Orlando vs. Miami - Which City Should I Visit?

Orlando and Miami are both sun-soaked vacation cities bursting with activities, from nature to theme parks. We've compared the two destinations below to help you make your choice. Pick one and bookmark the other for another time!

By Katie Sagal
Orlando vs Miami

Orlando and Miami are the two most popular cities in Florida for tourists, and each has its unique appeal. Some people visit both on a longer road trip-style vacation. But sometimes you only have the time or resources to tackle one.

If you’re trying to choose between Orlando and Miami for your next US vacation, we’ll help you out. We’ve pulled together a list comparing the major attractions in each city. They both have tours, cruises, museums, and historic sites. See which piques your interest the most, and then learn how to save on your Florida vacation.

Animal attractions

Miami has a wide variety of animal attractions, from a unique aquarium to an amazing safari experience. Here are a few.

three-male-lions-miami

Both Miami and Orlando are known for their animal attractions, with several zoos and aquariums located in each. Because of the proximity of the Everglades, you’ll also find gators aplenty in either city.
 

  • Miami Seaquarium. This is an engaging aquatic park with a specific focus on sea creatures. the Miami Seaquarium features everything from playful dolphin shows to shark feedings to special animal encounters. They’re also known for their conservation efforts.
     
  • Jungle Island. This modestly-sized zoological park is big on fun. See a variety of creatures from around the world at Jungle Island, where everything focuses on learning about the animal world through play and exploration. Check out our guide to Jungle Island before you go.
     
  • Lion Country Safari. Actually, a decent distance north of Miami but closer than Orlando, Lion Country Safari brings the experience of the African savanna to southern Florida. It’s a drive-through safari with opportunities to photograph and feed the animals.

Orlando also boasts a number of aquariums and even a gator park.

Gators in Florida
  • Gatorland. Known as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland is the only place in Florida where it’s all gators, all the time. Their 110-acre park features other native Florida critters, too, but the gators and their astonishing performances are the real draw. We have some top tips for visiting Gatorland.
     
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando. Part of the SEA LIFE Aquarium family, this Orlando outpost offers a series of themed rooms that feature in total more than 5,000 sea creatures. Don’t miss the 360-degree ocean tunnel, where you can see the animals swim overhead. Check out our guide to SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando before visiting.
     
  • Florida Aquarium. Found in nearby Tampa, the Florida Aquarium is a massive attraction with over 7,000 aquatic plants and animals on display. Especially popular areas include the Wetlands Trail, Bays & Beaches, and Dragons Down Under.

Museums

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Miami and Orlando boast a number of top museums, several of which are world-renowned. A few are free or inexpensive, making a multi-museum vacation a budget-friendly option. These are our favorite museums in each city.

Miami museums encapsulate a wide variety of interests and subjects.
 

  • Pérez Art Museum Miami. Also known as PAMM, this world-class art museum showcases artwork from local and global artists with a particular focus on international inspiration and Miami influence.
     
  • Miami Children’s Museum. An immensely popular museum with little ones. The Miami Children’s Museum offers hours of play, learning, and exploring. Explore all 14 interactive exhibits to make a day of it.
Vizcaya
  • ARTECHOUSE Miami. One of the most distinctive museum-like experiences you’ll ever enjoy, ARTECHOUSE Miami is a dazzling interplay of light and sound, concept and execution, and ever-changing exhibits.
     
  • Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Immerse yourself in this gorgeous historic home and accompanying grounds, filled with lush flora and carefully tended displays. Inside the home is a curated collection of art and artifacts to peruse as you marvel at the architecture.
     
  • Frost Museum of Science. One of the most interactive science museums in the region, the Frost Museum of Science is all about learning by doing. There are exhibits on weather and climate, wildlife, and natural phenomena, among others.

Orlando museums are no less diverse, with options like:

NASA
  • Kennedy Space Center. Arguably one of the most historically significant sites in all of Florida, the Kennedy Space Center is today both a place for visitors to learn about the history of the American space program and a working facility.
     
  • Madame Tussauds Orlando. A wax museum chain that’s beloved by millions across the globe, Madame Tussauds in Orlando is a must-visit attraction for any fan of celebrities, pop culture, or history.
Titanic The Artifact
  • Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Fans of the film or those interested in seafaring history will appreciate the impressive collection of objects from the tragedy that has been collected in Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.
     
