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.

Published: July 18, 2024
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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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.
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