Miami Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
By Katie Sagal
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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.

Art Deco Architecture Tours

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Did you know that South Beach has one of the largest concentrations of authentic Art Deco architecture in the country? Take a tour of these amazing historic buildings and their gorgeous interiors, and learn all about the trajectory of this architectural movement along the way. The tour is also a great way to see an important area of Miami. There are plenty of great photo opportunities along the way, so you're sure to get the perfect architectural shot for Instagram. Getting In: Miami Art Deco Walking Tour tickets are included with the Go Miami pass.

Vizcaya Museum

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The Vizcaya Museum is another must-see destination for architecture fans. If the Art Deco tour wasn't enough, head to the Vizcaya Museum to learn even more about Miami's architecture. This historic home boasts not only gorgeous interiors but lush gardens as well, all modeled after classical European homes of the previous century. Every single object and surface at the Vizcaya Museum is a work of art unto itself, so be prepared to be amazed and inspired. Getting In: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens tickets are not included on the Go Miami pass.

Biscayne Bay Cruise

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There are tons of cruise options to choose from in the Miami area, and you can’t go wrong. Take a local cruise from Miami Aqua Tours to enjoy the Biscayne Bay scenery. Some of the exciting sights you'll see include the massive luxury homes of the rich and famous, American Airlines Arena (where the Miami Heat play), the Miami Herald Building, Miami Beach, the Children's Museum, and more. Your tour is informatively narrated in English and in Spanish, and lasts for approximately 80 minutes. It's a great way of learning about Miami's sights -- all while having the ocean breeze keep you cool! Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise tickets are not included on the Go Miami pass.

Bike Rides

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There are few activities as family-friendly as bike rides. They’re a crucial part of childhood summers and they’re a great way to keep everyone out and active. Pedal around Miami along the beaches for a scenic yet invigorating route, down to Coconut Grove for a real challenge, or just around the Art Deco district for a pretty view. Cycling is a fun and active way to see Miami -- and it will help the kids burn off their excess energy too. Getting In: Bike and Roll: Miami Bike Rentals are included on the Go Miami pass.

Key West Day Trip

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Take advantage of the last days and weeks of summer to go on one amazing adventure. Take a tour that escorts you all the way from Miami down to Key West, the southernmost point of the Continental United States. You'll get to spend the day exploring the island, with options like eco-kayaking, cultural tours, dolphin-watching cruises, and more to enjoy. Plus, you'll get roundtrip transportation from your downtown Miami or Miami Beach hotel, so it's a hassle-free excursion! Getting In: Key West Day Trip tickets are included on the Go Miami pass.

Miami Beaches

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Of course, since you’re come to Miami to enjoy the beautiful weather, why not take advantage of the late summer temperatures to sunbathe and enjoy the beaches? Make most of the last few days of summer with the ultimate vacation activity -- a beach day. Avoid the trendy beaches and pay less for a spot in the sand at equally beautiful destinations along the coast. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Getting In: Admission to Miami beaches is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Miami Card. For more information and to purchase admission, visit the individual beach websites.

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
Go City Travel Expert

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10+ Free Things to Do in Miami

