Top 10 Things To Do In Downtown Miami, Florida - Updated 2024

things to do in miami downtown
Sameeksha
Sameeksha 
Updated
| 3 min read

Miami in Florida is a gorgeous place to visit. It has a downtown which has a striking skyline that not only offers a pretty sight but is also an architectural testament. It showcases an impressive collection of high rise towers, futuristic structures, and historical landmarks. It also has an Atlantic Ocean waterfront where you can indulge yourself in many water sports and boat cruises. Another crucial aspect of this place is eating as it is booming with culinary cuisines offered by award-winning restaurants. Here is a list of things to do in Downtown Miami, Florida.

1. Marvel at a historic background on Flagler Street

AlfredI.DuPontBuilding
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SebasTorrente used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Historic Alfred I. DuPont Building is Miami’s art deco skyscraper which has been a witness to the end of The Great Depression and the Second World War. It has been restored to preserve its historic beauty and to display modern architecture that is decorated; it’s now embellished with black granite and Wisconsin limestone, ornate golden gates, elevator doors with bird motifs, and Tennessee marble floors.

In present times, it is open only for special events such as weddings or corporate gatherings, but you can still access the lobby and check the decorative elements.

Historic Alfred I. DuPont Building

Address: 169 E. Flagler St., Miami

Website: Historic Alfred I. duPont Building

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm

Price: 20 USD

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2. Explore art at the Freedom Tower

Miami freedom tower for wikipedia by tom schaefer miamitom 0004
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Miamitom used under CC BY-SA 2.5

The Freedom Tower is a representation of Cuban history in the state of Florida. It houses art exhibitions and events focusing on such rich history. The MDC Museum of Art and Design housed in this tower is a product of the collaborative efforts of people from by the Miami Dade College.

Freedom Tower

Address: 600 Biscayne Blvd, Miami

Website: Freedom Tower

Opening hours: 12am – 9pm

Price: free

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3. Tour or watch a show at Olympia Theater

Olympia Theater Downtown Miami 1926 (21380759942)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Phillip Pessar used under CC BY 2.0

This theater opened to the public in 1926 as a silent-movie palace. It now hosts musical performances, film festivals, and stand-up comedies. During intermission, you can have a quick tour of this historic theatre which is a representative of Moorish architecture. This theatre also provides a guided tour on the second Tuesday of every month.

Olympia Theater

Address: 174 E. Flagler Street, Miami

Website: Olympia Theater

Price: 70 USD

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4. Cross the Rickenbacker Causeway on a seaplane (from USD 180.0)

See Miami from an aerial view. Take a 30-minute seaplane tour! A professional pilot shares fascinating stories and facts about the state as he or she takes you on a joyful ride over signature architecture, mansions, beaches and coastal hotspots like Star Island, Biscayne, South Beach, and Coconut Grove.

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Miami Skyline Seaplane Tour From Key Biscayne With South Beach

Duration: 30 minutes

112 reviews

Miami Tour Guide

Alexander Gorn

Alexander Gorn

I was born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, in the Soviet Union, and left for the USA when I was 23 years old, just out of college. Leningrad was and still is a city with great cultural traditions. I fell in love with its world-famous museums, art galleries, theaters, and other attractions. I have been guiding tours for most of my life and began while still in high school. During the summer... Read more

Tours by Alexander

5. Cruise the Downtown docks (from USD 35.0)

things to do in miami downtown | cruise the downtown docks

Take a 1.5-hour boat cruise to enjoy the sunshine, sea breeze and amazing panoramic view of Downtown Miami’s skyline. Take a seat on the outside deck, and you will get a crystal clear water view of incredible marine life. Some of the water animals you will see are dolphins, manta rays, and manatees. There will also be a tour narration in English. The cruise will also move past the world-famous millionaire row where you can spot celebrity homes.

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Miami: The Original Millionaire’s Row Cruise

Duration: 1.5 hour

1051 reviews

6. Head to Hobie Island Beach Park for some fresh air

April 7, 2015
Source: Photo by user osseous used under CC BY 2.0

Experience a typical day by the shores when you head to Hobie Island Beach Park. It is also a fantastic place to windsurf or watch windsurfers move on water. Overall, you can enjoy a chilled out time with your loved ones while taking some stunning snaps of the skyscrapers across the bay. You can bring your beloved pets, too!

Hobie Island Beach Park

Address: Old Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami

Opening hours: 6am – 6pm

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7. Take a splash in the waters of Biscayne Bay (from USD 225.0)

things to do in miami downtown | take a splash in the waters of biscayne bay

Hop on a three-hour jet ski ride on Miami waters. Not only will it be a thrilling adventure, but it will also be an enjoyable sightseeing experience. You will be splashing water with impressive villas lining Biscayne Bay as your background.

And this adventure activity isn’t just another watersport. It’s also a tour! Friendly guides provide instructions of the how-tos and where-tos in English, German, and Russian.

You can also make a short stop to enjoy the magnificent scenery on the public Monument Island in this tour.

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Miami: 1-Hour Jet Ski City Tour

Duration: 1.0 hour

45 reviews

8. Taste distinct Hispanic flavor at CVI.CHE 105

Crab dip and old bay chips
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Krista used under CC BY 2.0

CVI.CHE 105 is a 9-year award-winning restaurant serving Peruvian dishes. It is best known for its creative and unique ceviche which is raw seafood cured in citrus juices and topped with fresh cilantro, chili pepper, and salt.

CVI.CHE 105

Address: 105 N.E. 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 3313

Website: CVI.CHE 105

Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm

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9. Dance the night away on a cruise ship (from USD 10.0)

Getting on a cruise ship on Biscayne Bay will be one enjoyable 90-minute ride. The dance cruise boat holds up to 140 passengers of all ages. The main attraction is the open-aired dance floor on the top deck which is equipped with an awning for protection of people. To satisfy everyone’s musical preference, the professional DJ spins all latest songs and dance club hits like salsa, hip-hop, reggae, the 70s and much more.

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Miami Biscayne Bay 90-Minute Dance Cruise with Professional DJ

Duration: 1 hour

10 reviews

10. Visit the Pérez Art Museum (from USD 15.0)

visit the pérez art museum
Source: www.viator.com

The Perez Art Museum has a premier collection of contemporary artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries. Designed by award-winning architects, Herzog and de Meuron, this place showcases Floridian infrastructure, culture, and artworks. In this fantastic museum, you can also enjoy the spectacular views of Biscayne Bay by taking a seat on the museum’s waterfront terrace.

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Pérez Art Museum Admission

Duration: Flexible

Name it, Downtown Miami has it

Downtown Miami is a hub of fun activities. If you wish to spend some quality time with your near and dear ones, Downtown Miami is the perfect place for you. From shopping to cultural activities, fun events to big concerts, the city has it all. Miami is a true definition of ‘Name it, and you will have it’ when it comes to traveling.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sameeksha Jain is a passionate travel writer. Known to weave captivating tales for over six years, each of her sentences is a ticket to destinations painted in prose. Her love affair with travel...Read more

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