Things to do in Miami for Birthday

By Sarah Harris

Happy birthday! Well, it might not be your birthday just yet, but it’s always good to be prepared, right? If you’re planning on travelling to the Magic City for your cake day and are having a little trouble coming up with some ideas, don’t worry – we've got you covered with a great list of things to see and do in the area. Well recognized for its sugar-sand beaches, great nightlife, and all of the glitz and glam, Miami is the perfect place for celebrating. From clear bottom kayaking and swimming with dolphins to drinks at South Beach, there’s a lot to do here for all types of travellers – all you have to do is pick your favorite! So grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. No matter how you choose to spend your special day, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

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Relax!

For those who are looking to just kick back and relax on their birthday, we recommend the Venetian Pool. Standing out from all other aquatic attractions in the area, this refreshing tourist hotspot is well-recognized for its unique architecture and history. The pool first opened to the public in 1924, and has long served as a great respite from the Miami heat and humidity. To reflect and celebrate the local community, the attraction was designed in Mediterranean Revival style, utilizing a large amount of coral for ornamental features. Filled with around 820,000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this place is known as the largest freshwater pool in the continental United States. The spot is perfect for sunseekers, too, with a tranquil sunning area and bar to be enjoyed. Totally swoon-worthy and luxurious, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a hot day in the Sunshine State.

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If you’re the type who likes to take things slow on their birthday, why not try a hand at deep-sea fishing? Whether you’re a total novice at the sport or a seasoned angler, this is a great way to take in the wonderful natural attributes of the southeastern coastline. For the best experience, we recommend Therapy-IV. Set sail from Miami Beach in a luxurious yacht and spend the day with the company’s highly knowledgeable and friendly crew to guide you through the experience. This tried and true spot is known for landing some big game – you'll be reeling in mahi-mahi, sailfish, and even hammerhead sharks! Soak up the sun, crack open a frosty cold one, and enjoy those breathtaking ocean views. A great choice for all outdoorsy types, this one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed.

Find Fun Activities

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Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well, now you can! Bringing all of our childhood dreams to life, Dolphin World provides ultimate animal encounter adventures for those of all ages. Interact with the ocean’s friendliest and most intelligent creatures and learn more about them at the same time. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t fret – this place also has shallow pool experiences, where you can touch, train and play with the dolphins. Still, dolphins aren’t the only thing that there is to see here. Aside from the exciting dolphin packages, you can also hang out with seals, penguins, sea lions, and much more! In addition, you can do deep-sea scuba diving at this location to get up close with unique tropical fish, string rays and a wide variety of fascinating sea creatures. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a massive smile spread across your face.

Miami is one of the dreamiest destinations in America, and a perfect place to spend your birthday. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the area provides a wide array of fun activities and day trips to choose from. For a delightful and scenic adventure to remember, why not try out clear bottom kayaking? Providing a new perspective on life under the sea, this unique excursion is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. On the tour, you’ll be able to see everything from colorful tropical fish and sea turtles to dolphins and manatees up close. This tour is great for kayakers of all skill levels since you’ll be accompanied by friendly and informative guides. We recommend that you bring water and lots of sunscreen along for the trip to stay comfortable. Exciting, captivating, and just a little bit different, we like this one because it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Have a Blast!

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Another one of our favorite things to do in Miami for a birthday is a trip to South Beach. Well-recognized for its unparalleled natural beauty, this popular tourist hotspot is a fantastic place for spending your cake day. A quintessential Florida activity, a day at the seaside is great for those travelling in big groups because there’s a lot to see and do here – the best part is that the beach is really what you make of it. For those who like to relax, you can rent out lounge chairs and beach umbrellas upon arrival, and just kick back with a podcast under the sun. Still, if you're looking to get active, there are a wide variety of water sports to be enjoyed, including surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing and sailing. We suggest staying until after dark since the area is well known for its vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a pina colada at a swanky oceanfront cocktail bar, or explore the surrounding area’s fun dance clubs and karaoke bars. The world’s your oyster!

