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Things to Do in Miami for Adults

Our top things to do for couples and groups of friends visiting South Beach.
By Katie Sagal

South Beach Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends

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

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Things to Do in Miami in the Morning
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Things to do in Miami in the Morning

Early birds, rejoice! Your time is now. No longer will you be shunned for waking up at the crack of dawn and going out into the world full of verve and splendor. You're built different, and that's cause for celebration. Thankfully, if you're visiting Miami this year, there are a ton of things to do before the clock strikes 12. This guide is all about the best things to do in Miami in the morning so you can make the most of your awakeness. So leave the losers to sleep in and get out there! Below, we'll discuss: Beautiful sunrises A hearty breakfast Big bus tours Exhilarating snorkeling trips and much more! What time is morning rush hour in Miami? If you want to beat the worst of the traffic, you'll need to know when Miami's rush hour is. Typically, that's between 7AM and 9AM, so avoid the roads around then if possible. Major highways suck around then, so stay away like the plague. Thankfully, most of our recommendations take place after the dreaded rush, so we've got you covered! Alternatively, if you can get to any of them by foot, happy days! When is the sunrise in Miami? No morning in Miami is complete without experiencing its legendary sunrise. Head to South Pointe Park or Miami Beach early to watch the sky come alive with oranges, pinks, and golds. A synth wave album cover comes to life; nothing quite compares. Phone cameras at the ready, people. This is no drill. It's synth wave. Sorry. Breakfast of champions If you ever considered starting your morning without a hearty breakfast, how dare you...close the door on your way out. Okay, now they're gone, let's talk about the best breakfast spots in the city! Right, now that you're full of energy, let's explore the best things to do in Miami in the morning! And those were the best things to do in Miami in the morning! Of course, those were just some of the best Miami attractions on offer. If you want to fill out your itinerary beyond the morning, check out Go City. With a Miami pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Best Beaches in Miami
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Best Beaches in Miami

