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 in November

Miami is often underrated in comparison with other big American tourist cities, though it shouldn’t be. With a fantastic blend of nature and urban attractions to take your fancy, the Magic City has a lot to offer for all types of travellers. From can’t-miss cultural institutions and beautiful hiking trails to fab restaurants and shopping opportunities, there’s really an endless amount to see and do here – it's just all up to you to pick your favorites. November is the perfect time to visit, since it’s shoulder season - meaning that the city is less crowded and you’ll be able to find cheaper prices for travel and accommodation. In addition, temperatures around this time of the year are generally cooler than usual, hovering around the mid-70s most days. Still daunted by the prospect of a trip to Miami? Don’t worry! Have a read through our list of the best things to do in the Magic City during the month of November. However you choose to enjoy your time in the Sunshine State, we’re sure it’ll be fantastic. See the Sites Those looking to squeeze a little education into their vacation might appreciate the next item on our list. Whether you‘re travelling with family or exploring the city solo, you should always make time to check out some of Miami’s best cultural institutions. Located in the downtown area of the city, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum is the perfect spot for those who are looking to learn something new. The institute has both an aquarium and planetarium, so there’s a lot to see here. In addition, its permanent exhibits cover everything from the Ice Age and dinosaurs to the most recent scientific discoveries, meaning that there’s a little something for everybody here. The institute also runs hands-on family workshops and mini-me science sessions, making it a great place to take the kids. Perfect for those with curious minds, this spot works to provide an engaging and educational experience to remember. When travelling, it’s always a good idea to explore the local art scene. Though Miami is perhaps best known for its beautiful tropical landscape, the city has much to offer for creative types in the area. Located near the ultra-cool Miami Design District, Wynwood Walls is one of our favorite spots to visit for its fantastic curation of prolific urban artists. Covering over 80,000 square feet of wall space, this attraction stands out as one of the largest of its kind. Walking through the museum, you’ll be able to view works by well-established big-name artists like Shepard Fairey, as well as up-and-coming talents from across the globe. At Wynwood Walls, there are no rules; the pieces range from playful humor pieces and pop culture references to bold political and social statements – each one as impressive as the next. A vibrant hub for freedom of expression, we love this spot for bringing something new to the table. Get in Touch With Nature Famed for its year-round sunny weather and lush tropical greenery, Miami is a total hub for nature enthusiasts. For those who want to discover the natural splendor of Florida, we highly recommend Everglades National Park. Far out from all of the hustle and bustle of the city, this wonderful wilderness reserve is just perfect for a quiet spot of contemplation. Covering over 2,000 square miles of beautiful flatwoods and wetlands, the site is home to many rare plants and protected wildlife species. This place is also well-known for being an entirely unique ecosystem, thanks to its incredibly biodiversity and extraordinary geographic features. Amongst the many activities to do here, you’ll find that hiking, birdwatching, fishing and airboat tours are all popular choices. Even when visiting in November, we recommend bringing sunscreen since it can still be hot during the wintertime in Florida! A treasure trove of natural beauty, this quiet and serene space provides the perfect respite from the city. With its unique tropical landscape, Miami makes a fantastic backdrop for all sorts of wonderful wildlife parks. If you love animals like we do, head over to Jungle Island to see fun and engaging exhibits like no other. We especially love this spot because it’s a great way to see animals living their best life in a suitable and healthy environment for them. Originally founded as Parrot Jungle in 1936, the park still lives up to its former name with an impressive and comprehensive bird collection. Still, that’s not all you’ll be able to see here. From lemurs and kangaroos to lions and white Bengal tigers, this place pretty much has it all. An exciting and educational encounter, this spot is a total crowd-pleaser. But you don’t have to ask us - as one of the oldest and most popular visitor attractions in the city, this attraction has seen many famous visitors over the years, including Winston Churchill, Steven Spielberg and even Jimmy Carter. Have A Blast! If you love animals like we do, you might want to incorporate a zoo visit into your travels. Thankfully, Miami presents a great number of opportunities to get up close with some cute critters – our favorite being Zoo Miami. As one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions, this place is known as the largest zoological garden in Florida and the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. Over 500 species and 3,000 animals in total cover the 750-acre grounds. Visitors can expect to see everything from flamingos and monkeys to vipers and white Bengal tigers. For those who like to get familiar with the animals, this place is perfect, offering cool encounters, live feedings, and a special ‘fun factory’ activity for the kids. In addition, there are informational presentations and talks for those who want to learn more about the animals. A thoroughly fun and educational endeavor, nothing quite unleashes our sense of childlike wonder like the zoo. Miami is a fantastic destination to visit any time of the year. 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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