If you dream of rubbing shoulders with Hollywood celebs and international models while on holiday, then Miami Beach, Florida is the place to go. You really have to come here to see this glamorous holiday destination for yourself. While there is so much to see, the Art Deco tour of Miami Beach will really help you appreciate its signature architecture. South Beach is where you will see international models and celebrities strutting about and you can also enjoy the city’s finest restaurants, nightlife and spas here. Here are the best things to do in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events to look out for in Miami Beach
Movie buffs cannot miss the Miami Film Festival that concluded its 41st celebration in April 2024. The event showcases the works of extraordinary filmmakers across different genres.
Art lovers, meanwhile, can attend the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in February attended by over 100,000 people every year.
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Kid-friendly activities in and near Miami Beach
1. Take your kids to Flamingo Park
Flamingo Park is a well-known social area in Miami Beach. It features various playgrounds including a soccer field, an eight-lane lap swimming pool, athletics track, a baseball stadium just to name a few. This recreation park has everything for a fun outdoor experience and can also host picnics. Flamingo Park is a beautiful place to get-together for fun outdoor competition, pool parties birthdays and other exciting ventures.
Flamingo Park
Address: 1200 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL
Website: Flamingo Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8:30pm (daily)
2. Go shopping at Lincoln Road Mall
If you’re in the Miami Beach area and you want to do some shopping, there is no better place than Lincoln Road. The promenade has food stands, restaurants, street fashion vendors and big-name designers. You can walk from Washington Avenue to Alton Road and check out the beautiful handcrafted jewellery, homemade wares, origami and textiles. Lincoln Road is also home to big brand stores, like H&M, Forever 21, J. Crew and Lacoste.
Lincoln Road Mall
Address: 541 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: Lincoln Road Mall
Tip from tour guide
Lincoln Road in Miami Beach is a popular pedestrian promenade, pulsating with energy and culture. Lined with stylish boutiques, al fresco dining, and vibrant street performers, it's a hub for shopping and entertainment. This iconic destination seamlessly blends Miami's chic atmosphere with a historic touch, making it a must-visit locale. Not to mention the numerous fine examples of street sculpture by famous artists.
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3. Get a sumptuous meal at the exotic Barton G
Help yourself to a delicious meal at the exotic Barton G restaurant. The restaurant is a top eatery in Miami Beach offering the best of American dishes served in large portions. This is the perfect place for a group of friends who want a serene and friendly place to catch up. The restaurant set up is relaxing and comfortable, the delectable dishes and soft drinks are served in a fun and creative way and overall great dining experience.
Barton G
Address: 1427 West Ave, Miami Beach, FL
Website: Barton G
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 6am - 11pm; Sun: 6am - 10pm
4. Have a barbecue at North Shore Open Space Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Take your outdoor experience to the tranquil beachfront North Shore Open Space Park. The park is great for a picnic as well as other public gathering and includes a park which features playgrounds, a dog run, and barbecue areas for you to enjoy with the family in the tropical Miami Beach area; a memorable outdoor fun like no other.
North Shore Open Space Park
Address: 8328 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL
Website: North Shore Open Space Park
Opening hours: 8am - 7:30pm (daily)
5. Enjoy a free concert by New World Symphony at Soundscape Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The landscaped park situated along 17th Street is the perfect choice to have your picnic. Soundscape Park offers outdoor movie events, concerts among other performances. Catch a concert event at the park or even a free movie being projected in the evening and don’t forget to carry a basket full of pizza or sandwiches and a blanket to keep you cosy when it gets a little chilly.
Soundscape Park
Address: 400 17th St, Miami Beach, FL
Website: Soundscape Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Have a drink and interact with animals at Jungle Island
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in Miami, Jungle Island is only a 15-minute drive from Miami Beach. It’s an amusement park with a zoo provides an entertaining and educational experience for kids.
