Outdoor Activities Miami

By Sarah Harris

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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10+ Things to Do in Miami Besides Party - You'll Forget All About the Nightlife

If you’re planning a trip to Miami, you’re probably looking forward to the nightlife in one of America’s most vibrant cities. And why wouldn’t you? South Beach is known far and wide for its club scene, and there is no shortage of fun to be had mingling well into the morning hours with beautiful people while great music plays in the background. At the same time, however, there is much more to Miami than just the bars and nightclubs. There’s something there for everyone, regardless of what you might be interested in. While it’s probably impossible to count all the things to do in Miami besides party, we’ve put together a list of attractions you should definitely check out, including... Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Tour Jet Boat Miami The Florida Everglades Duck Tours South Beach and much more! Save on Attraction Admission Admission to many of these top Miami area activities are included on the Go Miami® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Big Bus Miami Hop On Hop Off Tour   A Big Bus Miami Hop On Hop Off Tour let you enjoy the best of what Miami has to offer, from the beautiful beaches to the restaurants and clubs, all with the freedom to hop on or off the bus at whatever stops you want. Want to visit Little Havana or the Art Deco District? Feel like spending the morning lounging at South Beach, then continuing your tour of Miami at your leisure? With Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours you’re in control, all while still having access to an expert tour guide who can fill you in on city history as well as the best places for things like sightseeing, nightlife, dining or beach-going. Big Bus Tours Miami offers three different loops, each of which brings something unique to the table. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Tour tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card. The Official Art Deco Tours Jet Boat Miami Miami Seaquarium Jungle Island Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Ride Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise   On this cruise, you'll sit back and enjoy the natural beauty of the Venetian Islands and Biscayne Bay, as well as the stunning homes of the rich and famous located around South Beach. You’ll see numerous landmarks as well, but if you’re concerned about being stuck on a crowded vessel you’ll be pleased to know that the three boats available with Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise offer a much more intimate experience than what you’d find with most boat tours. The boat tour begins and ends at Bayside Marketplace, where you can do even more sightseeing — unless you’d rather get some shopping done. There is also a wide range of entertainment and dining options available as well, which can ensure that you finish your day off in style after your tour is over. Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card. Duck Tours South Beach Bike and Roll Miami: Bike Rental Key West Day Trip Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Pérez Art Museum If the idea of visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens sounded appealing to you, then you'll also want to hit up the Pérez Art Museum Miami for an extra dose of artistic inspiration. Exhibitions particularly focus on the unique artistic culture of Miami, with its confluence of diverse methods and traditions in a distinctive geographic locale. You'll get to enjoy everything from painting and sculpture to photography and textile arts. In addition to their exciting regular collections, they also offer a number of special exhibits on a variety of themes, Miami-inspired and otherwise. Plus, the building itself is a unique architectural design, so it's a pleasure to visit even if you don't spend too much time perusing the contents inside. Be sure to check out their excellent selection at the gift shop, too. Getting In: Pérez Art Museum tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card. To Sum Up... As you can see, there's so much more to do in Miami besides party - although there's nothing to say that you can't combine a little club-hopping with any of these top attractions during the day. From bike rides to museums to tours and beyond, there's something to appeal to every taste and every style of travel in sunny South Beach. And remember, you can save on admission to all of these great Miami activities with the Go Miami® Card, so pick one up today!
