect Instagram photos.

Head down to Key West

Key West

You can't come this far south into Florida without venturing just a little bit farther. Spend an entire day exploring and soaking up the Caribbean atmosphere. When you get to Key West, there are plenty of great shops and unique attractions to explore, from the house where Ernest Hemingway lived to a lush botanical garden. Be sure to head to Mallory Square around sunset for some gorgeous photos.

Enjoy a Key Largo marine life sightseeing cruise 

Key Largo marine life

Another great option for exploring the vivid blue waters around Miami is to hop aboard the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. This boat offers a relaxing and engaging cruise around the Florida Keys that both couples and groups of friends will love.

On your two-hour cruise, you'll get to enjoy the cool sea breeze, the gorgeous waters, and most importantly, observe the marine life below you. See the many vibrantly colored inhabitants of the Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the country's only underwater State Park. You'll love this unique chance to see them without getting wet! 

Ride a Bike Around South Beach 

South beach bike ride

Get active and explore South Beach and beyond via bicycle. Just hop aboard a rented bike and you're ready to roam around this cycling-friendly beach region. Rentals from Bike and Roll come with a map, too, so you're not left just exploring on your own without guidance. Of course, you can feel free to go wherever the spirit moves you! 

Soak up the Cuban flair of Little Havana

Little Havana

Miami’s Latin Quarter, also known as Little Havana (or La Pequeña Habana), is a quaint neighborhood where you’ll find art galleries, shops, restaurants, live music, and more. Full of authentic Cuban restaurants and shops, Calle Ocho is the hub of life in Little Havana. You and your friends will have a blast here.

You may even have the chance to see an exciting cultural event like Carnival Miami, Cultural Fridays, and the Three Kings Parade.

Save on admission to top Miami attractions with Go City®

That should do it! We hope our list helped you discover some of the best things to do in Miami for adults. These vacation ideas are great for couples or traveling with a group of friends. Miami does have just about everything that you could possibly wish for on an adults-only vacation — food and drink, shopping, exploring, and relaxing.

Planning to visit lots of Miami attractions? With Go City® you won't miss a thing. Plus, with a Miami attraction pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do. Win-win.

☀️Compare Miami passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Miami in October

Miami is a great city to visit all year round, but we especially love it around autumn time, when the weather is a little more temperate and the crowds have thinned out from the summer months. Though the city is perhaps best known as a hub for relaxation, we urge you to get out there and try it all. If you’re looking for art and culture in the Magic City, we recommend checking out the Chocolate and Art Show. For foodies, the South Beach Seafood Festival is the perfect way to get a true taste of local culture and soak up the sun at the same time. And definitely don’t forget to check out all of the cool Halloween parties which will be taking place throughout the month! So you see, there’s something to delight everyone in this sprawling southeastern metropolis – it's all up to you to pick your jam! If you’re not quite sure where to start, have a read through our list below. Soak Up the Sun Though October isn’t quite as hot as peak season, temperatures can get up to around 80 degrees – meaning that you can still enjoy most of the outdoor activities you’d still usually travel to Miami for. So, for those who are looking to enjoy the exquisite natural beauty of the area, don’t worry – this is definitely still an option! One of our favorite spots in the city to visit has got to be Pinecrest Gardens known for its expansive array of native and exotic flora. Think towering palms, 20 acres of meticulously manicured lawns, and vibrant flowers of all kinds. This beautiful landscape is also home to a lot wildlife, including koi fish, turtles, peacocks and swans. In addition, there is a children's playground and splash area, making this a great place for a family day trip. No doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the city, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend a sunny day in Miami. Foodies – pay attention! If you’re looking to try out some of the local cuisine, we highly recommend checking out South Beach Seafood Festival. Whilst there are plenty of great dining spots in the city, this festival only rocks around in the autumn time – so don’t skip it! Taking place towards the end of the month, this incredible culinary event merges great food with the beautiful backdrop of Miami to bring you something truly special. Savor the taste of king crab legs under the sun. Enjoy fried lobster tails whilst taking in the stunning beach views. And then, wash it all down with a nice cold one. Celebrating the fine ocean destination and a wide array of regional culinary artists, this event is a total must-do for any visitor who considers food their religion. Get Creative Or, if you’re looking to beat the heat, why not check out one of the city’s incredible cultural institutions? There are countless wonderful museums in the Magic City, but our favorite has got to be the Rubell Museum for its impressive collection of contemporary art. The museum is built into six former industrial buildings and features 40 small galleries and a library inside. The institute is home to one of the biggest collections of its kind, and features some of the most proficient and revered modern artists of the 20th- and 21st-centuries. Amongst its unique collection, visitors can enjoy works by Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Cindy Sherman and Jean-Michel Basquiat. A thoroughly delightful endeavor, this cultural gem is perfect for art lovers of all ages. When travelling, it’s always a great idea to check out the local art scene. Taking place towards the end of the month in the trendy Wynwood Art District, the Chocolate and Art Show is well worth the visit. Held annually, this fun cultural event works to shine a spotlight on regional up-and-coming talent across a wide assortment of creative disciplines. No, really - trust us when we say that there’s a lot to see here. This underground art show features everything from conventional paintings and sculptures to modern installations and videography. All of the creatives should be at the event, for those who like to talk art. Alongside the shown pieces, guests can enjoy body painting, vendors, live music, and of course, free chocolate! Whether you’re a fine art enthusiast or casual crafter, you’re sure to have a blast browsing the pieces and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the Festivities! Of course, it wouldn’t be autumn in Miami without celebrating Oktoberfest. Our favorite celebration for this has to be Oktoberfest Miami, which is held at the German American Social Club. This event gains much traction, with over 40, 000 guests passing through its doors during its six-day run. This party is also the longest continuously running event of its kind in the continental United States. At the festival, visitors can enjoy a divisive array of beer and traditional Bavarian food unlike no other. For entertainment, you've got parades, folk dancing and bands direct from Germany. There are also bounce houses, slides and play areas for the kids, so there’s a little something for everybody here. With its incredible atmosphere and true dedication to the real thing, you won’t want to miss out on this one. If you’re anything like us, you love a good Halloween party. Luckily, Miami knows how to do it right, with many celebrations cropping up all across the city over the month of October. Still, our favorite event for this legendary spooky holiday has got to be Pirates of the Wharf, a waterside themed dress-up event complete with its own real pirate ship! Be sure to bring your best dress-up, since it’s pretty much mandatory. At the event, visitors can enjoy plenty of drink and Caribbean-style food throughout the night. For entertainment, there’s live music, dancing and a giant costume contest to spice things up. A little bit scary and a whole lot of fun, this fantastic annual event is perfect for any visitors with a penchant for the weird and the wonderful. October is an excellent time to book your Miami vacation if you’re looking for smaller crowds, lower accommodation rates, and festive events. 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 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 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

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