Explore Miami with Go City

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

palm-trees-umbrellas-beautiful-beach-key-west

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

usa-florida-miami-seaquarium-seal

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

northern-giraffe-miami-metro-zoo

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

multiracial-friends-having-fun-boat-party

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

vizcaya-museum-miami-florida-former-villa

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

miami-beach-florida

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

ocean-drive-miami-south-beach-florida

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!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

image
Blog

Things to do in Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is a sprawling tourist hub drawing in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason. At its core, downtown is a modern and culturally-rich area perfect for exploring on foot. Interesting activities to do here run the gamut – known particularly for its wealth of fantastic galleries, theaters, event venues and more, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing great things to do here. Still, daunted by the prospect of figuring out the best things to do in downtown Miami? Don’t worry – we've done all the research for you! So, grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. We promise that you won’t regret it. Find Fun Activities Lively and bursting with culture, downtown is one of the best places for getting in touch with the local art scene. There are countless fantastic galleries in this area of the city, but our favorite has got to be Pérez Art Museum for its unique and well-established collection of 20th- and 21st-century art. The institute’s small but carefully considered collection features around 2000 works from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking around the institute, you’ll be able to view seminal pieces from many recognizable names, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Christo and Jean-Claude. Make sure to stop by the gift shop, where you’ll find great homewares, stationery and posters to bring home with you. A fantastic stop for all art lovers, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Those who are travelling with family might be looking for great stops to please the kids. Downtown Miami is filled with some fantastic crowd-pleasers, but none are quite greater than Bayside Marketplace. Much more than just a mall, this enormous entertainment complex has pretty much everything you could ask for all in one space. For shopping addicts, there are of course countless stores ranging from popular high-street brands to designer boutiques. In addition, this place veers off from the typical mall experience, but in a totally great way with live music and events each day. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, you’ll be able to kick back and chill at some of its many waterside cafes and restaurants out by the marina. Perfect for those travelling in groups, this place has a lot to give. Learn Something New Though downtown is known as Miami’s financial district, it has much to offer for sightseers. For those looking to incorporate learning into their vacation experience, we recommend heading over to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum, which is well-recognized for its broad range of engaging and educational exhibits. This place has both a planetarium and aquarium, so you know that there’s a whole lot to see and do here. The institute’s exhibitions cover everything from the Ice Age and dinosaurs to the future of scientific discovery. In addition, this place has special family workshops and mini-me science sessions, making it a great place to take the kids. As fun as it is fascinating, the museum works to provide an exciting educational experience for those of all ages. Some of the best trips include a day or more spent in the halls of a museum. There are many great cultural institutions in downtown Miami, but if you’re looking to learn more about the background of the area, the HistoryMiami Museum is the place to be. The institute is the largest history museum in the state of Florida, and one of the most popular visitor attractions in this part of town. Upon entrance, visitors can learn about the city’s fascinating origins, going back over 12,000 years. Within the institute’s expansive collection, you can see photographs, paintings, artefacts and artwork showcasing the development of the city. There’s truly no better place for travellers interested in social and archaeological growth. Soak Up the Sun Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its year-round beautiful weather and lush greenery. If you’re looking to take advantage of the city’s wonderful natural attributes, look no further than Virginia Key Outdoor Center. Kayak your way through a secluded tropical lagoon. Get up close with a real-life manatee. Or simply rent a bike and explore downtown on your own. This place offers a wide array of options as well as lessons for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re not quite the sporty type. We recommend that if you’re planning to try your hand at something sporty in Miami, take a lot of water and sunscreen to keep comfortable and hydrated. Great for all nature lovers, this place works to highlight the intrinsic beauty of the area whilst getting our adrenaline pumping! One of the biggest draws of the Miami area is its beach scene. The city boasts countless wonderful seaside attractions to be explored, but if we’re talking about those specifically in the downtown district, then Hobie Island Beach Park is a total winner. Whilst you won’t quite be able to sprawl out on a lounge chair with a podcast here, this spot is perfect for a breath of fresh air and soaking up the sun. The park also grants spectacular views of downtown skyscrapers across the bay – perfect for taking some fun vacation snaps! If you’re looking to get active, you’ll find that surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and boating are all popular activities here. We recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area, since there are plenty of stores, restaurants and bars to be enjoyed. Miami is a city that urbanites and nature lovers can both appreciate. Downtown has an authentic cultural buzz that you won’t find in any other district. With a vibrant mix of the old and the new, this exciting walkable neighborhood is perfect for spending time with friends and family. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping addict, or an outdoorsy type, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. 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

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
Is Miami Safe for Tourists to Visit
Blog

Is Miami Safe for Tourists to Visit

Check out our guide to Miami and learn everything you need to know to make your trip safe!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon