Miami in January

UPDATED JULY 2024

Don’t miss the best things to do in Miami. You can fill your days and nights with visits to incredible museums, tropical gardens, and historic sites, and still barely have scratched the surface. Or maybe you just want to just kick back at the beach with a podcast and soak up the sun. Trust us when we say that the possibilities are endless. No, really – we mean it. Drawing in 25 million visitors each year, Miami ranks as America’s second most popular tourism hub – after New York, of course. Yep, I guess we could say that you'll never be bored here. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Not sure quite where to start? Well, luckily for you, we've done all of the heavy lifting here! We’ve spent a lot of time in the area and are sharing our favorite things to do in Miami. Keep scrolling to learn more.

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On January’s hotter days, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the fantastic outdoor attractions that the city has to offer. Around this time of the year, we recommend bringing a light jacket, just in case the weather decides to change up on you. If you’re looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Miami, there’s no better place to be than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. No doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the city, Fairchild is considered amongst the best tropical gardens in the world. A sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, this quiet and serene space is brimming with all kinds of rare and exotic flora. Some are bold and vibrant, whilst others are small and delicate. Undeniably, all of them are a treat for the senses. In addition, this site is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. A total Instagrammer’s dream, it would be easy to spend an entire day getting lost in this spectacular display of greenery.

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If you’re an animal lover, this next item on our list will be right down your alley. Located just east of the city, Jungle Island is recognized as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. Combining the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with a jungle full of wonderful animals from near and far, this place is pretty much the perfect day out. Walking around this spacious and natural habitat, you’ll be able to appreciate these beautiful creatures thriving happily in a safe and appropriate home for them. The site houses around 3, 000 critters, with over 1, 000 parrots (as the institute was formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’). For those who want to interact with the animals, you can visit the petting zoo, or catch feedings at certain times. In addition, the park is home to Parrot Cove Beach, Miami’s only private beach. With so much to see and do, this place provides an extraordinary one-of-a-kind experience for you and your loved ones.

Learn Something New

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For those looking to learn about the history of the area, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Built into Miami Beach’s first synagogue, the Miami Jewish Museum seeks to cultivate interest in the cultural history of the area. As one of the most highly populated Jewish states in America, Florida has a long and storied Jewish history just waiting to be explored. Inside the interesting building, you’ll be able to view a comprehensive collection of over 100, 000 artifacts, including historic photographs, documents, religious objects and artworks. The museum’s core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, tells the story of nearly 250 years of the development of the community. In addition, the institution has a number of temporary exhibits which serve to preserve and interpret different periods of Jewish history. Thoroughly fascinating, we love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new.

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Though Miami is well known for its sugar-sand beaches and perennial sunshine, January is one of Florida’s coldest months. Whilst that might not sound like much in an area with a subtropical climate, the city can definitely have some ‘’off days’’ around this time of the year. Should a cloudy January day crop up on you, we recommend checking out one of Miami’s wonderful cultural attractions. One of our ultimate favorite places in the city is Pérez Art Museum for its wonderful collection of contemporary art. Walking around the institute, you’ll be able to enjoy an impressive collection of around 2,000 pieces, focusing on works from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The perfect stop for all art lovers, the institute provides a fantastic visual and cultural experience for those of all ages.

Try Something Different

Those who come to Miami seeking something a little different will not be disappointed. No doubt one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, Coral Castle has been baffling visitors for decades. The mystery surrounding the park begins with its creative process. Constructed out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone at a time when no modern construction technology was available, the sculptures bring up many questions. In fact, this site has long been the subject of many conspiracy theories, theorizing that artist Edward Leedskalnin used reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to create the piece. Whilst nobody is ever quite sure how Coral Castle came to be, the outcome has remained a defining characteristic of the city ever since its opening in 1940. An undeniably mind-bending attraction, this spot is a total must-see. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can capture some snaps of this utterly unique site!