At Jungle Island, they can swim and, at the same time, get up close to rarely available animals such as orangutans, lemurs, kangaroos, tigers, and sloths. The park also hosts animal shows and features outdoor installations that create a more fun vibe. Adults will love it here, too. You can grab drinks from the bar and chill at the seating areas that either look out to the pool or the lovely gardens. If you find the place pretty and the overall experience fun and relaxing, you may one day choose to celebrate weddings and other occasions at Jungle Island.
Jungle Island
Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132, United States
Website: Jungle Island
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Go on a play-date at the Miami Children's Museum
The Miami Children’s Museum is definitely one of the places you cannot afford to miss out on while in Miami Beach - it’s only 15 minutes away via MacArthur Causeway. The museum is a definite hit for teenagers and the kids, the educational institution located on Watson Island offers interactive exhibits, events and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. The stunning array of children’s learning equipment is bound to excite the young ones and a sure way to enhance their learning. Don’t miss out, check it out!
Miami Children's Museum
Address: 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL
Website: Miami Children’s Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Outdoor activities in and near Miami Beach
8. Catch an open-air concert at North Beach Bandshell
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The North Beach Bandshell is about a 20 minute drive south of North Miami Beach along the famous Florida A1A Highway. This MiMo (Miami Modernism) amphitheater on the ocean has been a community gathering spot since it was built. This historic theater is a member of the National Register of Historic Places, and it located near the oldest structure on all of Miami Beach, the Biscayne House of Refuge. The venue asks that guests do not bring outside food or drink to the venue, it has its own bar, and often hosts food vendors. It’s a great place to enjoy the warm Miami evenings under the stars.
North Beach Bandshell
Address: 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
Website: North Beach Bandshell
9. Bring your pet to Haulover Park
Haulover Park is another urban park, this time, located on the shoal that faces the Atlantic. This park has its own sandy beach that runs for he length of the park; that was previously host to a trial for the world record of most people skinny dipping in 2009. The park does have an area that is clothing optional, so be warned if that is not your kind of activity. There is a fee to park here, on weekdays the price for cars is 5 USD, with an extra charge of 1 USD for the North Lot, and Lot #1. For buses or RVs that parking fee is 15 USD. On weekends the price is 7 USD for cars, and 15 USD for buses and RVs. Parking fees can be paid at on-site machines or over the phone. The park also has an off-leash dog park, so feel free to bring any furry friends along.
Haulover Park
Address: 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
Website: Haulover Park
10. Celebrate weddings at the beautiful Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Miami Beach Botanical Garden, an oasis that sits in the city’s heart, could not get any dreamier and lovelier. Expect to see 2.6 acres (0.4 hectares) landscaped gardens with varying themes in pockets, each equally beautiful and full of diversified plant species. You will find the Japanese Garden charming, the Edible Garden fascinating, and the Native Garden informative. The facility’s focal point and almost every guest’s favorite is the water features—a large circular pond with floating lilies and a fountain in the middle, connected to wetlands with mangroves and apple trees. Take delight knowing that besides tours, they offer event rentals for corporate events, weddings, and other occasions.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Address: 2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Website: Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed from Mon to Wed)
11. Bike on concrete lanes at Lummus Park
Imagine 70 acres (28 hectares) of fine white sand interspersed with patches of green grasses and lines of palm trees. That is Lummus Park, one of the many reasons why Miami is a summer destination goal. Walk barefoot on the sand, chill out in the cabanas, go for a swim, or bike on concrete lanes - your endless tropical possibilities await at Lummus Park. This beautiful park on Ocean Drive is close to Art Deco Historic District. After enjoying the beach, you are free to take a self-guided tour, exploring architectural designs one building after the other.
Lummus Park
Address: 1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Party on South Beach
South Beach, in Miami, is truly America’s party beach. It begins at 1 Washington Avenue and continues to 21st Street. South Beach is located at the southern tip of Miami Beach and is the picture perfect beach that you see on TV and magazines. The people coming to this beach are lively and attractive and love the energy of this place and here you can see move stars and international models, parading on the beach.
