Things to Do in Miami for Adults

South Beach Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
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Miami is an ideal destination for adult-only trips. With so many fun and exciting things to do in the city or at the beach, you can easily stay busy whether you're here for a week or only a weekend. If you’re looking for things to do in Miami for adults, check out our favorite attractions for couples and groups of friends to enjoy, including...  

  • Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise 
  • Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 
  • Miami Art Deco Walking Tour 
  • Key West Day Trip from Miami 
  • Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise 
  • Explore Little Havana 
  • and more... 
South Beach Miami

Tour the City on a Double Decker Bus or Duck Boat 

Big Bus Tour Miami

Explore Miami by way of a convenient Hop On Hop Off Big Bus tour that lets you customize your day (and decide how much sightseeing you really feel like doing!) Or, choose a fun Miami Duck Boat Tour that indulges your inner tourist. The Duck Tour in particular is a delightful option if you'd like the explore the city on multiple fronts. It's a fun way to combine land and water excursions.

Soak up the art scene

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Miami is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, so it's no surprise that it inspires people to make more beautiful things. Art lovers will find much to appreciate in this highly creative city, from world-renowned film festivals to fine art museums. One of the most popular institutions is the compelling Pérez Art Museum, which primarily features collections of modern and contemporary international art. There's even a beautiful hanging garden for sitting and sipping a latte.

If you're looking to see artistic inspiration on a large scale, the must-see Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a surefire hit. Stunning, European-inspired architecture combines historical furnishings and significant works of art to make for a truly inspiring visit. Don't forget the luxurious gardens that surround the estate! Both of these suggestions are great things to do for couples.

Get up close with the animal world

Miami zoo giraffes

You don't have to be a kid to enjoy meeting some of the world's most fascinating creatures at a top-notch zoo! Head to Zoo Miami, where you'll meet critters large and small that hail from around the globe. This 340-acre expanse features diverse habitats that mimic the animals' natural surroundings, with exhibits like Africa, Asia, the Amazon, and Australia. "Amazon and Beyond" is a popular choice, featuring jaguars, snakes, and a tropical rainforest. 

Or, if aquatic creatures are more your style, head to the admirable Miami Seaquarium. They're renowned for their conservation work, and their marine animal shows are truly a sight to behold. 

Take an airboat ride through the Everglades

Airboat through the Everglades

We all know Miami has some excellent outdoorsy things to do, but many of us don't think beyond the beaches and boardwalks. If you're looking to see more of South Florida than some (admittedly very beautiful) sand, try an always entertaining airboat ride in the Everglades. You'll get to see large swathes of Everglades National Park and plenty of iconic Florida gators.

Head to South Beach 

South Beach Miami

South Beach is probably the most popular beach in Miami, but don’t let that turn you off from visiting what many call the Surf Capital of Miami. If you’ve never seen surfers before, South Beach is an excellent spot for seeing these impressive athletes in action.

The people-watching at South Beach is also ideal, you may see A-list celebrities on any given day. Spend some time at South Beach and enjoy a relaxing day of sunbathing, rollerblading, shopping, dining, and swimming. You won’t be disappointed!

For the architecture buffs, there's also the Art Deco Architectural Historic District, which is a rare, diverse collection of buildings in this signature style. Take a Miami Art Deco Walking Tour of the neighborhood and snap those perfect Instagram photos.

Head down to Key West

Key West

You can't come this far south into Florida without venturing just a little bit farther. Spend an entire day exploring and soaking up the Caribbean atmosphere. When you get to Key West, there are plenty of great shops and unique attractions to explore, from the house where Ernest Hemingway lived to a lush botanical garden. Be sure to head to Mallory Square around sunset for some gorgeous photos.

Enjoy a Key Largo marine life sightseeing cruise 

Key Largo marine life

Another great option for exploring the vivid blue waters around Miami is to hop aboard the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. This boat offers a relaxing and engaging cruise around the Florida Keys that both couples and groups of friends will love.

