Relaxing Things to do in Miami

Published: July 18, 2024

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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Things to do in Brickell Miami

Looking for things to do in Miami? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Miami is a wonderful tourism hub boasting incredible scenery and fun attractions for you and your loved ones. The Magic City is one of the most popular visitor hotspots in the United States, with many of its visitors choosing to stay in Brickell. Located just south of the Central Business District, the area is characterized by its modern high-rises, unique landmarks and great shopping destinations. Highlights include browsing the stores at Brickell City Centre, walking the Underline, and sipping cocktails high above the city at Sugar. With tourists only visiting for a week or two, this means you’ll have to choose how you want to spend your time wisely. So, if you’ve never made your way over to the Sunshine State before and aren’t quite sure where to start, have a read through our list of cool things to see and do in the area. Let’s get started! Explore the Area Though Miami is well-recognized for its pristine paradisial beaches and lush greenery, its modern urban center has something a little different to offer visitors. There are countless wonderful attractions to check out in Brickell, but one of our favorites has got to be Brickell City Centre, a sprawling open-air mall spanning over five blocks. Whether you’re looking to shop ‘til you drop or grab a bite to eat, this place has it all. For those who enjoy a vacation heavily focused on retail therapy, this place has a myriad of high-street stores and luxury brands to be enjoyed. If it’s entertainment that you’re after, check out the Cinemex. Or, if you’re looking for some great eats, the center has a wonderful Farmers’ Market which runs every Saturday, serving up a wide variety of delectable options from local artisans. We love this spot because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for something a little different, you might enjoy the next item on our list. Situated along the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay, Brickell Key is a man-made island with calming vibes, refreshing breezes and breathtaking ocean views. Standing out amongst all other aquatic attractions in the city, this place is more than just a place to kick back and relax by the ocean; rather, you’ll find a lot of fun amenities to check out, making it a great place for a fun day trip. Exploring the island, visitors can enjoy everything from great shopping and entertainment to top-notch dining and bars. Combining the urban character of the area with the beachy feel that Miami is best known for, the island has a lot to see for all types of travellers. This place is best explored by foot, so we recommend bringing a lot of sunblock and water with you if you plan to spend most of the day here. Find Interesting Activities Whilst Brickell is known for its modern structures and towering skyscrapers, the area doesn’t disappoint for history lovers. For those who want to learn more about the background of Miami, we recommend the Miami Circle, a fascinating heritage site like no other. Discovered in 1998 and constructed primarily out of limestone bedrock, this architectural marvel is considered to be anywhere between 1, 700 and 2, 000 years old. Though the site doesn’t appear to be particularly impressive upon first glance, it is thought to be the only known evidence of prehistoric permanent structure cut into bedrock in Eastern United States. Areologists believe that the Tequesta Indians used the holes cut into it as support for some sort of structure. Since this is a quick stop, we recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area – you'll find interesting stores, sidewalk cafes, and bars nearby. Relax! With its glittering skyscrapers and busy streets, Brickell can sometimes feel like a bit of a concrete jungle. For those looking to take a break from all of the hustle and bustle, we just might have the answer. Spanning underneath the southern half of Miami's Metrorail, the Underline is an urban trail offering a great respite from city life for those seeking some mobility in nature. Granting fantastic views of the Miami River, this 10-mile stretch is a great place to go for a casual stroll, a fun picnic, or just simply soak up the sun. Aside from its lush greenery, the park has also been utilized as a fantastic public art destination, with the exhibits constantly rotating to keep us on our toes. The spot is also host to a lot of fun events including outdoor yoga, dance, and storytelling for those who are interested. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family or just a quiet spot of contemplation, the Underline serves its purpose well. After a long day of touring, you might just be looking for a great spot to grab a drink and rest your weary feet. Brickell is filled with great bars and nightclubs, though none are quite as noteworthy as Sugar. Nestled in a secret rooftop garden high above the city, this chic cocktail bar brings a luxurious slice of Balinese flair to Brickell. Reflecting the unique tropical landscape of Miami, this place is decked with a hand-carved wooden bar and tiki lounges. If you’re wondering about food (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?) Sugar is known for its incredible Asian tapas dishes, including sushi and dumplings, along with an impressive cocktail program of course. The space is forty floors up, making it one of the most elevated spots in the city and granting incredible 360-views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami cityscape. Sleek and lively, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend an evening in the Magic City. Indeed, Brickell’s to-do list is as plentiful as its sunny days. Fun things to do here run the gamut – whether you’re a serious shopping addict or just looking to explore the local bar scene, you’re sure to find something to suit you. Explore the area 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
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Things to do in Design District Miami