Take a cool walk on South Beach and marvel at the Art Deco buildings on 10th Street and Ocean Drive. You can also catch a glimpse of the cruise ships and take a lot of selfies on this beautiful beach, as well as a photo of the famous South Beach lifeguard stands.
South Beach
Address: Ocean Drive & 5th Street to Collins Avenue & 21st Street, Miami Beach
Website: South Beach
13. Go fishing at South Pointe Park Pier
South Pointe Park Pier is a popular fishing spot in Miami Beach. The pier has a 450-foot (137-meter) walkway with several viewing stations. Facilities for cleaning your caught fish, cutting bait, and throwing your used fish lines are available for your convenience. Of course, you are welcome to indulge in other activities besides fishing at South Pointe Park Pier. People come to run, bike, and kayak on this scenic pier. The nearby park also has a playground with splash pads that your kids will enjoy, for sure.
South Pointe Park Pier
Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Opening hours: 6:30am - 6pm (daily)
14. Check out the iconic South Beach Clock Tower
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You can’t come to Miami and not take a photo with its iconic South Beach Clock Tower. Like Eiffel Tower is to Paris, South Beach Clock Tower is your social media proof you have visited Miami Beach. This outdoor clock stands beside Art Deco Museum, near restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and bars. People come to the place to entertain themselves and bring home fun memories posing with the clock tower and bonding with their friends in the bar. Don’t mistake this stylish beachside clock tower for a mere decorative piece as it does tell time and temperature.
South Beach Clock Tower
Address: Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
15. Lounge around the South Pointe Park and Pier
South Pointe Park, in Miami Beach, is a famous park with direct access to the beach and has a playground for kids, ample greenery, a fishing pier and many restaurants and tourist attractions nearby. It is often used as a photoshoot backdrop for many amateur and professional photographers.
South Pointe Park and Pier
Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Website: South Pointe Park and Pier
16. Take a breather at Miami Beach Boardwalk
Do you need a quiet place to put you in the right headspace? Miami Beach Boardwalk offers a scenic pathway that extends northwards from South Beach, running about 40 blocks long. Visit the place early morning to avoid crowds or late afternoon to catch the magical sunset. Miami Beach Boardwalk is open every day and has nearby restaurants where you can stop over for a drink or light snacks. While it is a lovely place for quiet moments, groups of friends also visit the boardwalk for fun and entertainment, especially on weekend nights. Nearby attractions include the bustling Espanola Way and the modern shopping center, Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall.
Miami Beach Boardwalk
Address: Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
Website: Miami Beach Boardwalk
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
17. Spend time at Greynolds Park
Right in the heart of North Miami Beach is Greynolds Park, a very large outdoor park on West Lake and near Maule Lake. From Miami Beach, it’s just a 30-minute drive away via I-95 North. The park allows its guests to go camping, practically in the middle of Miami. The park has been a protected area since 1936 and was a popular location for hippie events during the 1960s, and the park plays homage to that time with a “Love-In” event that is held annually. The park is right next to the Greynolds Golf Course and also has an almost pristine hardwood hammock and mangrove forest. This urban park is a perfect setting for those looking to get some outdoor time at a place instead of the beach.
Greynolds Park
Address: 17530 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Website: Greynolds Park
18. Take your kids to Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park is right in the middle of North Miami Beach and just a 30-minute drive from Miami Beach via Biscayne Boulevard. This is the largest urban park in all of Florida and is full of lakes and rivers, and is right on the Biscayne Bay. Guests can enjoy many outdoor activities here, but the park is most well-known for being a hub of biking trails. It provides trails for both new and experienced riders so anyone can participate and experience the fun under the Miami sun. Pavilions, kayaks, canoes, bicycles, are all available for rent. There are even cabins available to be reserved for overnight stay.