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Well, what else can we say? Some places are popular for a reason, and Miami is definitely one of them! January is a fantastic time to visit since it’ll still be warm enough to hit the beach and enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions, sans all of the crowds and humidity. You should also be able to find great deals on accommodation and travel around this time of the year. So, what are you waiting for? 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
Go City Travel Expert

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Miami in November

Miami is often underrated in comparison with other big American tourist cities, though it shouldn’t be. With a fantastic blend of nature and urban attractions to take your fancy, the Magic City has a lot to offer for all types of travellers. From can’t-miss cultural institutions and beautiful hiking trails to fab restaurants and shopping opportunities, there’s really an endless amount to see and do here – it's just all up to you to pick your favorites. November is the perfect time to visit, since it’s shoulder season - meaning that the city is less crowded and you’ll be able to find cheaper prices for travel and accommodation. In addition, temperatures around this time of the year are generally cooler than usual, hovering around the mid-70s most days. Still daunted by the prospect of a trip to Miami? Don’t worry! Have a read through our list of the best things to do in the Magic City during the month of November. However you choose to enjoy your time in the Sunshine State, we’re sure it’ll be fantastic. See the Sites Those looking to squeeze a little education into their vacation might appreciate the next item on our list. Whether you‘re travelling with family or exploring the city solo, you should always make time to check out some of Miami’s best cultural institutions. Located in the downtown area of the city, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum is the perfect spot for those who are looking to learn something new. The institute has both an aquarium and planetarium, so there’s a lot to see here. In addition, its permanent exhibits cover everything from the Ice Age and dinosaurs to the most recent scientific discoveries, meaning that there’s a little something for everybody here. The institute also runs hands-on family workshops and mini-me science sessions, making it a great place to take the kids. Perfect for those with curious minds, this spot works to provide an engaging and educational experience to remember. When travelling, it’s always a good idea to explore the local art scene. Though Miami is perhaps best known for its beautiful tropical landscape, the city has much to offer for creative types in the area. Located near the ultra-cool Miami Design District, Wynwood Walls is one of our favorite spots to visit for its fantastic curation of prolific urban artists. Covering over 80,000 square feet of wall space, this attraction stands out as one of the largest of its kind. Walking through the museum, you’ll be able to view works by well-established big-name artists like Shepard Fairey, as well as up-and-coming talents from across the globe. At Wynwood Walls, there are no rules; the pieces range from playful humor pieces and pop culture references to bold political and social statements – each one as impressive as the next. A vibrant hub for freedom of expression, we love this spot for bringing something new to the table. Get in Touch With Nature Famed for its year-round sunny weather and lush tropical greenery, Miami is a total hub for nature enthusiasts. For those who want to discover the natural splendor of Florida, we highly recommend Everglades National Park. Far out from all of the hustle and bustle of the city, this wonderful wilderness reserve is just perfect for a quiet spot of contemplation. Covering over 2,000 square miles of beautiful flatwoods and wetlands, the site is home to many rare plants and protected wildlife species. This place is also well-known for being an entirely unique ecosystem, thanks to its incredibly biodiversity and extraordinary geographic features. Amongst the many activities to do here, you’ll find that hiking, birdwatching, fishing and airboat tours are all popular choices. Even when visiting in November, we recommend bringing sunscreen since it can still be hot during the wintertime in Florida! A treasure trove of natural beauty, this quiet and serene space provides the perfect respite from the city. With its unique tropical landscape, Miami makes a fantastic backdrop for all sorts of wonderful wildlife parks. If you love animals like we do, head over to Jungle Island to see fun and engaging exhibits like no other. We especially love this spot because it’s a great way to see animals living their best life in a suitable and healthy environment for them. Originally founded as Parrot Jungle in 1936, the park still lives up to its former name with an impressive and comprehensive bird collection. Still, that’s not all you’ll be able to see here. From lemurs and kangaroos to lions and white Bengal tigers, this place pretty much has it all. An exciting and educational encounter, this spot is a total crowd-pleaser. But you don’t have to ask us - as one of the oldest and most popular visitor attractions in the city, this attraction has seen many famous visitors over the years, including Winston Churchill, Steven Spielberg and even Jimmy Carter. Have A Blast! If you love animals like we do, you might want to incorporate a zoo visit into your travels. Thankfully, Miami presents a great number of opportunities to get up close with some cute critters – our favorite being Zoo Miami. As one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions, this place is known as the largest zoological garden in Florida and the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. Over 500 species and 3,000 animals in total cover the 750-acre grounds. Visitors can expect to see everything from flamingos and monkeys to vipers and white Bengal tigers. For those who like to get familiar with the animals, this place is perfect, offering cool encounters, live feedings, and a special ‘fun factory’ activity for the kids. In addition, there are informational presentations and talks for those who want to learn more about the animals. A thoroughly fun and educational endeavor, nothing quite unleashes our sense of childlike wonder like the zoo. Miami is a fantastic destination to visit any time of the year. 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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Best Art Galleries in Miami

