Things to do in Midtown Miami

Published: July 18, 2024

Miami is an unbelievable city: with perennial sunshine, great culture and fantastic attractions, every visit is an absolute joy. Even after multiple stays, there’s no shortage of things to see and do there. And whilst South Beach earned its crown long ago as the perfect spot to kick back and dip your toes in the sand, Midtown is known as the vibrant epicenter of Miami. A trendy modern district with a lot to offer, the neighborhood encompasses Wynwood and Edgewater and is known for its luxury waterfront high rises, cutting-edge galleries and world-class shopping opportunities. As one of the more exciting neighborhoods of the Magic City, this area is perfect for those who like to be in the center of all the action. If you’re planning to explore the area, but still aren’t quite sure where to begin don’t worry – we've got you covered! You might not be able to fit it all in, but hey - there’s no harm in trying, right?

Get Cultured

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Once a gritty industrial sector, Midtown Miami has seen something of a renaissance over the past few years, with visitors flocking over to Wynwood to experience the city’s artsy side. Whilst the area has many fantastic creative attractions, one of our favorites has got to be Wynwood Walls, a massive outdoor urban art museum. Covering over 80,000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is known as one of the biggest of its kind. Walking around the space, you’ll be able to view some wonderful works by some of the world’s most prolific graffiti artists. The walls here are constantly changing, though past artists have included the likes of Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink and Miss Van. A total Instagrammer’s dream, this vibrant spot is just perfect for a fun day trip - we recommend sticking around to check out some of the surrounding area. Great for those with a passion for alternative art, this spot is not to be missed.

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Whilst South Beach might have the monopoly when it comes to riding the waves, there’s no better place in the city to see some grade A art than Midtown. There are countless galleries in the area, but one of the most popular ones is The Margulies Collection. Modestly housed in a converted warehouse, this unique space works to place emphasis on the artists and their work. The museum’s impressive and diverse collection features artists such as Cindy Sherman, Anselm Kiefer and George Segal. This spot specializes in contemporary art, though it doesn’t discriminate between styles – walking through the museum, you’ll be able to view everything from photography and video work to sculpture and installation. The staff here are very friendly and informative, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask away! Whether you’re a total art geek or looking to learn something new, this place provides a wonderful cultural experience to remember.

Eat and Drink in Midtown

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If you’re anything like us, then one of your favorite parts of travelling is the food! Thankfully, Midtown presents some of the best places to eat in all of the city. Still, 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood is our ultimate go-to for its great Asian-inspired offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Often buzzing with people, this popular food hall has a fun and casual feel which makes it perfect for kicking back and enjoying a craft beer under the sun. With seven food vendors and two bars, there really is a lot to choose from – popular dishes include Filipino burgers, Chinese bao buns and Peking duck. 1-800-Lucky is one of the most popular food halls in all of the city and is worth a visit to Midtown all on its own. We should warn you though, that this spot can get pretty crowded, especially on the weekends, so just beware of that.

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Miamians love a good drink – and trust us when we say that there are many places to indulge around Midtown. And whilst the options are unending in the Magic City, there’s no place quite like Cerveceria La Tropical. Tucked away on a quiet side street, this huge multi-level brewery and garden is one of the most popular spots to grab a drink in the city. This place has an industrial feel with towering tanks and a taproom with over a whopping 800 varieties of beers to try. Aside from its long list of beverages, Cerveceria also has a Latin-inspired menu which pairs nicely with the drinks. There is a spacious outdoor courtyard, perfect for sipping a cold one with good company. Taking advantage of the Miami weather, the garden features a sprawling lush tropical wonderland with a wide variety of exotic flora. Fun, funky and sophisticated all at once, this place is a total winner.

Try Something Different

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Those coming to Miami looking for art and culture will be delighted by what the city has in store. Midtown especially is home to some fantastic options for those who want to get in touch with their creative side, as it is home to the Wynwood neighborhood, which is bursting at the seams with cool things to do. Standing out as one of our favorites, O Cinema Wynwood is a trendy arthouse movie theater known for its carefully-curated programming. From total classics and dramas to niche indies and new releases, there really is a little something for everybody here. Offering something a little different and at a more affordable price than your run-of-the-mill movie theater, O Cinema pretty much has it all. Whether you’re looking to relax on vacation or seeking out the perfect date spot, this is where you’ll want to be.