With beautiful beaches, tropical weather and great journeys of the imagination, it's no wonder that Miami is an uber-popular destination for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Located just north of Downtown, the Miami Design District is a cutting-edge and creative neighborhood with a lot to be discovered. Though small, the area packs a punch with everything from trendy art galleries and luxury shopping destinations to enticing food halls and bars. Still not sure how to tackle the Miami Design District? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Have a read through our list of things to see and do in the area. However you choose to explore this unique area of Miami, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast! Get Creative Those looking for art and culture in Miami will not be disappointed with what the Design District has to offer. For a long time, the area has been a center of innovation and creative thought, drawing visitors in from both near and far. If you’re looking for a source of inspiration, perhaps the De La Cruz Collection would be right up your alley. This trendy attraction works to educate its visitors, with a focus on well-established current working artists. Those featured here are a result of reputation, research and exquisite work. Though the institute specializes in contemporary art, you’ll notice that there’s a wide variety of styles – from abstract and surrealist paintings to unique video work and installations, there truly is a lot to see here. We love this place because it’s refreshing and gives us a taste of what’s new in the art world. Some of the best trips include a day or two spent deep inside the halls of a museum. Luckily, perhaps no area more than any other presents more opportunity for fulfilling this very need other than the Design District. If you’re looking to view some first-class art within a beautiful space, there’s no better place to be than the Institute of Contemporary Art. The gallery’s impressive and thoughtfully considered repository works to showcase the recent history of modern art as well as new development within the community. Though the collection steers towards emerging artists, the institute’s permanent collection has works by Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein, and Roy Lichtenstein, among others. Whether you’re a modern art aficionado or a crafting geek, you’re sure to enjoy this wonderful bright space. Art galleries are chock-a-block in the Miami Design District, each offering something a little different. Founded in 1998 by ultra-cool duo COOPER and Elizabeth Withstandley, Locust Projects is a non-profit exhibition space for up-and-coming contemporary artists. Built into a bright renovated warehouse which screams cool, the site is a joy to visit and tends to attract the more creative crowd. Since the space encourages innovation and experimentation, you’ll find a wide variety of styles on display here. The staff is knowledgeable and approachable, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. We love this spot because it works to provide a great look into where the art scene is heading next. Eat and Drink in the Design District Aside from all of the great creative spaces which the Design District is perhaps best known for, the area boasts some seriously great food stops. In fact, there are so many great places that it would be difficult to list them all, but if you’re looking to sample a few different things, we recommend checking out some of its fantastic food halls. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, one of the area’s most renowned food halls has got to be St. Roch Market, a southern-style stop with all the flavor. Serving up a carefully cultivated mix of local food and beverage talent, this place is a sure winner. Another one of our top picks is MIA Market, known for its gourmet culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a tempting mix of cuisines from all across the globe. Whichever you choose to go with here, there’s seriously no going wrong! As if all of the fantastic cultural attractions weren’t enough, the Design District is also home to a great variety of places to wet your whistle. From cool, laidback hangouts to ritzy cocktail lounges, the area has much to offer no matter your style. If you’re looking for the ultimate upscale experience, we recommend Abaco Premium Wines for their scheduled tastings. Known for its impressive collection and knowledgeable staff, this place will make you feel like you’re sipping Pinot Noir in the Napa Valley. Whilst the drinks aren’t cheap here, the experience can’t be beaten. For those who are looking for something a little more laidback, we recommend Wood Tavern, a cozy all-American style bar which specializes in quality craft beers. The Design District comes to life after the sun goes down, so we recommend staying to check out some of the area’s fantastic watering holes, such as Sweet Liberty and Jaguar Sun. Learn Something New When travelling, it’s always a good idea to incorporate a little education into your vacation. For this reason, one of our favorite spots in the Design District is the award-winning Haitian Heritage Museum. Since its inception in 2004, the institute has worked to highlight and maintain the rich culture and background of the region internationally, nationally and locally. The institute is known for its carefully-curated and transcending exhibitions featuring everything from historic artefacts and documents to fantastic art and music. Walking around the place, you’ll no doubt be drawn in by everything that it has to show. Combining art, history and culture all under one roof, there’s a lot to see here. Since Little Haiti is nearby, we recommend taking some time to explore this beautiful and complex area of the city – trust us when we say that you won’t regret it for one minute! Forever fun and undoubtedly cool, the Design District is one of the best places in Miami to explore. Explore the area 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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