Things to do in Miami During the Day

Miami may be known for its non-stop nightlife, but that doesn’t mean that you should just sleep the day away! From interesting cultural amenities and historical sites to wonderful hidden gems, the city is bursting with fantastic attractions for you and your loved ones. Of course, the city is a haven for beach bunnies and seaside lovers - if you’re looking to soak up the sun, head over to South Beach where you can enjoy a wide array of water sports or simply kick back with a book. For nature enthusiasts, Miami is a great place to be, with some wonderful botanical gardens to be enjoyed – we recommend Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its expansive collection of exotic plants. Or, if you’re looking for art and culture, why not check out Pérez Art Museum? With so much to see, do and experience, there’s no way you’ll be bored in the Magic City. So, if you're planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best things to do during the day in Miami. Keep scrolling to learn more!

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See the Sites

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If you’re looking to fit some culture into your travels, one of the best things you can do is make a stop at the local art gallery. Standing out for its comprehensive collection of contemporary international pieces, the Pérez Art Museum has been a long-time favorite for locals and visitors alike. The institution itself is beautiful and spacious, having been redesigned in 2013. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive repository of over 2,000 works coming from the Americas, Western Europe, and Africa. Take a good look at Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s colorful works, then stroll out through the grand staircase to enjoy the magnificent waterfront view. A fantastic educational experience for those of all ages, we love this space because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Whether you’re a fine art aficionado or a crafting geek, you’re sure to enjoy this attraction.

Though Miami may best be known a fun beach town, there’s still plenty to see here for architecture buffs. Located on Biscayne Bay in the picturesque neighborhood of Coconut Grove, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of Miami’s most popular visitor attractions – and it’s not hard to see why. The impressive historic building, surrounded by 50 acres of gardens is truly not to be missed. Built in the early 20th century, this stunning Gilded Age estate retains much of its original grandeur. The villa’s breathtaking façade, (adapted from traditional Mediterranean architectural elements) still impresses to this day. Upon entrance, visitors can explore the idea of what a luxury home meant in a different time. The museum is well-restored, and there are exceedingly opulent and curious pieces dotted around the building. In addition, the house is circled by extensive Italian Renaissance gardens with fountains, sculptures and other decorative design objects most definitely worth seeing. With its exquisite beauty and historical backstory, this attraction should rank pretty high on the itinerary.

Get Some Fresh Air

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For those who want to take in the natural beauty of Miami – don't worry, we’ve got you covered! Situated just downtown of the city, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a historical 83-acre green space featuring plants from all over the world. The garden is named after famous botanist David Fairchild and showcases much of his collection which was brought back from his travels many decades ago. No doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the city, there’s a little something for everybody here – and in every season. Walking around the park, you’ll be able to enjoy America’s biggest palm collection, as well as the largest collection of tropical bamboo in the world, with 125 species to be enjoyed. To put the icing on the cake, the garden also has a small butterfly emporium bursting with color and life. A true urban jewel, this wonderful attraction should the keenest of nature lovers.

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Those who are travelling with family might enjoy the next item on our list. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, Jungle Island merges the tropical backdrop of Miami with wonderful exotic animals for an awesome day trip to remember. We love this attraction because it offers the chance to see animals close up without affecting them or their habitat. The park was first founded under the name ‘’Parrot Jungle’’ in 1936. To this day, their collection largely features rare and unusual parrots and other birds species. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. From alligators and snakes to tigers and lemurs, Jungle Island has a lot to offer for everybody. The park is also home to Parrot Cove Beach, Miami’s only private beach. Naming this place a beach might be a bit of a misnomer – this place is more of a fantastic waterpark, with obstacle courses, rides, slides, and a climbing wall. Providing a great educational opportunity for all the family, this place is one of our favorite spots in the city.

Hit the Beach!

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No Miami vacation is complete without a trip to the beach. If you’re looking for the ultimate Floridian seaside experience, look no further than South Beach. Known for its turquoise waters and palm fringed shores, this picturesque attraction more than lives up to the image it brings to mind. Walking along the shores, you might find this spot all too familiar – which is because it’s a pretty popular filming location for movies and shows shot in Miami. Among the various things to do here, you’ll find that surfing, paddleboarding, jet skiing and sailing are all popular activities. But for those who just want to relax, you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella for a small charge. Aside from the beach itself, the surrounding area is well worth exploring. Venture just a little off from the shores to find an eclectic mix of world-class eateries, waterside cafes, fashion boutiques, galleries, and much more. Offering a paradisial break from city life, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in Miami.

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There are countless things to do in Miami. It’s all up to you to pick your favorite! To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to 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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Things to Do in Miami When it Rains

