10+ Things to Do in Miami Besides Party

If you’re planning a trip to Miami, you’re probably looking forward to the nightlife in one of America’s most vibrant cities. And why wouldn’t you? South Beach is known far and wide for its club scene, and there is no shortage of fun to be had, mingling well into the morning hours with beautiful people while great music plays in the background.

Miami besides the party scene

At the same time, however, there is much more to Miami than just the bars and nightclubs. There’s something there for everyone, regardless of what you might be interested in. While it’s probably impossible to count all the things to do in Miami besides partying, we’ve put together a list of attractions you should check out, including...

  • Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Tour
  • Jet Boat Miami
  • The Florida Everglades
  • Duck Tours South Beach
  • and much more!
     

Big Bus Miami Hop On Hop Off Tour

A Hop On Hop Off Tour lets you enjoy the best of what Miami has to offer, from the beautiful beaches to the restaurants and clubs, all with the freedom to hop on or off the bus at whatever stops you want. Want to visit Little Havana or the Art Deco District? Feel like spending the morning lounging at South Beach, and then continuing your tour of Miami at your leisure?

With Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours you’re in control, while still having access to an expert tour guide who can fill you in on city history as well as the best places for sightseeing, nightlife, dining, or beach-going. Big Bus Tours Miami offers three different loops, each of which brings something unique to the table. 

Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Tour tickets are included with all Go City® Miami passes.

The Official Art Deco Tours

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If you loved the historic Art Deco district on your hop-on and hop-off tour, then you'll want to give a little more love to this amazing collection of architecture. Take a 90-minute guided walking tour of Miami's Art Deco district to see a beautiful collection of buildings constructed in this unique architectural style. Some of the examples you'll see include hotels, restaurants, and numerous other commercial buildings, including the chance to tour select interiors.

But there's a ton of variety: the most famous example of Art Deco in Miami is, interestingly enough, the U.S. Post Office building! Tours are run by the Miami Design and Preservation League, so you know they're true experts on historic architecture, urban planning, and all that goes into designing that perfect beautiful building. 

Getting In: Miami Art Deco Tour is separately ticketed.

Jet Boat Miami

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Tired of boat tours that crawl along at a snail’s pace? If you spent your last tour on the water wishing your captain would go a bit faster, Jet Boat Miami is well worth checking out. Each tour, starting and ending at Sea Isle Marina, can reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour, and the captains are always determined to give you an adrenaline rush you won’t be able to forget. A rollercoaster of the sea!

Jet Boat Miami is sightseeing with a twist! See Downtown Miami, Hibiscus Island, San Marco Island, and Star Island, all while using hundreds of horsepower to execute tight turns, 360-degree spins, and bursts of high speed. And if that isn’t enough for you, just let the captain know and he’ll give you and your fellow passengers some extra twists and turns! 

Getting In: Jet Boat Miami is separately ticketed.

Miami Seaquarium

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If you have an appreciation for aquatic wildlife, you can’t afford to miss out on the Miami Seaquarium, which is widely considered to be the premier attraction in South Florida. You can relax and watch marine animal shows, or you can pay a visit to the sea lions and other fascinating creatures that call this place home.

Although there are countless things to do here, the Seaquarium isn’t just an entertainment center. It has no shortage of educational tidbits for you to enjoy while you check out the various sights.

The park is also known for its commitment to the rescue and conservation of marine mammals, which began before it opened to the public. Ever since its first rescue of a manatee in 1955, Miami Seaquarium has rehabilitated and released countless whales, sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins. If you’re seeking out a fun day experiencing and learning about marine life, this is a stop you have to make when you’re in South Florida. 

Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included with all Go City® Miami passes.

Jungle Island

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Do you like the idea of going on a wild safari adventure? Or attending a show starring gifted performers who also happen to be exotic birds? Or would you rather take pictures up close with tiger cubs and monkeys? If any of these activities interest you, luckily enough you can find them all at the same place.

If that sounds hard to believe, you’ve obviously never been to Jungle Island. This landmark of South Florida offers visitors a chance to experience some of the world’s most fascinating, beautiful, and dangerous wildlife, all in one incredible park.

You can get up close and personal with lemurs, listen to talking and singing parrots, or even visit the Lion’s Den, where the park’s majestic white lion can be seen, plus Royal Bengal and white tigers. If you’ve got kids in tow, the park also features a large playground as well as a Petting Farm. And don't miss their summer pop-up: Neo Splash Water Park! 

Getting In: Jungle Island is separately ticketed.

Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Ride

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You may not want to pet one of them, but there’s no denying the draw of a dangerous reptile like the alligator, the most notorious resident of South Florida. Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat offers visitors the chance to see these alarming creatures up close and personal, with alligator shows that educate you about the animals while also entertaining you with demonstrations of primitive Native American capturing techniques.

