One Day in Miami Itinerary - Experience Miami in a Day for Under $100

By Casey Makovich

In Miami with limited time to explore? We’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your one day in Miami, complete with top attractions, free activities, and even dining options. This one day itinerary includes:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
  • Miami Seaquarium
  • Miami Beach Botanical Garden (free!)
  • Bike and Roll Bike Rental OR Duck Tours South Beach

Spending more time in Miami? Take a peek at one of our sample 2 day or popular 3 day itineraries.

Save on Attraction Admission

Visit all of these attractions with the 3-Choice Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this one day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami, there are so many attractions and things to do in Miami to choose from. Depending upon which attractions you choose, you could save up to 40%! Our pass gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. There are tons of great things to do down in Key West, too. Check out our Florida Keys road trip itinerary for ideas on ways to expand your vacation!

Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour

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These open-top, double decker buses offer comfortable seating (and a nice way to work on your tan) and ensure you’ll see the attractions from a great vantage point. Along the way, your charismatic tour guide will provide an in-depth background to everything you see. With two routes to choose from (a beach loop and a city loop), you're sure to find exciting attractions to explore. Featured stops on the beach route include Central Station, the Perez and Frost Museums, Bass Museum, the Riviera, and more. Stops on the city route include Coconut Grove, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Little Havana, Downtown Miami, and more. A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. However, tours follow a specific route and time schedule and factors such as traffic or weather can lengthen the amount of time between each stop, so be sure to plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations. Getting In: Big Bus Miami 1-Day All-Loops Tours are available as an attraction option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Stop #2: Miami Seaquarium

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Start off your day with a visit to one of the most unique attractions in all of Miami -- the Miami Seaquarium. Watch live animal shows, witness scheduled feedings of crocodiles and sharks, and enjoy other interactive animal exhibits. Spanning 38 acres, this must-see marine park is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Some featured critters include Lola the Orca, sea turtles, sharks, colorful tropical birds, and dozens of fish species. They are also particularly known for their work with manatee rehabilitation, so be sure to see those amazing creatures during your visit! Its view of Downtown Miami's skyline is one of its hidden gems, be sure to bring your camera for a fun tourist photo with Miami in the backdrop! We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours to explore the Seaquarium, especially if you plan on taking in one of their animal shows. Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are available as an attraction option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Stop #3: Miami Beach Botanical Gardens (free!)

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This tiny little oasis in the middle of Miami Beach is 2.6-acre garden that's well worth a half hour or so of your time. Home to various subtropical plants from across the globe, bizarre palms, and plants native to South Florida, the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens is the perfect little piece of nature in the middle of an urban setting. They also frequently offer themed guided tours (for a small suggested donation), so if you're traveling in a group or want to spend more time here, you might want to consider that option. Getting In: Admission to the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens is free.

Stop #4 (Option 1): Bike and Roll Bike Rental

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Miami is such a beautiful city. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the ocean and filled with the striking Art Deco facades, there is always a lovely sight on the horizon in Miami. So why not explore the great outdoors with a bike rental from Bike and Roll? It's an easy and fun way to get around the South Beach area - especially near the beaches - and is even a sneaky way to get some exercise into your vacation. Everyone will love the chance for a leisurely pedal along the beach. After all, if you only have one day in Miami, you can't risk missing out on the gorgeous ocean vistas! Your bike rental comes with a free, easy-to-use map of Miami Beach to make for convenient route planning. Guests typically take a few hours to explore by bike, although you have the rental all day if you want to use it to get around to other attractions. Bike and Roll's helpful staff can help you decide on which route is best for your sightseeing interests, too! Getting In: Miami Bike rentals by Bike and Roll are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Stop #5 (Option 2): Duck Tours South Beach

End the day with an entertaining-yet-relaxing 90-minute Duck Tour of South Beach. One of the loveliest parts of Miami, this famed beachfront locale has plenty of sights and sounds for tourists to enjoy. You'll get to see sights from both land and sea in the famed amphibious vessels that travel on both roads and in the water. Some of the amazing places you'll see on this informative tour include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, and more. And besides, who doesn't love the aquatic fun of a duck tour? Be sure to bring your cameras -- you'll go by lots of iconic landmarks on this interactive tour! Reservations are required for South Beach Duck Tours, so be sure to make them in advance, and arrive a fifteen minutes before your scheduled departure time. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Let's Recap

Follow this one day in Miami itinerary and save on combined admission to the Miami Seaquarium, Duck Tours South Beach, and a Bike and Roll Bike Rental with the 3-Choice Miami Explorer Pass®. Or, choose from over 25 included attraction options to make a sightseeing itinerary tailored to your interests. Either way, your one day in Miami is sure to be tons of fun! The Go Miami® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility during your vacation.

