Relaxing Things to do in Miami

By Sarah Harris

Miami is the perfect relaxing coastal getaway. With its sun-soaked beaches and clear blue skies, we couldn’t think of a better place to take a serene break. Still, the list of great things to do in the Magic City goes way beyond the seaside. No, really – trust us when we say that Miami runs the gamut with cool activities and attractions for all kinds of travellers. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, we highly recommend Everglades National Park for all of its beauty and splendour. To get to know the area, we like Coconut Grove for all of its chic stores, waterfront cafes and beautiful green spaces. And if you’re looking to make a splash, nothing could quite be better than a trip to the Venetian Pool. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are listing all of our favorite relaxing things to do in Miami below. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a notepad and keep scrolling!

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Hit the Beach

Of course, a trip to Miami isn’t complete without a stop at the beach. The city is famous for its many wonderful seaside attractions – however, one of them particularly stands out for its natural beauty. An undoubtedly quintessential Miami attraction, South Beach has long been recognized for its pristine palm-fringed shores and crystal-clear waters. In fact, this place is so picture-perfect that it has consistently served as a TV and movie backdrop throughout the years – the attraction can be spotted in Miami Vice and even Scarface. Walking along the beachfront, you might even catch something in action! For those who are looking to experience that elusive postcard image of a tropical beach in real life – this is the place. Upon arrival, visitors can rent out lounge chairs and beach umbrellas for a small fee and kick back under the sun. We recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area, which has a lot of wonderful Art Deco architecture, waterside cafes and quirky stores well worth checking out.

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Get Some Fresh Air

When travelling, it’s always a good idea to spend some time out in Mother Nature. With its unique tropical landscape and perennial sunshine, Miami is a fantastic place to explore for outdoorsy types – this we know. Whilst the city presents countless wonderful green spaces to discover, one of our favorites has got to be Everglades National Park for its out of this world beauty. This spot draws in over one million visitors each year – and with good reason. The park is the largest subtropical wilderness site in the United States and is recognized for its entirely distinctive ecosystem which is characterized by its incredible biodiversity. A protected and fragile landscape, this place is home to a wide variety of rare plants and threatened wildlife. Amongst the relaxing activities, you’ll find here, hiking, birdwatching, sailing and boating are all popular choices. As one of the most beautiful spots in Florida, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend a sunny day on vacation.

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Miami is an exciting city with a lot of great things to offer – but sometimes the city can just get a little too much. For those times, we recommend checking out one of the area’s wonderful green spaces. Our particular favorite is Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its unique collection of rare and exotic flora. First opened to the public in 1938, this spot earned its spot long ago as one of the most magical places in Miami. Covering 83 acres of lush subtropical gardens, Fairchild is a treasure trove of natural beauty and wonder. Think magnificent centuries-old oak trees, wild trailing vines and vibrant flowers of all kinds. The place is home to the only rainforest in America, as well as the biggest collection of tropical bamboo in the world, with 125 species on display. In addition, visitors will enjoy the small butterfly emporium. A thoroughly educational and Instagrammable excursion, we love this spot for highlighting the true power of nature.

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Soak Up the Sun

Sat along the southeastern coastline, Miami is famed for its year-round subtropical climate. The city can get hot – and we mean like, hot-hot. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool down, don’t worry – we know just the place! Standing out from all other aquatic attractions in the city, the Venetian Pool is a refreshing urban oasis known for its unique design and great history. Built into an old, abandoned rock quarry in 1921, this spot has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whilst it has seen many stages of development, the attraction always maintains its original Mediterranean Revival style to reflect the city’s strong Latino community. Filled with over 820, 000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the continental United States. There is a sunning area, kiddie pool, and a café and bar space– so, everybody’s happy. Fun, relaxing and luxurious all at the same time, this place will no doubt quench your thirst for the perfect pool day.

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Another one of our favorite relaxing things to do in Miami is visit Coconut Grove. Affectionately known as The Grove by locals, this beautiful free-spirited neighborhood is a great spot for taking a low-key day to explore the area. The spot dates back to the early twentieth century and is the oldest continuously-inhabited neighborhood in Miami. Set along the shores of Biscayne Bay, the district is known for its lush tropical greenery and elegant architecture. Flanked along its quiet residential streets, visitors can expect to find farmers’ markets, art galleries and interesting cultural landmarks. Take a quiet leisurely stroll, stop for a bite to eat at one of its top-notch waterside eateries, or browse the stores – the world’s your oyster! No matter how you choose to enjoy this wonderful scenic spot, we’re sure you’ll have a blast.