You’ll even get a chance to take a picture with a baby alligator after the show if you stick around! That’s just the tip of the iceberg though, as you can also take an exciting tour of the swamp on an airboat, or proceed on foot to see alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and other forms of local and exotic wildlife.

There are snakes as well, and if you’re looking to make some new, slithering friends, Everglades Alligator Farm also has a snake show that can teach you what to look out for when you’re exploring the nearby wilderness. You’ll even get the chance to pass around a snake and take a picture.

Getting In: Everglade Alligator Farm & Airboat Ride tickets are included with all Go City® Miami passes.

Island Queen Millionaire's Row Sightseeing Boat Cruise

On this cruise, you'll sit back and enjoy the natural beauty of the Venetian Islands and Biscayne Bay, as well as the stunning homes of the rich and famous located around South Beach. You’ll see numerous landmarks as well, but if you’re concerned about being stuck on a crowded vessel you’ll be pleased to know that the three boats available with Island Queen Millionaire's Row Sightseeing Boat Cruise offer a much more intimate experience than what you’d find with most boat tours.

The boat tour begins and ends at Bayside Marketplace, where you can do even more sightseeing — unless you’d rather get some shopping done. There is also a wide range of entertainment and dining options available as well, which can ensure that you finish your day off in style after your tour is over. 

Getting In: Island Queen Sightseeing Boat Cruise tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Duck Tours South Beach

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It’s safe to assume you’ve never been on a tour anything like this one before. Embark on a fully narrated, interactive trip that covers both land and sea in an amphibious vessel, guided by people with extensive knowledge of the city.

The Duck Tours South Beach guides are all well-versed in both comedy and acting, meaning you will experience timeless Art Deco-style architecture and the mansions of the rich and famous all while being entertained by jokes and fun games. Tours offer an up-close look at the most exclusive properties on the gorgeous Biscayne Bay, plus Miami’s other most popular spots. 

Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included with all Go City® Miami passes.

Bike and Roll Miami: Bike Rental

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Strolling around in Miami Beach city, enjoying the sunshine, and watching the sights sounds like a great way to spend a day or two. The only thing that could make it even better... is a set of wheels! Bike and Roll Miami lets you take advantage of the city’s countless trails and bike lanes as you experience Miami on a pair of skates, a bicycle, or even a segway. Tours are available but optional, and there are even tandem bikes and quadcycles for groups that want to ride together.

Once you have your bike and the necessary equipment, you can begin riding in the picturesque Art Deco district with a map to help guide your trip. The map has a distance chart that can assist you, but you decide where to go. South Beach, the Venetian Causeway, and Little Havana are just a few possibilities, in addition to the sights as you ride through South Florida. 

Getting In: Bike and Roll Miami Bike Rentals are included with all Go City® Miami passes.

Key West Day Trip

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Seeking out the best way to enjoy a day out in a beautiful environment with no stress or worries? A Key West Day Trip is the answer. Sightseeing tours, group events, outdoor cafés, and quaint shopping areas are just the beginning of what you can do in a day in Key West. If you’re looking for things to do in Miami besides party, Key West has what you need.

Want to go parasailing? Or how about a voyage on a glass-bottomed boat or a snorkeling cruise? Key West has countless attraction options, and it all begins with the laid-back, Caribbean atmosphere that sets your mind and body at ease. Whether you want to take a ride on a winding road atop an open-air train, or you’d prefer to simply sit back and enjoy delicious food and drinks, a Key West Day Trip is just the thing every South Floridian vacation needs. 

Getting In: Key West Day Trip from Miami tickets are included on the Go City® Miami All-Inclusive Pass only.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

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Your trip to Miami is bound to include lots of sunshine and sightseeing among other relaxing and exciting activities, but it wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. At Vizcaya, you'll be transported to another world, where the homes of the wealthy were inspired by European palaces, and where natural beauty and timeless art go hand in hand.

The museum itself features 34 rooms containing over 2,000 pieces of art and classic furnishings, accessed via a fountain-lined walkway cutting through a lush, subtropical forest. You can then take your pick between the main house, filled with artifacts and other treasures from all over the world, or the outside where you can view the gorgeous Biscayne Bay, and beautiful gardens and statues dotting the scenery.

Getting In: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Pérez Art Museum

If the idea of visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens sounded appealing to you, then you'll also want to hit up the Pérez Art Museum Miami for an extra dose of artistic inspiration. Exhibitions particularly focus on the unique artistic culture of Miami, with its confluence of diverse methods and traditions in a distinctive geographic locale.

You'll get to enjoy everything from painting and sculpture to photography and textile arts. In addition to their exciting regular collections, they also offer many special exhibits on a variety of themes, Miami-inspired and otherwise. Plus, the building itself has a unique architectural design, so it's a pleasure to visit even if you don't spend too much time perusing the contents inside. Be sure to check out their excellent selection at the gift shop, too. 

Getting In: Pérez Art Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

To sum up...