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Not much of a wallflower, the Magic City is packed with exciting activities and events all year round for you and your loved ones. Midtown is the perfect place to explore on foot, with a myriad of fantastic cultural attractions, exciting shopping destinations and enticing food options all in one spot. 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
Go City Travel Expert

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Christmas in Miami

Christmas in Miami Miami is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year, though we especially love it around Christmastime. Though the city often conjures up the image of long days spent at the beach, we can assure you that it’s a great spot to visit in the winter. This is largely because it’s shoulder season, meaning that the crowds have calmed down and the weather is more comfortable for touring. Still, with its perennial subtropical climate, the city is never fully cold-cold, so you can enjoy most of the area’s fantastic outdoor attractions just as you normally would. In addition, Miami pulls out all the stops for Christmastime, with fantastic activities and events cropping up all over the shop. Still not sure how to plan your trip to Miami during December? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you’re making your way to the Magic City during the festive season and aren’t quite sure where to start, have a read through our list of what to see and do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the best time of the year, we’re sure it’ll be just magical. See the Sites As one of the most popular visitor hotspots in the United States, Miami has countless points of exploration and adventure to be enjoyed. If you’re looking to see the sites during the holidays, you’ll be in luck, since many of the attractions pull out all of the stops for Christmas. There are so many places to choose from, but one of our favorites has got to be Zoo Miami for its true dedication to exotic wildlife and conservation initiatives. We especially love this spot because it’s a fantastic place to see animals without putting them in any discomfort. If you’re the type who likes to see wildlife up close, this place offers animal encounters, feedings, and educational presentations – so don’t miss out! During the holiday season, you’ll find that the zoo switches it up with a dazzling light show, glowing animals and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet. In addition, there are rides, themed nights and arts and crafts to be enjoyed. Combining the allure of the animal world with the magic of Christmas, there’s absolutely no way to hate this one. Unlike a lot of other American cities, Miami’s weather doesn’t noticeably cool down in the wintertime. This means that Christmas is actually one of the best times to explore the city‘s wonderful outdoor attractions. If you’re looking for something out in the wonderful natural backdrop of area, we recommend checking out Jungle Island. Combining the lush tropical greenery of Florida with a jungle full of extraordinary animals, this place is recognized as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. The attraction was first opened under the name ‘’Parrot Jungle’’ in 1936, and still lives up to its original basis with an expansive collection of native and exotic birds. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Visitors can also expect to see everything from giraffes and hippos to lions and tigers. During the holidays, the park transforms into a dazzling Chinese lantern festival, with enormous, handcrafted pieces representing every type of animal you could think of. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just looking to capture that perfect Instagram shot, this place should rank way up high on the itinerary. Get Festive When travelling, it’s always a good idea to explore the city's art scene. Creative types and lovers of the performed arts will be pleasantly surprised by what the city has to offer during the jolliest time of the year. Supporting a wide array of local talent, City Theatre’s Winter Shorts has been a longtime winter classic for visitors and locals alike. Running from early December, this fun play festival is known for its focus on short seasonal pieces. From indisputable classics like A Christmas Carol and popular musicals to fun humor pieces, there’s a little something for everybody here. One of the event’s most popular showstoppers is Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, which runs each and every year without fail – but of course, since the plays are only around ten minutes or so long, you’ll be able to squeeze in a number of pieces. Showcasing a true dedication to theater, music and comedy, we couldn’t think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit. A fantastic visual and cultural experience, this one is great for those of all ages. Soak Up the Atmosphere Whilst Orlando may usually have the monopoly on theme parks in the United States, things are a little bit different when Christmastime rolls around. Recognized as one of the world’s largest Christmas-themed amusement parks, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is where it’s at for those who like to go all out the holidays. Boasting over 100 rides, games, and shows to be enjoyed, this pop-up seasonal attraction is the perfect spot for spending time with friends and family. Aside from all of the hustle and bustle, there are seasonal snacks, captivating light displays and the grand opportunity to take a photo with Santa himself! We recommend setting an entire day aside for this one, because it’s incredibly busy and there’s so much to see and do here. We love this place because it truly rekindles our sense of childlike wonder. If you’re travelling away from home during the holidays but still want to soak up those sweet Christmas vibes, you might enjoy the next item on our list. Taking place during Christmas day, the Winterfest Boat Parade is a great seasonal event with fun and festivities all around. Kicking off from downtown Fort Lauderdale, this can’t-miss extravaganza gives a uniquely Miami twist to the meaning of Christmas. The parade draws in over a million visitors each year, making it one of the city’s most popular seasonal attractions. At the event, spectators can enjoy live music, entertainment, and corporate mega yachts adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights. Dubbed as ‘’the best show on H20’’, this spectacular event is not to be missed. With so much to experience and endless amounts of holiday cheer, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend Christmastime than Miami. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Enjoy 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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Visiting Miami on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