Famed for its wonderful weather and scenic greenery, it’s no surprise that Miami is a total hub for recreation and relaxation. Explore the city to its full potential with an 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
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Art Galleries in Miami

Miami is well known across the globe for its pristine beaches and exciting nightlife. Still, if you’re already a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, we won’t have to tell you already that the area has far more to offer. To get a fuller sense of the city, we think it’s pretty important to check out the local art scene – and what better way to do it than by stopping by the galleries? Holding some of the best collections and exhibitions in the state, these attractions are well worth the visit. From contemporary art and sculpture gardens to graffiti and technological exhibitions, there’s a little something for everybody here. If you’re not quite sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve spent a lot of time in Miami and are listing all of our favorites below. No matter which place you choose, there’s no going wrong here. See the Sites The Rubell Museum undoubtedly makes the list for its private collection of world-class contemporary art. This sprawling museum complex is made up of six former industrial buildings and features forty galleries to be explored. Inside, visitors can enjoy over 7, 000 works by more than 1, 000 artists. Works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, and Cindy Sherman are all shown in the museum, so it’s hard to spotlight just a few masterpieces, but perhaps the most famous pieces are Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroee, 1967 and Damien Hirst’s Dance Naked, 1997. If you’re looking to see pieces which truly changed the history of art, this is the ticket. If you’re anything like us, then the art gallery is the perfect way to spend the day. For those who are particularly interested in contemporary art, we recommend checking out Pérez Art Museum. Formerly known as the Miami Art Museum, the establishment was relocated just downtown in 2013, and is currently the most popular establishment of its kind in the city. The institute provides a fantastic visual experience with a focus on 20th- and 21st-century work from around the globe. Though its collection is on the smaller side, it packs a lot of punch, featuring artists such as Dan Flavin, Hernan Bas and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Great for those of all ages, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Get Cultured Habitually waxing and waning, art has a powerful effect on the way we view the world. For those who like to keep in touch with what’s new on the scene, the David Castillo Gallery might just be your jam. With a focus on current working artists, this small yet sparky gallery is a great stop for all art lovers. Its impressive and forward-thinking collection largely features women, queer artists, and artists of color in order to present a different point of view. A total treat for postmodern art enthusiasts, this place is practically bursting open with all things unique. Inside, you’ll find everything from abstract and mixed media paintings to surreal videography and floating installations. A little out there and a lot of fun, this place most certainly knows its audience. If you're looking to quench your thirst for quirky art, this is the right choice. Another one of our favorite places to visit in the city is the Bass Museum. Located right in the heart of Miami Beach, this is a great spot for anybody with an interest in contemporary art. The institute’s program embraces all styles of work – from paintings and photography to fashion and installation, this place has it all. Walking through this beautiful and intimate space, you’ll no doubt be wowed by the bold pieces and the work behind them. Although the majority of these works are not from world-famous names, the work is well worth seeing for the innovation and creativity which they display. A fantastic cultural jewel, this popular attraction would make the perfect low-key day out. Try Something Different Miami may well be known for all of its glitz and glam, but there’s a quirky side of the city just waiting to be discovered. Located in the coolest neighborhood of Miami, Wynwood Walls is a trendy street art destination bringing all of the best creatives together from around the globe. Covering over 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse walls, this is one of the largest open air street art installations in the world. The brainchild of community revitalizer Tony Goldman, this unique space works to give street art credit where credit is due. From evocative political messages and ideas of resistance to fantastic humor pieces and fun pop culture references, the walls tell their own story. Whether you’re an alternative artist yourself or just looking for that perfect selfie backdrop, this is the place to be. We recommend sticking around to explore the surrounding area, which has some great eateries, bars and fashion boutiques. For those who are looking for something a little different, Artechouse Miami offers a fantastic experimental experience like no other. Standing out from all the other creative attractions in the city, the institute works to showcase the future of art through dazzling technology-driven exhibitions. As the nation’s first institute of its kind, this place truly delivers something special. Inside, visitors can enjoy trippy digital artworks from a wide range of up-and-coming artists. Prepare for bold colors, pretty patterns and captivating imagery. Most certainly, you’ll be blown away by what this place has in store. Undoubtedly unique and thoroughly hypnotic, we love this spot for bringing something new to the table. So, there you have it! Six great galleries in Miami that are sure to blow a day at the beach out of the water! Whether you’re looking to learn something new or mix it up for date night, the Magic City is brimming with awesome galleries to check out. From fun contemporary collections and quirky intimate spaces to outdoor street art exhibits, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. 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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Miami in March

