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

By Katie Sagal

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

miami-beach-sign-text-surrounded-tropical

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

palm-trees-turquoise-sea-tropical-beach

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

striking-green-orange-art-deco-building

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

vizcaya-museum-miami-under-blue-sky

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

cruise-ship-sailing-across-mediterranean-sea

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

everglades-area-near-bobcat-trail

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

miami-city-views-frost-science-museum

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.

Continue reading

Blog

10+ Things to Do in Miami with Kids to have a Fun South Florida Vacation

Planning a vacation to Miami? Miami is a charming city that has a lot more to offer than nightclubs and high-end shopping. Your kids are sure to enjoy the diversity of activities available for families in Miami, from tours and cruises to aquariums and zoos. Encounter strange and exotic new wildlife, marvel at beautiful historic architecture, and explore all of the wonderful and wacky things at some of the best kids’ museums around. If you’re looking for things to do in Miami with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities, including... Miami Seaquarium Frost Musuem of Science Duck Tours South Beach Lion Country Safari Zoo Miami Miami Children’s Museum Sawgrass Recreation Park Pérez Art Museum and more... Consider adding a few of these kid friendly attractions to your vacation itinerary. Save on Admission to Kid Friendly Attractions Many of these great kid friendly attractions are available 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. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Miami Seaquarium Perched on the shores of beautiful Biscayne Bay, this exciting, kid-friendly institution is one-of-a-kind. Dedicated exclusively to marine creatures of the sea, this 38-acre tropical paradise is also known for its extensive rehabilitation efforts. A visit here is a great way to introduce children to the importance of animal conservation and environmental protection. Some of the many creatures you’ll encounter at the Miami Seaquarium include sharks, dolphins, killer whales, seals, manatees, and many more. Educational programs will introduce you to the details of their habitats, history, and current status in the world’s oceans. As a special bonus, you even get to meet TV’s famous dolphin Flipper! Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Another great place the kids will love is the Frost Museum of Science. Located right on the waterfront in Miami's Museum Park (also shard with the Pérez Art Museum -- more on that below), this institution used to be known as the Miami Museum of Science. Renamed and with a whole new perspective on bringing scientific knowledge to the world, the Frost Museum of Science features a three-level aquarium, a planetarium, an interactive indoor/outdoor exhibit on the Everglades, and much more. It's the perfect destination to cultivate your children's curiosity for the world around them. Getting In: Frost Museum of Science tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Duck Tours South Beach Duck Tours South Beach covers both land and sea and manages to pack a lot of entertainment and exclusive insight about Miami and South Beach into one, fun filled 90-minute guided tour. You'll see all the top sights in Miami, including: South Beach, the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, Biscayne Bay, and many more. It's a delightful activity for kids with its combination of street and water level explorations, and you'll all love how refreshing and informative the journey is. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Lion Country Safari Visit the African Savannah without ever leaving sunny Miami! You’ll encounter over 900 animals throughout your four-mile drive, including rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes, and many more. It's a great educational opportunity for kids who love animals, and will truly make you revise your notion of what animal parks can look like! When you’ve finished your Safari, head to the adjacent Safari World Amusement Park, where you can witness animal demonstrations and performances, stop by the petting zoo, help to feed the birds, and enjoy a few classic rides. A visit to Lion Country Safari is a wonderful thing to do with your kids. Getting In: Lion Country Safari tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Zoo Miami Zoo Miami is another great animal attraction and thing to do for the whole family. Spanning nearly 350 acres, this exotic animal park is home to more than 3,000 animals and over 1,200 plants distributed across stunning, state-of-the-art exhibit spaces. You’ll need several hours to really fully explore this exciting place! Meet many fascinating animals in carefully redesigned habitats, including creatures from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Amazon. Your little ones will especially love Playworld Playground, designed to be half-jungle, half-waterpark. It's a great play to run around and burn off some excess energy! There are so many exciting things to see and do at this charming zoo, from feeding rhinos to riding a camel, that the kids will never want to leave. Getting In: Zoo Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Miami Children’s Museum Dedicated specifically to educating and entertaining kids in interactive ways, the Miami Children’s Museum is the perfect stop for families with younger kids. The goal of the museum is inspire a life-long love of learning in your kids, so the exhibits are both engaging and informative. It's the perfect way to develop their minds and social skills. Some of their most popular exhibits and things to do include the 2-story (Sand)Castle of Dreams, the interactive Health & Wellness Center, the fun and fuzzy Pet Center, and the Safety Zone, where kids can dress up as policemen, firefighters, and more. Getting In: Miami Children's Museum tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Sawgrass Recreation Park Nestled in the Everglades, this exciting wildlife park and touring destination provides the perfect opportunity to explore one of Florida’s natural treasures. Interact with and even feed select animals at the Swampyard Island exhibit, or meet exciting new creatures introduced by the visiting Predators Unlimited folks. As a bonus thing to do, you’ll be able to hop aboard an exciting Airboat Adventure, which will zoom you through the