Things to do in Miami for Birthday

UPDATED JULY 2024

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.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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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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Relaxing Things to do in Miami

Miami is the perfect relaxing coastal getaway. With its sun-soaked beaches and clear blue skies, we couldn’t think of a better place to take a serene break. Still, the list of great things to do in the Magic City goes way beyond the seaside. No, really – trust us when we say that Miami runs the gamut with cool activities and attractions for all kinds of travellers. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, we highly recommend Everglades National Park for all of its beauty and splendour. To get to know the area, we like Coconut Grove for all of its chic stores, waterfront cafes and beautiful green spaces. And if you’re looking to make a splash, nothing could quite be better than a trip to the Venetian Pool. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are listing all of our favorite relaxing things to do in Miami below. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a notepad and keep scrolling! Hit the Beach Of course, a trip to Miami isn’t complete without a stop at the beach. The city is famous for its many wonderful seaside attractions – however, one of them particularly stands out for its natural beauty. An undoubtedly quintessential Miami attraction, South Beach has long been recognized for its pristine palm-fringed shores and crystal-clear waters. In fact, this place is so picture-perfect that it has consistently served as a TV and movie backdrop throughout the years – the attraction can be spotted in Miami Vice and even Scarface. Walking along the beachfront, you might even catch something in action! For those who are looking to experience that elusive postcard image of a tropical beach in real life – this is the place. Upon arrival, visitors can rent out lounge chairs and beach umbrellas for a small fee and kick back under the sun. We recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area, which has a lot of wonderful Art Deco architecture, waterside cafes and quirky stores well worth checking out. Get Some Fresh Air When travelling, it’s always a good idea to spend some time out in Mother Nature. With its unique tropical landscape and perennial sunshine, Miami is a fantastic place to explore for outdoorsy types – this we know. Whilst the city presents countless wonderful green spaces to discover, one of our favorites has got to be Everglades National Park for its out of this world beauty. This spot draws in over one million visitors each year – and with good reason. The park is the largest subtropical wilderness site in the United States and is recognized for its entirely distinctive ecosystem which is characterized by its incredible biodiversity. A protected and fragile landscape, this place is home to a wide variety of rare plants and threatened wildlife. Amongst the relaxing activities, you’ll find here, hiking, birdwatching, sailing and boating are all popular choices. As one of the most beautiful spots in Florida, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend a sunny day on vacation. Miami is an exciting city with a lot of great things to offer – but sometimes the city can just get a little too much. For those times, we recommend checking out one of the area’s wonderful green spaces. Our particular favorite is Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its unique collection of rare and exotic flora. First opened to the public in 1938, this spot earned its spot long ago as one of the most magical places in Miami. Covering 83 acres of lush subtropical gardens, Fairchild is a treasure trove of natural beauty and wonder. Think magnificent centuries-old oak trees, wild trailing vines and vibrant flowers of all kinds. The place is home to the only rainforest in America, as well as the biggest collection of tropical bamboo in the world, with 125 species on display. In addition, visitors will enjoy the small butterfly emporium. A thoroughly educational and Instagrammable excursion, we love this spot for highlighting the true power of nature. Soak Up the Sun Sat along the southeastern coastline, Miami is famed for its year-round subtropical climate. The city can get hot – and we mean like, hot-hot. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool down, don’t worry – we know just the place! Standing out from all other aquatic attractions in the city, the Venetian Pool is a refreshing urban oasis known for its unique design and great history. Built into an old, abandoned rock quarry in 1921, this spot has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whilst it has seen many stages of development, the attraction always maintains its original Mediterranean Revival style to reflect the city’s strong Latino community. Filled with over 820, 000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the continental United States. There is a sunning area, kiddie pool, and a café and bar space– so, everybody’s happy. Fun, relaxing and luxurious all at the same time, this place will no doubt quench your thirst for the perfect pool day. Another one of our favorite relaxing things to do in Miami is visit Coconut Grove. Affectionately known as The Grove by locals, this beautiful free-spirited neighborhood is a great spot for taking a low-key day to explore the area. The spot dates back to the early twentieth century and is the oldest continuously-inhabited neighborhood in Miami. Set along the shores of Biscayne Bay, the district is known for its lush tropical greenery and elegant architecture. Flanked along its quiet residential streets, visitors can expect to find farmers’ markets, art galleries and interesting cultural landmarks. Take a quiet leisurely stroll, stop for a bite to eat at one of its top-notch waterside eateries, or browse the stores – the world’s your oyster! No matter how you choose to enjoy this wonderful scenic spot, we’re sure you’ll have a blast. Famed for its wonderful weather and scenic greenery, it’s no surprise that Miami is a total hub for recreation and relaxation. Explore the city to its full potential with an 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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Miami Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

While none of us are really looking forward to the end of summer, the fun and excitement of Labor Day Weekend can help ease the transition of going back to school and work. From barbecues and picnics to mini vacations, there are plenty of options for how to spend that last, glorious weekend of summer. There are lots of attractions and activities to do in Miami this Labor Day weekend. If you’re looking for Miami Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Miami in September, including... Vizcaya Museum Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise Bike and Roll: Bike Rental Miami Spice Dining Discounts And more! Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these Miami attractions are included on the Go Miami® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the special events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Miami pass. International Ballet Festival July 27 - August 18, 2018 Variable venues https://youtu.be/BvKYYJeWpBs An educational and exciting festival that celebrates all things ballet. Over 200 artists representing more than 20 companies will perform and demonstrate work across 6 different venues. This festival will also showcase literature, art, and film featuring ballet alongside the live performances. It’s a fantastic cultural opportunity for the whole family! Getting In: Admission to the International Ballet Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Miami pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website. Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show August 30 - September 2, 2019 Miami Beach Convention Center If you’re a fan of HGTV, this event may be a must-see for you. Whether you’re actively looking to redecorate or just enjoy the sight of some brand new wood paneling, this show is sure to be a delight. Join hundreds of vendors and thousands of other attendees in a mutual appreciation of all things home design. Be warned – these shows sell out fast! Getting In: Admission to the Home Design & Remodeling Show is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Miami pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the attraction website. Arts + Entertainment District If you're looking for more fun cultural things to do in Miami, then a visit to the hip Arts + Entertainment District is in the cards for you. Located in downtown Miami, this neighborhood hosts a variety of free events every month, from movie nights to concerts and beyond. Getting In: Admission to select events at the Arts + Entertainment District is free. Miami Spice August 1 - September 30, 2019 Various restaurants This two-month-long celebration of Miami's eclectic and delicious culinary scene is a must for anyone looking to really get a feel for sunny South Beach. You can choose from three-course prix-fixe menus for brunch ($23), lunch ($23), and dinner ($39), with nearly 200 participating restaurants to choose from. Getting In: Miami Spice discounts are purchased at individual restaurants and are not included with the Go Miami pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Miami in September to help you plan your Labor Day weekend itinerary. Remember, some of these great attraction options are included on the Go Miami pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Miami pass. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style.
Katie Sagal

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