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Things to do in Downtown Miami

By Sarah Harris

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.

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Orlando vs. Miami - Which City Should I Visit?

Orlando and Miami are the two most popular cities in Florida for tourists, and each has its own unique appeal. Some people visit both on a longer road trip-style vacation. But sometimes you only have the time or resources to tackle one. If you’re trying to choose between Orlando and Miami for your next United States vacation, we’ll help you out. We’ve pulled together a list comparing the major attractions in each city. They both have tours, cruises, museums, and historic sites. See which piques your interest the most, and then learn how to save on your Florida vacation. Animal Attractions Miami has a wide variety of animal attractions, from a unique aquarium to an amazing safari experience. Here are a few. Miami Seaquarium. This is an engaging aquatic park with a specific focus on sea creatures. the Miami Seaquarium features everything from playful dolphin shows to shark feedings to special animal encounters. They’re also known for their conservation efforts. Jungle Island. This modestly-sized zoological park is big on fun. See a variety of creatures from around the world at Jungle Island, where everything focuses on learning about the animal world through play and exploration. Check out our guide to Jungle Island before you go. Lion Country Safari. Actually a decent distance north of Miami but closer than Orlando, Lion Country Safari brings the experience of the African savanna to southern Florida. It’s a drive-through safari with opportunities to photograph and feed the animals. Orlando also boasts a number of aquariums and even a gator park. SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando. Part of the SEA LIFE Aquarium family, this Orlando outpost offers a series of themed rooms that feature in total more than 5,000 sea creatures. Don’t miss the 360-degree ocean tunnel, where you can actually see the animals swim overhead. Check out our guide to SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando before visiting. Gatorland. Known as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland is the only place in Florida where it’s all gators, all the time. Their 110-acre park features other native Florida critters, too, but the gators and their astonishing performances are the real draw. We have some top tips for visiting Gatorland. Florida Aquarium. Found in nearby Tampa, the Florida Aquarium is a massive attraction with over 7,000 aquatic plants and animals on display. Especially popular areas include the Wetlands Trail, Bays & Beaches, and Dragons Down Under. Museums Miami museums encapsulate a wide variety of interests and subjects. Pérez Art Museum Miami. Also known as PAMM, this world-class art museum showcases artwork from local and global artists with a particular focus on international inspiration and Miami influence. Miami Children’s Museum. This is an immensely popular museum with little ones. the Miami Children’s Museum offers hours of play, learning, and exploring. Explore all 14 interactive exhibits to make a day of it. ARTECHOUSE Miami. One of the most distinctive museum-like experiences you’ll ever enjoy, ARTECHOUSE Miami is a dazzling interplay of light and sound, concept and execution, and ever-changing exhibits. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Immerse yourself in this gorgeous historic home and accompanying grounds, filled with lush flora and carefully tended displays. Inside the home is a curated collection of art and artifacts to peruse as you marvel at the architecture. Frost Museum of Science. One of the most interactive science museums in the region, the Frost Museum of Science is all about learning by doing. There are exhibits on weather and climate, wildlife, and natural phenomena, among others. Orlando museums are no less diverse, with options like: Kennedy Space Center. Arguably one of the most historically significant sites in all of Florida, the Kennedy Space Center is today both a place for visitors to learn about the history of the American space program and a working facility. Madame Tussauds Orlando. A wax museum chain that’s beloved by millions across the globe, Madame Tussauds in Orlando is a must-visit attraction for any fan of celebrities, pop culture, or history. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Fans of the film or those interested in seafaring history will appreciate the impressive collection of objects and artifacts from the tragedy that has been collected together in Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. American Police Hall of Fame. Learn about the history and heritage of the United States police forces at the American Police Hall of Fame. It’s a good place to visit for any who is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, too. Mennello Museum of American Art. Art lovers will want to check out this unique institution. The basis of its collections is a large body of work by Earl Cunningham. However, it also has broader holdings of painting and sculpture. Tours & Cruises Orlando and Miami are each enticing cities with much to explore for the curious traveler. You can opt for a bus tour, a scenic boat ride, or an exhilarating cruise. See how each city stacks up. Miami has plenty of water-borne activities, although you’ll also find a comprehensive bus tour. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. This Big Bus Miami tour is a two-day pass to explore the city’s multiple tour loops. See everything from Biscayne Boulevard to Miami Beach to Coconut Grove. Jet Boat Miami. An unconventional kind of tour, Jet Boat Miami is a fast-paced 30-minute cruise around the gorgeous blue waters of Biscayne Bay. You can enjoy views of Millionaire’s Row, Star Island, Downtown Miami, and more. Duck Tours South Beach. Combine land and sea with a ride on the unique Duck Tours South Beach vessels. On a voyage part aquatic, part terrestrial, you’ll see the city in a whole new light. Key West Day Trip. An all-day excursion down to the southernmost point of the Continental U.S., this Key West day trip is a rare opportunity to enjoy several hours on this delightful little island. Snorkel, sightsee, and snack at this tiny southern refuge. Orlando also boasts both bus tours and cruises. City of Orlando Tour. A lengthy tour of the entire city and surrounding area, the City of Orlando Tour is an ideal introduction to the city for first-time visitors. It highlights spots like Lake Eola, Celebration Town, and more. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Located in the nearby suburb of Winter Park, this scenic boat tour is an excellent way to see a lot of the city and this charming little neighborhood, too. Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise. This exhilarating speedboat cruise is actually run out of St. Petersburg, a moderate drive from Orlando proper. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Gulf of Mexico on your way to meet playful pods of dolphins. While this comparative list could do go on forever, we’ll wrap it up with a few more observations. As far as kid-centric attractions go, Orlando has not only LEGOLAND® Florida and Universal Orlando Resort, but, of course, the Disney properties. Miami has the above-mentioned Miami Children’s Museum, and many smaller attractions suitable for little ones. Interested in checking out the local cuisine? The culinary scene is going to lean somewhat towards Cuban and Latin American flavors in Miami. Orlando is fairly representative of any large city with everything from sushi and noodles to tacos and pizza. Orlando also boasts the Wheel at ICON Park, an observation wheel right on the tourist haven of International Drive. Miami doesn’t really have anything comparable at this time. Save on Admission Admission to many of these top Orlando attractions and Miami attractions is included with Go City®. You can save up to 55% on admission to these and many other popular activities, tours, and cruises. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!  
Katie Sagal
Miami
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Getting Around Miami - How to Get Around Miami for Tourists

