12 Things You Need to See and Do in Miami
Miami has no shortage of beautiful beaches and outstanding restaurants. But there's so much else to see and do here. On your next trip to Magic City, don't miss these 12 top-rated attractions.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
The city's premier performing arts complex distinguishes itself among its neighbors in the Omni neighborhood with its striking postmodern architecture. Inside, guests can catch performances at the 2,400-seat Ziff Ballet Opera House, the 2,200 Knight Concert Hall, or the smaller Carnival Studio Theater. Alternatively, they can relax in the complex's outdoor Thomson Plaza for the Arts or hang out in a cafe and bookstore that are housed within a seven-story Art Deco tower.
Art Deco District
Even more Art Deco architecture can be found in the city's Art Deco District, located in South Beach. Learn about the architectural history of the neighborhood at the Art Deco Museum and Welcome Center, then admire the more than 800 buildings constructed in the 1930s and '40s on a daily walking tour offered by the Miami Design Preservation League.
Cape Florida Lighthouse
South Florida's only lighthouse is tucked away in a corner of Key Biscayne's 400-acre Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Reaching the top of the oldest structure in Dade County requires climbing 109 steps. Along the way, a park ranger educates guests on various aspects of South Florida's history.
Deering Estate
Once the winter home of magnate Charles Deering, the Deering Estate is now an environmental and archaeological preserve. Across 444 acres, visitors can admire historic houses, take guided nature hikes, embark on cruises into Biscayne National Park, and enjoy a number of other outdoor activities. Archaeology enthusiasts shouldn't miss the fossil pit that contains 50,000-year-old animal bones and 10,000-year-old human remains.
Española Way
Walking this two-block pedestrian-only corridor in South Beach is to be transported to a far-away time and place. Built in 1925, Española Way resembles a romantic but bustling Mediterranean village, one replete with sidewalk cafes, Spanish architecture, and vibrant music. Immerse yourself in French cafe culture at A La Folie Cafe, or join a flamenco or salsa-dancing class while enjoying the shade offered by the promenade's many palm trees.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Named for Miami botanist David Fairchild, this meticulously designed facility offers tropical delights at every turn. Across more than 83 acres, visitors will find a verdant rainforest, a sunken garden, rare flora, and a not-to-be-missed butterfly exhibit. To ensure you see everything, hop on one of the garden’s tram tours, which run every 30 minutes year-round.
Frost Science
Adults and children will get just as much out of a visit to this state-of-the-art museum in Bayfront Park. Consisting of an aquarium, a planetarium, and a pair of science galleries, Frost Science offers hours of aquatic-focused learning opportunities. Even those who are not scientifically inclined will have something to do, as the view of downtown Miami from Frost Science's rooftop terrace is worth seeing.
Lincoln Road Mall
Running parallel to South Beach is this lively pedestrian mall. Designed in the 1950s by famed architect Morris Lapidus, Lincoln Road Mall balances midcentury architecture with modern amenities. Browse retailers ranging from American Eagle to John Varvatos during the day, and see how the many bars, restaurants, and lounges keep this mile-long stretch hopping into the early morning hours.
Miami Design District
Unlike the variety of price points available up and down Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Design District is exclusively for those looking for luxury labels. Premium brands like Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Versace have shops here, while the tables at top-rated restaurants like Cote Miami and Le Jardiner are typically booked far in advance. For those unwilling to drop a small fortune in the neighborhood, there's plenty of public art available as well as free admission to the ICA art museum.
Perez Art Museum Miami
This 120,000-square-foot museum focuses on 20th- and 21st-century international art. Jenny Holzer, Robert Rauschenberg, Sam Gilliam, and Ana Mendieta have works on display here, and recent exhibitions have profiled art from Africa and the African diaspora. When entering the museum, make sure to take some time to admire its signature façade, which is adorned with an impressive hanging garden.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
An Italian Renaissance-style villa is the centerpiece of this Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a national landmark that, according to Trip Advisor, is the No. 1 attraction in Miami. The villa contains more than 2,500 art objects and furnishings dating from the 16th to the 19th century. There are also 10 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and 25 acres of forests ready to be explored.
Wynwood Walls
For more than a decade, this outdoor museum has sought to legitimize and shine a light on street art. Today, visitors can take in more than 50 vibrantly colored murals by artists such as Shepard Fairey. Wynwood Walls takes only about 20 minutes to tour in its entirety, making it a good stop for families with children.