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Outdoor Activities Miami

Miami has very warm weather and a lot of sunshine, making it the perfect place for outdoor activity. In fact, even if you choose to visit in the wintertime, the temperatures should still be great for those who like to get out in the open air. Trust us when we say that there’s a lot to do here. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, something educational, or just to kick back with a book at the beach, you’re sure to find something for you. If you’re not quite sure where to begin, don’t worry – we've done all the heavy lifting for you! So, if you’re planning a visit to the Magic City, have a read through our list of the best outdoor activities in the area. See the Sites When travelling, visiting the zoo is a great idea for a day out. Honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in the city. Ranking high up on our itinerary, Zoo Miami is a total crowd-pleaser, merging the beautiful backdrop of the area with some wonderful wildlife. What makes this place a little different is that it’s the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The park houses over 3, 000 animals and has over 100 exhibits in total – so if you’re an animal lover, this is the place to be. Prepare to see everything from river otters and ostriches to Asian elephants and Bengal tigers. The coolest part about this spot is probably its animal encounters, feedings and rides that it offers. In addition, the zoo has several spacious play areas for kids. A fantastic educational excursion, you won’t want to miss out on this one. For those who are looking for something a little different, we’ve got you covered! Merging history, architecture, and art, Coral Castle is a fantastic historical attraction that’s sure to keep you guessing. Carved out of over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone in a time where no modern construction advances were available, this one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit stands as both a curious scientific anomaly and jaw-dropping testament to the artist’s handiwork. Because of its mind-bending backstory, the structure has been featured in countless books, magazines and television shows since its conception. In fact, the piece is so well-recognized that Billy Idol even wrote a song about the place, entitled ‘’Sweet Sixteen.’’ So, what can you expect? Well, upon entrance visitors can see awe-inspiring sculptures in a wide variety of shapes, as well as a stunning fountain and sundial. For history lovers and art enthusiasts alike, this world-famous structure is not to be missed. Get Some Fresh Air If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, look no further than Everglades National Park. An average of one million people visit the park each year – and with good reason! Covering over 2, 000 square miles of tropical wetlands and flatwoods, this place is the third largest national park in the United States. Characterized by its unusually rich biodiversity, the Everglades’ ecosystem is completely unique to this area of Florida. Walking through the park, visitors are sure to notice the area’s wonderful greenery and the protected species which thrive there. Amongst the many activities to do here, you’ll find that hiking, birdwatching, airboat tours, and kayaking are all popular choices. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful areas in America, this place is sure to blow you away. Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its year-round tropical weather and all of the greenery that comes along with it. If you’re looking to discover the true natural beauty of the area, there’s no better place to be than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Founded and designed in 1936 by Robert H. Montgomery, this place works to house the expansive plant collection of avid botanist David Fairchild. Covering over 83 acres, this wonderful space has over 10, 000 species of exotic and native flora to show. Those looking to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city will find solace in this sensational space. Soak up the Sun Miami can get pretty hot and humid, especially around the summertime. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, we recommend checking out the Venetian Pool. An aquatic attraction unlike any other, this spot provides an idyllic escape from the hectic pace of city life. Built into an abandoned coral rock quarry in 1921, the pool’s unique Mediterranean Revival style sets it apart from other attractions of its kind. Filled with 820, 000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the US of A. This place is great for a relaxing day with the family, with a kiddie pool for the little ones. For those who just want to soak up the sun, there’s an area with beach chairs where you can take some time for yourself uninterrupted. Fun, refreshing, and luxurious, too, we love this spot because it just has so much to offer. It goes without saying that one of the best things to do in Miami is hit the beach. The city is home to countless great seaside tourist hotspots, but our top pick has got to be South Beach. With its clear waters and pristine shores, this picturesque place is pretty much perfect for catching some rays. Visitors can rent out lounge chairs and umbrellas for a small fee for a great relaxing beach experience. Still, this stop is no one-trick pony. For those who like to stay active, there are a wide array of water sports, including surfing, paddleboarding, longboarding and sailing – it's just up to you to decide! We also recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area. There’s a wonderful boardwalk, beautiful Art Deco architecture, and many cafes and stores to be enjoyed. Set aside a whole day for this to take some time away from the sprawling city. Boasting perennial warm weather and clear blue skies, Miami is the perfect place to take things outdoors. 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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Things to do Alone in Miami

