Things to do in Downtown Miami

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024
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Downtown Miami

Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is a sprawling tourist hub drawing in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason. At its core, downtown is a modern and culturally-rich area perfect for exploring on foot. Interesting activities to do here run the gamut – known particularly for its wealth of fantastic galleries, theaters, event venues and more, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing great things to do here. Still, daunted by the prospect of figuring out the best things to do in downtown Miami? Don’t worry – we've done all the research for you! So, grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. We promise that you won’t regret it.

Find Fun Activities

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Lively and bursting with culture, downtown is one of the best places for getting in touch with the local art scene. There are countless fantastic galleries in this area of the city, but our favorite has got to be Pérez Art Museum for its unique and well-established collection of 20th- and 21st-century art. The institute’s small but carefully considered collection features around 2000 works from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking around the institute, you’ll be able to view seminal pieces from many recognizable names, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Christo and Jean-Claude. Make sure to stop by the gift shop, where you’ll find great homewares, stationery and posters to bring home with you. A fantastic stop for all art lovers, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new.

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Those who are travelling with family might be looking for great stops to please the kids. Downtown Miami is filled with some fantastic crowd-pleasers, but none are quite greater than Bayside Marketplace. Much more than just a mall, this enormous entertainment complex has pretty much everything you could ask for all in one space. For shopping addicts, there are of course countless stores ranging from popular high-street brands to designer boutiques. In addition, this place veers off from the typical mall experience, but in a totally great way with live music and events each day. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, you’ll be able to kick back and chill at some of its many waterside cafes and restaurants out by the marina. Perfect for those travelling in groups, this place has a lot to give.

Learn Something New

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Though downtown is known as Miami’s financial district, it has much to offer for sightseers. For those looking to incorporate learning into their vacation experience, we recommend heading over to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum, which is well-recognized for its broad range of engaging and educational exhibits. This place has both a planetarium and aquarium, so you know that there’s a whole lot to see and do here. The institute’s exhibitions cover everything from the Ice Age and dinosaurs to the future of scientific discovery. In addition, this place has special family workshops and mini-me science sessions, making it a great place to take the kids. As fun as it is fascinating, the museum works to provide an exciting educational experience for those of all ages.

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Some of the best trips include a day or more spent in the halls of a museum. There are many great cultural institutions in downtown Miami, but if you’re looking to learn more about the background of the area, the HistoryMiami Museum is the place to be. The institute is the largest history museum in the state of Florida, and one of the most popular visitor attractions in this part of town. Upon entrance, visitors can learn about the city’s fascinating origins, going back over 12,000 years. Within the institute’s expansive collection, you can see photographs, paintings, artefacts and artwork showcasing the development of the city. There’s truly no better place for travellers interested in social and archaeological growth.

Soak Up the Sun

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Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its year-round beautiful weather and lush greenery. If you’re looking to take advantage of the city’s wonderful natural attributes, look no further than Virginia Key Outdoor Center. Kayak your way through a secluded tropical lagoon. Get up close with a real-life manatee. Or simply rent a bike and explore downtown on your own. This place offers a wide array of options as well as lessons for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re not quite the sporty type. We recommend that if you’re planning to try your hand at something sporty in Miami, take a lot of water and sunscreen to keep comfortable and hydrated. Great for all nature lovers, this place works to highlight the intrinsic beauty of the area whilst getting our adrenaline pumping!

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One of the biggest draws of the Miami area is its beach scene. The city boasts countless wonderful seaside attractions to be explored, but if we’re talking about those specifically in the downtown district, then Hobie Island Beach Park is a total winner. Whilst you won’t quite be able to sprawl out on a lounge chair with a podcast here, this spot is perfect for a breath of fresh air and soaking up the sun. The park also grants spectacular views of downtown skyscrapers across the bay – perfect for taking some fun vacation snaps! If you’re looking to get active, you’ll find that surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and boating are all popular activities here. We recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area, since there are plenty of stores, restaurants and bars to be enjoyed.

Miami is a city that urbanites and nature lovers can both appreciate. Downtown has an authentic cultural buzz that you won’t find in any other district. With a vibrant mix of the old and the new, this exciting walkable neighborhood is perfect for spending time with friends and family. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopping addict, or an outdoorsy type, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. 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
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Museums in Miami

Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is often recognized for its year-round wonderful weather and natural beauty. Still, those looking to squeeze in a bit of education on their vacation will not be disappointed with what the city has to offer. With specialties ranging from contemporary art and graffiti to science and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. For those who aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – we've pulled out all of our absolute favorites for this one. If you’re anything like us, you’ll love these museums to visit in the city. If you only have a few days in Miami, make time to check out some of these incredible cultural amenities. See the Sites For many travelers, a trip to the art gallery is the perfect way to spend the day. And if you’re a fan of contemporary art, we know just the place. Standing out for its comprehensive collection of 20th- and 21st-century work, Pérez Art Museum has been a long-time favorite for locals and visitors alike. It might be hard to tear yourself away from Miami’s sunny tropical beaches – but we promise this place is worth it. Though the museum is small, it’s home to a wonderful and impressive repository that’s well worth seeing. Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude are just a few of the influential artists on display here. From surrealist paintings and bold pop art pieces to modern sculpture and photography, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into. Great for those of all ages, this rich creative site is the perfect stop for all art lovers. Science and fun don’t have to contradict one another. For an exciting day of learning, head over to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. An attraction for those with curious minds, this place works to break down complicated ideas for a broad audience. Learn about the past, present and future development of science through a number of immersive and engaging exhibitions. The institute houses both a state-of-the-art planetarium and a cutting-edge aquarium, so there’s plenty to see here. Aside from which, its exhibits cover everything from evolution and the ice age to psychology and technology. With so much to see, do and experience, this scientific fun house is most certainly not to be missed. We recommend setting aside a good few hours for this, since there’s a lot to cover. Learn About the Area If you’re want to learn about the rich background of the city, HistoryMuseum Miami is a great place to start. An affiliate of the Smithsonian, this place is recognized as the second oldest museum in South Florida and the largest in the whole state. The museum’s permanent exhibition, Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida covers over 10, 000 years of the history of the area in great depth. And if that’s still not enough Florida for you, don’t worry about it, because there’s plenty more to see here. In fact, the museum’s repository is comprised of over 1,000, 000 photographs and 30, 000 3-dimensional artefacts. Past exhibits have covered specialist topics such as transportation, cultural diversity, and environmental changes in Miami. Not only one of the best cultural institutions in Miami, but quite possibly Florida as a whole, this place makes for a fantastic day trip. When travelling, it’s always interesting to learn about the culture of the area. Built into Miami beach’s first synagogue, the Jewish Museum of Florida works to preserve, protect and showcase the fascinating history of Jewish life in the Sunshine State. The institute’s extensive repository reflects the background of the community going way back to 1763, with historic documents, photographs, artwork and more. The institute’s mainstay exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida tells the immigration story, with personal anecdotes and artefacts along the way. The museum also has rotating exhibits and educational programs throughout the year. An engaging educational excursion, this specialist museum is great for those visitors with a thirst for knowledge. Try Something Different With the beautiful Miami weather, you’d be crazy not to check out some of the city’s wonderful outdoor museums. For those looking for something a little different, Coral Castle is a great way to soak up the sun and learn a little about the history of the area at the same time. Located in the suburbs of Homestead, this extraordinary attraction is known for its unusual method of construction – or rather lack thereof. Built out of several tons of monolithic stone in the early 1900s, the sculpture garden was made in secret. To this day, nobody is quite sure how artist Edward Leedskalnin created the piece. Either way, Coral Castle draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors a year for its handiwork alone. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind experience, this place is sure to take your breath away. Once a punishable offence by law, graffiti has now become a mainstream modern art form in its own right. So popular, in fact, that there are museums where you can go to view some of your favorite urban artists, should that be your jam. Whilst Wynwood Walls has received some criticism for trying to take away graffiti’s anti-authoritarian edge, it works to bring a lot of great artists together. Here, visitors can enjoy works by some of the world’s most renowned street artists as well as talented up-and-comers. From bold political statements and messages of hope to great humor pieces, the walls have a lot to say. If you’re looking to take some great vacation snaps, this is the place to go. We suggest sticking around to explore the surrounding area, since there’s a lot to see here. So, there you have it: some of the best collections and exhibitions in Miami right this minute. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or planning a fun family day trip, the city is filled with great cultural attractions. From hip downtown galleries to interesting outdoor museums, there’s something around every street corner. 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
Explore Miami with Go City
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Miami Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

Heading to sunny South Beach this Memorial Day Weekend? From the great outdoors to exciting festivals, there’s plenty to see and do this year in Miami this May. If you’re looking for Miami Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Miami in May, including... Cruise the beautiful Biscayne Bay Embark on an animal adventure at Jungle Island Take a day trip down to Key West Enjoy some shopping at Bayside Marketplace and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these attractions is included on the Go Miami Card. Choose as you go from dozens of Miami attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Miami attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Miami pass. A Day Trip to Key West Aquatic Adventures Animal Excursions Relaxing Cruises Historic Buildings Enjoy the natural and architectural beauty of a luxury garden space with a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This European-inspired estate immerses you in old-world glamour as it indulges your senses with lush, exotic plants and striking architecture and art around every turn. A visit here will transport you into a whole new world! Getting In: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens tickets are included with the Go Miami pass. Art Museums Urban Beach Week Party Bike through Wynwood Miami Hop aboard a 15-person party bike and ride through the trendy Miami neighborhood of Wynwood. On your pedaling adventure you'll learn about art, fashion and the people who turned the area into what it is today. With so much to do and see in the neighborhood, it makes for an excellent place to snap some pictures for The Gram. This tour is family-friendly but children must be at least years of age to pedal. Getting In: Cycle Party Wynwood Miami Insta Tour tickets are included with the Go Miami pass. Shopping Sprees Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Miami in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. From tropical paradise to urban beachfront shopping and dining, Miami simply has it all. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Miami pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
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Miami in December