Miami is more than just perfect weather, pristine beaches, and great nightlife, it's also a busy, multi-cultural metropolis with more to offer visitors than its beaches. Miami is the closest city in the US to the Caribbean – a metropolitan tropical paradise, right in the US. Despite what you may have heard about it being one of the most expensive cities in the US, there's no shortage of affordable and free things to do in Miami for a fun vacation. Our local experts put together a list of some of the best free things to do in Miami, all great suggestions that can help round out your vacation itinerary, including... Little Havana South Beach Lummus Park Beach South Pointe Park Gables Art Walk and more... Miami Art Museum Experience Miami's Museum Scene: Head to the Miami Art Museum between 1PM and 4PM on the second Saturday of the month, when it's free for families with children. It's a great opportunity to create art, enjoy exhibitions and learn something new with your kids. An organized family tour takes place at 2PM If you are in Miami during spring, try to get to the Miami Art Museum Family Festival, when the Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza is filled with art activities, entertainment, and games. South Beach Miami is known for its beaches and South Beach has something for everyone. If you have kids to entertain, South Pointe Park has a playground and splash fountain, and is the ideal setting for a picnic. If you want to escape the crowds for an hour or two, Miami Beach Botanical Garden has 4.5 acres filled with subtropical plants, right in the center of South Beach. Wander around the beautiful Art Deco hotels and houses, such as Casa Casuarina, the former home and murder site of fashion designer the late Gianni Versace. Follow the Art Deco District Walking Tour to make sure you do not miss any of these carefully preserved buildings. Many of the South Beach Museums offer free admission on certain days, including the Holocaust Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU Art Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Gables Art Walk Art lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore some of Miami’s most inspiring art galleries along Ponce de Leon Boulevard. On the first Friday of every month, visitors can stroll through open galleries between 7-10PM to peruse a diverse selection of artistic projects. As a bonus, some galleries offer complimentary wine! There’s even a free trolley to take you between galleries. Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design Another popular destination for art lovers. Located in the historic Freedom Tower (itself a really cool site to see), this free museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by both local and international artists. While exhibits change over quite often, they consistently represent artists with an international and multicultural aesthetic (evocative of Miami’s own diverse cultural landscape). Spanning a multitude of genres and forms, these exhibits are sure to delight and inspire. Holocaust Memorial This thought-provoking museum is always free to the public, so you can visit whenever it fits into your itinerary. The Holocaust Memorial serves as a testament to the millions who died as a result of the Holocaust. The memorial features a wall with the names of concentration camp victims, a reflecting pool that serves to provide solace to survivors and all those affected, a moving photographic mural, and many additional informative exhibits. They also offer a number of educational programs and special events, so it’s a great place to go to expose your kids to this important part of history. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts The Arsht Center is the largest performing arts center in the city with events running year-round. The venue hosts a variety of events, including musical concerts, plays, ballets, and lots of family-friendly events as well. This towering building itself stands out as it was designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli (known for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur). History Miami Delve into the history of the city of Miami itself at History Miami. This museum features a wide range of exhibits on Southern history, including always-rotating exhibits that provide fresh, new perspectives on Miami's unique history and culture, from past to present. Casa Bacardi Enjoy a bit of rum every now and then? Traveling with friends? Then why not tour the famous Casa Bacardi, home to the world-famous brand of rum? Daily tours are free and available to guests 21 and older. Explore the history and heritage of this long-running company, founded in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba. Take a tour behind the scenes to see how rum is produced, sample a few select products, and browse a charming history of their advertising campaigns. Biscayne National Park Family Fun Fest If you’re visiting Miami with the whole family, stop by this educational and fun Family Fun Fest. Held on the second Sunday of every month from December through April, this interactive outdoor program is free to all. Hands-on activities and nature interactions are only some of the many options open to your kids at this fun event. If you happen to miss the Fest, then Biscayne National Park is well worth exploring on its own merits! The Bayside Marketplace Located in Downtown Miami, the Bayside Marketplace is one of the best places to get views of Biscayne Bay. This enormous shopping complex hosts more than 150 upscale boutique shops worth visiting (even if just to look). Robert is Here No trip to Miami is complete without sampling some local produce! Head to the Robert is Here fruit stand, set up in 1959 by Robert Moehling to sell produce for his father, now a Miami icon. You'll get to see the farmer's market in action, buy fresh Miami produce from local vendors, and maybe even try a few free samples. The Biltmore Hotel Spa & Golf Club Of course, you can't stay at the hotel, get a massage, or play golf for free - but - the grounds of the hotel offer a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk with stunning Miami views located right in Coral Gables. The famous golf club opened in 1926 and features a 71-par golf course known for its doglegs. Fun fact – this is where the University of Miami golf teams practice. The historic hotel offers free tours on Sunday afternoons. Learn about the heritage of the establishment, a luxury locale that at one time hosted famous figures like Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and even Al Capone. As one of the most visually striking hotels and renowned golf courses in the world, it's definitely worth a quick visit! Little Haiti Cultural Center Despite the large size of Miami, this is one of the only locations where you can experience the fusion of African, Caribbean, and Miami cultures in one place. Learn all about the cultural history of Miami through the center's art gallery, theater, and dance studios. This cultural center is very integrated with its communities, so you'll get to experience Miami's unique culture first-hand. A Way to Save on Ticketed Miami Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the free things to do in Miami, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? Consider using a pass with Go City® - which includes free admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available Miami attractions, passes & prices. With Go City® you can make savings on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich
Blog