In many ways, Miami is the perfect solo city. With its pristine beaches, fantastic cultural attractions and world-famous nightlife, the Magic City boasts no shortage of great things to do. And luckily for us, pretty much anything you want to do in the city can be done alone – it's just up to you to pick your favorite. If you’re an outdoorsy type, head over to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to experience the true beauty of Florida. Or, if you want to inject a bit of education into your travel experience, check out the Rubell museum. And of course, no Miami vacation would be complete without a trip to the beach – we like South Beach for its energetic atmosphere. So you see, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a creative type, or a seaside lover, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Looking for the best things to do alone in Miami? Have a read though our list! See the Sites If you’re into architecture, you might just enjoy the next item on our list. Located in the scenic Coconut Grove area of the city, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a historic villa and estate well worth the visit. The magnificent structure was built in Mediterranean Revival style to resonate with the tropical climate. Though this beautiful spot once served as a private home to businessman James Deering, it is thankfully now open to the public for viewing. A feast for the eyes and excellently preserved, the museum features much of the original art and furniture from Deering’s private collection. Visitors will no doubt also enjoy ambling through the meticulously maintained extensive formal gardens, as well as the native woodland which surrounds the estate. A thoroughly unique experience, we love this spot for offering a glimpse into the life of luxury in a different time. With the city‘s perennial wonderful weather and clear blue skies, it’s only right to check out some of the local outdoor exhibits. A quintessential Miami mainstay and historical feature of the city, Coral Castle has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. In 1923, Edward Leedskalnin first began creating Coral Castle in secret following a difficult breakup with his fiancé. Since the structure is made of over 1, 000 tons of sedimentary rock in a time when no modern construction advances were available, this unusual attraction brings up many questions. To this very day, the site has many scientists, engineers and philosophers questioning the artist’s method of construction. The attraction was a spectacular success, and has been drawing in visitors from near and far ever since out of sheer curiosity. A thoroughly unique experience, this place is perfect for those who are craving something a little different. Soak Up the Sun A Miami vacation just wouldn’t be a Miami vacation without hitting the beach – are we right? Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or go for a dip, we recommend South Beach - almost for its beautiful scenery alone. Standing out from a lot of other beaches in the area, this spot is known for its pristine, palm-fringed shores and turquoise waters. Because of its inherent beauty, this spot is often used as a backdrop for modelling shoots, and many popular TV shows - walking down the beach, you might even catch some in action! For those who are looking to kick back and relax, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent upon arrival. You’ll also find that there are many activities at the beach, including surfing, paddleboarding, longboarding, and sailing. We suggest staying until the evening time, since the surrounding area has a lot of great bars and restaurants to be enjoyed. For those who want to take refuge in the beauty of the natural world, there’s no better place than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Accountant Robert H. Montgomery first established this garden in 1936, naming it after his friend, renowned botanist and plant collector David Fairchild. Today, the park stretches over 83 acres, and still houses many of Fairchild’s tropical plant collection which was brought back from his travels. Think magnificent centuries-old oak trees, wild romantic trailing vines, and colorful flora of all kinds. The garden is also home to the largest palm collection in America, and the biggest tropical bamboo repository in the world, with over 125 species. Walking through the park, visitors will also enjoy viewing the wide variety of wildlife which thrives there. A tranquil urban oasis, this space is perfect for getting some fresh air and taking a little time for yourself. Get Creative There are some things that are certain in life, and Miami weather is one of them. If you’re looking to beat the heat, there’s no better option than checking out one of the city’s incredible cultural amenities. We particularly love the Rubell Museum for its impressive collection of contemporary art. In fact, its repository is the largest of its kind in North America. The institute houses many recognizable names, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, and Cindy Sherman. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroee, 1967 and Damien Hirst’s Dance Naked, 1997. We recommend setting at least a couple of hours aside for this, so that you can truly take in the masterpieces here. No doubt one of the best museums in the city, this place works to provide a fantastic visual experience to remember. Another one of our favorite solo spots in the city is Wynwood Walls. Situated in the trendy Wynwood Art District, this fantastic outdoor art museum works to spotlight some of the best working urban artists today. Covering over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is one of the largest open-art installations in the world. Visitors can expect to see everything from bold tagging pieces and stencils to wheat paste posters and ceramic tile works. The murals change constantly, but some names you might recognize include Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink, and Miss Van. We recommend sticking around to explore the surrounding area, where you’ll find quaint cafes, unique stores and of course, tons more galleries! A great stop for all artsy types, we love this space for bringing something new to the table. Miami is a mecca for millions of tourists per year – many of whom tackle the city solo! 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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10+ Free Things to Do in Miami

