The most exciting places are waiting for you in Miami Beach! If you’re planning a trip to Florida and are looking for things to do in Miami Beach, we got you. In this article, we will tell you everything about the most outstanding attractions of the beach area and its surroundings. We’re pretty sure that these recommendations will help you have a wonderful experience in Miami. Read on and gather all the information that will take you front row to the best vacation scene in the Magic City.
Things to see and do in Miami Beach
Discover one of the most dazzling attractions on the east coast of the United States! Miami Beach, with its warm weather and ideal sites for a tropical vacation, offers a myriad of things to see and do during your stay. You can visit the emblematic beaches such as South Beach, enjoy the mind-blowing nightlife of Ocean Drive, walk around the Art Deco District and Wynwood Walls, taste the variety of its Michelin-starred restaurants, shop at the many stores along Lincoln Road, and more… Scroll down and discover some amazing plans to get an idea of what to do when you visit Miami Beach, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Sunshine State.
Places to visit in Miami Beach, featured attractions
Besides the famous white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, you can visit many other fantastic places in Miami Beach, from world-class museums to outdoor shopping, multiple culinary offers, natural reserves, top-notch nightclubs, and other places of interest. Check them out below and add your favorites to your Miami Beach itinerary!
South Beach
Where fun is the main character! South Beach is one of Miami’s most iconic neighborhoods; its distinctive white sandy beaches with turquoise waters have made it a favorite among locals and tourists. This sector has a wide range of activities to choose from, like practicing water sports, sunbathing on a beach chair, swimming in a luxury hotel pool, enjoying a gourmet dinner at a prestigious restaurant, or shopping at malls with daily discounts. Add this place to your itinerary along the east coast of Florida and you will never run out of things to do in Miami Beach!
Address: Miami Beach, Florida 33139, U.S.
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is a famous street located in the core of the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District, which is made up of Art Deco-style buildings. Extending from 5th Street to 15th Street, its avenues are lined with stores, restaurants, accommodations that offer an authentic and elegant experience, and trendy nightclubs that – with their neon signs – are the stars of the night.
There, you’ll also be close to famous landmarks such as The Carlyle Hotel, the most photographed Art Deco building in the city, and the News Café restaurant, known for appearing in films such as The Birdcage, Miami Rhapsody, and Marley & Me. Pack your bags and explore Ocean Drive, a unique combination of history, culture, gastronomy, and entertainment!
Address: Ocean Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33139, U.S.
Lincoln Road, a must-visit in Miami Beach!
Lincoln Road is a characteristic walking street located in the heart of South Beach. Stretching 10 blocks from Alton Road to Ocean Drive, it has become one of the city’s most celebrated and busiest areas for shopping while enjoying a refreshing ice cream. The street is known for its open-air stores, cafés with terraces, and urban art galleries. You will also find global brands such as H&M, Zara, Apple, and Nike, among others, so you can check all the items on your shopping list.
Address: Lincoln Rd. Miami Beach, FL 33139, U.S.
Collins Avenue
Collins Avenue is the most crowded shopping street in Miami Beach. Extending from the south of South Beach to North Beach, it runs the length of the entire island and is right on the seashore. There, you can take a walk admiring the most distinctive landmarks of the Art Deco Distric for an artistic visual experience. boutiques featuring fashionable clothing and trendy accessories, nightclubs to experience the American nightlife to the fullest, and iconic buildings such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Bass Museum of Art.
Address: Collins Ave. Florida, U.S.
Española Way
Another plan you can add to your itinerary is visiting Española Way, which is located between 14th and 15th Street in Miami Beach. The place is known for showcasing Mediterranean architecture and a cozy and bohemian atmosphere. The street is filled with restaurants, bars, and stores offering many gastronomic varieties. If you’re into European, Caribbean, or Mexican cuisine, this will be your favorite spot in the city. On top of all that, the tourist spot is famous for its artistic and cultural atmosphere, because of the events they hold throughout the year, such as concerts, film festivals, and educational meetings.
Address: 401-499 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA.
Art Deco Distric
The Art Deco Historic Districtis a neighborhood located in the South Beach Miami area, known for being home to an average of 800 buildings with Art Deco-style architecture, which is an artistic movement that highlights geometric figures, pastel-colored facades, and decorative details such as neon signs. The district is located along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue; from 6th Street to 23rd Street. You won’t regret visiting this district, where you can stroll and enjoy live music, shows, and periodic exhibits!