Miami is a fabulous city all year round, with warm tropical temperatures and sunny days. Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s no chance of rain here and there, especially on humid days. If you run into a rainy day in Miami and are looking for ways to fill up your time, check out our best suggestions for top things to do in Miami when it rains. A few of our favorite rainy day activities include... Pérez Art Museum Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Miami Children’s Museum Big Bus Miami Tours And more! Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami If you want to tour the city on wheels without the hassle of driving, then a Hop On Hop Off Big Bus tour is an excellent option. An enclosed double-decker bus keeps you dry, and the narration will guide you around the city's sights. Choose from the Beach Loop or the City Loop and pass by popular landmarks and attractions like Biscayne Bay, Jungle Island, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and the Wynwood District. This is a hop-on hop-off option, so if the weather clears up (or if you’re feeling adventurous), feel free to disembark and explore at your leisure. Big Bus Miami: Night Tour See Miami come alive in the nighttime with a 90-minute Big Bus Miami Night Tour past the most popular Miami landmarks. Your tour will start on iconic Ocean Drive in South Beach. You'll pass by all the most popular clubs and restaurants as the night is just heating up - all the neon lights will be on and flashing! Your guide will teach you all about the city's history and culture as you zip by the Art Deco District and beyond. It's the perfect way to get to know the Magic City after dark. Miami Children’s Museum The hardest part about a rainy family vacation is occupying the kids. Solve that problem with a visit to the Miami Children’s Museum. It’s one of our favorite kid-centric institutions, offering dozens of interactive (and bilingual!) exhibits for children of all ages. You'll find everything from interactive bank and supermarket exhibits to rock-climbing walls and a massive model cruise ship. The kids will love climbing through the Castle of Dreams, a two-story sandcastle, and learning about how to care for animals at the Pet Clinic. It's the perfect way to make the best of a dreary day. Orlando Attractions If you have access to a car and want to make the trip up to Orlando, then there are plenty of additional attraction options to enjoy indoors, from the iconic Kennedy Space Center to kid-favorite WonderWorks. There's even a Ripley's Believe it or Not! in Orlando. Pick up a Go Orlando pass and make the most of a trip to this city of theme parks and wonder! WonderWorks This bizarre arena of oddities is another great place to visit if you're spending the day in Orlando. Everything inside WonderWorks will make you feel like your world has been flipped upside down. With over 100 interactive exhibits that will have you questioning everything, it's like an amusement park for the mind. At one exhibit, you'll be blown away by 71 MPH winds in a hurricane simulator, in another you'll experience an earthquake of massive proportions, and in another you can put yourself inside a bubble and elevate. There's nowhere else like it! Ripley's Believe it or Not! Orlando The Ripley's Believe it or Not! Orlando building is quite literally slanted, so you know you're in for an unbelievable visit from the start. Enter the sinking building and feast your eyes on hundreds of quirky exhibits. Within the walls of the 16 unique galleries, you'll find shrunken heads, dinosaur bones, a micro-sculpture room, a tribute to Robert Wadlow (the World's Tallest Man) and plenty more. You can't find this kind of stuff anywhere else. Theatrical Performances Culture buffs will love the opportunity to take advantage of Miami’s diverse theater scene. You’ll find everything from classic opera or ballet to indie performances. There are many well-regarded venues in the city, like the Adrienne Arscht Center for the Performing Arts, the Olympia Theater, and the Tower Theater. Several of these venues are historical, too, so it's a chance to view beautiful architectural styles as well. Rainy Day Recap Looking for some fun things to do indoors? Admission to many of the below rainy day activities are available on the Go Miami pass. Choose as you go from a number of fun attractions and save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices. We hope you'll add a few of these rainy day attractions and landmarks to your Miami to-do list. We promise these attractions will make even the dreariest of vacation days much better. To save money and make your planning easier, consider picking up an all-inclusive Go Miami pass. It includes admission to many of the attractions on this rainy day list.
Katie Sagal
Miami Teaser
Blog

Things to Do in Miami in Spring

Miami is a wonderful spring destination. Temperatures are warm without being overly hot or humid, yet lines are shorter and major attractions have less traffic. If you’re looking for things to do in Miami in spring, check out our list of some of the best activities and attractions, including... Miami Seaquarium Zoo Miami Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami Pérez Art Museum Art Deco Walking Tour Everglades Airboat Tour Miami Children's Museum Key West Day Trip Tour the City with Big Bus Miami It's especially important for first-time visitors to Miami to get a real feel for the city. Jumping on a Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami tour is a great idea to really see the top sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks throughtout the city. A few top attractions you'll see on this tour include the Freedom Tower, the Vizcaya Museum, and many more. Opt for a hop-on hop-off option that gives you the maximum flexibility to see exactly what you want and to explore at your own pace; hop-off and take as long as you like exploring the city's landmarks and simply hop-on again to continue your guided tour of Miami. Visit the P érez Art Museum   Miami's favorite museum is the Pérez Art Museum. It's a delightful destination filled with exciting regular and temporary exhibits, all with a focus on international and local art. They specifically focus on modern and contemporary art, but it's all got a special international flair – just like Miami itself. Make the most of your visit with a guided tour of the museum lead by experts who will show you all the best bits and if you're with kids, don't forget to ask for a family pack that's full of exciting goodies to keep them entertained whilst you take it all in. You'll also get phenomenal views of Biscayne Bay from this institution, so it's a worthwhile place to visit just for the sightseeing component, too. Hop Aboard an Everglades Tour From sawgrass to swampland, the Everglades have some pretty stunning views of their own to offer. If you’re interested in exploring this marvelous (and massive!) National Park, an airboat tour is a great way to get around. To kick off your alligator adventure, take a visit to the Everglades Alligator Farm – home to over 2,000 alligators. Here you can get involved with shows, talks and feedings before hopping on an airboat tour with your guide. Keep an eye out for those iconic gators, as you're sure to see several! Just be careful not to lean too far over the edge of the boat... Miami Children’s Museum For those visiting Miami with kids, the exciting and fascinating Miami Children’s Museum is a must. With numerous interactive exhibits that focus on everything from the natural world to global culture, there’s something for all interests at this family favorite attraction. The educational exhibits, such as the Music Makers Studio, Pet Central and the Construction Zone, will provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages, so be sure to pop this one onto your spring vacation itinerary. Save on Springtime Activities in Miami Did you miss anything from your spring vacation itinerary? Here, we've put together just a few ideas of things to do in Miami in the spring. Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available with a pass for Miami by Go City®. Choose as you go from top visited attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Learn more about our Miami passes, attractions and prices.
Katie Sagal

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