Oleta River State
Address: 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Website: Oleta River State
19. Have a family day at Gulfstream Park
Gullfstream Park is about a 30-minute drive from Miami Beach. The racetrack and casino hybrid makes for a great experience with its adult and family friendly activities. The horseback riding races take place all through the summer months, making it a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon and evening. The horse track has both dirt, and grass tracks; and as a host of the Claiming Crown, is one of the most important horse tracks in the national sport. It is common for live music to perform on the grounds of the venue, and has been host to the Miami Pop Music Festival in the past.
Gulfstream Park
Address: 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Website: Gulfstream Park
20. See more of Miami on the Golden Beaches Helicopter Tour (from USD 158.0)
So you’ve landed in Miami Beach and don’t quite know where to begin? No problem, just take an amazing Miami Beach tour, by helicopter, which will give you a deep insight into Miami, from above. On the Golden Beaches Helicopter Tour, you will see Miami’s islands and waterways on a 20-minute helicopter flight.
You will tour North Miami to South Beach and see the Sun Life Stadium, Aventura city, the fascinating Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, Hallandale Beach, beautiful Golden Beach, South Beach and more. The tours have various times for departure and you can choose a time during the day which suits you.
The Golden Beaches Helicopter Tour
Duration: 17 to 19 minutes
Cultural experiences in and near Miami Beach
21. Join a walking tour of Art Deco Historic District
Appreciate the vibrant and bold style of Art Deco, a movement in the 1920s that emphasized rich colors, geometric patterns, and intricate details in design and architecture. When in Miami Beach, visit the renowned Art Deco Historic District that runs from 5th Street to 23rd Street. The district, with over 800 buildings, is by far one of the world’s largest collections of Art Deco architecture. Some buildings carry a combination of Mediterranean Revival and modern designs - much to your discovery and amusement. Learn more and hear backstories when you take guided tours that start from 10:30 am every day. Otherwise, you can quietly take a stroll in the district with family and friends anytime between 9 am to 5 pm and probably make a stop at a restaurant or two.
Art Deco Historic District
Address: 1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Website: Art Deco Historic District
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Pay a visit to Miami Beach Convention Center
Miami Beach Convention Center was built in the year 1957 and is located in gorgeous Miami Beach known for its famous beaches, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. It was renovated and doubled in size in the year 1989. It is 12 miles (19.3 km) away from the Miami International Airport which is ranked as the second-best airport in America, for international passengers. The Miami Beach Convention Center was the venue where Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston, to win his first Heavyweight Championship, in 1964.
Miami Beach Convention Center
Address: 1901 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Website: Miami Beach Convention Center
23. View the collection at the famous Bass Museum of Art
The Bass Museum of Art opened in 1964, through a private collection donation by John and Johanna Bass. It is a premier art destination for the locals of Miami Beach and visitors, as well. The museum was formerly known as the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center and was the first public art exhibition space in Southern Florida. It underwent renovation in 2001 when galleries, offices and a museum shop was added and a total of 16,000 square feet (1,486.4 square meters) of exhibition space was added to the museum.
Recently, in 2017, the Bass underwent another transformation and a further increase of 50 percent in exhibition space was added, which also includes three new galleries, a museum store and cafe and an education facility.
Bass Museum of Art
Address: 2100 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: Bass Museum of Art
24. Visit the Jewish Museum of Florida
The Jewish Museum of Florida consists of two adjacent, restored, historic synagogues, connected by a sky-lighted bistro. The museum opened in 1936 and, in the year 2007, it expanded to become Miami Beach’s first synagogue. There are exhibits of Jewish life in Florida, from the year 1763 until today, which includes photographs and art pieces and the exhibits are changed throughout the year, twice a month. To top it all off, they offer a Jewish food walking tour.