Go City Expert
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Top 10+ Things to Do in Miami for First Time Visitors – Must See & Do Attractions

From the famous beaches, to top-rated night life, to popular attractions perfect for the whole family, Miami has it all. Relax on South Beach, explore Downtown lounges and restaurants, and get to know the artistic culture of Miami in the Wynwood District. If you're traveling to Miami for the first time and feel overwhelmed with options (we get it - there's a lot to do here!), then not to worry, we've put together the perfect guide of all the must-see and do attractions. Our top things to do in Miami include... Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Miami Seaquarium Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise South Beach Duck Tours Zoo Miami Jet Boat Miami Jungle Island Gray Line Miami Day Trip to Key West Vicayza Museum and Gardens Everglades Airboat Tour Bike Rentals and more! Save on Admission to Top Things to Do in Miami Many of these must-see attractions are available on the Go Miami Card. Choose as you go from dozens of popular Miami attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available Miami passes, attractions, & prices – Learn more. Please keep in mind that some of the attractions listed in this post may be separately ticketed and not be currently included with the Go Miami Card. 1. Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami This is the best way to kick off your trip to Miami. It combines the need to get around with a fun and informative sightseeing tour. Aboard the double-decker, open-air bus you'll drive past and be able to hop on and off at many famous Miami spots. Pass Miami Seaquarium, South Beach, Jungle Island, and more all while listening to your charismatic tour guide provide a history of this beach town. Getting in: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami 1-Day Tour tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 2. Miami Seaquarium Image credit: Miami Seaquarium Facebook Page The Miami Seaquarium is a great family attraction if you're planning to head down to Miami with the kids. This 38-acre paradise full of marine animals is right on the water and offers fantastic views of Biscayne Bay and beyond, which makes for a great backdrop as you explore the grounds. The aquarium's mission is to create a fun and interactive way to teach visitors about the best way to conserve and save our marine life. There are eight different animal performances, shows, and feedings throughout the day as well as ten different themed exhibition halls that showcase animals from around the world. Head to Penguin Island to see your favorite tuxedo-d creatures, dive under the water and see colorful fish and corals at Tropical Reef, and touch the back of a slimy stingray at the Stingray Tank. Getting in: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 3. Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise Take a relaxing cruise around Biscayne Bay and soak in the beautiful views of Miami's coastline. This 80-minute tour will take you around the coast and over to the Venetian Islands. You'll enjoy delicious food and drinks on board, listen to live music, and really chill out aboard one of the double-decker cruise ships. Your tour guide will narrate the entire trip as you pass homes of the rich and famous, iconic Miami landmarks, and picturesque beaches. Getting in: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 4. Duck Tours South Beach Image Credit: Duck Tours South Beach Facebook Taking a Duck Tour around South Beach is an absolute must when visiting Miami. You'll experience the area by land and sea, which means you won't miss a thing! These amphibious vehicles will take you past the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, and much, much more. With each landmark you pass, your guide will provide a history and plenty of fun facts. You'll even have a chance to become part of the tour with interactive games and questions as you ride. Getting in: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 5. Zoo Miami This is another great place to take the family while in Miami! Zoo Miami allows you to travel the entire world all in one place. The 340-acre compound is home to 3,000 animals, 1,200 plants and trees, and seven themed zones with animals from each continent. You can feed camels and giraffes, meet the keepers and listen to scheduled animal talks, and pet familiar farm animals at the petting zoo. Explore each zone and find your favorite animals, both big and small. Watch the elephants, lions, tigers, and jaguars roaming in their habitats. Don't miss the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit, a habitat full of local animals from the marshlands and swamps across Florida. Come face-to-face with alligators, North American Black Bears, bobcats, and Bald Eagles. Getting in: Zoo Miami tickets included on Go Miami Card. 6. Jet Boat Miami Need to cool down on a hot day? Try a Jet Boat ride around the waters of Miami. This ride will get your adrenaline pumping as you race across the sea at 45 mph doing twists, turns, and jumps over the waves. Even though you'll be moving at top speed for the most part, your expert operator will make sure to point out the famous sights along the coastline. Getting in: Jet Boat Miami tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 7. Jungle Island After a hiatus for renovations, Jungle Island is back and better than ever before! This animal oasis has now expanded to become a hub of activities and attractions. The eco-adventure park still offers its famous animal encounters and experiences. Learn more about lemurs, sloths, birds, and more. You can even interact and get up close to them! One of the newest additions is the Neo Splash Water Park Pop Up, which is open from June until the