Everglades at speeds of up to 40 mph. This 30-minute tour provides the perfect opportunity for you to capture an image of the famed Florida alligator! Getting In: Sawgrass Recreation Park tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Rent a Bike Get a full-day bike rental from Bike and Roll Miami and explore the city on two wheels. You'll be able to cover lots of ground and feel like you've gotten to know the city well when you map out your own routes and follow along (or try a suggested route provided by Bike and Roll). It's a fun way for the whole family to get some exercise, and for the kids to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed by a tour. Popular routes include: Miami Design District: this area is a must-see for fans of the fine arts, this hip neighborhood is home to over 130 art galleries, showrooms, stores, antique dealers, restaurants, gardens, and more. The Venetian Islands: this popular route covers six beautiful islands off the coast of Miami crossing over a series of scenic causeways with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay. Little Havana: home to a large, concentrated population of Cuban immigrants, Little Havana is a bustling, epicenter of social, cultural, and political activity in Miami with unique Cuban-American culture. It's known for its vibrant street life, restaurants, music, and more. Insider tip: get a Cubano sandwich for lunch followed by a Cafecito (Cuban coffee) Venetian Pool & Miracle Mile: bike out to the beautiful public pool known as the Venetian Pool, a quarry-turned-Venetian style pool that features vine covered loggias, shady porticos, a Spanish fountain, waterfalls, rock caves, and more. Then, go shopping (be sure to bring a backpack if you want to pick up any souvenirs!) in Coral Cabels at the Miracle Mile. South Beach: ride along a beachfront trail and see the glamorous sights of South Beach, including pristine beaches, Art Deco architecture, Versace's Mediterranean mansion, Espanola Way, Collins Avenue shopping, the Holocaust Memorial, botanical gardens, and more, or, just enjoy a leisurely ride to the beach and relax. Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, & Coral Gables: head out to the beautifully landscaped Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and see the lush tropical forest, mangrove swamps, and 10-acres of gardens (right next door to Madonna's house). Key Biscayne Island: ride along the beautiful bike trails of Key Biscayne, home to some of the best beaches in the US. You'll get stunning ocean views, can stop at the Miami Seaquarium, and head out to see the Cape Florida Lighthouse. Getting In: Miami Bike rentals by Bike and Roll are included with the Go Miami Card. Jet Boat Miami A thrill ride with a guide. Jet Boat Miami is one of the best things to do in Miami with kids--they'll love getting out on the water and seeing the sights of Miami while reaching speeds of up to 45-mph. This cruise takes passengers on a thrill filled ride with 360-degree twists, side drifts, leaps, turns, pivots, and high speed bursts. Kids will feel like they're in one of their favorite action movies, all from the safety of this guided tour. Because it does go so fast, it's probably an attraction best saved for middle grade or older children. Getting In: Jet Boat Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Pérez Art Museum Get the kids excited about modern and contemporary art at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Miami's flagship art museum. Exhibitions feature art from the 20th and 21st centuries and highlight the role Miami has played in the art world as a geographical crossroads between the Americas. Free tours, led by museum guides, are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:30 pm and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm. Insider tip: Check their calendar of events to see if there are any kid-friendly activities happening during your visit. Getting In: Pérez Art Museum Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Miami Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour See the sights of Miami at your own pace and get around with a convenient, 1 day pass to Big Bus Miami Hop-On Hop-Off tour. On the open top double-deck bus, you'll get great views of major landmarks. Choose from 2 loops (Beach Loop and City Loop) which are 90-minutes each, or do them all depending on what you want to see, and get entertaining and informative live narration about everything you see. Stay on for the full loops to get acquainted with the city or use the bus as your transportation to all the sights you want to visit. It's an ideal option for families with small children because of its flexibility; you can hop off as soon as the kids get bored, and hop back on when they get tired of walking. This is one of the best things to do in Miami when trying to learn the area, too Getting In: Big Bus Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise Get the best views of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the only undersea park in the US, on a fully-guided glass bottom boat cruise. Aboard the Key Largo Princess you'll get panoramic offshore views of the Florida Keys on your way to the underwater park. At the reef, you'll see tons of sea life below the boat, including living coral, sea fans, sea plumes, colorful fish, and more. The kids will love the unique chance to see through the floor of the vessel and down into the clear blue depths below! Getting In: Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Key West Day Trip Take the kids across 42 bridges and through 32 islands to reach Key West, the Southernmost city in the continental US, on a full-day, guided trip. When you arrive in Key West you'll have about six hours to explore the sights you want to see. Visit the Hemingway House, take a trolley or train tour, rent a kayak, or poke around the boutique shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. It's a great way to spend the day on a unique adventure with the whole family. Round-trip transportation from Miami Beach and Downtown Miami hotels is included. Getting In: Key West Day Trip from Miami tickets are included with the Go Miami Card. Let's Recap There you have it. Our list of some of the top things to do in Miami with kids during your vacation. There are pristine beaches and clear waters to satisfy your desire for relaxation, and museums, tours, and cultural attractions to appeal to your intellectual side. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Miami Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Consider adding a few of these kid friendly options to your upcoming itinerary. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
Blog

