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Miami Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

By Katie Sagal

Heading to sunny South Beach this Memorial Day Weekend? From the great outdoors to exciting festivals, there’s plenty to see and do this year in Miami this May. If you’re looking for Miami Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Miami in May, including...

  • Cruise the beautiful Biscayne Bay
  • Embark on an animal adventure at Jungle Island
  • Take a day trip down to Key West
  • Enjoy some shopping at Bayside Marketplace
  • and more...

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions is included on the Go Miami Card. Choose as you go from dozens of Miami attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Miami attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Miami pass.

A Day Trip to Key West

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Take a Key West Day Trip and relish the experience of traveling to and spending the day in the southernmost city in the Continental U.S. This Caribbean atmosphere is always festive and bright, and on this Memorial Day Weekend, will be filled with special events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. For example, this year you can check out the Annual Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta, where locals are challenged to build their own vessels out of Macgyver-level materials -- and then race them! Getting In: Key West Day Trip tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Aquatic Adventures

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This lush tropical paradise, located on Virginia Key, is another perfect place to encounter your favorite animals -- this time of the aquatic variety. This marine-life park offers entertainment alongside education, as they promote their conservation work through exciting shows and exhibits. In fact, they're highly regarded for their work in rescuing and rehabilitating manatees, so be sure to visit their manatee exhibit! Typically on Memorial Day, Miami Seaquarium offers free admission to veterans, active military, police, fire, and EMTs as part of their "Salute to Heroes Week." Check their website for specific details. Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Animal Excursions

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Traveling with kids and looking to explore the great outdoors? You have tons of options including animal parks, eco-tours, cruises, and just plain beach time. Some of our favorite family-friendly animal attractions include the popular Jungle Island and Zoo Miami, both of which are fun, educational, and would be a perfect addition to your Memorial Day Weekend itinerary. Don't miss Jungle Island's newest feature, Neo Splash Water Park pop-up, open this summer in addition to all of Jungle Island's recent renovations. Getting In: Jungle Island tickets and Zoo Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Relaxing Cruises

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Head out on the open seas and enjoy the warm weather with a Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise. This popular cruise provides a unique perspective on Miami, Biscayne Bay, the Venetian Islands, and much more as you sail in luxury and peace. Expert tour guides will even make it an educational experience! It's a fun way to enjoy the sun on Memorial Day Weekend while keeping it cool with some refreshing breezes. Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Historic Buildings

Enjoy the natural and architectural beauty of a luxury garden space with a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This European-inspired estate immerses you in old-world glamour as it indulges your senses with lush, exotic plants and striking architecture and art around every turn. A visit here will transport you into a whole new world! Getting In: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Art Museums

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If you're really into art, then you'll want to make sure to pay a visit to the wonderful Pérez Art Museum Miami, which is filled with inspiring modern and contemporary pieces -- all with an international flair. You can also join in on a free, 45-minute docent-led tour of the museum, which will showcase highlights of their collection. Last year, PAMM hosted a Memorial Day party with live music and a hotdog station, so stay tuned for more info on what's to come this year. Getting In: Pérez Art Museum Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Urban Beach Week

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There are few things more quintessentially Miami than what’s known as Urban Beach Week. An all-encompassing festival in South Beach designed around a celebration of modern music (specifically hip hop), Urban Beach Week offers four full days of music, live entertainment, tasty food, and more. This is best suited for adults. Getting In: Urban Beach Week is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Miami pass.

Party Bike through Wynwood Miami

Hop aboard a 15-person party bike and ride through the trendy Miami neighborhood of Wynwood. On your pedaling adventure you'll learn about art, fashion and the people who turned the area into what it is today. With so much to do and see in the neighborhood, it makes for an excellent place to snap some pictures for The Gram. This tour is family-friendly but children must be at least years of age to pedal. Getting In: Cycle Party Wynwood Miami Insta Tour tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Shopping Sprees

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And then, of course, there’s the shopping. Miami is already a shopper’s paradise, and Memorial Day Weekend is an even better time of year to be an avid shopper. Some popular Miami shopping districts include Bayside Marketplace, Lincoln Way, Collins Avenue, and Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, and downtown Miami.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Miami in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. From tropical paradise to urban beachfront shopping and dining, Miami simply has it all. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Miami pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