  • American Police Hall of Fame. Learn about the history and heritage of the United States police forces at the American Police Hall of Fame. A good place to visit for anyone interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, too.
     
  • Mennello Museum of American Art. Art lovers will want to check out this unique institution. The basis of its collections is a large body of work by Earl Cunningham. However, it also has broader holdings of painting and sculpture.

Tours & Cruises

Orlando and Miami are each enticing cities for the curious traveler. You can opt for a bus tour, a scenic boat ride, or an exhilarating cruise. See how each city stacks up.

Miami has plenty of water-borne activities, although you’ll also find a comprehensive bus tour.
 

  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. This Big Bus Miami tour is a two-day pass to explore the city’s multiple tour loops. See everything from Biscayne Boulevard to Miami Beach and Coconut Grove.
     
  • Jet Boat Miami. An unconventional kind of tour, Jet Boat Miami is a fast-paced 30-minute cruise around the gorgeous blue waters of Biscayne Bay. You can enjoy views of Millionaire’s Row, Star Island, Downtown Miami, and more.
Star Island
  • Duck Tours South Beach. Combine land and sea with a ride on the unique Duck Tours South Beach vessels. On a voyage part aquatic, part terrestrial, you’ll see the city in a whole new light.
     
  • Key West Day Trip. An all-day excursion down to the southernmost point of the Continental U.S., this Key West day trip is a rare opportunity to enjoy several hours on this delightful little island. Snorkel, sightsee, and snack at this tiny southern refuge.

Orlando also boasts both bus tours and cruises.
 

  • City of Orlando Tour. A lengthy tour of the entire city and surrounding area, the City of Orlando Tour is an ideal introduction to the city for first-time visitors. It highlights spots like Lake Eola, Celebration Town, and more.
Lake Eola and downtown Orlando
  • Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Located in the nearby suburb of Winter Park, this scenic boat tour is an excellent way to see a lot of the city and this charming little neighborhood, too.
     
  • Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise. This exhilarating speedboat cruise is actually run out of St. Petersburg, a moderate drive from Orlando proper. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Gulf of Mexico on your way to meet playful pods of dolphins.

While this comparative list could go on forever, we’ll wrap it up with a few more observations. As far as kid-centric attractions go, Orlando has not only LEGOLAND® Florida and Universal Orlando Resort but of course, Disney. Miami has the above-mentioned Miami Children’s Museum, and many smaller attractions suitable for little ones.

Interested in checking out the local cuisine?

The culinary scene is going to lean somewhat towards Cuban and Latin American flavors in Miami. Orlando is fairly representative of any large city with everything from sushi and noodles to tacos and pizza.

Orlando also boasts the Wheel at ICON Park, an observation wheel right on the tourist haven of International Drive. Miami doesn’t have anything comparable at this time.

Save on admission to top Miami and Orlando attractions

Admission to many of these top Orlando and Miami attractions is included with Go City®. You can save up to 50% on admission to these and many other popular activities, tours, and cruises. Grab a Miami pass and save while you sightsee!

☀️Compare Orlando passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore Miami passes 🌏 –  ✈️ Check out other destinations ✈️ 

Share your adventure with us

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll see if we can feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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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
Best Beaches in Miami
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Best Beaches in Miami