Jewish Museum of Florida
Address: 301 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Website: Jewish Museum of Florida
25. See world famous art at Britto Central
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Britto Central is an art gallery dedicated to showcasing the work of the Brazilian-born artist Romero Britto, who is known for his use of vibrant, bold and colourful patterns. He travelled to Paris and was introduced to the art of Matisse and Picasso, which inspired his work and helped to create a style which is uniquely Britto. Britto’s work has been showcased in galleries and museums in more than 100 countries.
Britto Central
Address: 1102 Lincoln Rd Mall, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Website: Britto Central
26. Explore the Wolfsonian Florida International University
The Wolfsonian officially became the Florida International University after Mitchell Wolfson Jr. made a landmark donation of his collection and also gave this historic building to the university. The university is well known for its educational and research exhibitions. Its Modern Age Art and Design exhibition was inaugurated in the year 1996 and features 200 objects from its permanent collection. It gives an insight into design as an effective tool of change and also features temporary exhibitions, with art from its own collection and also on loan from museums across America and abroad.
Wolfsonian Florida International University
Address: 1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
27. Stop by St. Bernard de Clairvaux
This ancient stone place of worship is centuries old but was not built in Florida originally. The Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux was first built in Sacramenia, Spain. Today, it can be found in North Miami Beach, just 18.5 miles (29.77 kilometers) from Miami Beach via I-95 North.
When the social revolution of the 20th Century occurred the buildings were seized, until the 1930s when they were purchased by William Randolph who paid to have the structures dismantled and shipped to the United States. After a few other incidents eventually the buildings were finally rebuilt into the churches we see today. The Monastery today is a functioning church with a congregation that encourages being a part of an open-minded community that benefits everyone. The church is open for tours of its historical hallways and makes a fantastic setting for a wedding. Tours are available most days and are 10 USD for adults, and 5 USD for students and seniors. The tours are available from 10 am to 4:30 pm with the last tour leaving at 4 pm. The Monastery is a busy place and has varying hours, so they ask that any visitors check their operating hours page on the website to make sure their typical hours have not been changed for filming or some other private event.
St. Bernard de Clairvaux
Address: 16711 Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Website: St. Bernard de Clairvaux
Shopping and entertainment near Miami Beach
28. Shop and dine at Aventura Mall
About a 30-minute drive from Miami Beach is the Aventura Mall, one of the premier shopping locations in all of the greater Miami area. This 3-story mall is the largest in Florida, and 3rd largest in the United States. Even if you don’t plan on shopping at the mall, it is a hub for both the Miami-Dade Transit and Broward County Transit making it a great place to stop in between locations. The mall has numerous luxury stores, encompassing then needs of most demographics. There are 29 individual food stops, ranging from confectioners to fine dining. The mall is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9:30 pm, and on Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm.
Aventura Mall
Address: 19501 Biscayne Boulevard Aventura, Fl 33180
Website: Aventura Mall
29. Catch a concert at Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium is just 18.4 miles (29.61 kilometers) from Miami Beach. It’s the home field of the Miami Dolphins football team, as well as the football team of the Miami Hurricanes of the University of Miami. The stadium is often host to events other than football, such as soccer matches, baseball, concerts, monster- trucks, and much more. Guests can take online tours of the stadium, or schedule a tour of the newly renovated facilities.
Hard Rock Stadium
Address: 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Website: Hard Rock Stadium
30. Try your luck at Calder Casino
Located about a 30-minute drive from Miami Beach is Calder Casino, a large casino right in the middle of the South Florida area. The casino is home to all the classic casino games and events, as well as over 1,100 slots. The casino has 3 restaurants, a buffet, a bar, and a quick bite restaurant. Center Stage at the casino is home to live music most weekend nights. For some late night adult entertainment Calder is the place to go.
Calder Casino
Address: 21001 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Website: Calder Casino
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday in Miami Beach!
Step into paradise when you visit Miami beach - blessed with gorgeous beaches, the best restaurants, fab people, history and culture. Have the best holiday of your life!
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