Miami Spring Break 2019 - Things to Do in February & March During Your Vacation

Published: July 18, 2024

Miami is a fabulous spring break city. It’s on the top of every vacation list for many reasons, and you won't be surprised to hear that it's a popular destination among couples and groups of friends traveling during this spring vacation season. It's also a great family destination, with much to offer in the way of arts, culture, and outdoorsy fun. Check out our list of popular spring break attractions in Miami, including:

  • Vizcaya Museum
  • Biscayne Bay Cruise
  • Zoo Miami
  • Key West Day Trip
  • and more!

Many of the attractions listed here are included on the Go Miami® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top Miami attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Relax on Beaches

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First things first – let’s hit the beach. There are plenty of options to choose from in Miami, from the ritzier private beaches to the more affordable (but equally warm and sunny) public parks. Some of the most welcoming beaches (good for both adults-only groups and families) include North Hollywood Beach Park, Crandon Park Beach, and Matheson Hammock Park Beach. If you’re looking for a beach with more greenery and perhaps some bike trails, North Shore Open Space Park is a good option. Forget your bike, or couldn’t bring it? Rent a bike and enjoying pedaling the beachside trails to your heart’s content. Getting In: Bike and Roll Miami bike rentals are included with the Go Miami® Card. Admission to private beaches is not included with the Go Miami® Card, but some public beaches are free.

City Tours

A great idea for families visiting Miami is to take a tour of the city. It's the perfect opportunity to see more of the city than you'd be able to explore on your own without an expert guide, and it's a lot of fun, too. Choose a hop-on hop-off option for the most flexibility to choose your own attractions and make your own itinerary, or select a duck boat tour for an incredibly fun time that incorporates land and water explorations. Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami tickets and South Beach duck boat tickets are both included with the Go Miami® Card.

Day Trip to Key West

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If your kids are old enough to take advantage of a day-long excursion, hop aboard a bus trip to Key West and explore the southernmost portion of the Continental United States. After you arrive, you have several hours to explore Key West on your own, with optional additional activities like parasailing or kayaking on the menu, should you choose to partake. Or, you can always stop by landmarks like the Hemingway House just to get a feel for the area. There are also some nice shops and restaurants to enjoy in charming neighborhoods like Mallory Square. Getting In: Key West Day Trips from Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card.

Art Deco Architecture

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Miami is filled with great cultural attractions. From modern and classical art to historic and contemporary architecture, there's a lot of artsy things to love about this amazing city. For one, the whole family will love the chance to explore of the city’s fabulous art deco architecture. Take a self-guided tour, or just roam around on your own. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, so be sure to keep your phone or camera charged. Getting In: Miami Art Deco tour tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card.

Art Museums

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If you're looking for additional artsy attractions, consider visiting a museum or two, like the wonderful Pérez Art Museum or the stunning Vizcaya Museum, complete with lush period gardens and equally fantastic historic architecture. Your admission to the Pérez Art Museum also includes an informative, 45-minute tour of the gallery space. This tour emphasizes the collection highlights and makes all of their exhibits accessible to younger children. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are a particularly unique offering in Miami, representing the splendor of twentieth century grandeur, imagined through the lens of European art and architecture. Don't forget to pay a visit to the lovely Orchidarium. Close out your afternoon with a leisurely stroll along the Baywalk Path, which you can easily pick up in the Museum Park. Getting In: Admission to the Pérez Art Museum and Vizcaya Museum are both included with the Go Miami® Card.

Cruises, Cruises, Cruises

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Since you’ve already had a chance – hopefully – to enjoy a dip in the water on one of Miami’s many sunny beaches, you’ll want to experience the waterways of Miami from a new perspective – with a cruise! Opt for a sightseeing cruise of Biscayne Bay, which provides amazing views of some of the top sites in the area, like the Venetian Islands, the Miami Herald Building, American Airlines Arena, and more. These cruises are fun opportunities to get out on the water with the whole family, and your expert tour guide will make the trip informative as well as enjoyable. Another great option is a glass-bottomed boat cruise, which allows you to work some wildlife observation into your delightful time on the water. Getting In: Biscayne Bay Cruise tickets and glass-bottomed boat cruise tickets are both included with the Go Miami® Card.

The Everglades

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If you’d prefer to explore a different side of a nature, why not choose a trip to the gorgeous Everglades? Everyone will want to catch a glimpse of those famous gators -- even if there's a bit of a fright factor going on there! A thorough tour is a great way to enjoy the water while combining the natural beauty of the wilderness with a chance to see some of Florida’s most notorious critters. Embark on a trip that departs from Miami for maximum convenience. Getting In: Everglades tour tickets are included with the Go Miami® Card.