Address: Art Deco District Welcome Center (1001, Ocean Drive).
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls is an urban art complex that displays hundreds of murals created by local and international graffiti artists, as well as outdoor art galleries and stores where you can buy souvenirs of your visit to Miami. The artwork is renewed from time to time, making it an ever-changing attraction thanks to the variety of artists and seasonal displays. You can visit this tourist attraction many times and you’ll always be amazed by something new. We don’t even have to say it, you know this place deserves a spot in your Miami Beach itinerary!
Address: 2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, U.S.A.
Miami’s Children Museum
The Miami Children’s Museum is an educational facility with more than 14 interactive galleries offering a variety of activities for children and families. These galleries include exhibits on health, science, art, technology, culture, and nature, where children can learn about topics such as the human body, energy, transportation, food, and music, among others.
Address: 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132, U.S.A.
Lummus Park Beach
Lummus Park Beach is one of the beaches located within South Beach and Ocean Drive. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and vast stretch of beach, which extends for over a kilometer. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do there. The options are beach volleyball, bike rides, skating competitions, and water activities such as surfing and paddleboarding.
Lummus Park Beach: 1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, U.S.A.
South Pointe Park Pier
South Pointe Park is a public park located at the southern end of Miami Beach, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Port of Miami, and the city skyline. The park offers tons of recreational activities for tourists and residents of the area, such as: direct access to the beach, lush landscaping, picnic and barbecue areas, walking trails, a water playground, a fishing pier, and a boardwalk. In addition, there is a parking lot available for visitors to park their rental cars or personal vehicles. If you haven’t already, add visiting this place to your list of things to do in Miami Beach!
Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, U.S.A.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
We can’t finish our list of recommendations without telling you about the Miami Botanical Garden, a 4.5-acre plot of land where you can explore Florida’s wildlife. You’ll have an unforgettable experience, breathing fresh air while admiring hundreds of plants, trees, orchids, bromeliads, and everything that nature can offer.
Address: 2000 Convention Ctr Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, U.S.A.
Ways to explore Miami Beach
There are many ways to tour Miami Beach, from walking along the famous Ocean Drive boardwalk to renting bikes or electric scooters to explore the Art Deco district. You can also take a boat tour to admire the Miami skyline from the water or enjoy a road trip in a classic convertible rental. Here are some other alternatives you can rent or book.
Private boat
Private boats in Miami Beach can vary in size and style depending on the owner’s preferences. Some are small fishing boats, while others are luxurious multilevel yachts.
Sightseeing Cruises
Miami Beach sightseeing cruises are a popular choice among travelers looking for an all-in-one travel experience: accommodations, food, activities, and entertainment.
Yacht Parties
Miami Beach yacht parties are exciting events where drinks, music, and people dancing create a unique festive atmosphere. Some of them may have a DJ or live band, while others may be more informal and have pre-recorded music. There may also be additional activities such as water sports or a barbecue on the yacht deck.
Motorcycle rentals
There is a wide variety of motorcycles available for rent in Miami Beach, from scooters to high-end sport bikes. Rental companies can also offer different models and sizes, depending on your preferences.
Getaways to places near Miami Beach
Another must-do in Miami Beach is to take advantage of your location. Make the most out of your visit and take a short trip to the interesting places nearby, such as the Everglades National Park, Biscayne Bay, and Key West, all of them less than 4 hours and 170 miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Miami and Miami Beach?
The main difference between Miami and Miami Beach is that Miami is a city, while Miami Beach is a tourist island with a strong beach presence.
What can I do in Miami Beach if I’m only staying for 3 days?
If you will be visiting Miami Beach for 3 days, you can these activities to your itinerary:
Day 1
- South Beach.
- Lincoln Road.
- Art Deco Distric.
- Ocean Drive.
Day 2
- The Bass Museum of Art
- Boat ride on Biscayne Bay.
- Cultural tours around Wynwood Walls.
Day 3
- Tour the Everglades Park on an airboat.
- Miami Design District.
- South Pointe Park.
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Miami Beach?
The best outdoor activities to do in Miami Beach are biking by the ocean, going on a cruise, having a picnic, practicing beach sports, walking along Lincoln Road, taking a boat tour, visiting the Everglades, and flying across Miami Beach on Flysobe Parasail.
