Also known as The Magic City, Miami is one of the most popular places to visit in Florida. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Miami on your next visit.
One of the best places to see the Miami waterfront is by strolling the Miami Beach Boardwalk. Extending from South Pointe Park to North Beach, the boardwalk serves as a major artery for visitors and locals alike. This 77 block stretch is one of the best ways to see such stunning destinations as Collins Park, the Art Deco District and South Pointe Park.
With 1.5 million acres of swamps, prairies and sub-tropical jungles, Everglades National Park is one of the most spectacular public parks in the United States. The park is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American Crocodiles, West Indian Manatee and even the elusive Florida Panther.
With a capacity of 820,000 gallons displaced daily from artesian walls, the Venetian Pool is America’s largest freshwater pool—and one of the oldest. Named after the Italian city of Venice, this exiguity watering hole was built during the roaring twenties, transforming a former rock quarry into a magnificent pool designed in a Mediterranean Revival style.
Locals and visitors alike love this complex of graffiti and street art which has seen over 50 artists from 16 countries showcase their work on over 80,000 square feet of walls since Wynwood Walls was first conceived in 2009.
There’s a reason why South Beach is one of the most popular places to see in Miami—it is truly the definition of glamour. Considered the American Riviera, the fine white sand and colorful Art Deco buildings offer a stunning assortment of high-end boutiques, eclectic galleries and world-class restaurants. The area also shines at night as it plays home to hundreds of vibrant clubs and bars which are constantly ranked as some of the best places to party in the entire city.
This legendary luxury hotel is full of the most mysterious places to see in Miami, with many guests claiming the building to be haunted. During its glory days in the 1920s and 1930s, The Biltmore considered the Buke and Duchess of Windsor, Bing Crosby, Al Capone and Ginger Rogers as some of its regular guests. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt even had a temporary office set up at The Biltmore when he went on fishing trips to Miami. The good news is that you don’t have to be a guest to marvel at this architectural masterpiece; the rest of us can take a free tour of the building any Sunday at either 1:30pm or 2:30pm.
Cuban immigration has helped define modern Miami as it is home to the largest Cuban population living outside of Cuba. Head to the Vedado and Miramar neighborhoods of Little Havana to experience the vibrant flavor of the Cuban culture, complete with colorful murals, men playing dominos and the strong odor of coffee all day long. Calle Ocho, the main strip in Little Havana contains some of the most authentic Cuban food outside of Havana. It’s a great place to start your day with a Café Cubano and Cortadito Con Leche Evaporada (espresso served with condensed milk) along with a morning Empanada.
If you’re looking for one of the most spectacular public gardens in America, make sure Miami Beach Bontanical Garden is on your list of places to see in Miami. This over 50-year-old urban greenspace was completely transformed in 2011, with a $1.2 million renovation showcasing native Florida plants and trees such as bromeliads, palms, cycad and orchids. The water gardens also include ponds, fountains and pond apple trees. Oh, and admission is absolutely free.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is considered one of the most glamorous historic mansions in Miami. Built between 1914 and 1922, this National Historic Landmark perched on Biscayne Bay was built by industrialist James Deering. The European-inspired estate is a great example of the Gilded Age and the glorious excesses of the Jazz Age.
Miami’s premiere art museum is one of America’s best contemporary art museums. The Pérez Art Museum Miami is a stunning building in its own right. The three story building completed in 2013 is located in downtown’s Museum Park and offers 200,000 square feet of gallery and educational space.
This architectural site in downtown Miami consists of perfect circles, measuring 38 feet, making it one of the more unusual places to see in Miami. First discovered in 1988 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2009, the Miami Circle is believed to have been once the site of a structure, built by the Tequesta Indians.
One of the best ways to see the Miami skyline is at night from the water. Go on an evening skyline cruise where you’ll go through the winding Miami River, through the towering financial office buildings and go under the Brickell Avenue Bridge as you get to witness the beauty of the Miami skyline at night.