Miami in June

There are countless reasons to visit Miami in the summertime. A quintessential Floridian beach city, the area is characterized by its palm-fringed shores, gentle surf and year-round beautiful weather. Still, this place is no one-trick pony. More than 20 million people visit Miami each year, and they all go for something different. For nature lovers, Miami has some of the best botanical and zoological gardens in the United States. If art and culture is what you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice with fantastic cultural amenities and architectural sites. After dark, the city comes alive with waterside cocktail bars and rooftop hotspots to be enjoyed. Trust us when we say that the only problem you’ll run into when deciding on fun things to do in Miami is narrowing down your options. So, grab your sunscreen and comfiest walking shoes and get ready to jot some things down! However you choose to enjoy your time in Miami, we’re sure it’ll be just great! See the Sites It’s summertime and you’re in Miami. So, what do you do? Go, to the beach, of course! Stretching for 3 miles offshore of the city, South Beach’s white-sand shores and turquoise waters are famed as some of the area’s most beautiful. If it all seems a little too familiar to you, it’s because this particular outdoor attraction has appeared on just about every movie and TV show set in Miami. Amongst the various things to do here, you’ll find that surfing, longboarding, paddle boarding and sailing are all popular activities. If you’re looking to just relax on the beach, you’ll be able to rent seats and umbrellas and just watch the world pass you by. As one of Miami's most popular tourist attractions, the area surrounding the beach is pretty interesting to explore – we suggest taking a stroll to enjoy the unique Art Deco architecture and fantastic eateries. We also recommend sticking around after dark to experience a taste of South Beach’s legendary nightlife. A quintessential Miami attraction, this one is a total must-see. No matter what your age, seeing animals up close is always a captivating experience. As fascinating as it is fun, Jungle Island offers the chance for you to see and learn about animals from all over the globe in one place. Founded in 1936, Jungle Island is known for being one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to view around 3000 animals, with over 1000 varieties of parrots. Highlights include king vultures, African penguins, alligator snapping turtles, lemurs and more. For those who interact with the animals, this place offers experiences to satisfy this need, including animal feedings and a petting zoo. You'll also catch tours, keeper talks, and educational presentations throughout the park daily. In addition, there are cafes, stores, kid’s playgrounds (and even a waterpark!) to be enjoyed. Combining the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with rare and exotic animals, this place provides a fantastic educational experience to remember. Find Interesting Activities If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, there’s no better place to be than Miami. Aside from its beautiful beaches, the area is home to some wonderful botanical gardens thanks to its unique ecosystem and wonderful weather. Standing out for its expansive collection of rare and exotic plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is one of the most interesting parks of its kind to visit in the United States. Covering over 83 acres, this quiet and serene green space showcases much of avid plant explorer David Fairchild’s discoveries which he brought back from his travels. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to enjoy carefully planted flower beds, shrubs, vines, trees, and much more. This landscape is also home to the largest palm collection in America, with over 500 species to see. A treasure trove of natural beauty and wonder, this spot is perfect for those looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the area. Don’t forget to take your phone for this one, since you’ll definitely want to capture some snaps of this outstanding excursion. Though Miami is perhaps best known for its great beaches and tropical greenery, there’s a lot to see here for all types of travellers. Anybody looking for art and culture in the area will be pleasantly surprised by the city’s unique offerings. A peculiar achievement defying all laws of physics, Coral Castle is most certainly one of the city’s most distinctive attractions. Carved out of 1, 100 tons of megalithic stone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, the structure is most notable for the questions it brings up. Over the years, this piece has even become subject to many conspiracy theories, which postulate that the artist might have used reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to make it. Whatever the case, the final result is well worth the visit for its incredible handiwork alone. Fascinating and beautiful, this unusual work of art tells the artist’s story whilst retaining a little mystery. Relax! June marks the beginning of hurricane season in Florida, making it pretty hot and humid throughout the month. Still, if you’re looking to beat the heat, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Great for those days when you just want to take it easy, the Venetian Pool is the perfect place for spending time with friends and family. Built into an old coral rock quarry and opened to the public in 1924, the pool has been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. Filled with an impressive 820, 000 gallons of water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the United States. The pool starts at four feet, going deeper as you move further on, and there is a two-foot kiddie pool with a lifeguard station for little ones – so nobody is left out! The end wall has a grand waterfall, where you can feel the rush of fresh water over your face. If you’re not much of a swimmer, you’ll find a great sunning area where you can kick back and soak up those summer vibes. Fun, laid-back, and unique too, this place kind of has it all. There’s nothing quite like Miami in the summertime. With a fantastic blend of nature and urban attractions, this place truly has it all. And now, you don’t have to miss out – with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can find an exhaustive array of things to do, for cheaper. 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
Blog