On your two-hour cruise, you'll get to enjoy the cool sea breeze, the gorgeous waters, and most importantly, observe the marine life below you. See the many vibrantly colored inhabitants of the Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the country's only underwater State Park. You'll love this unique chance to see them without getting wet! 

Ride a Bike Around South Beach 

South beach bike ride

Get active and explore South Beach and beyond via bicycle. Just hop aboard a rented bike and you're ready to roam around this cycling-friendly beach region. Rentals from Bike and Roll come with a map, too, so you're not left just exploring on your own without guidance. Of course, you can feel free to go wherever the spirit moves you! 

Soak up the Cuban flair of Little Havana

Little Havana

Miami’s Latin Quarter, also known as Little Havana (or La Pequeña Habana), is a quaint neighborhood where you’ll find art galleries, shops, restaurants, live music, and more. Full of authentic Cuban restaurants and shops, Calle Ocho is the hub of life in Little Havana. You and your friends will have a blast here.

You may even have the chance to see an exciting cultural event like Carnival Miami, Cultural Fridays, and the Three Kings Parade.

Save on admission to top Miami attractions with Go City®

That should do it! We hope our list helped you discover some of the best things to do in Miami for adults. These vacation ideas are great for couples or traveling with a group of friends. Miami does have just about everything that you could possibly wish for on an adults-only vacation — food and drink, shopping, exploring, and relaxing.

Planning to visit lots of Miami attractions? With Go City® you won't miss a thing. Plus, with a Miami attraction pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do. Win-win.

☀️Compare Miami passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Coconut Grove Miami

Florida is the southeasternmost US state, known for its perennial sunshine and clear blue skies. The Grove is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, well-recognized for its historical appeal and interesting and unique points of exploration. We recommend touring on foot since the area is known for its lush tropical greenery and wonderful architecture. With a laid-back village vibe, the area is easy to navigate and has a lot to offer for all types of travellers. Whether you’re looking to delve into the heritage of the city, indulge in some great food, or enjoy a fun shopping experience, you’re sure to love this charming historic district. Still not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting for you! If you’re planning to explore this free-spirited and eclectic district of Miami, have a read through our list of some of the best things to see and do in the area. Whatever you choose to do here, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Soak Up the Sun If you’re looking for a place to kick back and spend some time with the fam, look no further than Peacock Park. Established way back in 1934, this peaceful little oasis has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. Throughout the 1960s, the park became a notable hub for hippie counterculture, hosting concerts throughout the latter part of the decade. Today, this lush green space serves as a fun communal spot for recreation and relaxation. Clean and well-maintained, this place is perfect for soaking up the sun and taking in those fresh ocean views. We recommend grabbing a bite to eat and having yourself a picnic. Or, for those who like to keep active, there are hiking trails and basketball and tennis courts to choose from. In addition, there’s a playground and swings, so everybody's happy. The perfect scenic spot for relaxing, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a hot day in the Sunshine State. Miami is well-recognized for its lush tropical greenery, though perhaps no area is quite as visited for this as The Grove. For those looking to get in touch with nature, we highly recommend checking out The Kampong, a beautiful botanical garden brimming with exotic plants. Once home to David Fairchild, ‘’The Columbus of American Horticulture’’, this space is an enchanting encounter for anybody who takes an interest in the natural world. Though small, this peaceful reservation is popular with visitors to The Grove for all that it has to offer. There are six different facilities, all dedicated to different areas of botanical study. Visitors can expect to see everything from magnificent centuries-old oaks and trailing vines to exotic fruit plants and vibrant flowers of all kinds. A hidden gem of natural beauty, we love this spot because it provides a fantastic respite from the city. Learn More About the Area Coconut Grove is home to many wonderful visitor attractions, though none quite as popular as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Once home to businessman James Deering, this breathtaking villa and estate works to showcase how the wealthiest lived during the Progressive Era. The house itself is built in Mediterranean Revival style to reflect the strong Latino influences of the city. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy taking a self-guided tour to view Deering’s well-preserved collection of rare artwork, furniture and other oddities. A stunning formal garden surrounds the villa, with meticulously well-kempt hedges and fountains. In addition, lush native forestry with expansive lagoons, swamps and grazing fields go on for miles. A thoroughly unique educational experience, this place is well worth the visit. Another one of our favorite spots in The Grove has got to be The Barnacle Historic State Park. Anchored onto the beautiful shoreline of Biscayne Bay, this unique attraction is recognized as the oldest house in Miami-Dade County. The spot was built way back in 1891 and served as home to one of Coconut Grove’s founders, Ralph Middleton Munroe. Today, the house is beautifully restored and open to all visitors for guided tours. Walking through this humble home, you’ll be able to get a true sense of Old Florida. In addition, this serene spot is a favorite for birdwatching enthusiasts – so keep your eyes peeled for doves, woodpeckers, herons and pelicans as you explore. A small though fascinating piece of Miami history, this place is truly one of Miami’s best-hidden gems. Relax! If strolling down aisles of artisan cheeses, raw. honey and speciality pantry products just like your jam, you won’t want to skip out on the next item on our list. Running all throughout the day each and every Saturday, the Organic Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to be for those who consider food their religion Whilst this place is well-known for its extensive array of fresh produce, its main draw has got to be its fantastic food vendors, serving up some of the best that the city has to offer. Enjoy a raw vegan sushi roll as you browse. Cool off from the Miami heat with some speciality ice cream. And then wash it all down with a nice cold one. The perfect stop for all foodies, this stop has everything we could ever ask for, and more. Coconut Grove has long been drawing visitors in with its unique history and undeniable natural beauty. The streets are flanked by chic stores and sidewalk cafes, which make for perfect scenic strolls. Still, if you’re looking to get some serious shopping done, we recommend heading over to Cocowalk Mall. Reflecting the neighborhood’s increasingly upscale vibe, the mall has a great mix of independent boutiques and popular favorites to offer. This place is also a great entertainment destination, with a fantastic movie theater to be enjoyed. For those who aren’t looking to shop, you can grab a bite to eat and take in the beautiful views of Biscayne Bay. Whether you're a total shopaholic or a casual browser, this place provides a sophisticated experience like no other. Coconut Grove is one of the interesting areas of Miami to explore. From world-class shopping and dining to historic landmarks and hidden treasures, there’s so much to see here. Explore the area 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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The Stonehenge of Florida

