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.
1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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)
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4. Catch a fish 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)
5. Have a drink and interact with animals at Jungle Island
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
An amusement park with a zoo provides an entertaining and educational experience for kids. Take them to Jungle Island, where 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)
6. 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)
7. Capture social-media-worthy photos with 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
8. 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
9. Experience the nightlife at 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
10. Visit 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
11. 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.
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
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!
Tip from tour guide
Iguanas in Miami Beach have become a unique and somewhat controversial presence. Originally native to Central and South America, these exotic creatures have adapted to the tropical climate of Miami area. Known for their distinctive bright colors and cold-blooded nature, iguanas are often spotted basking in the sun by the water. However, their increasing population has led to concerns about their impact on local ecosystems and infrastructure. During rare cold snaps, iguanas may become lethargic and fall from trees, creating unexpected encounters for residents and visitors alike. The coexistence of humans and iguanas in South Florida adds an exotic touch to the local scene. Iguanas might be invasive – but they add so much color to local landscapes!
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