If you're looking for the best beaches in Miami, check out our picks and find the perfect place to get your sun, sand, and sea fix! Including: South Beach Bal Harbour Beach Mid-Beach Sunny Isles Beach Soho Beach House and more! Can you swim in Miami beaches? Yes, you can swim at any of Miami's beaches. Some may be cleaner than others, but you're free to frolic in any of them! What month can you swim in Miami? If you're hitting Miami's beach scene between April and October, you'll experience the warmest seas on offer, making it the perfect time to go for a dip. Even in the off-season, the further south you head, the warmer you'll find the water. What beach do Miami locals go to? Generally, South Beach is Miami's most popular beach for both tourists and locals alike. This is likely due to the sheer volume of hotels you'll find along the waterfront, coupled with the number of bars, clubs, and other hangouts that call it home. Best Beaches in Miami: South Beach We couldn't start anywhere else, really. In the vibrant realm of South Beach, you'll discover an array of immaculately chiseled people, luxurious automobiles, daring swimsuits, and captivating Art Deco architecture. This renowned two-mile expanse of pristine white sand constitutes Florida's most renowned beachfront. Additionally, this area encompasses Lummus Park, home to 18 volleyball courts and two open-air fitness facilities, making it the perfect beach for activity-seekers. Beyond this bustling hub, locals often prefer the tranquility of the beachfront south of Fifth Street, away from the myriad hotels and tourists, where ample space remains for anyone seeking to lay down their beach towel. Best Beaches in Miami: Bal Harbour Beach Bal Harbour is one of Miami's most upmarket neighborhoods, so you probably have some idea of what to expect from its accompanying beach: designer garb, expensive boats, and plenty of money being flashed about. If you feel like your current attire makes you stand out like a sore thumb, fear not. Bal Harbour Mall is a hop, skip, and jump from the beachfront, where you can burn hundreds if not thousands of dollars on swimwear, sunglasses, and other accessories that'll help you fit right in. Is it worth it? Only you can be the judge of that! Best Beaches in Miami: Mid-Beach Mid-Beach is the home of Miami's most chic and upscale hotels, attracting the city's fashionistas and more 'distinguished' travelers who want to avoid the crowds of South Beach. As such, expect hefty displays of wealth, a largely international audience, and plenty of people spending their time at exclusive hotel beach clubs instead of the sand itself, meaning you should get a tanning spot rather easily. Best Beaches in Miami: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park At first, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park might seem a bit unassuming. However, look beneath the surface, and you'll find some of the best hiking trails in Miami. They'll take you along the nearby beach, through the park, and then emerge above the city, giving you some of the best views of Miami around. Regularly receiving plaudits as one of America's best beaches, it's the perfect city respite for active couples or families looking to beat the crowds. Best Beaches in Miami: Sunny Isles Beach Bordered by serene, sapphire waters and offering respite from the bustling crowds, this two-mile stretch of Miami beach is the epitome of chill. Here, you'll find predominantly residential condos of varying shapes and sizes, though the residents don't flood the sand like they do in South Beach. As such, Sunny Isles Beach is far enough away from the busier beaches that it's ideal for families and couples who just want a beautiful beach without the White Claws and EDM. Best Beaches in Miami: 12th Street Beach 12th Street Beach is your one-stop destination for LGBTQ+ fun, as it's the destination for gay beach revelers. If you're looking for a party vibe, you'll get it at 12th Street Beach. Bluetooth speakers, BBQs, and myriad six-packs supplement the fun, and after dark, the nearby Nathan's Beach Club comes to life with cocktails, smooth jams, and plenty of loungers. If you're looking for a laid-back time, it's best to head somewhere else. Best Beaches in Miami: Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Miami's Four Seasons Hotel has hosted some of the most recognizable faces of the 20th Century, having put up the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill over the years. The hotel is a mainstay of the Miami skyline, but it's the location's Surf Club, which only opened a few years ago, which takes center stage on this list. Found on the hotel's exclusive stretch of beach, it's a little slice of tropical paradise reserved for guests. Though, if you have the cash to splash, staying at the Four Seasons might be a treat in itself. The Surf Club is just the icing on the cake, allowing you that cocktail-sipping beach experience typically found in the Caribbean. Best Beaches in Miami: Haulover Naturist Beach If you're looking to let it all hang out in Miami, Haulover Naturist Beach is the one for you. And, as Florida's oldest official nudist beach, you'll be in good company. It might not be the place to take the kids, unless you're alright with bits and bobs free from the prison of clothing. Best Beaches in Miami: Soho Beach House If you've not heard of Soho House, it's a chain of exclusive 'resorts' found all over the world. Built for media personalities, it foregoes a dress code (and actively bans suits and ties) for a laid-back escape for people in and around show business to grab a drink, relax on a rooftop, and avoid the prying eyes of journos, and the macho bravado of finance bros. Miami has its very own location called Soho Beach House, where you can grab a drink, a bite to eat and beat the crowds in its exclusive surroundings. But don't worry; even if you're not a member, you get access if you stay over at Soho Beach House's hotel. And those are our picks of the best beaches in Miami! If you're looking to see the best experiences that Miami has to offer during your stay, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Miami's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
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Where to Stay in Miami

Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is famed for its beautiful beaches and clear blue skies. The Sunshine State draws in over 20 million visitors each year – and with good reason! And while Miami is proud of its wonderful natural attributes, there’s a lot more to see here than just the city’s wonderful beaches. No, really – we mean it. For those who like to be in the center of everything, South Beach is a great choice. If you’re a creative type, we recommend Wynwood. Or, if you’re looking for something a little quieter, Coconut Grove really hits the spot. Remember, there’s no one perfect area – rather, one that is best suited to your travel needs. Still not certain about where you’d like to stay in Miami? Don’t worry, we’re got you covered! Have a read through our list of some of the most popular places that people like to stay in when travelling in Miami. However you choose to enjoy your trip, we’re sure it’ll be great! South Beach When most people picture Miami, the paradisial image of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters springs to mind. Most people ain’t wrong. Thankfully, the city’s major tourist hub South Beach offers the chance to stay close up to the beach with the added bonus of being in the center of all of the action. Vibrant and buzzing with life, this area is great for those who like to be entertained. Streets are flanked with beautiful art-deco buildings, indie boutiques and sandal-friendly cafes – so you know that there’s no shortage of things to do here. Come nightfall, the area comes to life with celebrity chef dining options, beachside cocktail bars, and nightclubs. Whilst the area can get a little crowded, it’s one of the most fun places in Miami to stay in. South Beach can also be a little more expensive than other areas of Miami, especially during the summer months when the city becomes especially crowded. Still, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach. If you do plan to stay here, we suggest booking far in advance. Little Havana As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Miami presents no shortage of places to rest your head, each as wonderful as the next. If you're looking for a fun and cost-effective area to stay in, Little Havana just might be the answer. Located just west of downtown, this place is a center of social, cultural and political activity in Miami. Little Havana is currently the best-known Cuban exile neighborhood in the world, and is characterized by its vibrant community, historical landmarks and great food. In addition, the district is known for its historic bungalows, Mission Revival blocks and oolitic limestone facades, all of which are protected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Teeming with culture and full of life, this area when it comes to staying in Miami without breaking the bank. Plus, the food is to die for – hey, what more would we ask for, right? Downtown Miami is perhaps best-known for its pristine white-sand beaches, though visitors will also find a whole host of other great things to appreciate from fascinating historic sites to delicious eats and beyond. If you’re looking to experience the Magic City from a whole other perspective, we recommend staying Downtown. Though Downtown is recognized as the historic heart of the city, this area has experienced something of a renaissance; walking through the streets, you’ll find an eclectic mix of modern high-rises and fascinating landmarks. Stay here, and you’ll be within minutes of a lot of popular visitor attractions, including the Pérez Art Museum, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and HistoryMiami Museum. In addition, the area grants spectacular views of the picturesque Biscayne Bay. Another plus side of staying downtown is that the area is well-recognized for its abundance of fun dive bars, cocktail lounges and mega-clubs. With so much to see, do and experience, those who stay here will be spoilt for choice! Coconut Grove Another one of our favorite places to stay in Miami has got to be Coconut Grove. A tranquil oasis set just south of downtown, this spot delivers on every level. Known colloquially as The Grove by locals, this is the oldest continuously-inhabited neighborhood in the city. Brimming with history and culture, Coconut Grove has much to offer for those who like to incorporate a little education into their holiday experience. In addition, this area is well-recognized for its scenic lush greenery and relaxed atmosphere, as well as the peacocks which roam the streets. The area is a little quieter and less crowded than say South Beach or Little Havana, making it perfect for those who are looking for a laid-back vacation experience. The only downside of staying in Coconut Grove is that accommodation prices are higher than average, so you should be aware of that. Still, for a touch of culture and storied history, there’s nowhere better to stay in the city. Wynwood & the Miami Design District A sprawling metropolis seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami has much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re an artsy type, you might want to consider checking out either Wynwood or the Miami Design District. A once-gritty community, Wynwood is now a revitalized subdistrict with much to offer for those with a passion for the arts. Some of its most popular visitor attractions include Oasis, a massive outdoor entertainment venue, and Wynwood Walls, one of the largest outdoor urban art museums in the world. A few blocks away is the modern and upscale Miami Design District, known for its sleek architecture, trendy shopping destinations and great galleries. Those looking for great culture and vibrant nightlife should enjoy either of these areas, depending on the budget. Miami is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year. There are a ton of fantastic things to do, places to visit, and great spots to eat in The Magic City. And now, you don’t have to miss out! 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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