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Miami in March

Planning on travelling to Miami this spring? Well, you’ve come to the right place! From fantastic tropical gardens and natural resort centers to fascinating museums and historical sites, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in a group or travelling solo, trust us when we say that you’ll find no shortage of interesting things to do here. However you choose to explore The Magic City, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing our favorite things to do here to help you plan the perfect trip. So, without further ado, grab a notepad and let’s dive in! Explore the Area Perhaps one of the things Florida is best known for is its jaw-dropping natural attributes. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, you won’t have to search far. Standing out for its unparalleled beauty and unique holdings, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is well-recognized as one of the best parks of its kind in all of the United States. Established way back in 1936, this unique attraction is home to the expansive and rare collection of avid plant collector and botanist David Fairchild, which he brought back from his travels. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, since the spectacularly manicured displays will be in full bloom. In addition, this famous green space is home to the largest palm collection in America, with over 500 species to be enjoyed. Quiet and serene, this exquisite display of greenery is not to be missed. If you only visit one garden in Miami, let it be this one. March is a wonderful time to visit Miami, since it should be warm enough to enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions without being too hot and humid. If you’re looking for something a little different, Coral Castle is a great stop carrying a lot of fascinating history. Standing out as one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, this interesting sculpture park dates way back to the early twentieth century. Carved out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction methods were available, the structure is just as famous for its creative process as it is for its looks. In fact, the ‘’castle’’ has been bewildering scientists, engineers and scholars ever since its opening. For a truly mind-bending experience steeped in history, head just a little south of the city to check out the park for yourself. Exciting and quirky, this place provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience to remember. Find Fun Activities There’s nothing quite better than a trip to the zoo – and trust us when we say that Miami could not be better for this type of experience. The most obvious place to hit up in the city if you’re looking to see some impressive animals is, of course, Zoo Miami. Spread over an impressive 750 acres of land, the institute is in fact recognized as the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The zoo’s broad and impressive collection includes over 3, 000 animals across 500 species to be enjoyed. Highlights include jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. If you want to get up close with your favorite furry (or slimy) friends, don’t worry – this place has interactive experiences of all kinds! We recommend checking times before setting off, so you’ll be sure to catch any feedings, live educational shows, and special tours that you want. Both fun and educational, we love this place for bringing that sense of childlike wonder back into our lives. Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of March (or any time of year, really) is visit the Miami Seaquarium. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, this place offers a unique and captivating experience that’s well worth the visit. First opened in 1955, the Miami Seaquarium is well-recognized as one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of over 10, 000 exotic sea and freshwater specimens. Indeed, this is one of the largest collections of marine animals in the entire world as it stands - so take good advantage of this! Amongst the oceanarium’s collection, you’ll find everything from colorful tropical fish and jellyfish to sharks and orcas. In addition, the institute houses semi-aquatic animals, including penguins, turtles, and seals. Undoubtedly one of the best aquariums in the world, this attraction is surely not to be skipped! Learn Something New Though Miami is perhaps best known for its scenic sugar-sand beaches and unique tropical beauty, its cultural amenities are not to be ignored. Working to share the power of science in a fun and digestible way, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum has been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for those with curious minds, you’ll find that the institute covers a wide range of topics in a clear and easy manner. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Learn about magnetism and electric currents through immersive exhibitions. Catch a comprehensive glimpse of what life looks like under the sea at the aquarium. Or, dive deep into the fascinating details of the universe at the planetarium – the choice is yours! With so much to do, see and experience, it’d be easy to get lost and spend the entire day here. No doubt, Miami is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Still, we especially love the Magic City in springtime for its light breeze, balmy weather, and smaller crowds. The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from seriously fun to fantastically entertaining, this place has it all. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city and make memories to remember. 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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Miami in June

