Relaxing Things to do in Miami

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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Miami in September

Known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and perennially sunny disposition, Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the American south. September is a fantastic time to visit since it will be hot enough to enjoy all of the city’s wonderful outdoor attractions to their fullest. Still, Miami is much more than just a place for beach bunnies to wash their feet in the sand. From fantastic cultural amenities and hidden gems to great shopping opportunities and dining, the city has so much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re planning to make a trip to Miami, and aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – that's where we come in. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing some of our favorite things to do in the area. Let’s dive in! See the Sites Since Florida is well-recognized for its unusual subtropical climate and beautiful greenery, it only makes sense to visit one of the area’s wonderful botanical gardens. Standing out for its expansive collection of rare and exotic plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is recognized as one of the best parks of its kind. Established and opened to the public in 1938, this space works to showcase the unique collection of keen botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Throughout his lifetime, Fairchild brought over 200, 000 specimens back to the United States – many of which grow in the garden. Walking through the space, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful mixture of local and native flora. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously cared for, each display is a total sight to behold. No doubt one of the most breathtaking places in all of Miami, this wonderful treasure trove of natural beauty is a total must-see. If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Ranking way up high on our travel bucket list, Coral Castle is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and culture of the city at the same time. Sat just off the South Dixie Highway, this unique historic attraction draws in visitors for its beautiful handiwork as well as the mystery surrounding it. Built out of 1,100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, nobody is quite sure how the artist created this piece. As a result, this sculpture garden is not only a beautiful art piece but a weird and wonderful accomplishment that continues to stump its visitors. Though it has been decades since the artist’s passing, scientists, engineers and scholars still debate Leedskalnin’s creative process. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this popular attraction is no doubt one of the most interesting stops in the city. Find Interesting Activities September has always been one of Miami’s hottest months. For those who have trouble dealing with all the heat and humidity, the city has plenty of great indoor activities to offer to keep you cool. If you’re looking for art and culture in the Magic City, Miami's museums are the perfect place to take refuge from the heat and soak up some knowledge at the same time. Just downtown, you’ll find the Pérez Art Museum, specializing in 20th- and 21st-century art from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking through the establishment, you’ll be able to enjoy a comprehensive collection of over 2,000 works covering a wide variety of styles. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Both fun and interesting, the institute works to provide a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. Though Miami is known for all of its glitz and glamor, the city has a grungier side that’s well worth checking out. Situated in the city’s coolest neighborhood, is a fantastic outdoor street museum showcasing bold and colorful works from some of the world’s finest graffiti artists. Spanning over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, the space works to spotlight alternative artists. At Wynwood Walls, you’ll see realist, surrealist, and pop art all in one space. To gain further insight into the artists and styles which are shown here, look for guided tours of the area. Since this spot is always transforming itself, you can visit over and over again and still be blown away each time. Don’t forget to bring a camera to catch some snaps of the incredible pieces! Relax! With daily high temperatures rarely falling below the mid-80s, September would be a great month for hitting the beach. Whilst Miami is home to a great number of legendary beaches, our favorite is always South Beach for its soft turquoise surf and sugar-sand shores. With a long history of glitz and glam, this beach is well known for drawing in visitors with its picturesque views. You might see modelling shoots whilst walking along the sand, or even recognize it from one of your favorite TV shows. Amongst the various things to do here, surfing, paddle boarding, longboarding, and sailing are all popular choices. A total crowd-pleaser, this place has long served as one of the city’s most beloved visitor attractions not only for its crystal-clear waters but also because of the area in which it is situated. Venture a little off from its pristine shores to enjoy fantastic Art Deco architecture and tempting eateries close by. We also recommend staying in the area come nightfall, since South Beach is a total hub for exciting nightlife hotspots. We think it’s safe to say that you’ll never be bored at South Beach. Forever fun and bursting with life, there’s no place quite like Miami. Once the heat cranks up, you’ll find tourists soaking up the sun and exploring the boardwalk at South Beach. Still, there are so many things to do in September, that it’s difficult to count. From interesting museums and historic sites to wonderful tropical gardens and outdoor exhibits, the city has a little something to offer everybody. Explore the city to its full potential 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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Where to Stay in Miami

Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is famed for its beautiful beaches and clear blue skies. The Sunshine State draws in over 20 million visitors each year – and with good reason! And while Miami is proud of its wonderful natural attributes, there’s a lot more to see here than just the city’s wonderful beaches. No, really – we mean it. For those who like to be in the center of everything, South Beach is a great choice. If you’re a creative type, we recommend Wynwood. Or, if you’re looking for something a little quieter, Coconut Grove really hits the spot. Remember, there’s no one perfect area – rather, one that is best suited to your travel needs. Still not certain about where you’d like to stay in Miami? Don’t worry, we’re got you covered! Have a read through our list of some of the most popular places that people like to stay in when travelling in Miami. However you choose to enjoy your trip, we’re sure it’ll be great! South Beach When most people picture Miami, the paradisial image of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters springs to mind. Most people ain’t wrong. Thankfully, the city’s major tourist hub South Beach offers the chance to stay close up to the beach with the added bonus of being in the center of all of the action. Vibrant and buzzing with life, this area is great for those who like to be entertained. Streets are flanked with beautiful art-deco buildings, indie boutiques and sandal-friendly cafes – so you know that there’s no shortage of things to do here. Come nightfall, the area comes to life with celebrity chef dining options, beachside cocktail bars, and nightclubs. Whilst the area can get a little crowded, it’s one of the most fun places in Miami to stay in. South Beach can also be a little more expensive than other areas of Miami, especially during the summer months when the city becomes especially crowded. Still, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach. If you do plan to stay here, we suggest booking far in advance. Little Havana As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Miami presents no shortage of places to rest your head, each as wonderful as the next. If you're looking for a fun and cost-effective area to stay in, Little Havana just might be the answer. Located just west of downtown, this place is a center of social, cultural and political activity in Miami. Little Havana is currently the best-known Cuban exile neighborhood in the world, and is characterized by its vibrant community, historical landmarks and great food. In addition, the district is known for its historic bungalows, Mission Revival blocks and oolitic limestone facades, all of which are protected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Teeming with culture and full of life, this area when it comes to staying in Miami without breaking the bank. Plus, the food is to die for – hey, what more would we ask for, right? Downtown Miami is perhaps best-known for its pristine white-sand beaches, though visitors will also find a whole host of other great things to appreciate from fascinating historic sites to delicious eats and beyond. If you’re looking to experience the Magic City from a whole other perspective, we recommend staying Downtown. Though Downtown is recognized as the historic heart of the city, this area has experienced something of a renaissance; walking through the streets, you’ll find an eclectic mix of modern high-rises and fascinating landmarks. Stay here, and you’ll be within minutes of a lot of popular visitor attractions, including the Pérez Art Museum, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and HistoryMiami Museum. In addition, the area grants spectacular views of the picturesque Biscayne Bay. Another plus side of staying downtown is that the area is well-recognized for its abundance of fun dive bars, cocktail lounges and mega-clubs. With so much to see, do and experience, those who stay here will be spoilt for choice! Coconut Grove Another one of our favorite places to stay in Miami has got to be Coconut Grove. A tranquil oasis set just south of downtown, this spot delivers on every level. Known colloquially as The Grove by locals, this is the oldest continuously-inhabited neighborhood in the city. Brimming with history and culture, Coconut Grove has much to offer for those who like to incorporate a little education into their holiday experience. In addition, this area is well-recognized for its scenic lush greenery and relaxed atmosphere, as well as the peacocks which roam the streets. The area is a little quieter and less crowded than say South Beach or Little Havana, making it perfect for those who are looking for a laid-back vacation experience. The only downside of staying in Coconut Grove is that accommodation prices are higher than average, so you should be aware of that. Still, for a touch of culture and storied history, there’s nowhere better to stay in the city. Wynwood & the Miami Design District A sprawling metropolis seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami has much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re an artsy type, you might want to consider checking out either Wynwood or the Miami Design District. A once-gritty community, Wynwood is now a revitalized subdistrict with much to offer for those with a passion for the arts. Some of its most popular visitor attractions include Oasis, a massive outdoor entertainment venue, and Wynwood Walls, one of the largest outdoor urban art museums in the world. A few blocks away is the modern and upscale Miami Design District, known for its sleek architecture, trendy shopping destinations and great galleries. Those looking for great culture and vibrant nightlife should enjoy either of these areas, depending on the budget. Miami is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year. There are a ton of fantastic things to do, places to visit, and great spots to eat in The Magic City. And now, you don’t have to miss out! 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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