Things to do in Miami for Birthday

Published: July 18, 2024

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!

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Sunbathing, Book, Glasses, Hat, Pool, Water,

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.

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Horizon, Fishing, Water, Boat, Vehicle, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Handbag, Hat, Shoe, Box,

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

Image of Animal, Dolphin, Mammal, Sea Life, Person, Swimming, Water, Water Sports, Adult, Female, Woman,

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!

Image of Photography, Tree, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Pants, Walking, Backpack, Bag,

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
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Miami in September

Known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and perennially sunny disposition, Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the American south. September is a fantastic time to visit since it will be hot enough to enjoy all of the city’s wonderful outdoor attractions to their fullest. Still, Miami is much more than just a place for beach bunnies to wash their feet in the sand. From fantastic cultural amenities and hidden gems to great shopping opportunities and dining, the city has so much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re planning to make a trip to Miami, and aren’t quite sure where to start, don’t worry – that's where we come in. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing some of our favorite things to do in the area. Let’s dive in! See the Sites Since Florida is well-recognized for its unusual subtropical climate and beautiful greenery, it only makes sense to visit one of the area’s wonderful botanical gardens. Standing out for its expansive collection of rare and exotic plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is recognized as one of the best parks of its kind. Established and opened to the public in 1938, this space works to showcase the unique collection of keen botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Throughout his lifetime, Fairchild brought over 200, 000 specimens back to the United States – many of which grow in the garden. Walking through the space, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful mixture of local and native flora. In addition, the site is home to the largest palm collection in America. Beautifully landscaped and meticulously cared for, each display is a total sight to behold. No doubt one of the most breathtaking places in all of Miami, this wonderful treasure trove of natural beauty is a total must-see. If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Ranking way up high on our travel bucket list, Coral Castle is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and culture of the city at the same time. Sat just off the South Dixie Highway, this unique historic attraction draws in visitors for its beautiful handiwork as well as the mystery surrounding it. Built out of 1,100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, nobody is quite sure how the artist created this piece. As a result, this sculpture garden is not only a beautiful art piece but a weird and wonderful accomplishment that continues to stump its visitors. Though it has been decades since the artist’s passing, scientists, engineers and scholars still debate Leedskalnin’s creative process. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this popular attraction is no doubt one of the most interesting stops in the city. Find Interesting Activities September has always been one of Miami’s hottest months. For those who have trouble dealing with all the heat and humidity, the city has plenty of great indoor activities to offer to keep you cool. If you’re looking for art and culture in the Magic City, Miami's museums are the perfect place to take refuge from the heat and soak up some knowledge at the same time. Just downtown, you’ll find the Pérez Art Museum, specializing in 20th- and 21st-century art from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Walking through the establishment, you’ll be able to enjoy a comprehensive collection of over 2,000 works covering a wide variety of styles. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Both fun and interesting, the institute works to provide a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. Though Miami is known for all of its glitz and glamor, the city has a grungier side that’s well worth checking out. Situated in the city’s coolest neighborhood, is a fantastic outdoor street museum showcasing bold and colorful works from some of the world’s finest graffiti artists. Spanning over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, the space works to spotlight alternative artists. At Wynwood Walls, you’ll see realist, surrealist, and pop art all in one space. To gain further insight into the artists and styles which are shown here, look for guided tours of the area. Since this spot is always transforming itself, you can visit over and over again and still be blown away each time. Don’t forget to bring a camera to catch some snaps of the incredible pieces! Relax! With daily high temperatures rarely falling below the mid-80s, September would be a great month for hitting the beach. Whilst Miami is home to a great number of legendary beaches, our favorite is always South Beach for its soft turquoise surf and sugar-sand shores. With a long history of glitz and glam, this beach is well known for drawing in visitors with its picturesque views. You might see modelling shoots whilst walking along the sand, or even recognize it from one of your favorite TV shows. Amongst the various things to do here, surfing, paddle boarding, longboarding, and sailing are all popular choices. A total crowd-pleaser, this place has long served as one of the city’s most beloved visitor attractions not only for its crystal-clear waters but also because of the area in which it is situated. Venture a little off from its pristine shores to enjoy fantastic Art Deco architecture and tempting eateries close by. We also recommend staying in the area come nightfall, since South Beach is a total hub for exciting nightlife hotspots. We think it’s safe to say that you’ll never be bored at South Beach. Forever fun and bursting with life, there’s no place quite like Miami. Once the heat cranks up, you’ll find tourists soaking up the sun and exploring the boardwalk at South Beach. Still, there are so many things to do in September, that it’s difficult to count. From interesting museums and historic sites to wonderful tropical gardens and outdoor exhibits, the city has a little something to offer everybody. Explore the city to its full potential 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
miami-beach-scene-drone-florida-usa
Blog

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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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