If you're looking for the best beaches in Miami, check out our picks and find the perfect place to get your sun, sand, and sea fix! Including: South Beach Bal Harbour Beach Mid-Beach Sunny Isles Beach Soho Beach House and more! Can you swim in Miami beaches? Yes, you can swim at any of Miami's beaches. Some may be cleaner than others, but you're free to frolic in any of them! What month can you swim in Miami? If you're hitting Miami's beach scene between April and October, you'll experience the warmest seas on offer, making it the perfect time to go for a dip. Even in the off-season, the further south you head, the warmer you'll find the water. What beach do Miami locals go to? Generally, South Beach is Miami's most popular beach for both tourists and locals alike. This is likely due to the sheer volume of hotels you'll find along the waterfront, coupled with the number of bars, clubs, and other hangouts that call it home. Best Beaches in Miami: South Beach We couldn't start anywhere else, really. In the vibrant realm of South Beach, you'll discover an array of immaculately chiseled people, luxurious automobiles, daring swimsuits, and captivating Art Deco architecture. This renowned two-mile expanse of pristine white sand constitutes Florida's most renowned beachfront. Additionally, this area encompasses Lummus Park, home to 18 volleyball courts and two open-air fitness facilities, making it the perfect beach for activity-seekers. Beyond this bustling hub, locals often prefer the tranquility of the beachfront south of Fifth Street, away from the myriad hotels and tourists, where ample space remains for anyone seeking to lay down their beach towel. Best Beaches in Miami: Bal Harbour Beach Bal Harbour is one of Miami's most upmarket neighborhoods, so you probably have some idea of what to expect from its accompanying beach: designer garb, expensive boats, and plenty of money being flashed about. If you feel like your current attire makes you stand out like a sore thumb, fear not. Bal Harbour Mall is a hop, skip, and jump from the beachfront, where you can burn hundreds if not thousands of dollars on swimwear, sunglasses, and other accessories that'll help you fit right in. Is it worth it? Only you can be the judge of that! Best Beaches in Miami: Mid-Beach Mid-Beach is the home of Miami's most chic and upscale hotels, attracting the city's fashionistas and more 'distinguished' travelers who want to avoid the crowds of South Beach. As such, expect hefty displays of wealth, a largely international audience, and plenty of people spending their time at exclusive hotel beach clubs instead of the sand itself, meaning you should get a tanning spot rather easily. Best Beaches in Miami: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park At first, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park might seem a bit unassuming. However, look beneath the surface, and you'll find some of the best hiking trails in Miami. They'll take you along the nearby beach, through the park, and then emerge above the city, giving you some of the best views of Miami around. Regularly receiving plaudits as one of America's best beaches, it's the perfect city respite for active couples or families looking to beat the crowds. Best Beaches in Miami: Sunny Isles Beach Bordered by serene, sapphire waters and offering respite from the bustling crowds, this two-mile stretch of Miami beach is the epitome of chill. Here, you'll find predominantly residential condos of varying shapes and sizes, though the residents don't flood the sand like they do in South Beach. As such, Sunny Isles Beach is far enough away from the busier beaches that it's ideal for families and couples who just want a beautiful beach without the White Claws and EDM. Best Beaches in Miami: 12th Street Beach 12th Street Beach is your one-stop destination for LGBTQ+ fun, as it's the destination for gay beach revelers. If you're looking for a party vibe, you'll get it at 12th Street Beach. Bluetooth speakers, BBQs, and myriad six-packs supplement the fun, and after dark, the nearby Nathan's Beach Club comes to life with cocktails, smooth jams, and plenty of loungers. If you're looking for a laid-back time, it's best to head somewhere else. Best Beaches in Miami: Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Miami's Four Seasons Hotel has hosted some of the most recognizable faces of the 20th Century, having put up the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill over the years. The hotel is a mainstay of the Miami skyline, but it's the location's Surf Club, which only opened a few years ago, which takes center stage on this list. Found on the hotel's exclusive stretch of beach, it's a little slice of tropical paradise reserved for guests. Though, if you have the cash to splash, staying at the Four Seasons might be a treat in itself. The Surf Club is just the icing on the cake, allowing you that cocktail-sipping beach experience typically found in the Caribbean. Best Beaches in Miami: Haulover Naturist Beach If you're looking to let it all hang out in Miami, Haulover Naturist Beach is the one for you. And, as Florida's oldest official nudist beach, you'll be in good company. It might not be the place to take the kids, unless you're alright with bits and bobs free from the prison of clothing. Best Beaches in Miami: Soho Beach House If you've not heard of Soho House, it's a chain of exclusive 'resorts' found all over the world. Built for media personalities, it foregoes a dress code (and actively bans suits and ties) for a laid-back escape for people in and around show business to grab a drink, relax on a rooftop, and avoid the prying eyes of journos, and the macho bravado of finance bros. Miami has its very own location called Soho Beach House, where you can grab a drink, a bite to eat and beat the crowds in its exclusive surroundings. But don't worry; even if you're not a member, you get access if you stay over at Soho Beach House's hotel. And those are our picks of the best beaches in Miami! If you're looking to see the best experiences that Miami has to offer during your stay, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Miami's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Blog