Animal Parks

Whether you’re an avid animal lover, or you just enjoy the sight of a few tropical fish now and again, Miami has something to keep you happy. Pay a visit to Zoo Miami and meet some of your favorite critters as they romp around spacious and modern enclosures. This zoo has a great deal of variety, housing creatures from across the globe. You'll get opportunities to feed selected animals, too. For those of you who prefer aquatic creatures to furry ones, then the Miami Seaquarium is an excellent option. Known for their rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the Miami Seaquarium joins conservation, education, and fun into one fantastic experience. Getting In: Admission to Zoo Miami and admission to the Miami Seaquarium are both included with the Go Miami® Card.

The Miami Children's Museum

If you're traveling with the whole family for your Spring Break trip, then you'll want to devote some time to something the kids are sure to love. That's where the Miami Children's Museum comes in -- a totally interactive environment that encourages learning through exploration and play. Come here to see the myriad of exhibits, activities, classes, and special programs that go on daily at this local mainstay. Getting In: Admission to the Miami Children's Museum is included with the Go Miami Card.

Frost Museum of Science

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Another great attraction for the kids to enjoy, the Frost Museum of Science is conveniently located right near the PAMM. Build a visit here into a larger educational itinerary if you have kids old enough to enjoy two museums in one day. This fascinating museum combines an aquarium, a planetarium, and a science museum into one fun bundle. The aquarium focuses on the critters of South Florida and around the world, with a three-story exhibition space. The planetarium showcases all kinds of stunning visuals, including the fantastical imagined space of a double helix, a vibrant coral reefs, and, of course, the starry skies above. There are plenty of other exhibits to explore, too, both permanent and temporary. It's sure to be a hit with kids interested in science! Getting In: Frost Museum of Science tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.

Enjoy Shopping & Parks

Don't forget to leave some time to explore Bayside Marketplace, a fun little shopping and dining destination located right by your cruise pickup location. Have lunch or dinner here, and save some time for souvenir hunting. The nearby Bayfront Park also has a lot to explore, from the beautiful fountain to amphitheaters and open-air pavilions. There may be an event or two going on during your stay, so be sure to check it out for any outdoor concerts or plays!

Save on Admission

So there you have it – a fabulous list of suggested attractions that makes the most of all that Miami has to offer visitors during their Spring Break vacation. Whether you’re available for a long weekend or for more time, we’re sure you’ll find something to love about sunny South Beach.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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10+ Free Things to Do in Miami