Planning on travelling to Miami this spring? Well, you’ve come to the right place! From fantastic tropical gardens and natural resort centers to fascinating museums and historical sites, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in a group or travelling solo, trust us when we say that you’ll find no shortage of interesting things to do here. However you choose to explore The Magic City, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing our favorite things to do here to help you plan the perfect trip. So, without further ado, grab a notepad and let’s dive in! Explore the Area Perhaps one of the things Florida is best known for is its jaw-dropping natural attributes. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, you won’t have to search far. Standing out for its unparalleled beauty and unique holdings, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is well-recognized as one of the best parks of its kind in all of the United States. Established way back in 1936, this unique attraction is home to the expansive and rare collection of avid plant collector and botanist David Fairchild, which he brought back from his travels. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, since the spectacularly manicured displays will be in full bloom. In addition, this famous green space is home to the largest palm collection in America, with over 500 species to be enjoyed. Quiet and serene, this exquisite display of greenery is not to be missed. If you only visit one garden in Miami, let it be this one. March is a wonderful time to visit Miami, since it should be warm enough to enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions without being too hot and humid. If you’re looking for something a little different, Coral Castle is a great stop carrying a lot of fascinating history. Standing out as one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, this interesting sculpture park dates way back to the early twentieth century. Carved out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction methods were available, the structure is just as famous for its creative process as it is for its looks. In fact, the ‘’castle’’ has been bewildering scientists, engineers and scholars ever since its opening. For a truly mind-bending experience steeped in history, head just a little south of the city to check out the park for yourself. Exciting and quirky, this place provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience to remember. Find Fun Activities There’s nothing quite better than a trip to the zoo – and trust us when we say that Miami could not be better for this type of experience. The most obvious place to hit up in the city if you’re looking to see some impressive animals is, of course, Zoo Miami. Spread over an impressive 750 acres of land, the institute is in fact recognized as the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The zoo’s broad and impressive collection includes over 3, 000 animals across 500 species to be enjoyed. Highlights include jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. If you want to get up close with your favorite furry (or slimy) friends, don’t worry – this place has interactive experiences of all kinds! We recommend checking times before setting off, so you’ll be sure to catch any feedings, live educational shows, and special tours that you want. Both fun and educational, we love this place for bringing that sense of childlike wonder back into our lives. Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of March (or any time of year, really) is visit the Miami Seaquarium. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, this place offers a unique and captivating experience that’s well worth the visit. First opened in 1955, the Miami Seaquarium is well-recognized as one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of over 10, 000 exotic sea and freshwater specimens. Indeed, this is one of the largest collections of marine animals in the entire world as it stands - so take good advantage of this! Amongst the oceanarium’s collection, you’ll find everything from colorful tropical fish and jellyfish to sharks and orcas. In addition, the institute houses semi-aquatic animals, including penguins, turtles, and seals. Undoubtedly one of the best aquariums in the world, this attraction is surely not to be skipped! Learn Something New Though Miami is perhaps best known for its scenic sugar-sand beaches and unique tropical beauty, its cultural amenities are not to be ignored. Working to share the power of science in a fun and digestible way, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum has been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for those with curious minds, you’ll find that the institute covers a wide range of topics in a clear and easy manner. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Learn about magnetism and electric currents through immersive exhibitions. Catch a comprehensive glimpse of what life looks like under the sea at the aquarium. Or, dive deep into the fascinating details of the universe at the planetarium – the choice is yours! With so much to do, see and experience, it’d be easy to get lost and spend the entire day here. No doubt, Miami is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Still, we especially love the Magic City in springtime for its light breeze, balmy weather, and smaller crowds. The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from seriously fun to fantastically entertaining, this place has it all. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city and make memories to remember. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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