Coral Castle entrance and tower. From museums and aquariums to boat cruises and jungle tours, there are so many things to do in Miami that it is difficult to narrow down the list! Yet there is one lesser known destination that you should add to your itinerary. Most people have never heard of "The Stonehenge of Florida," also known as Coral Castle. Coral Castle, a sculpture garden made of stone, was built by a single man named Edward Leedskalnin. From 1923 to 1951, Edward secretly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock. This feat is amazing in and of itself, but even more mind boggling is that the process he used is unknown. The website calls Coral Castle "one of the world's most mysterious accomplishments." Apparently, Edward was a small man, weighing just 100 pounds and standing a little over 5 feet tall. In 1940, he would have charged just ten cents in admission to introduce you to his fantasy realm. Interestingly, no one is reported to have ever seen Edward laboring over his stone carving, and Ed himself would say that he knew the secrets of the ancient pyramids. Since his death, scientists have debated his methods for years. For anyone who has visited Stonehenge in England, you know how mysterious and impressive that site is. How did the stones get there? Who moved them, and why? Likewise, if you add Coral Castle to your list of Things to do in Miami, you will leave with just as many questions. Why would a man spend sixty years carving his beloved coral? What inspired him? Was he insane, or just passionate? And where does one draw the line between the two? Today, you can tour the Coral Castle using excellent audio stands, with narration available in English, Spanish, French or German. The museum also offers knowledgeable human guides available to conduct tours. Other highlights of the Coral Castle Museum include a 9-ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs – all made entirely of stone. With a Miami Attractions pass, your admission to Coral Castle is free!
Go City Expert
Miami Beach
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Miami Family Vacation Ideas

From intriguing museums, bike rides and a side trip to Key West, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Miami
Katie Sagal

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