Miami is more than just perfect weather, pristine beaches, and great nightlife, it's also a busy, multi-cultural metropolis with more to offer visitors than its beaches. Miami is the closest city in the US to the Caribbean – a metropolitan tropical paradise, right in the US. Despite what you may have heard about it being one of the most expensive cities in the US, there's no shortage of affordable and free things to do in Miami for a fun vacation. Our local experts put together a list of some of the best free things to do in Miami, all great suggestions that can help round out your vacation itinerary, including... Little Havana South Beach Lummus Park Beach South Pointe Park Gables Art Walk and more... Miami Art Museum Experience Miami's Museum Scene: Head to the Miami Art Museum between 1PM and 4PM on the second Saturday of the month, when it's free for families with children. It's a great opportunity to create art, enjoy exhibitions and learn something new with your kids. An organized family tour takes place at 2PM If you are in Miami during spring, try to get to the Miami Art Museum Family Festival, when the Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza is filled with art activities, entertainment, and games. South Beach Miami is known for its beaches and South Beach has something for everyone. If you have kids to entertain, South Pointe Park has a playground and splash fountain, and is the ideal setting for a picnic. If you want to escape the crowds for an hour or two, Miami Beach Botanical Garden has 4.5 acres filled with subtropical plants, right in the center of South Beach. Wander around the beautiful Art Deco hotels and houses, such as Casa Casuarina, the former home and murder site of fashion designer the late Gianni Versace. Follow the Art Deco District Walking Tour to make sure you do not miss any of these carefully preserved buildings. Many of the South Beach Museums offer free admission on certain days, including the Holocaust Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU Art Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Gables Art Walk Art lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore some of Miami’s most inspiring art galleries along Ponce de Leon Boulevard. On the first Friday of every month, visitors can stroll through open galleries between 7-10PM to peruse a diverse selection of artistic projects. As a bonus, some galleries offer complimentary wine! There’s even a free trolley to take you between galleries. Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design Another popular destination for art lovers. Located in the historic Freedom Tower (itself a really cool site to see), this free museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by both local and international artists. While exhibits change over quite often, they consistently represent artists with an international and multicultural aesthetic (evocative of Miami’s own diverse cultural landscape). Spanning a multitude of genres and forms, these exhibits are sure to delight and inspire. Holocaust Memorial This thought-provoking museum is always free to the public, so you can visit whenever it fits into your itinerary. The Holocaust Memorial serves as a testament to the millions who died as a result of the Holocaust. The memorial features a wall with the names of concentration camp victims, a reflecting pool that serves to provide solace to survivors and all those affected, a moving photographic mural, and many additional informative exhibits. They also offer a number of educational programs and special events, so it’s a great place to go to expose your kids to this important part of history. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts The Arsht Center is the largest performing arts center in the city with events running year-round. The venue hosts a variety of events, including musical concerts, plays, ballets, and lots of family-friendly events as well. This towering building itself stands out as it was designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli (known for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur). History Miami Delve into the history of the city of Miami itself at History Miami. This museum features a wide range of exhibits on Southern history, including always-rotating exhibits that provide fresh, new perspectives on Miami's unique history and culture, from past to present. Casa Bacardi Enjoy a bit of rum every now and then? Traveling with friends? Then why not tour the famous Casa Bacardi, home to the world-famous brand of rum? Daily tours are free and available to guests 21 and older. Explore the history and heritage of this long-running company, founded in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba. Take a tour behind the scenes to see how rum is produced, sample a few select products, and browse a charming history of their advertising campaigns. Biscayne National Park Family Fun Fest If you’re visiting Miami with the whole family, stop by this educational and fun Family Fun Fest. Held on the second Sunday of every month from December through April, this interactive outdoor program is free to all. Hands-on activities and nature interactions are only some of the many options open to your kids at this fun event. If you happen to miss the Fest, then Biscayne National Park is well worth exploring on its own merits! The Bayside Marketplace Located in Downtown Miami, the Bayside Marketplace is one of the best places to get views of Biscayne Bay. This enormous shopping complex hosts more than 150 upscale boutique shops worth visiting (even if just to look). Robert is Here No trip to Miami is complete without sampling some local produce! Head to the Robert is Here fruit stand, set up in 1959 by Robert Moehling to sell produce for his father, now a Miami icon. You'll get to see the farmer's market in action, buy fresh Miami produce from local vendors, and maybe even try a few free samples. The Biltmore Hotel Spa & Golf Club Of course, you can't stay at the hotel, get a massage, or play golf for free - but - the grounds of the hotel offer a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk with stunning Miami views located right in Coral Gables. The famous golf club opened in 1926 and features a 71-par golf course known for its doglegs. Fun fact – this is where the University of Miami golf teams practice. The historic hotel offers free tours on Sunday afternoons. Learn about the heritage of the establishment, a luxury locale that at one time hosted famous figures like Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and even Al Capone. As one of the most visually striking hotels and renowned golf courses in the world, it's definitely worth a quick visit! Little Haiti Cultural Center Despite the large size of Miami, this is one of the only locations where you can experience the fusion of African, Caribbean, and Miami cultures in one place. Learn all about the cultural history of Miami through the center's art gallery, theater, and dance studios. This cultural center is very integrated with its communities, so you'll get to experience Miami's unique culture first-hand. A Way to Save on Ticketed Miami Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the free things to do in Miami, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? Consider using a pass with Go City® - which includes free admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available Miami attractions, passes & prices. With Go City® you can make savings on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich
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Miami in February