Miami is one of the best places to celebrate your birthday. With a wonderful array of fun and exciting attractions and activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing what to do for your big day. Whether you’re looking to relax at the pool, kiss a dolphin on the nose, or have blast at one of South Beach’s many great bars, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. 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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Miami in October

Miami is a great city to visit all year round, but we especially love it around autumn time, when the weather is a little more temperate and the crowds have thinned out from the summer months. Though the city is perhaps best known as a hub for relaxation, we urge you to get out there and try it all. If you’re looking for art and culture in the Magic City, we recommend checking out the Chocolate and Art Show. For foodies, the South Beach Seafood Festival is the perfect way to get a true taste of local culture and soak up the sun at the same time. And definitely don’t forget to check out all of the cool Halloween parties which will be taking place throughout the month! So you see, there’s something to delight everyone in this sprawling southeastern metropolis – it's all up to you to pick your jam! If you’re not quite sure where to start, have a read through our list below. Soak Up the Sun Though October isn’t quite as hot as peak season, temperatures can get up to around 80 degrees – meaning that you can still enjoy most of the outdoor activities you’d still usually travel to Miami for. So, for those who are looking to enjoy the exquisite natural beauty of the area, don’t worry – this is definitely still an option! One of our favorite spots in the city to visit has got to be Pinecrest Gardens known for its expansive array of native and exotic flora. Think towering palms, 20 acres of meticulously manicured lawns, and vibrant flowers of all kinds. This beautiful landscape is also home to a lot wildlife, including koi fish, turtles, peacocks and swans. In addition, there is a children's playground and splash area, making this a great place for a family day trip. No doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the city, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend a sunny day in Miami. Foodies – pay attention! If you’re looking to try out some of the local cuisine, we highly recommend checking out South Beach Seafood Festival. Whilst there are plenty of great dining spots in the city, this festival only rocks around in the autumn time – so don’t skip it! Taking place towards the end of the month, this incredible culinary event merges great food with the beautiful backdrop of Miami to bring you something truly special. Savor the taste of king crab legs under the sun. Enjoy fried lobster tails whilst taking in the stunning beach views. And then, wash it all down with a nice cold one. Celebrating the fine ocean destination and a wide array of regional culinary artists, this event is a total must-do for any visitor who considers food their religion. Get Creative Or, if you’re looking to beat the heat, why not check out one of the city’s incredible cultural institutions? There are countless wonderful museums in the Magic City, but our favorite has got to be the Rubell Museum for its impressive collection of contemporary art. The museum is built into six former industrial buildings and features 40 small galleries and a library inside. The institute is home to one of the biggest collections of its kind, and features some of the most proficient and revered modern artists of the 20th- and 21st-centuries. Amongst its unique collection, visitors can enjoy works by Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Cindy Sherman and Jean-Michel Basquiat. A thoroughly delightful endeavor, this cultural gem is perfect for art lovers of all ages. When travelling, it’s always a great idea to check out the local art scene. Taking place towards the end of the month in the trendy Wynwood Art District, the Chocolate and Art Show is well worth the visit. Held annually, this fun cultural event works to shine a spotlight on regional up-and-coming talent across a wide assortment of creative disciplines. No, really - trust us when we say that there’s a lot to see here. This underground art show features everything from conventional paintings and sculptures to modern installations and videography. All of the creatives should be at the event, for those who like to talk art. Alongside the shown pieces, guests can enjoy body painting, vendors, live music, and of course, free chocolate! Whether you’re a fine art enthusiast or casual crafter, you’re sure to have a blast browsing the pieces and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the Festivities! Of course, it wouldn’t be autumn in Miami without celebrating Oktoberfest. Our favorite celebration for this has to be Oktoberfest Miami, which is held at the German American Social Club. This event gains much traction, with over 40, 000 guests passing through its doors during its six-day run. This party is also the longest continuously running event of its kind in the continental United States. At the festival, visitors can enjoy a divisive array of beer and traditional Bavarian food unlike no other. For entertainment, you've got parades, folk dancing and bands direct from Germany. There are also bounce houses, slides and play areas for the kids, so there’s a little something for everybody here. With its incredible atmosphere and true dedication to the real thing, you won’t want to miss out on this one. If you’re anything like us, you love a good Halloween party. Luckily, Miami knows how to do it right, with many celebrations cropping up all across the city over the month of October. Still, our favorite event for this legendary spooky holiday has got to be Pirates of the Wharf, a waterside themed dress-up event complete with its own real pirate ship! Be sure to bring your best dress-up, since it’s pretty much mandatory. At the event, visitors can enjoy plenty of drink and Caribbean-style food throughout the night. For entertainment, there’s live music, dancing and a giant costume contest to spice things up. A little bit scary and a whole lot of fun, this fantastic annual event is perfect for any visitors with a penchant for the weird and the wonderful. October is an excellent time to book your Miami vacation if you’re looking for smaller crowds, lower accommodation rates, and festive events. 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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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

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