Things to Do in Miami When it Rains

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
perez art museum Miami

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.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

vizcaya-museum-gardens

You will want to sneak a little time outside to explore the lush tropical gardens at the historic Vizcaya estate, but the interior of this gorgeous mansion has plenty for you to explore away from bad weather. This early twentieth-century masterpiece was inspired by classical European architecture. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of works of art, from paintings and sculptures to antique furnishings. The mansion is filled to the brim with treasures that introduce visitors to the height of America's Gilded Age.

Pérez Art Museum Miami

jorge-m-art-museum-miamidade-county

Another one for art lovers, the Pérez Art Museum in Miami offers amazing collections of contemporary and modern art. The building itself is an impressive structure, offering beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and its own hanging gardens. The exhibitions highlight Miami's diverse community and pivotal geographic location at the crossroads of America.

You can take advantage of the free daily tours that are led by museum guides. These 45-minute tours cover the entire museum and will enhance your visit. There are also frequent special programs for kids and rotating exhibits, too, so there’s always something different going on at this museum.

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.

Enjoy some Shopping

two-blogger-girls-bags-walking

Another fun way to keep yourself occupied indoors is with some quality shopping time. A few popular malls in the Miami area include Dadeland Mall (with the largest Macy’s in the entire state), the eclectic Lincoln Road, and the massive Aventura Mall.

You could also check out the Shops at Midtown Miami, pictured above. If the weather clears up and you want to stroll a bit outside, then Bayside Marketplace is a must, offering shopping alongside dining and sightseeing opportunities galore.

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!

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

space-ships-kennedy-center-cape-canaveral

Visit the home of many of mankind's greatest accomplishments: Kennedy Space Center. This NASA space center is the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet real astronauts, see giant rockets, and train in a spaceflight simulator.

If you time your visit well, you might even see a launch yourself. The Kennedy Space Center tour is a perfect rainy day activity. The kids will love the chance to feel like a NASA astronaut.

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
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Things to do in Miami for Birthday

Happy birthday! Well, it might not be your birthday just yet, but it’s always good to be prepared, right? If you’re planning on travelling to the Magic City for your cake day and are having a little trouble coming up with some ideas, don’t worry – we've got you covered with a great list of things to see and do in the area. Well recognized for its sugar-sand beaches, great nightlife, and all of the glitz and glam, Miami is the perfect place for celebrating. From clear bottom kayaking and swimming with dolphins to drinks at South Beach, there’s a lot to do here for all types of travellers – all you have to do is pick your favorite! So grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. No matter how you choose to spend your special day, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Relax! For those who are looking to just kick back and relax on their birthday, we recommend the Venetian Pool. Standing out from all other aquatic attractions in the area, this refreshing tourist hotspot is well-recognized for its unique architecture and history. The pool first opened to the public in 1924, and has long served as a great respite from the Miami heat and humidity. To reflect and celebrate the local community, the attraction was designed in Mediterranean Revival style, utilizing a large amount of coral for ornamental features. Filled with around 820,000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this place is known as the largest freshwater pool in the continental United States. The spot is perfect for sunseekers, too, with a tranquil sunning area and bar to be enjoyed. Totally swoon-worthy and luxurious, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a hot day in the Sunshine State. If you’re the type who likes to take things slow on their birthday, why not try a hand at deep-sea fishing? Whether you’re a total novice at the sport or a seasoned angler, this is a great way to take in the wonderful natural attributes of the southeastern coastline. For the best experience, we recommend Therapy-IV. Set sail from Miami Beach in a luxurious yacht and spend the day with the company’s highly knowledgeable and friendly crew to guide you through the experience. This tried and true spot is known for landing some big game – you'll be reeling in mahi-mahi, sailfish, and even hammerhead sharks! Soak up the sun, crack open a frosty cold one, and enjoy those breathtaking ocean views. A great choice for all outdoorsy types, this one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed. Find Fun Activities Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well, now you can! Bringing all of our childhood dreams to life, Dolphin World provides ultimate animal encounter adventures for those of all ages. Interact with the ocean’s friendliest and most intelligent creatures and learn more about them at the same time. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t fret – this place also has shallow pool experiences, where you can touch, train and play with the dolphins. Still, dolphins aren’t the only thing that there is to see here. Aside from the exciting dolphin packages, you can also hang out with seals, penguins, sea lions, and much more! In addition, you can do deep-sea scuba diving at this location to get up close with unique tropical fish, string rays and a wide variety of fascinating sea creatures. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a massive smile spread across your face. Miami is one of the dreamiest destinations in America, and a perfect place to spend your birthday. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the area provides a wide array of fun activities and day trips to choose from. For a delightful and scenic adventure to remember, why not try out clear bottom kayaking? Providing a new perspective on life under the sea, this unique excursion is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. On the tour, you’ll be able to see everything from colorful tropical fish and sea turtles to dolphins and manatees up close. This tour is great for kayakers of all skill levels since you’ll be accompanied by friendly and informative guides. We recommend that you bring water and lots of sunscreen along for the trip to stay comfortable. Exciting, captivating, and just a little bit different, we like this one because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Have a Blast! Another one of our favorite things to do in Miami for a birthday is a trip to South Beach. Well-recognized for its unparalleled natural beauty, this popular tourist hotspot is a fantastic place for spending your cake day. A quintessential Florida activity, a day at the seaside is great for those travelling in big groups because there’s a lot to see and do here – the best part is that the beach is really what you make of it. For those who like to relax, you can rent out lounge chairs and beach umbrellas upon arrival, and just kick back with a podcast under the sun. Still, if you're looking to get active, there are a wide variety of water sports to be enjoyed, including surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing and sailing. We suggest staying until after dark since the area is well known for its vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a pina colada at a swanky oceanfront cocktail bar, or explore the surrounding area’s fun dance clubs and karaoke bars. The world’s your oyster! Miami is one of the best places to celebrate your birthday. With a wonderful array of fun and exciting attractions and activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing what to do for your big day. Whether you’re looking to relax at the pool, kiss a dolphin on the nose, or have blast at one of South Beach’s many great bars, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. 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
miami-hp (1).png
Blog