Miami in April

Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami has long served as one of America’s most popular tourist destinations. A quintessential Floridian beach city, the area is known for its sugar-sand shores, tropical climate and Latin-America influences. Still, Miami is much more than just a haven for seaside lovers. When visitors aren’t at the beach, you’ll find them enjoying the city’s fantastic cultural amenities, delicious cuisine, and non-stop nightlife. From classical architecture and botanical gardens to zoological parks and hidden gems, there’s so much to see and do here. Trust us when we say that the city has much to offer visitors of all persuasions. If you’re making your way to Miami and don’t quite know where to start, have a read through our comprehensive list of things to do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the Magic City, we’re sure it’ll be just wonderful! See the Sites Who doesn't love a zoo - are we right? The perfect stop for all animal lovers, Zoo Miami works to educate its visitors about conservation and cultivate curiosity in the natural world. First established in 1948, this place is well-recognized as the oldest and largest zoologist garden in Florida. Occupying a whopping 750 acres, the institute is home to over 3, 000 animals across 500 species. Highlights include jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and more. And for those who can’t quite get enough of their favorite furry friends, this place also has live educational shows, guided zoo tours, and feedings. Additionally, there are dining options, picnic areas, kids’ playgrounds and great shopping opportunities to enhance your visit. There are endless amounts of fun to be had here, but keep in mind that a day at the zoo can be quite tiresome. We recommend wearing your comfiest walking shoes, and taking a lot of sunscreen with you. A total crowd-pleaser and classic Miami attraction, this place provides a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. If you’re looking for fun day trips, look no further than Miami Seaquarium. Whether you’re just curious or looking to unlock that sense of childhood wonder, the institute works to provide the perfect environment for learning and adventure. Brimming with beautiful and intelligent sea creatures of all kinds, this place provides a comprehensive glimpse of what life looks like under the sea. No, really - trust us when we say that there’s plenty to do and see here. In fact, at 10, 000 specimens, the institute’s expansive repository stands as one of the largest collections of marine animals in the world. Enjoy the scenic wonders of some of your favorite aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures, including jellyfish, sharks, penguins, orcas, and much more. Get up-close encounters with dolphins and experience their mysterious intelligence firsthand. As fascinating as it is fun, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Get to Know the Area The weather in April is sunny and warm without being too humid, making it a great time to enjoy the best of Miami’s outdoor attractions. For nature lovers, we highly recommend checking out Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Established in 1936, this historic landscape showcases the rare and exotic plant collection of avid botanist and plant explorer David Fairchild. Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, Fairchild brought more than 200, 000 plants to the United States, many of which thrive on site. Walking through the gardens, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful flower beds, vines, and many magnificent species of trees. In addition, the space is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. Meticulously planted and well-curated, the displays are a total sight to behold. Those looking to take some time away from the city couldn’t find anywhere better. Though you might know Miami for its white sandy beaches and warm weather, the city’s art scene is well worth checking out. The perfect stop for all creative types, Wynwood Walls is one of the best places in the city to view the work of some of the world's top urban artists. Bold murals dot the city’s walls, giving insight into the local community and art community. Spanning over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, this unique exhibit works to showcase original talent from America and around the globe. Featuring better-known artists like Shepard Fairey, as well as the work of new innovators in the graffiti world, the exhibit is widely appreciated for its craft and message. A total Instagrammer’s dream, this quirky and vibrant spot is great for a casual day trip. Take time to explore the surrounding area, since there are great eateries, bars and stores to be explored. Learn about the City Those looking to learn more about the background of the area might appreciate the next item on our list. Combining history, culture and architecture, the Ancient Spanish Monastery works to preserve and educate its visitors about the structure’s unique design. Billed as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’ by Time Magazine, the building has seen a rather interesting past. Whilst construction began in 1133 AD near northern Spain, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that pieces of the building were brought over to America to be made into a tourist attraction. Today, the structure stands as a fine example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy hand-carved columns, sweeping arches and beautiful shrines. April is a great time to visit, since you’ll be able to stroll around the monastery’s beautiful gardens in comfort and admire their great beauty. With its exquisite presence and astonishing history, the monastery offers a one-of-a-kind visual experience to remember. Full disclosure: we love Miami! The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from seriously fun to highly educational, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. If you’re an artsy type, Wynwood Walls would be your best bet. For animal lovers, Zoo Miami couldn’t be a finer choice. Or if you’re looking to see some stunning architecture, there’s no better place in the city than the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Trust us, with so many incredible things to do here you’ll never be bored. 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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