Exciting and buzzing with life, Miami is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States – and with good reason. With daily high temperatures ranging around the mid-70s, February is a fantastic time to visit. This is perfect weather for strolls on the beach, a visit to the zoo, or exploring the city’s coolest neighborhoods. With so much to see, do and experience, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – we’ve done all the research for you. Have a read through our comprehensive list of the best things to do in Miami in spring. No matter how you choose to spend your time in the Magic City, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the Sites One to definitely add to the top of the travel bucket list is witnessing the majesty of nature close up. With its fantastic tropical climate and undeniably beautiful greenery, Miami presents some of the best zoological gardens in America. Blending the beautiful backdrop of Miami with incredible exotic creatures, Jungle Island delivers the best of both worlds and more. This place has been delighting animal lovers from near and far since 1936, making it our top recommendation for those looking to see some of the natural world’s most impressive specimens. The site has over 3, 000 animals to show, and over 100 exhibits to be enjoyed. Formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’, you can expect to see a lot of interesting birds in more varieties than you ever thought existed. This place is also home to Miami’s only private beach, which functions as a kids’ waterpark. The park features obstacle courses, riptide rapids, slides, and a climbing wall to keep the little ones occupied – as if the colorful animals weren’t enough! A thoroughly captivating and magical experience for those of all ages, this one should rank way up high on the itinerary. Whilst travelling, one of the best ways to appreciate the area is by visiting a public garden. Our top pick of Miami’s best green spaces has got to be Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its unique collection of exotic flora. This historic garden is home to some beautiful plants and rare specimens which have been carefully cultivated since the mid-1900s. Spanning over 83 acres of land, this must-see attraction offers a fully immersive rainforest experience for you and your loved ones. Walking through the site, you’ll be able to enjoy thousands of types of plants you wouldn’t normally get to see. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America, as well as the biggest collection of tropical bamboo in the world. Walking through the site, you’ll also be able to view a lot of interesting wildlife which thrives there, including fish, birds, lizards and crocodiles. Perhaps most captivating, though, is the garden’s small butterfly emporium, with countless species to be enjoyed. No doubt one of the most serene spaces in the city, this place works to showcase the true beauty and wonder of the natural world in all its glory. We recommend setting aside a whole day for this if you’re looking to cover the whole space. Learn Something New The best vacation memories aren’t accordingly made when you’re just kicking back. For those who are looking to incorporate education into their travel experience, we recommend checking out the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. Both inspiring and fun, this place works well to explain a wide range of topics for a broad audience. The institute houses both a planetarium and an aquarium – so there’s a little something for everybody here. Go back in time to explore the wonders of the natural world. Learn about the amazing story of evolution from start to finish. Or hear about the development and future of scientific discovery. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Some of the best trips include a day at the museum. If you’re looking for art and culture in Miami, look no further than the Pérez Art Museum. Situated just downtown, the institute has long served as the perfect spot for creative and intellectual thought. The gallery’s ongoing core collection draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural diversity, while you’ll find many rotating exhibits focusing on important social topics. In total, the museum has over 2, 000 pieces, covering a wide range of styles. In its unique and impressive repository, you'll find everything from avant-garde and surrealist paintings to modern and contemporary sculptures. Famous artists featured here include Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. For anybody wanting to squeeze in a little bit of education on their travels, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day. Try Something Different Whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person, there’s something quite special about visiting sacred sites on your trip. Standing out as the oldest visitor attraction in the city by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is not only a mesmerizingly beautiful place to spend the day but well-recognized for its fascinating and storied past. Construction for this unique site began in 1133 AD, near northern Spain. For nearly 700 years following the initial construction, the monastery was run by Cistercian monks. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the monastery first landed on American soil, after being deconstructed brick by brick. By the mid-twentieth century, two entrepreneurs had decided to buy the stones to put back together, one by one, with the intention of building a tourist attraction – the Ancient Spanish Monastery as it is now known. The attraction has been branded as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’ by Time Magazine, and we can certainly see why! Though the site’s past is pretty far-fetched, the monastery retains much of its architectural excellence. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to appreciate its hand-carved columns, sweeping arches, and beautiful shrines. No doubt one of the most unbelievable attractions in the city, this place is definitely worth a visit. We love Miami. Forever fun and bursting with cool things to do, the city lures those from near and far and its beautiful weather and beachy vibes. 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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One Day in Miami Itinerary - Experience Miami in a Day for Under $100

In Miami with limited time to explore? We’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your one day in Miami, complete with top attractions, free activities, and even dining options. This one day itinerary includes: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Miami Seaquarium Miami Beach Botanical Garden (free!) Bike and Roll Bike Rental OR Duck Tours South Beach Spending more time in Miami? Take a peek at one of our sample 2 day or popular 3 day itineraries. Save on Attraction Admission Visit all of these attractions with the 3-Choice Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this one day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami, there are so many attractions and things to do in Miami to choose from. Depending upon which attractions you choose, you could save up to 40%! Our pass 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. There are tons of great things to do down in Key West, too. Check out our Florida Keys road trip itinerary for ideas on ways to expand your vacation! Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Stop #2: Miami Seaquarium Stop #3: Miami Beach Botanical Gardens (free!) Stop #4 (Option 1): Bike and Roll Bike Rental Stop #5 (Option 2): Duck Tours South Beach End the day with an entertaining-yet-relaxing 90-minute Duck Tour of South Beach. One of the loveliest parts of Miami, this famed beachfront locale has plenty of sights and sounds for tourists to enjoy. You'll get to see sights from both land and sea in the famed amphibious vessels that travel on both roads and in the water. Some of the amazing places you'll see on this informative tour include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, and more. And besides, who doesn't love the aquatic fun of a duck tour? Be sure to bring your cameras -- you'll go by lots of iconic landmarks on this interactive tour! Reservations are required for South Beach Duck Tours, so be sure to make them in advance, and arrive a fifteen minutes before your scheduled departure time. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass. Let's Recap Follow this one day in Miami itinerary and save on combined admission to the Miami Seaquarium, Duck Tours South Beach, and a Bike and Roll Bike Rental with the 3-Choice Miami Explorer Pass®. Or, choose from over 25 included attraction options to make a sightseeing itinerary tailored to your interests. Either way, your one day in Miami is sure to be tons of fun! The Go Miami® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility during your vacation. Pick whichever Miami attraction pass works for you and get exploring!
Casey Makovich

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