Miami can seem like a maze for first-time visitors, but where there's a will, there's a way! We've put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around the city like a pro.
Casey Makovich
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Miami in May

These days, visitors are downright spoiled with things to do in Miami. As one of the most popular tourist hotspots in America, the city continues to surprise us with new attractions and events cropping up each day. Spring is a great time to visit, since the weather should be warm enough to enjoy all of the area’s fantastic outdoor attractions without being too hot to function. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Have a blast at Zoo Miami. Or simply explore the boardwalk at South Beach. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to suit your style. If you‘re not quite sure where to start, we’re here to help! Use our guide as a starting point to plan your perfect vacation. No matter how you choose to enjoy the Magic City, we’re sure it’ll be great. See the Sites With lots of sunshine and little rainfall, May is great for spending time outdoors. Those looking to learn more about the background of the city might enjoy Coral Castle for its unique history. Built single-handedly over the course of 28 years, this mysterious sculpture garden is perhaps best known for the questions that it brings up. Constructed out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, the piece is somewhat of an anomaly. Walking around the site, there’s no doubt you’ll be mind-blown by the intricately hand-carved pieces telling the story of artist Edward Leedskalnin’s heartbreak. A mysterious mindbender and true testament to the artist's innovation, Coral Castle is an attraction quite like no other. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this place is a total must-see for any first-time visitor to the Miami area. Looking to discover a different side of the city? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Standing out as the oldest building in Miami by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is a total treat for architecture buffs and history aficionados alike. Parts of the structure date as far back as 1133 AD, long before America was even established. Apparently, the monastery was originally built in northern Spain around this time, but later bought, shipped to New York, and dismantled stone by stone. In 1953, two entrepreneurs bought the stones to build a tourist attraction – and the Ancient Spanish Monastery was born! As such, Time Magazine characterized the building as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’. Today, the structure stands as a fine example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The interiors are incredibly preserved, showcasing a number of captivating architectural and religious details. Walking around the space, you’ll notice impressive hand-carved columns, sweeping arches and beautiful shrines from the original structure. Rich in history and most certainly unique, this place should rank right at the top of your itinerary. Get in Touch with Nature No doubt, Miami is the perfect haven for all nature lovers. Standing out for its unusual and expansive display of exotic flora, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a fantastic place to spend a sunny spring afternoon in the area. Established way back in 1936, this historical attraction works to showcase the unique collection of avid botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Thousands of varieties thrive here, including many rare species you’d never expect to find in the United States. Bursting with color, scents and spectacular views, the gardens are an absolute joy to wander. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to see the birds, fish, lizards, and crocodiles which call the site home. Don’t miss the butterfly emporium, with too many species to count. We suggest setting a few hours aside for this, since it can take a while to get around the entire place. Remember to bring lots of sunscreen and wear your comfiest walking shoes! A total treat for the senses and educational, too, this place is not to be missed. If you’re anything like us, a visit to the zoo would be right down your alley. Luckily for you, Miami is home to some fantastic nature reserves to bring out that sense of childlike wonder. Combining the natural beauty of the area with incredible exotic wildlife, one of the most popular tourist attractions for animal lovers has got to be Zoo Miami. In fact, this place is recognized as the only tropical zoo in the United States. Featuring over 3, 000 animals and around 100 exhibits to be enjoyed, there’s a little something for everybody here. Expect jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. You’ll need a whole day at the zoo to make the best of it - we suggest heading off pretty early so you can fit as much in as possible! A fantastic educational opportunity, we love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Try Something Different Though the city is perhaps best known for its palm-fringed beaches and exotic greenery, there’s plenty to see here for those looking for art and culture. Open to the public and free of charge, Wynwood Walls is a trendy outdoor street art museum shining a spotlight on some of the world’s best urban artists. Carefully curated and periodically transformative, the exhibit works to showcase a wide variety of styles; at Wynwood Walls, you’ll be able to enjoy the work of old school graffiti artists and the newest innovators in the game all in one space. For those who are interested in learning more about the creatives, different styles, and history of the art form, we recommend booking a guided tour. Aside from the museum itself, the surrounding area is great to explore, with lots of cool shops and eateries to check out. The perfect stop for all creative types, this place provides the perfect taste of the city’s art scene. Few places are as exciting and energetic as the Floridian hotspot of Miami. May is great time to visit, since the temperatures are warmer but it's not as busy as the summer months. 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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