Miami is well known across the globe for its pristine beaches and exciting nightlife. Still, if you’re already a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, we won’t have to tell you already that the area has far more to offer. To get a fuller sense of the city, we think it’s pretty important to check out the local art scene – and what better way to do it than by stopping by the galleries? Holding some of the best collections and exhibitions in the state, these attractions are well worth the visit. From contemporary art and sculpture gardens to graffiti and technological exhibitions, there’s a little something for everybody here. If you’re not quite sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve spent a lot of time in Miami and are listing all of our favorites below. No matter which place you choose, there’s no going wrong here. See the Sites The Rubell Museum undoubtedly makes the list for its private collection of world-class contemporary art. This sprawling museum complex is made up of six former industrial buildings and features forty galleries to be explored. Inside, visitors can enjoy over 7, 000 works by more than 1, 000 artists. Works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, and Cindy Sherman are all shown in the museum, so it’s hard to spotlight just a few masterpieces, but perhaps the most famous pieces are Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroee, 1967 and Damien Hirst’s Dance Naked, 1997. If you’re looking to see pieces which truly changed the history of art, this is the ticket. If you’re anything like us, then the art gallery is the perfect way to spend the day. For those who are particularly interested in contemporary art, we recommend checking out Pérez Art Museum. Formerly known as the Miami Art Museum, the establishment was relocated just downtown in 2013, and is currently the most popular establishment of its kind in the city. The institute provides a fantastic visual experience with a focus on 20th- and 21st-century work from around the globe. Though its collection is on the smaller side, it packs a lot of punch, featuring artists such as Dan Flavin, Hernan Bas and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Great for those of all ages, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Get Cultured Habitually waxing and waning, art has a powerful effect on the way we view the world. For those who like to keep in touch with what’s new on the scene, the David Castillo Gallery might just be your jam. With a focus on current working artists, this small yet sparky gallery is a great stop for all art lovers. Its impressive and forward-thinking collection largely features women, queer artists, and artists of color in order to present a different point of view. A total treat for postmodern art enthusiasts, this place is practically bursting open with all things unique. Inside, you’ll find everything from abstract and mixed media paintings to surreal videography and floating installations. A little out there and a lot of fun, this place most certainly knows its audience. If you're looking to quench your thirst for quirky art, this is the right choice. Another one of our favorite places to visit in the city is the Bass Museum. Located right in the heart of Miami Beach, this is a great spot for anybody with an interest in contemporary art. The institute’s program embraces all styles of work – from paintings and photography to fashion and installation, this place has it all. Walking through this beautiful and intimate space, you’ll no doubt be wowed by the bold pieces and the work behind them. Although the majority of these works are not from world-famous names, the work is well worth seeing for the innovation and creativity which they display. A fantastic cultural jewel, this popular attraction would make the perfect low-key day out. Try Something Different Miami may well be known for all of its glitz and glam, but there’s a quirky side of the city just waiting to be discovered. Located in the coolest neighborhood of Miami, Wynwood Walls is a trendy street art destination bringing all of the best creatives together from around the globe. Covering over 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse walls, this is one of the largest open air street art installations in the world. The brainchild of community revitalizer Tony Goldman, this unique space works to give street art credit where credit is due. From evocative political messages and ideas of resistance to fantastic humor pieces and fun pop culture references, the walls tell their own story. Whether you’re an alternative artist yourself or just looking for that perfect selfie backdrop, this is the place to be. We recommend sticking around to explore the surrounding area, which has some great eateries, bars and fashion boutiques. For those who are looking for something a little different, Artechouse Miami offers a fantastic experimental experience like no other. Standing out from all the other creative attractions in the city, the institute works to showcase the future of art through dazzling technology-driven exhibitions. As the nation’s first institute of its kind, this place truly delivers something special. Inside, visitors can enjoy trippy digital artworks from a wide range of up-and-coming artists. Prepare for bold colors, pretty patterns and captivating imagery. Most certainly, you’ll be blown away by what this place has in store. Undoubtedly unique and thoroughly hypnotic, we love this spot for bringing something new to the table. So, there you have it! Six great galleries in Miami that are sure to blow a day at the beach out of the water! Whether you’re looking to learn something new or mix it up for date night, the Magic City is brimming with awesome galleries to check out. From fun contemporary collections and quirky intimate spaces to outdoor street art exhibits, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. 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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