end of September. The park boasts 60-foot water slides, wave pools, areas to relax and more. It's the perfect place to go after exploring all the animal exhibits under the sun. There is still much more to come at Jungle Island, too, so keep your eyes peeled. Getting in: Jungle Island tickets include Go Miami Card. 8. Gray Line Miami - Key West Day Trip Photo via Expert Vagabond You'll cross over 42 bridges and hop over 32 islands to get to Key West, the Southern Most Point in the U.S. It'll feel like you've been transported to a Caribbean paradise once you've arrived! You'll have the entire day to explore the island for yourself. Shop around the local boutiques, dine on delicious cuisine, appreciate the street art, and really immerse yourself in the culture of the Keys. You'll find that the Keys have a very relaxed and 'go with the flow' vibe. Whether you spend the day relaxing on the beach or choose to load up on activities, like kayaking or visiting the Hemingway House, you'll have a blast exploring the island for the day. Getting in: Gray Line Miami: Key West Day Trip tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 9. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens A visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Garden will arouse your cultural senses. With a lush tropical garden and a gorgeous mansion full of artifacts and unique art pieces, it's the perfect place for art-lovers and those in search of learning more about Miami's history. Peruse the museum and find vintage furniture, paintings from years and years ago, and beautiful homemade jewelry. Outside, a walk through the garden will provide unmatched views of Biscayne Bay and a great surrounding to sit down and relax for a bit. Getting in: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 10. Everglades Airboat Tour Discover the mystery of the marshlands in the Everglades of South Florida. Everglades Alligator Farm is the oldest alligator farm in Florida and is home to over 2,000 alligators. Zip through the tall grass over the marshlands and keep your eyes peeled for swamp creatures. You'll see several species of alligators, crocodiles, and snakes from aboard the airboat. Your tour guide will be sure to point them out and describe each species' unique characteristics. Getting in: Everglades Alligator Tour & Airboat Ride tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 11. Bike Rentals The best way to get out and take advantage of Miami's sunshine-y weather is to rent a bike. Over the past couple of years, the city has become very bike-friendly, with many bike-only lanes added to popular routes and main roads. So strap on your helmet and get to pedaling with a Bike and Roll Full Day Rental. Miami is yours to explore, so use their handy map to check off all the places you'd like to see. You can create your own route and get to all the spots on your bucket list by bike. The best part? You'll be outside enjoying the great weather and beautiful surroundings the whole time. Getting in: Bike and Roll - Full Day Bike Rental tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 12. Wynwood Art District Photo via Flickr The Wynwood Art District is home to over 70 galleries, museums, and street art murals. It's considered to be one of the largest open-air street art installations in the world. The district was founded by Mark Coetzee, who had originally tested out this concept in his hometown of Capetown, South Africa. Miami is already an arts-y society as it is, so the Wynwood walls and art district fit in perfectly. Every second Saturday of the month, a public art walk is held where all of the galleries and collections open their doors and allow visitors in for free. If you'd like to take a guided tour of the Wynwood District and make sure you don't miss any of the major pieces, try the Cycle Party Wynwood Miami Insta Tour. Aboard the trolley cart, you'll drive past countless murals and your guide will tell you more about each one and the history of the art that calls the Wynwood District home. Getting in: Cycle Party Wynwood Miami Insta Tour tickets are included on Go Miami Card. 13. South Beach Photo via World Travel Guide It's the neighborhood and beach that needs no introduction: famous South Beach. The South Beach area was the first to be developed back in 1910 and is still a hub of activity and sightseeing down in Miami. Here is where you'll find the best restaurants, pool clubs, boutiques, hotels, and nightclubs. There's always something going on in South Beach. And of course, the beach itself is something you can't skip. The bright blue waters and comfy lounge chairs make for a perfect place to kickback and relax on at least one of your days in Miami. 14. Art Deco District Photo via Flickr The Miami Beach Architectural District, also known as the Art Deco District, is another great place for art and architecture lovers to go. Located right in South Beach, this area is most famously known for being the home of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace's iconic Versace Mansion on Ocean Drive. It is also very well-known for it's old-fashioned looking buildings that light up in fluorescent neon colors come nighttime. With so much to see and do here, you might want to opt for a guided tour to guarantee you don't miss any of the action. Embark on the Official Walking Art Deco Walking Tour and learn more about the history of the area and its iconic buildings. Getting in: The Official Art Deco Walking Tour tickets are included on Go Miami Card. Let’s Recap There you have it – our must-see and must-do list of attractions and sights in Miami. Even if you can't add every single one of them into your itinerary, we hope this helped narrow down your choices! Remember, you can save up to 55% on admission to a number of these popular attractions and more with a Go Miami Card.