Things to Do in Miami for Adults

South Beach Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends
Katie Sagal
Blog

5 Days in Miami

Forever fun and easy to love, Miami makes the perfect short getaway any time of the year. Famed for its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife, the city is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the United States – and it’s easy to see why. Interesting things to do there run the gamut – from world-class cultural institutions and historic landmarks to fantastic shopping opportunities and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Still, planning a trip to a new city can be pretty daunting. Where do you even begin? How do you choose one attraction over another? If you’re planning a trip to the Magic City and are struggling to make sense of it all, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in the area. Miami is what you make of it, so however you choose to spend your vacation, we know that you’ll have a blast! Day 1 - Rejuvinate Since travelling can knock the energy out of a lot of people, we recommend taking it slow on your first day in the city. There are a lot of ways to relax in Miami, but one of our favorite spots is the Venetian Pool. This beloved aquatic attraction was built into an abandoned rock quarry in 1921, and has been serving the local community ever since. Standing out from all other attractions of its kind, the pool is well-recognized for its unique beauty and architectural features. It is built in Mediterranean Revival style to reflect the local community, and utilizes a large amount of coral for ornamentation. Perfect for a refreshing dip on those long hot Florida days, this spot is filled with fresh water daily from artesian wells and features refreshing waterfalls and water-filled caves. For those who like to soak up the sun, there is an area with lounge chairs and umbrellas where you can kick back with a book and take some time for yourself. Beautiful, calm, and luxurious, too, this place is great for recharging after a long journey. Day 2 - Explore the City Now that you’ve had time to rejuvenate, it’s time to see the city. One of the best places to start for this is Coconut Grove, affectionately known as the ‘’The Grove’’ by Miami locals. As the city's oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood, this scenic spot is great for exploring. If you’re an architecture buff, we highly recommend checking out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – a lavish Mediterranean Revival estate. Here you can take self-guided tours to see how the wealthiest lived during the first half of the twentieth century. Another popular visitor attraction in the area is Biscayne Bay on the eastern border of the area. Visitors can take sailing lessons or simply enjoy a bite to eat at one of the site's many great waterside cafes and restaurants. We suggest setting an entire day aside to explore The Grove, since there’s so much to see and do here. Go for a casual stroll and enjoy the many farmers’ markets, galleries and boutiques which flank these historic streets. A charming and unique district of Miami, this spot is well worth the visit. Day 3 - Soak Up the Sun Since Miami is well-recognized for its year-round beautiful weather and lush greenery, it'd be a sin not to check out one of the area’s gorgeous green spaces. To truly take in the captivating natural attributes of the city, we recommend heading over to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Located in Coral Gables just south of the city, this 83-acre landscape is famous for its expansive and delightful collection of exotic flora. Established way back in 1936, the park was named after renowned botanist David Fairchild, as it displayed his unique plant collection which was brought back from his world travels. Walking around the site, there’s no doubt you’ll be blown away by all that there is to see here. Think magnificent towering banyan trees, romantic trailing vines and vibrant flowers of all kinds. In addition, this spot is home to the largest tropical bamboo collection in the world, with over 125 species to see. A treasure trove of natural beauty, this place is a total must-see for all nature enthusiasts. Day 4 - Discover the Area When travelling, it’s always a great idea to explore the city’s local art scene. To discover Miami's most creative side, we suggest heading over to the Wynwood Art District, where you'll find countless galleries, fashion boutiques and streetside cafes to explore. One of the area’s most notable attractions has got to be Wynwood Walls, a large open-air graffiti museum which works to bring together some of the world’s most unique talents from across the globe. Though the exhibit is changing constantly, the walls have seen the likes of famous working urban artists including Shepard Fairey, Miss Van and Lady Pink. Walking through Wynwood Walls, you’ll find that the museum embraces a wide range of styles and subject matter. Whether you’re a true art lover or just looking to capture that perfect Instagram moment, this spot is most certainly not to be missed. Day 5 - Hit the Beach No visit to Miami is quite complete without a trip to the beach. Whilst there are many fantastic seaside stops in the city, our favorite has got to South Beach for its remarkable natural beauty. Well-recognized for its sparkling clear waters and white-sand shores, this place is perfect for those looking to experience the paradisial postcard image of Miami in real-time. Don’t believe us? This place is so widely known for its looks that it has long served as a popular filming location for many famous movies and TV shows, including Miami Vice, There’s Something About Mary and even Scarface. Walking down the beach, you might even catch something in action! Aside from its undeniable visual appeal, you’ll find that there are a lot of fun activities to get involved in here, including surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing and sailing. If you can, we recommend staying past sunset, since the surrounding area is famed for its wonderful cocktail lounges and nightclubs. Miami is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Though five days might not sound like a lot, with the right amount of planning, it could be all that you need. 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.