There are countless reasons to visit Miami in the summertime. A quintessential Floridian beach city, the area is characterized by its palm-fringed shores, gentle surf and year-round beautiful weather. Still, this place is no one-trick pony. More than 20 million people visit Miami each year, and they all go for something different. For nature lovers, Miami has some of the best botanical and zoological gardens in the United States. If art and culture is what you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice with fantastic cultural amenities and architectural sites. After dark, the city comes alive with waterside cocktail bars and rooftop hotspots to be enjoyed. Trust us when we say that the only problem you’ll run into when deciding on fun things to do in Miami is narrowing down your options. So, grab your sunscreen and comfiest walking shoes and get ready to jot some things down! However you choose to enjoy your time in Miami, we’re sure it’ll be just great! See the Sites It’s summertime and you’re in Miami. So, what do you do? Go, to the beach, of course! Stretching for 3 miles offshore of the city, South Beach’s white-sand shores and turquoise waters are famed as some of the area’s most beautiful. If it all seems a little too familiar to you, it’s because this particular outdoor attraction has appeared on just about every movie and TV show set in Miami. Amongst the various things to do here, you’ll find that surfing, longboarding, paddle boarding and sailing are all popular activities. If you’re looking to just relax on the beach, you’ll be able to rent seats and umbrellas and just watch the world pass you by. As one of Miami's most popular tourist attractions, the area surrounding the beach is pretty interesting to explore – we suggest taking a stroll to enjoy the unique Art Deco architecture and fantastic eateries. We also recommend sticking around after dark to experience a taste of South Beach’s legendary nightlife. A quintessential Miami attraction, this one is a total must-see. No matter what your age, seeing animals up close is always a captivating experience. As fascinating as it is fun, Jungle Island offers the chance for you to see and learn about animals from all over the globe in one place. Founded in 1936, Jungle Island is known for being one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to view around 3000 animals, with over 1000 varieties of parrots. Highlights include king vultures, African penguins, alligator snapping turtles, lemurs and more. For those who interact with the animals, this place offers experiences to satisfy this need, including animal feedings and a petting zoo. You'll also catch tours, keeper talks, and educational presentations throughout the park daily. In addition, there are cafes, stores, kid’s playgrounds (and even a waterpark!) to be enjoyed. Combining the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with rare and exotic animals, this place provides a fantastic educational experience to remember. Find Interesting Activities If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, there’s no better place to be than Miami. Aside from its beautiful beaches, the area is home to some wonderful botanical gardens thanks to its unique ecosystem and wonderful weather. Standing out for its expansive collection of rare and exotic plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is one of the most interesting parks of its kind to visit in the United States. Covering over 83 acres, this quiet and serene green space showcases much of avid plant explorer David Fairchild’s discoveries which he brought back from his travels. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to enjoy carefully planted flower beds, shrubs, vines, trees, and much more. This landscape is also home to the largest palm collection in America, with over 500 species to see. A treasure trove of natural beauty and wonder, this spot is perfect for those looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the area. Don’t forget to take your phone for this one, since you’ll definitely want to capture some snaps of this outstanding excursion. Though Miami is perhaps best known for its great beaches and tropical greenery, there’s a lot to see here for all types of travellers. Anybody looking for art and culture in the area will be pleasantly surprised by the city’s unique offerings. A peculiar achievement defying all laws of physics, Coral Castle is most certainly one of the city’s most distinctive attractions. Carved out of 1, 100 tons of megalithic stone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, the structure is most notable for the questions it brings up. Over the years, this piece has even become subject to many conspiracy theories, which postulate that the artist might have used reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to make it. Whatever the case, the final result is well worth the visit for its incredible handiwork alone. Fascinating and beautiful, this unusual work of art tells the artist’s story whilst retaining a little mystery. Relax! June marks the beginning of hurricane season in Florida, making it pretty hot and humid throughout the month. Still, if you’re looking to beat the heat, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Great for those days when you just want to take it easy, the Venetian Pool is the perfect place for spending time with friends and family. Built into an old coral rock quarry and opened to the public in 1924, the pool has been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. Filled with an impressive 820, 000 gallons of water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the United States. The pool starts at four feet, going deeper as you move further on, and there is a two-foot kiddie pool with a lifeguard station for little ones – so nobody is left out! The end wall has a grand waterfall, where you can feel the rush of fresh water over your face. If you’re not much of a swimmer, you’ll find a great sunning area where you can kick back and soak up those summer vibes. Fun, laid-back, and unique too, this place kind of has it all. There’s nothing quite like Miami in the summertime. With a fantastic blend of nature and urban attractions, this place truly has it all. And now, you don’t have to miss out – with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can find an exhaustive array of things to do, for cheaper. 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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Miami in July