When it comes to a South Florida vacation, there’s one destination you can’t beat! Miami is a top destination for families from all over. Whether you have young children or teenagers, you’ll be able to find fun activities and attractions your whole family will love. Miami can be a great choice for budget-minded travelers, especially when you use a Go Miami Card, which makes visiting Miami on a budget a breeze. Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions Admission to many of these Miami tourist attractions and are included on the Go Miami Card. Go Miami Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include: Miami Seaquarium Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Key West Day Trip from Miami Duck Tours South Beach and more! Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Miami Seaquarium If you have kids, you absolutely have to go to Miami Seaquarium. Regardless of age, everyone loves Miami Seaquarium. As soon as you walk in your kids will begin learning about fishes, sea mammals, and other sea animals. You and your family can enjoy the fun and educational shows! But beware! If you’re sitting in the front 3 rows, you’re bound to get wet! Luckily, your kids will LOVE THAT! Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Forget about sitting on a tour just “looking” at all of the Miami, instead, EXPERIENCE Miami! Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour will drive to and tell you about some of the most exciting places in Miami. The bus also stops and gives you, your family, and all tour guests to get down and enjoy sightseeing. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Bus Tour tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. Key West Day Trip If you haven’t been to the Keys yet, you’ve been missing out! Key West Day Trip will take you and your family from Miami out to Key West and you’ll get to spend most of the day sightseeing and experiencing everything Key West has to offer. Along with the trip ticket, you can upgrade and go on a glass-bottom boat, go snorkeling, or go parasailing! Getting In: Key West Day Trip from Miami tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise If you’ve had an adventure-filled vacation and want a little time to relax and enjoy the sights (without having to walk around the city), Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise is the perfect attraction for you! You’ll get to tour around the beautiful Biscayne Bay and the Venetian Islands all while enjoying some refreshments and delicious food. Along with seeing the beautiful sights of Miami, you’ll also get to see some celebrity homes! Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. Duck Tours South Beach Duck Tours South Beach is unlike any tour you’ve ever been on! You and your family will get to see the sights of South Beach on land AND on water! The Duck Tours vehicle has 4 wheels to drive on land and is also a boat, which makes these tours double the fun. You and your family will be blown away, especially your kids. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. These attractions are all a must-see, so don’t let your family miss out! Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip: There are delicious restaurants, historic sites, and museums, and the weather is almost always perfect for a day out! Here are a few other family-fun ideas you can enjoy with your family: Everglades National Park - If you and your family love nature, Everglades National Park is a perfect place for all of you! This national park has hiking paths, biking paths, picnic areas, fishing areas, and so much more. Your family will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery; they’ll get to see a wide variety of birds as well as other wildlife. Lion Country Safari - Lion Country Safari is the only drive-through safari in all of Florida. You and your family can have close encounters with over 900 animals of various species! It’s the type of experience your kids will always remember. There’s even a petting zoo that younger kids LOVE! Along with the petting zoo and drive-through safari, Lion Country Safari has a walk-through amusement park that the whole family can enjoy! Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation The Beaches - If you’re visiting Miami on a budget, you can’t forget to take advantage of the free activities! There are beaches you can go to and soak up the Florida sun. Biscayne National Park - You could also head to Biscayne National Park and take a boat out to the offshore barrier reefs. Big Night in Little Haiti - If you’re in Miami during the 3rd Friday of any month, head to Big Night in Little Haiti and enjoy a family-friendly environment with food, art, music, and culture! If your family loves art, head over to Wynwood and enjoy their public art. Enjoy the Downtown Public Art - If you go to Wynwood during the second Saturday of any month you’ll get to experience Art Walk and see artists creating art live for free. Please keep in mind some Wynwood art may not all be family-friendly. South Pointe Park - South Point Park is also a great place to enjoy for free. Located in the Southernmost part of Miami Beach, South Point Park features a beautiful family-friendly beach, a small interactive kid’s water area, and has walking paths. No matter what activities or attractions you decide to experience, just remember the most important thing, have fun with your family! How to Save Money When Visiting Miami on a Budget Going on a family vacation can get costly quick, but it doesn’t have to. Here are a few tips that will help you save money next time you are visiting Miami on a budget: Plan Ahead - If you’re visiting Miami on a budget, make sure you plan ahead. That will allow you to make the most out of your time and vacation budget. Determine how many days you’ll be there, then give yourself a budget for each day based on your vacationing budget. *Side note: Always leave a little money for emergencies. Make a List – Put together a list of all of the attractions and activities your family wants to explore. Use this list to determine where you have time to visit and coordinate so that you can go to more than one place per day. Use a Go Miami Card – A Go Miami Card allows you to visit dozens of popular attractions all for one low price, so you know you won't be going over your budget. Pack Your Own Lunches – If your family is on a tight vacation budget you may want to consider packing your own lunches instead of eating at restaurants. Sandwiches can stay in a lunchbox for most of the day without going bad and you can even freeze a bunch of juice pouches to keep them cold all day long, and use them to keep other food in your cooler cold. By following these tips you can spend money time enjoying your vacation, instead of worrying about how much money you have left in your bank account. Let's Recap on Visiting Miami on a Budget There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do when visiting Miami on a budget. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Miami Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Miami vacation itinerary.
Go City 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

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