There are so many incredible things to do in Miami, but time is always limited. We've just returned from our Miami trip, and while the memories are fresh, it's time to document our experiences. If you're wondering what to prioritize, look no further. Review this list and scroll down for detailed insights into each destination:
Review this list and scroll down to dig deeper:
Miami Beach
Brickell City Center
Miami Design District
Little Havana
Wynwood Walls
Downtown Miami
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is practically a city on its own, consisting of North Beach, Mid Beach, and South Beach. North and Mid Beach offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with North Beach being more residential. A must-visit spot is Lincoln Road Mall in Mid Beach, where you can marvel at the 1111 Lincoln Road parking lot, a masterpiece designed by renowned architects. For a touch of luxury, enjoy a drink at the Fountainbleu. South Beach is the epitome of Miami's glamour, especially at night. If you're with family, one evening in South Beach is recommended.
Start your South Beach adventure with dinner at Time Out Market (1601 Drexel Ave, Miami Beach), a curated selection of Miami Beach's finest chefs offering eclectic food, drinks, and desserts suitable for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
After dinner, take a stroll down Ocean Drive, South Beach's iconic street, where you can enjoy live music, dancing, and entertainment while sipping on drinks. Park your car in one of the garages on Collins.
As you stroll down Ocean Drive, you will see beautifully lit colorful buildings, many with restaurants on the lower levels and hosts inviting you to dine with them. Each one has their menus outside so you can take a look at them before making your decision. I would recommend just drinks here - and that can be fun too with live music, dances and entertainment.
We decided to enjoy the performance of this Flamenco dancer and the talented man on the guitar. As the night progressed, the dancer changed out of her Spanish outfit and performed the Raq Sharqi - which is an Egyptian form of belly dancing. We had a great time - and the drinks were strong! Ahem.
Financial District and Brickell City Center
Brickell might seem mundane during the day, but at night, it comes alive.
Our recommendation is to visit Brickell at night. For a child-free evening, head to SUGAR, a trendy spot located 40 floors up, offering panoramic views and delightful cocktails. Reservations are suggested. Remember that kids are not allowed in this lounge in the night so go at 4 PM.
If you are with family, go to CH'I. Find it at 'The Shops' mall. It is a kid-friendly restaurant option, offering intriguing Asian-Latino fusion food, cool cocktails, DJ and a lively ambiance.
Of course, if you rather just walk the streets, this cute gelato place - Freddo is for you! Order the Dulce Le Leche and be immediately transported to ice-cream heaven!
Miami Design District
I would describe this area as Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive or NYC's 5th Ave. But there is a twist. A blend of luxury and art, this area boasts spectacular architecture, public art installations, and design-centric interiors in its luxury stores That's what sets this district apart.
As you explore the district, you'll encounter chess-inspired installations by the late Virgil Abloh and other fascinating sights.
As you walk those streets, you will undoubtedly stop to admire the exterior of each of these luxury and boutique brands. You will peep in to see the interiors and the displays. The Louis Vuitton interior is mind-blowing, and ever-changing. The Fendi interior is eye-boggling and will make you dizzy.
The public art is really cool too. The knife-for-a-door knob is clever. A line of chairs is hanging from the roof of Dior - See it to believe it! A public swing system that looks and moves like a design masterpiece. You gotta give it them - The Miami Design District is brilliant!
Even the exterior of the parking lot is something you may have never seen before! It looks like a fancy casino entrance!
This garage facade was called the 'Urban Jam' and it used 45 gravity-defining car bodies to show the rebirth of urban life where old structures have been repurposed into urban design.
Finally and most importantly -MIA Market !
Don't miss the MIA Market, a curated food court on 39th St., offering a variety of vegetarian options. While you wait for your food, relax on the designer swings outside.
Little Havana
Ooh, roosters. You can't miss them. If you see these roosters, STOP THE CAR!!
You are in Little Havana!
Of course, roosters aren't the only things to check out here. This vibrant neighborhood offers a plethora of experiences, including Domino Park, Calle Ocho (Main Street), La Colada (a Cuban coffee shop), Los Pinareños Fruteria (a fruit stand frozen in time), traditional cigar shops, Cuban memorials, and live Cuban music at Ball and Chain. Don't forget to visit Azucar, a Cuban ice-cream place, and enjoy unique flavors like guava and sweet plantain.
Lets do a deeper dive:
Domino Park: A small enclosed space with a roof and a bunch of tables. This is where you will find older Cubans sitting at tables, playing a game of dominos
Walk on the Main Street - Calle Ocho:
An 'Instagrammable -Stop and Snap' moment!
A Cuban coffee shop called La Colada: We ordered the Tres Leche - It was divine and pretty darn authentic
The fruit stand (Los Pinareños Fruteria ): It's frozen in time, definitely get the coconut water (best way to avoid the buzzing flies around juice machine.) But if you are really into sugarcane juice, this is your spot!
A cigar shop that is rolling and packaging cigars (there are a few, peek into windows)
A shop selling traditional 4-pocket men's shirts called Guayaberas and Cuban hats - I recommend D Asis
The Cuban Memorial Boulevard with a flame memorial and statues
A Cuban Ice-cream place called Azucar and try unique flavors like guava and sweet plantain
Live Cuban music and drinks at Ball and Chain
Rooster Alley and the Little Havana Wall which represents the community, its struggles and successes and its communist history, and near it - the Cuban version of the Walk of Fame!
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls, located at 266 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, is not just an outdoor museum; it's a powerful commentary on global issues.
On first look, Wynwood Walls appear to be unique installations and colorful murals. Look closer and you realize that the murals reflect life and are a commentary on world issues - environment problems, garbage, politics, race divide, gender strength, immigration, and the celebration of culture. It is an outdoor museum (tickets to enter and everything!) and one that you must see. If you are traveling with children, these murals may help start a conversation on important things.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
The Bayside Market and Park are the main attractions of downtown Miami. Right across from the Bayside Market is the FTX Arena, home of the Miami Heat NBA Basketball Team. Right there is also the Freedom Tower, a historic building that is now a museum but once housed the newspaper The Miami News.
When you visit Miami, the Thriller Speed Boat at the Bayside Market is a must-do. Kids are welcome aboard. Get ready to be re-charged as the wind blows on your face and in your hair. It will make you SO HAPPY!
Here is how you do it - Book the tour boat tickets in advance: https://www.thrillermiami.com
Then drive to Bayside Market. This is actually a huge area with restaurants, shops and cafes and it is right by the marina where all the tour boats are docked. They also have a parking lot. You can spend a few hours here if you want. There are several companies that offer water boat tours - They will show you celebrity homes as they cruise along. I recommend the Thriller Speed Boat because you also get the same tour along with the thrill of a speed boat - so its more fun!
Show up 15 minutes before and stand in line.. Sit toward the front or middle of the boat. If you are by the end, you will get wet. Our thriller boat guide was pretty sweet too and funny!
We got to Bayside 30 minutes before our ride. We picked up some Cafe con Leche and nibbled on a traditional cheesy bake while waiting in line for our turn to board the boat. No doubt folks, this speedboat experience was one we will remember for a long time. Highly recommend!
Hope you manage to hit these six must-do, must-see Miami spots.
If you have more time, consider exploring Vizcaya Gardens in Coconut Grove, the Perez Art Museum, the Philips and Patricia Frost Museum of Science on Biscayne Boulevard, the Biltmore Hotel, and the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. Each destination offers a unique and enriching experience in the vibrant city of Miami. Enjoy your explorations!