Miami is a great destination any time of the year, but we especially love it in December. If you’re looking to skip all of the crowds and humidity, wintertime is no doubt the best for this. And of course, just like the summer months, December time runs the gamut with exciting events and attractions for all types of travellers. From can’t-miss cultural institutions and beautiful hiking trails to fab restaurants and shopping opportunities, the Magic City’s to-do list is as plentiful as its sunny days. Whether you’re an artsy type, an animal lover, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Still daunted by the prospect of a trip to Miami? Don’t worry – we've done all of the heavy lifting for you! If you’re planning to make a visit, have a read through our list of the best things to do there during the wintertime. However you choose to enjoy the Sunshine State, we’re sure it’ll be just wonderful. See the Sites Though Miami may best be known for its wonderful beaches and tropical greenery, you’ll be spoilt for choice for engaging and informative exhibits if you just know where to look. For those who want to squeeze a little education into their travels, we highly recommend the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. With an aquarium and planetarium too, this place has all of its bases covered. Permanent exhibits focus on subjects like the Ice Age, dinosaurs, and the future of science. In addition, the museum runs rotating exhibitions, educational programs and talks throughout the year, so don’t miss out! Great for those of all ages, we love this attraction because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. We recommend setting around setting aside an entire day for this – the museum is located in the bustling downtown area of the city, so there’s much to see around this part of town. Miami is full of glorious places to visit and explore, including some of America’s finest historic houses and gardens. Known for its strong Latin-American influences, the city pretty much has it made. As one of Miami’s most popular visitor attractions, Vizcaya Museum and Garden is noted for its unique combination of Mediterranean Revival and Baroque architectural styles as well as its expansive surrounding estate. Constructed in the early twentieth century, this grand villa was designed in a European style to reflect the thriving Spanish culture of the city. Upon entrance, visitors can get a glimpse of what luxury life was like back in the Roaring Twenties, and enjoy the well-preserved interiors from a different time. Exploring the house, you’ll be able to view furniture, art, and oddities that homeowner and businessman James Deering kept during his time in the house. Equally as beautiful as the home itself, the formal gardens surrounding the property are well worth checking out. An undoubtedly exquisite attraction, this spot should rank way up high on any Miami first-timer's travel list. Try Something Different Art lovers visiting the Magic City will be pleasantly surprised by how much there is to see and do there. There are many options to choose from, but one of our favorites has got to be Wynwood Walls – a wonderful outdoor urban art exhibition near the trendy Miami Design District. Covering over 80,000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is the largest open-air street installation in the world. Founded by community revitalizer Tony Goldman in 2009, the space works to bring together some of the world’s most prolific graffiti artists all in one spot. The walls change consistently, but past creatives have included Shepard Fairey, Miss Van and Lady Pink. Artistic statements range greatly here, from lively pop culture references and humor pieces to stirring political statements and messages of hope – still, all are greatly worth the visit and will make you glad that you came. Not just a pretty face or a fun Instagram moment, Wynwood Walls is a powerful and inspirational visit for any creative types in the area. Have a Blast! Set along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its perennial subtropical weather and lush captivating greenery. If you’re looking for scenic hiking trails to sink your teeth into, look no further than Everglades National Park. A protected landscape and listed World Heritage Site, the area stands out as the largest tropical wilderness area in the continental United States. Covering over 2,000 square miles of flatwoods and wetlands, this beautiful green space is thankfully open to visitors. Expect magnificent towering banyan trees, wild trailing vines, gleaming swamps and much, much more. The spot is also home to a wide array of wildlife, including fish, birds, crocodiles and lizards. Those who are lucky might even spot some of the protected species thriving there, including the Florida panther and West Indian Manatee. No doubt one of the most beautiful spaces in the area, if not America, this spot definitely ranks high on our travel list. Another one of our favorite things to do in the city is to visit the zoo. With its captivating tropical landscape, Miami of course makes a wonderful backdrop for many great wildlife reserves. Located right in the heart of the city, Zoo Miami stands out as the largest zoological garden in Florida, as well as the only tropical attraction of its kind in the United States. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, this place works to educate its visitors about conservation and the natural world whilst providing fun activities and events at the same time. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with some of your favorite furry (or slimy) friends, this is the place to be. We recommend checking the website before heading out, so you won’t have to miss out on any of the live feedings, animal encounters, or special tours. In addition, this place has cafes, playgrounds, and stores to enhance the experience. Delightful, exciting, and educational, too, this place is a total crowd-pleaser. Miami is one of America’s most exciting cities. 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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