Miami in July

Forever fun and boasting some of the best beaches in Florida, there are so many great things to do in Miami for every type of traveller! From its fantastic museums and parks to top-notch dining and nightlife, you’re guaranteed to have a blast exploring this wonderful coastal metropolis. Of course, July is prime time to visit, since the weather will be perfect for soaking up the sun and sightseeing. Still, visiting a new city can be a little bit daunting – but don’t worry! That’s why we’re here for. If you’re worried about catching your bearings in a new city, have a read through our list of the best things to do in the area. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller looking to explore a different side of the city, we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your tastes. However you choose to enjoy Miami, we’re sure it'll be great! See the Sites With its unique ecosystem and climate, Florida makes a fantastic spot for the next item on our list. Founded in 1948, Zoo Miami is known for being the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. With a stellar reputation and distinct traction, this major Miami attraction draws in thousands of visitors each day – and with good reason. As the largest zoo in Florida, the zoo houses over 100 exhibits and 3000 animals over a wide variety of species. Among the different animals you can see at the institution, you’ll find jaguars, warthogs, and spotted hyenas. We recommend checking times online before you visit, so that you can catch animal feedings for some of your favorite furry friends. And for those who are interested in learning more about the animals, you’ll find special programs and tours. For families and solo travellers alike, this place provides an unmissable educational experience to remember. Those searching for great indoor activities to stay cool in Miami will not be disappointed. Located just downtown of the city, the Miami Seaquarium works to foster curiosity in the natural world. Founded in 1955, the institute is known for being one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. As one of Miami’s top tourist attractions, this place brings in half a million visitors a year – and who are we to argue with that many people? Upon entrance, you’ll be able to go nose-to-nose with a wide variety of colorful reef fish, jellyfish and sharks. In addition to the fish, you’ll find many semi-aquatic animals, including birds, reptiles and manatees. We love this place because it brings out our inner child and sense of wonder. With so much to take in, you could easily get lost spending an entire day here. Find Interesting Activities For those looking for art and culture in Miami, Coral Castle should do just the trick. Merging history, creativity and nature, this famous outdoor sculpture garden is a fantastic visual experience for those of all ages. Created by Latvian-American eccentric Edward Leedskalnin, this unique exhibit is carved out of over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone – however, his working process remains a mystery. Since Leedskalnin worked at night and undercover, and in a time where there were no modern construction advances, this piece remains one of the world’s most unusual accomplishments. With such beautiful handiwork, the park even became subject to many conspiracy theories – some said that lifted the blocks with psychic powers or by singing to them. Others thought that Leedskalnin had secret knowledge of magnetism. Whatever the case, we’re just happy to have the opportunity to see it up close. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, look no further than Fairchild Tropic Botanic Garden. Located just south of the city, this wide-open green space offers a paradisial retreat from the city. Established in 1936, the garden showcases the expansive tropical plant collection of David Fairchild, which he brought back from his travels. This avid botanist and plant explorer spent years cultivating the garden, and bringing back over 200, 000 varieties of crops to America. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to enjoy cycads, flowering trees, orchids and vines. In addition, this wonderful landscape is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. Other highlights include Chihuly glass sculptures, gleaming ponds, and outdoor exhibits. Way more than just a great photo opportunity, this exquisite display of wild greenery is one of the most relaxing spots in Miami. Relax! Miami can get pretty hot in the summertime – thankfully, we’ve got the perfect antidote. A pool quite unlike any other, this picturesque aquatic attraction is perfect for kicking back with friends and family. Built into a former limestone quarry, the Venetian Pool was originally opened to the public in 1924. Filled with a whopping 820, 000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this place has most definitely earned its stripes as the best place in the city for a refreshing dip. The pool has a shallower end and a kiddie pool, making it a great spot to take the kids. There is a sunning area for those who just want to lounge and catch some rays, as well as a café serving classic American-style cuisine. For the best way to beat the heat, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a lazy afternoon in Miami. When it comes to a casual day out, there's nothing quite better than a trip to the mall. Situated just downtown, Bayside Marketplace is recognized as the number one most visited attraction in the city. Of course, die-hard shopaholics will find much to do here, with over 150 stores to choose from. If you’re wondering about food options (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?) Bayside has over 50 carts and kiosks around the center. Still, this place goes way beyond the standard mall experience. More of an entertainment complex than anything else, Bayside offers regular live music, family events and exhibits to be enjoyed. But for those who prefer to take it easy, you’ll find many cafes and restaurants dotted along the waterfront. The perfect crowd-pleaser with a lot to give, there’s absolutely nothing to hate here. Well, what else is there left to say? We love Miami! As one of Florida’s biggest tourist hotspots, the city is known for its great beaches and museums, but there are plenty of lesser-known attractions and local experiences that are definitely worth a visit. Explore Miami to its fullest with Go City’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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