Miami is more than just perfect weather, pristine beaches, and great nightlife, it's also a busy, multi-cultural metropolis with more to offer visitors than its beaches. Miami is the closest city in the US to the Caribbean – a metropolitan tropical paradise, right in the US. Despite what you may have heard about it being one of the most expensive cities in the US, there's no shortage of affordable and free things to do in Miami for a fun vacation. Our local experts put together a list of some of the best free things to do in Miami, all great suggestions that can help round out your vacation itinerary, including... Little Havana South Beach Lummus Park Beach South Pointe Park Gables Art Walk and more... Miami Design District Art and Design Night Check out a Miami Art Walk: On the second Saturday of each month, the 100-plus galleries and showrooms in Miami Design District keep their doors open from 7 – 10PM for the Design District Art Walk. The event is a great opportunity to see the work of some of the best up-and-coming local artists. Make a night of it: surrounding restaurants and bars get involved too, putting on entertainment and providing refreshments. Little Havana No trip to Miami is complete without a visit to Little Havana. This vibrant, south-of-downtown neighborhood is packed with art galleries, unique shops, and busy restaurants and bars. Get to know the area by heading to Maximo Gomez Park (known as Domino Park by the locals) for a real flavor of Hispanic culture, to watch men playing dominoes outdoors, smoking cigars and arguing about politics. Look out for the huge mural depicting the Summit of the Americas in 1993. The neighborhood Calle Ocho is located in the center of it all, where you can watch the markets and street stands in action while soaking up some Cuban culture. Fan of Latin cinema? Another highlight is the Little Havana Paseo de las Estrellas (Walk of the Stars), which is a Latin American version of the Hollywood Walk of the Stars, commemorating Latin American actors, writers, artists and musicians. Cultural Fridays (Viernes Culturales) are monthly events in Little Havana showcasing local musicians and outdoor art exhibitions, and there is no admission fee. Free Sky Ride The Metromover is a free, driverless sky train that links several of Miami's downtown hotels with the Metrorail. Stop off at any of the 20 stops such as the decorative Freedom Tower or the Miami-Dade Cultural Center (home of Miami Art Museum). The cars arrive every 90 seconds during peak times and every three minutes off-peak. A digital display in the center of the platform tells you where each car is heading. Miami Art Museum Experience Miami's Museum Scene: Head to the Miami Art Museum between 1PM and 4PM on the second Saturday of the month, when it's free for families with children. It's a great opportunity to create art, enjoy exhibitions and learn something new with your kids. An organized family tour takes place at 2PM If you are in Miami during spring, try to get to the Miami Art Museum Family Festival, when the Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza is filled with art activities, entertainment, and games. South Beach Miami is known for its beaches and South Beach has something for everyone. If you have kids to entertain, South Pointe Park has a playground and splash fountain, and is the ideal setting for a picnic. If you want to escape the crowds for an hour or two, Miami Beach Botanical Garden has 4.5 acres filled with subtropical plants, right in the center of South Beach. Wander around the beautiful Art Deco hotels and houses, such as Casa Casuarina, the former home and murder site of fashion designer the late Gianni Versace. Follow the Art Deco District Walking Tour to make sure you do not miss any of these carefully preserved buildings. Many of the South Beach Museums offer free admission on certain days, including the Holocaust Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU Art Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Lummus Park Beach While everyone knows about South Beach, some visitors prefer a less busy atmosphere. Lummus Park is the area of the beach that sits between 5th and 15th street and is one of the most popular beach areas in the entire city. Known for its white sand, rolling waves, and warm water, this is a popular beach location among tourists and locals alike. Bring a beach chair, a bathing suit, and enjoy the vacation. Miami is a large, tropical city with something to offer everyone. There are numerous parks, neighborhoods, and cultural events that people can take in. Of course, everyone should take a dip in the ocean as well. After all, the city is best-known for its beaches. South Pointe Park This beach paradise combines the best of natural fun and man-made adventure. Sit back and soak up the sun while the kids splash in the waves, or stroll the pier as a family. There’s a specific area for younger kids (the adorable Tot Lot), an interactive water fountain/sculpture, a dog park, and plenty of bike paths. This free access park is a great place to spend the day with family. Gables Art Walk Art lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore some of Miami’s most inspiring art galleries along Ponce de Leon Boulevard. On the first Friday of every month, visitors can stroll through open galleries between 7-10PM to peruse a diverse selection of artistic projects. As a bonus, some galleries offer complimentary wine! There’s even a free trolley to take you between galleries. Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design Another popular destination for art lovers. Located in the historic Freedom Tower (itself a really cool site to see), this free museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by both local and international artists. While exhibits change over quite often, they consistently represent artists with an international and multicultural aesthetic (evocative of Miami’s own diverse cultural landscape). Spanning a multitude of genres and forms, these exhibits are sure to delight and inspire. Holocaust Memorial This thought-provoking museum is always free to the public, so you can visit whenever it fits into your itinerary. The Holocaust Memorial serves as a testament to the millions who died as a result of the Holocaust. The memorial features a wall with the names of concentration camp victims, a reflecting pool that serves to provide solace to survivors and all those affected, a moving photographic mural, and many additional informative exhibits. They also offer a number of educational programs and special events, so it’s a great place to go to expose your kids to this important part of history. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts The Arsht Center is the largest performing arts center in the city with events running year-round. The venue hosts a variety of events, including musical concerts, plays, ballets, and lots of family-friendly events as well. This towering building itself stands out as it was designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli (known for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur). History Miami Delve into the history of the city of Miami itself at History Miami. This museum features a wide range of exhibits on Southern history, including always-rotating exhibits that provide fresh, new perspectives on Miami's unique history and culture, from past to present. Casa Bacardi Enjoy a bit of rum every now and then? Traveling with friends? Then why not tour the famous Casa Bacardi, home to the world-famous brand of rum? Daily tours are free and available to guests 21 and older. Explore the history and heritage of this long-running company, founded in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba. Take a tour behind the scenes to see how rum is produced, sample a few select products, and browse a charming history of their advertising campaigns. Biscayne National Park Family Fun Fest If you’re visiting Miami with the whole family, stop by this educational and fun Family Fun Fest. Held on the second Sunday of every month from December through April, this interactive outdoor program is free to all. Hands-on activities and nature interactions are only some of the many options open to your kids at this fun event. If you happen to miss the Fest, then Biscayne National Park is well worth exploring on its own merits! The Bayfront Park One of the most famous parks in the entire country, The Bayfront Park features over 30 acres of untouched green space - right in the middle of the city. The park features a giant amphitheater where famous artists, like Elton John, have performed, a number of memorials, including one dedicated to the crew of the Challenger space shuttle, and more. It's one of the city's most beautiful attractions. The Bayside Marketplace Located in Downtown Miami, the Bayside Marketplace is one of the best places to get views of Biscayne Bay. This enormous shopping complex hosts more than 150 upscale boutique shops worth visiting (even if just to look). Robert is Here No trip to Miami is complete without sampling some local produce! Head to the Robert is Here fruit stand, set up in 1959 by Robert Moehling to sell produce for his father, now a Miami icon. You'll get to see the farmer's market in action, buy fresh Miami produce from local vendors, and maybe even try a few free samples. The Biltmore Hotel Spa & Golf Club Of course, you can't stay at the hotel, get a massage, or play golf for free - but - the grounds of the hotel offer a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk with stunning Miami views located right in Coral Gables. The famous golf club opened in 1926 and features a 71-par golf course known for its doglegs. Fun fact – this is where the University of Miami golf teams practice. The historic hotel offers free tours on Sunday afternoons. Learn about the heritage of the establishment, a luxury locale that at one time hosted famous figures like Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and even Al Capone. As one of the most visually striking hotels and renowned golf courses in the world, it's definitely worth a quick visit! Little Haiti Cultural Center Despite the large size of Miami, this is one of the only locations where you can experience the fusion of African, Caribbean, and Miami cultures in one place. Learn all about the cultural history of Miami through the center's art gallery, theater, and dance studios. This cultural center is very integrated with its communities, so you'll get to experience Miami's unique culture first-hand. A Way to Save on Ticketed Miami Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the free things to do in Miami, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? Consider using a pass with Go City® - which includes free admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available Miami attractions, passes & prices. With Go City® you can make savings on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich

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