Nicole Muto
Beach
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Miami Itinerary – 3 Days in Miami for First Timers

Spending a long weekend in Miami and aren’t sure what to do with your time? Check out this popular 3 Days in Miami Itinerary for ideas on what to do and where to go. This 3 day itinerary includes: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Little Havana (free!) Everglades Tour from Miami Key West Day Trip Duck Tours South Beach Art Deco Walking Tour Miami Seaquarium Only have a few days in Miami? We’ve also put together a 1 day and 2-day itinerary to help you with your planning. On the flip side, if you have more vacation time, we recommend you spend some additional time down in Key West - this Florida Keys road trip itinerary is a fun way to explore Miami and everything in between Key West. DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus Miami Sightseeing Tour This hop-on, hop-off tour is an ideal introduction to the city of Miami itself. Big Bus Miami will take you throughout the city and the surrounding neighborhoods, hitting all the major highlights and hotspots. Some included sights on your tour include the Vizcaya Museum, the Freedom Tower, and much much more. Remember to pick up your ticket in advance at the Big Bus Miami Central Station. You can choose to hop on or off at any of the stops along the way, or, stay on for the full length of the tour (which will take about 3 hours). Stop #2: Little Havana (free!) Something you should not miss on your Miami vacation is the chance to explore on of the city's most famous neighborhoods – Little Havana. It's the locus of a whole bunch of cultural, social, and culinary traditions with a primarily Cuban influence (although many other Hispanic cultures are also represented here). You'll find frequent festivals and special events (so check an event calendar before your visit). Cultural Fridays are a recurring one that should be easy to check out. Or, if you just want to get a taste for the area – literally – hit up one of their authentic restaurants. Stop #3: Everglades Tour This Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Tour is the perfect way to see and experience the fantastic natural world of the Florida Everglades. It’s a half-day-long excursion that exposes you to the wild and wonderful throughout the swamplands. Take an airboat ride, marvel at the Wildlife Nature Show, stroll the Jungle Walkway, and more at this enchanting attraction. Don’t forget your camera to capture some photos of the iconic Florida alligator (from a safe distance, of course)! This tour lasts approximately 5 hours. DAY 2 Stop #1: Key West Day Tour Today is your day for total relaxation and fun. Take a Key West Day Trip and do nothing but lounge and enjoy the sunshine and waves. Or, you can opt to shop, dine, and otherwise explore Key West itself. Some optional activities you can do while in Key West include paying a visit to the Hemingway house, hopping aboard an eco-kayaking adventure, or setting sail on a dolphin-watching cruise. Whatever suits your fancy, you’ve got all day in Key West to enjoy it. Be sure to time your trip so that you see the setting sun in Mallory Square – you'll get some of the most beautiful photos you'll ever take. This tour will take the entire day, beginning early in the morning. DAY 3 Stop #1: Duck Tours South Beach Take your last day in Miami to spend a little more time in South Beach. The Duck Tours South Beach will give you a broad overview of the highlights and hotspots of South Beach and beyond, providing some really stellar photo opportunities. Some highlights of your tour will include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire’s Row, and Star Island, among many others. Plus, your tour guide is a professionally trained actor and comic who is sure to delight passengers the entire time. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Stop #2: Art Deco Walking Tours Another excellent perspective on South Beach comes with a stroll through its famous historic Art Deco district. Featuring the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the entire world (you read that right), this neighborhood is a must-see for architecture nuts and history buffs. This tour will take approximately 90 minutes, and is conducted on foot. We recommend comfy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Stop #3: Miami Seaquarium Located on lovely Virginia Key, the Miami Seaquarium is the premier destination for all things marine life in Miami. Filled with exciting animal shows, educational exhibits, and informative presentations, an afternoon at the Seaquarium will delight the whole family. This institution is also dedicated to wildlife conservation and rescue, so many of the creatures that call the Seaquarium home have actually been rescued and rehabilitated from the wild. Be sure to pay a visit to the manatees, who represent the single largest population of rescued marine creatures at the park. We recommend reserving about 2 hours for this attraction. Save on Attraction Admission This 3 days in Miami itinerary is designed to combine the best of beachy, relaxing attractions with entertainment and education. Our suggested list of things to do will also help you really get a feel for the area, and allow you to leave knowing you’ve made the most of your limited time. Pick up a 3-day pass for Miami by Go City® and save big on combined admission prices vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3-day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami. Go City® 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.
Katie Sagal

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