As you can see, there's so much more to do in Miami besides party - although there's nothing to say that you can't combine a little club-hopping with any of these top attractions during the day. From bike rides to museums to tours and beyond, there's something to appeal to every taste and every style of travel in sunny South Beach.

Don't forget, you can visit many Miami attractions with Go City.

With an All-Inclusive Pass, you can visit attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Miami must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Pick your Miami pass and save while you sightsee! 

☀️ Compare San Diego passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈ 

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Miami Itinerary – 3 Days in Miami for First Timers

Spending a long weekend in Miami and aren’t sure what to do with your time? Check out this popular 3 Days in Miami Itinerary for ideas on what to do and where to go. This 3 day itinerary includes: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Little Havana (free!) Everglades Tour from Miami Key West Day Trip Duck Tours South Beach Art Deco Walking Tour Miami Seaquarium Only have a few days in Miami? We’ve also put together a 1 day and 2-day itinerary to help you with your planning. On the flip side, if you have more vacation time, we recommend you spend some additional time down in Key West - this Florida Keys road trip itinerary is a fun way to explore Miami and everything in between Key West. DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus Miami Sightseeing Tour This hop-on, hop-off tour is an ideal introduction to the city of Miami itself. Big Bus Miami will take you throughout the city and the surrounding neighborhoods, hitting all the major highlights and hotspots. Some included sights on your tour include the Vizcaya Museum, the Freedom Tower, and much much more. Remember to pick up your ticket in advance at the Big Bus Miami Central Station. You can choose to hop on or off at any of the stops along the way, or, stay on for the full length of the tour (which will take about 3 hours). Stop #2: Little Havana (free!) Something you should not miss on your Miami vacation is the chance to explore on of the city's most famous neighborhoods – Little Havana. It's the locus of a whole bunch of cultural, social, and culinary traditions with a primarily Cuban influence (although many other Hispanic cultures are also represented here). You'll find frequent festivals and special events (so check an event calendar before your visit). Cultural Fridays are a recurring one that should be easy to check out. Or, if you just want to get a taste for the area – literally – hit up one of their authentic restaurants. Stop #3: Everglades Tour This Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Tour is the perfect way to see and experience the fantastic natural world of the Florida Everglades. It’s a half-day-long excursion that exposes you to the wild and wonderful throughout the swamplands. Take an airboat ride, marvel at the Wildlife Nature Show, stroll the Jungle Walkway, and more at this enchanting attraction. Don’t forget your camera to capture some photos of the iconic Florida alligator (from a safe distance, of course)! This tour lasts approximately 5 hours. DAY 2 Stop #1: Key West Day Tour Today is your day for total relaxation and fun. Take a Key West Day Trip and do nothing but lounge and enjoy the sunshine and waves. Or, you can opt to shop, dine, and otherwise explore Key West itself. Some optional activities you can do while in Key West include paying a visit to the Hemingway house, hopping aboard an eco-kayaking adventure, or setting sail on a dolphin-watching cruise. Whatever suits your fancy, you’ve got all day in Key West to enjoy it. Be sure to time your trip so that you see the setting sun in Mallory Square – you'll get some of the most beautiful photos you'll ever take. This tour will take the entire day, beginning early in the morning. DAY 3 Stop #1: Duck Tours South Beach Take your last day in Miami to spend a little more time in South Beach. The Duck Tours South Beach will give you a broad overview of the highlights and hotspots of South Beach and beyond, providing some really stellar photo opportunities. Some highlights of your tour will include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire’s Row, and Star Island, among many others. Plus, your tour guide is a professionally trained actor and comic who is sure to delight passengers the entire time. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Stop #2: Art Deco Walking Tours Another excellent perspective on South Beach comes with a stroll through its famous historic Art Deco district. Featuring the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the entire world (you read that right), this neighborhood is a must-see for architecture nuts and history buffs. This tour will take approximately 90 minutes, and is conducted on foot. We recommend comfy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Stop #3: Miami Seaquarium Located on lovely Virginia Key, the Miami Seaquarium is the premier destination for all things marine life in Miami. Filled with exciting animal shows, educational exhibits, and informative presentations, an afternoon at the Seaquarium will delight the whole family. This institution is also dedicated to wildlife conservation and rescue, so many of the creatures that call the Seaquarium home have actually been rescued and rehabilitated from the wild. Be sure to pay a visit to the manatees, who represent the single largest population of rescued marine creatures at the park. We recommend reserving about 2 hours for this attraction. Save on Attraction Admission This 3 days in Miami itinerary is designed to combine the best of beachy, relaxing attractions with entertainment and education. Our suggested list of things to do will also help you really get a feel for the area, and allow you to leave knowing you’ve made the most of your limited time. Pick up a 3-day pass for Miami by Go City® and save big on combined admission prices vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3-day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami. Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.
Katie Sagal

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