The Stonehenge of Florida

Coral Castle entrance and tower. From museums and aquariums to boat cruises and jungle tours, there are so many things to do in Miami that it is difficult to narrow down the list! Yet there is one lesser known destination that you should add to your itinerary. Most people have never heard of "The Stonehenge of Florida," also known as Coral Castle. Coral Castle, a sculpture garden made of stone, was built by a single man named Edward Leedskalnin. From 1923 to 1951, Edward secretly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock. This feat is amazing in and of itself, but even more mind boggling is that the process he used is unknown. The website calls Coral Castle "one of the world's most mysterious accomplishments." Apparently, Edward was a small man, weighing just 100 pounds and standing a little over 5 feet tall. In 1940, he would have charged just ten cents in admission to introduce you to his fantasy realm. Interestingly, no one is reported to have ever seen Edward laboring over his stone carving, and Ed himself would say that he knew the secrets of the ancient pyramids. Since his death, scientists have debated his methods for years. For anyone who has visited Stonehenge in England, you know how mysterious and impressive that site is. How did the stones get there? Who moved them, and why? Likewise, if you add Coral Castle to your list of Things to do in Miami, you will leave with just as many questions. Why would a man spend sixty years carving his beloved coral? What inspired him? Was he insane, or just passionate? And where does one draw the line between the two? Today, you can tour the Coral Castle using excellent audio stands, with narration available in English, Spanish, French or German. The museum also offers knowledgeable human guides available to conduct tours. Other highlights of the Coral Castle Museum include a 9-ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs – all made entirely of stone. With a Miami Attractions pass, your admission to Coral Castle is free!
Go City Expert

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

  • Thick check Icon