Forever fun and boasting some of the best beaches in Florida, there are so many great things to do in Miami for every type of traveller! From its fantastic museums and parks to top-notch dining and nightlife, you’re guaranteed to have a blast exploring this wonderful coastal metropolis. Of course, July is prime time to visit, since the weather will be perfect for soaking up the sun and sightseeing. Still, visiting a new city can be a little bit daunting – but don’t worry! That’s why we’re here for. If you’re worried about catching your bearings in a new city, have a read through our list of the best things to do in the area. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller looking to explore a different side of the city, we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your tastes. However you choose to enjoy Miami, we’re sure it'll be great! See the Sites With its unique ecosystem and climate, Florida makes a fantastic spot for the next item on our list. Founded in 1948, Zoo Miami is known for being the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. With a stellar reputation and distinct traction, this major Miami attraction draws in thousands of visitors each day – and with good reason. As the largest zoo in Florida, the zoo houses over 100 exhibits and 3000 animals over a wide variety of species. Among the different animals you can see at the institution, you’ll find jaguars, warthogs, and spotted hyenas. We recommend checking times online before you visit, so that you can catch animal feedings for some of your favorite furry friends. And for those who are interested in learning more about the animals, you’ll find special programs and tours. For families and solo travellers alike, this place provides an unmissable educational experience to remember. Those searching for great indoor activities to stay cool in Miami will not be disappointed. Located just downtown of the city, the Miami Seaquarium works to foster curiosity in the natural world. Founded in 1955, the institute is known for being one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. As one of Miami’s top tourist attractions, this place brings in half a million visitors a year – and who are we to argue with that many people? Upon entrance, you’ll be able to go nose-to-nose with a wide variety of colorful reef fish, jellyfish and sharks. In addition to the fish, you’ll find many semi-aquatic animals, including birds, reptiles and manatees. We love this place because it brings out our inner child and sense of wonder. With so much to take in, you could easily get lost spending an entire day here. Find Interesting Activities For those looking for art and culture in Miami, Coral Castle should do just the trick. Merging history, creativity and nature, this famous outdoor sculpture garden is a fantastic visual experience for those of all ages. Created by Latvian-American eccentric Edward Leedskalnin, this unique exhibit is carved out of over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone – however, his working process remains a mystery. Since Leedskalnin worked at night and undercover, and in a time where there were no modern construction advances, this piece remains one of the world’s most unusual accomplishments. With such beautiful handiwork, the park even became subject to many conspiracy theories – some said that lifted the blocks with psychic powers or by singing to them. Others thought that Leedskalnin had secret knowledge of magnetism. Whatever the case, we’re just happy to have the opportunity to see it up close. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, look no further than Fairchild Tropic Botanic Garden. Located just south of the city, this wide-open green space offers a paradisial retreat from the city. Established in 1936, the garden showcases the expansive tropical plant collection of David Fairchild, which he brought back from his travels. This avid botanist and plant explorer spent years cultivating the garden, and bringing back over 200, 000 varieties of crops to America. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to enjoy cycads, flowering trees, orchids and vines. In addition, this wonderful landscape is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. Other highlights include Chihuly glass sculptures, gleaming ponds, and outdoor exhibits. Way more than just a great photo opportunity, this exquisite display of wild greenery is one of the most relaxing spots in Miami. Relax! Miami can get pretty hot in the summertime – thankfully, we’ve got the perfect antidote. A pool quite unlike any other, this picturesque aquatic attraction is perfect for kicking back with friends and family. Built into a former limestone quarry, the Venetian Pool was originally opened to the public in 1924. Filled with a whopping 820, 000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this place has most definitely earned its stripes as the best place in the city for a refreshing dip. The pool has a shallower end and a kiddie pool, making it a great spot to take the kids. There is a sunning area for those who just want to lounge and catch some rays, as well as a café serving classic American-style cuisine. For the best way to beat the heat, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a lazy afternoon in Miami. When it comes to a casual day out, there's nothing quite better than a trip to the mall. Situated just downtown, Bayside Marketplace is recognized as the number one most visited attraction in the city. Of course, die-hard shopaholics will find much to do here, with over 150 stores to choose from. If you’re wondering about food options (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?) Bayside has over 50 carts and kiosks around the center. Still, this place goes way beyond the standard mall experience. More of an entertainment complex than anything else, Bayside offers regular live music, family events and exhibits to be enjoyed. But for those who prefer to take it easy, you’ll find many cafes and restaurants dotted along the waterfront. The perfect crowd-pleaser with a lot to give, there’s absolutely nothing to hate here. Well, what else is there left to say? We love Miami! As one of Florida’s biggest tourist hotspots, the city is known for its great beaches and museums, but there are plenty of lesser-known attractions and local experiences that are definitely worth a visit. Explore Miami to its fullest 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

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