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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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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Adventurous Things to do in Miami

Feeling a little reckless? Don’t worry – we've got you covered! Famed for its year-round wonderful weather and beautiful tropical landscape, Miami makes a fantastic destination for fun outdoor excursions and anybody with an adventurous spirit. From scenic hiking trails and relaxing days at the beach to clear bottom kayaking and helicopter tours, the Magic City is bursting with cool and exciting things to do. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to suit you. So, if you're looking to experience the Magic City in an original way, have a read through our list of the best adventurous things to do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the area we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the City It’d be just wrong to visit Miami without heading to the beach. Well-recognized for its sugar-sand shores and gentle surf, South Beach established itself as one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions long ago. Of course, there are plenty of watersport activities available at this beloved bustling hotspot - from surfing and paddleboarding to sailing and jet skiing, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. Aside from the beach itself, there’s a scenic boardwalk and lively surrounding neighborhood with plenty of celebrity-chef eateries, galleries and fashion stores to explore. We highly recommend staying in the area until nightfall to enjoy Miami’s legendary nightlife. After sunset, kick back with a piña colada at one of the many waterfront bars, or head further into the area to check out the local dance clubs and cocktail lounges. With its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, we couldn’t quite think of another spot in the city that represents Miami with such force. If you’re looking to appreciate the city from a whole new perspective, why not take to the sky? With tourhelicopter, you can soar over Miami’s breathtaking coastline, take in the beautiful views of South Beach, and see the wonderful architecture on Biscayne Bay all in one trip. Gliding over the Magic City, the lush greenery you’ll get to see along the way is sure to have you wowed. In addition, the tour provides a more comprehensive view of the cityscape, allowing you to catch things that you might otherwise have missed. Unlike a bus tour, this activity shoots an enormous jolt of adrenaline through the system – but we love it precisely for this reason. Though most certainly not for the faint-hearted, this activity provides a thoroughly thrilling and unforgettable experience which we love. Whether you’re an architecture buff or just looking for that Instagram-perfect photo op, we couldn’t recommend this stop enough. Find Fun Activities Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well, as it turns out, you can! Bringing all of our fanciful dreams to life, Dolphin World is a fantastic place for spending quality time with friends and family. Touch, train and play with the ocean’s friendliest creatures and learn more about them as you go. In addition, the park offers different packages for seals, penguins, and sea lions more – all you have to do is pick your favorite! If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry – the park has shallow pools where you can still interact with the animals in the same exact way. If you’ve ever wanted to take a dorsal fin ride or kiss a dolphin on the nose, this place should be right up your alley. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind experience, Dolphin World offers a fun and exciting excursion to remember. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can take some snaps of this wonderful endeavor! Miami is fairly well known for its clear and beautiful waters. In accordance, the city’s rich coastlines have long been a popular fishing destination for many. If you’re looking to try a hand at it yourself, we recommend Therapy IV for the ultimate deep sea fishing experience. On the southeastern coast, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the chance to catch snapper, blackfin tuna, sailfish, marlin, and much more. Don’t fret if you’re new to the game - the crew will be there to guide you through any questions you might have. All you have to do is show up with a smile on your face and true enthusiasm for the sport! Merging the wonderful natural attributes of Miami with a quintessential American pastime, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon in the city. Enjoy Nature Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is characterized by its unusually warm weather and captivating scenery. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, look no further than Everglades National Park. A protected landscape and listed World Heritage Site, the attraction draws in over a million visitors each year – and who are we to argue with that many people? The park is the largest tropical wilderness space in the United States, exhibiting a thoroughly unique ecosystem. Walking through the area, visitors can enjoy a wide array of rare plants and threatened animals. Amongst the various activities here, you’ll find that hiking, kayaking, canoeing and air boating are all popular choices. Not only one of the most stunning areas in Miami, but in the United States entirely, this place is a total must-see. Miami beaches are not only well-recognized for their picturesque beauty, but likewise the wonderful wildlife which inhabits their crystal-clear waters. For those who are interested in viewing Florida marine life up close, we recommend taking a clear bottom kayaking tour. This is a great way to get in touch with the Sunshine State’s wild side for those who aren’t strong swimmers. On the tour, you’ll be able to see everything from colorful tropical fish and coral to dolphins and manatees up close. If you decide to do this, it’s always important of course to bring plenty of sunscreen and water – but remember that the less that you bring, the better view that you’ll have through the bottom of the boat. Those who don’t have much experience with kayaking shouldn’t worry about it, since you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides. We love this option because it’s a great way to see animals without disrupting their environment or lifestyle in any way. So, there you have it – six of our favorite adventurous things to do in Miami. 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

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