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

By Katie Sagal
Explore Miami with Go City

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

Blog

Best Museums in Miami

Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is often recognized for its year-round wonderful weather and natural beauty. Still, those looking to squeeze in a bit of education on their vacation will not be disappointed with what the city has to offer. With specialties ranging from contemporary art and graffiti to science and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. For those who aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – we've pulled out all of our absolute favorites for this one. If you’re anything like us, you’ll love these museums to visit in the city. If you only have a few days in Miami, make time to check out some of these incredible cultural amenities. See the Sites For many travelers, a trip to the art gallery is the perfect way to spend the day. And if you’re a fan of contemporary art, we know just the place. Standing out for its comprehensive collection of 20th- and 21st-century work, Pérez Art Museum has been a long-time favorite for locals and visitors alike. It might be hard to tear yourself away from Miami’s sunny tropical beaches – but we promise this place is worth it. Though the museum is small, it’s home to a wonderful and impressive repository that’s well worth seeing. Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude are just a few of the influential artists on display here. From surrealist paintings and bold pop art pieces to modern sculpture and photography, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into. Great for those of all ages, this rich creative site is the perfect stop for all art lovers. Science and fun don’t have to contradict one another. For an exciting day of learning, head over to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. An attraction for those with curious minds, this place works to break down complicated ideas for a broad audience. Learn about the past, present and future development of science through a number of immersive and engaging exhibitions. The institute houses both a state-of-the-art planetarium and a cutting-edge aquarium, so there’s plenty to see here. Aside from which, its exhibits cover everything from evolution and the ice age to psychology and technology. With so much to see, do and experience, this scientific fun house is most certainly not to be missed. We recommend setting aside a good few hours for this, since there’s a lot to cover. Learn About the Area If you’re want to learn about the rich background of the city, HistoryMuseum Miami is a great place to start. An affiliate of the Smithsonian, this place is recognized as the second oldest museum in South Florida and the largest in the whole state. The museum’s permanent exhibition, Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida covers over 10, 000 years of the history of the area in great depth. And if that’s still not enough Florida for you, don’t worry about it, because there’s plenty more to see here. In fact, the museum’s repository is comprised of over 1,000, 000 photographs and 30, 000 3-dimensional artefacts. Past exhibits have covered specialist topics such as transportation, cultural diversity, and environmental changes in Miami. Not only one of the best cultural institutions in Miami, but quite possibly Florida as a whole, this place makes for a fantastic day trip. When travelling, it’s always interesting to learn about the culture of the area. Built into Miami beach’s first synagogue, the Jewish Museum of Florida works to preserve, protect and showcase the fascinating history of Jewish life in the Sunshine State. The institute’s extensive repository reflects the background of the community going way back to 1763, with historic documents, photographs, artwork and more. The institute’s mainstay exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida tells the immigration story, with personal anecdotes and artefacts along the way. The museum also has rotating exhibits and educational programs throughout the year. An engaging educational excursion, this specialist museum is great for those visitors with a thirst for knowledge. Try Something Different With the beautiful Miami weather, you’d be crazy not to check out some of the city’s wonderful outdoor museums. For those looking for something a little different, Coral Castle is a great way to soak up the sun and learn a little about the history of the area at the same time. Located in the suburbs of Homestead, this extraordinary attraction is known for its unusual method of construction – or rather lack thereof. Built out of several tons of monolithic stone in the early 1900s, the sculpture garden was made in secret. To this day, nobody is quite sure how artist Edward Leedskalnin created the piece. Either way, Coral Castle draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors a year for its handiwork alone. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind experience, this place is sure to take your breath away. Once a punishable offence by law, graffiti has now become a mainstream modern art form in its own right. So popular, in fact, that there are museums where you can go to view some of your favorite urban artists, should that be your jam. Whilst Wynwood Walls has received some criticism for trying to take away graffiti’s anti-authoritarian edge, it works to bring a lot of great artists together. Here, visitors can enjoy works by some of the world’s most renowned street artists as well as talented up-and-comers. From bold political statements and messages of hope to great humor pieces, the walls have a lot to say. If you’re looking to take some great vacation snaps, this is the place to go. We suggest sticking around to explore the surrounding area, since there’s a lot to see here. So, there you have it: some of the best collections and exhibitions in Miami right this minute. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or planning a fun family day trip, the city is filled with great cultural attractions. From hip downtown galleries to interesting outdoor museums, there’s something around every street corner. 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.