19 best places to visit in Miami you don’t want to miss

Let's be honest - you’re here for Miami’s sun-kissed beaches and legendary scene. But beyond the perfect tan and minty mojitos, the Magic City serves up surprises at every turn. Miami is a city of contrasts, where designer boutiques rub shoulders with Cuban cafes, art galleries bloom in warehouse districts, and wild mangrove trails sit just beyond the city skyline. From cutting-edge museums to vibrant street art, from world-class food to family-friendly attractions, Miami dishes out experiences that go way beyond your typical beach vacation. Here are our top 20 picks for the best places to visit in Miami.

Best places to visit in Miami for food and culture

1. Miami Design District

Miami's Design District is home to some of the city’s finest museums, restaurants, and shopping experiences. Stroll past premium brands like Chanel and Hermès, and visit cutting-edge art institution, ICA Miami. There is Michelin-starred dining at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, or you can head to Mia Market food hall for a more casual stop in a design-forward space. This is the place where fashion, art, and gastronomy converge.

Top tip:

Visit Palm Court to see famed sculptures like R. Buckminster Fuller's "Fly's Eye Dome."

Address and opening hours:

Miami Design District, Miami, FL United States.

2. South Beach

Settle into a sidewalk cafe on Ocean Drive and watch South Beach’s vibrant parade roll by. This iconic boulevard serves up more than just prime people-watching - its pastel-colored Art Deco buildings tell stories of glamorous days gone by. Pair your exploration with local flavors at the strip’s buzzing restaurants, where beach views come with a side of South Beach history.

Top tip:

Head south on Ocean Drive toward 4th Street for more budget-friendly dining options away from the tourist hotspots or enjoy curated food stops on a South Beach food tour.

Address:

South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States.

3. Little Havana

Step into Miami’s vibrant Cuban neighborhood along Calle Ocho, where cafecito steam rises from family-run ventanitas and domino tiles click in Maximo Gomez Park. A Little Havana food tour reveals generations-old recipes - from crispy croquetas to perfectly pressed Cuban coffee. Chat with local shop owners and cigar rollers who keep cultural traditions alive in this dynamic community.

Top tip:

Take a guided tour to discover authentic Cuban dishes and hear fascinating migration stories from multi-generation residents.

Address and opening hours:

Little Havana, Miami, FL, United States. Tour times and dates vary.

4. Española Way

Dance into the charm of old-world Europe on this Mediterranean-style street. Pink stucco buildings and twinkling lights create the perfect backdrop for alfresco dining, boutique shopping, and evening strolls. Española Way is pedestrian-only and serves some of South Beach’s most authentic Spanish and Italian restaurants.

Highlights:

The Outdoor café culture is a big draw on this street, and it is just a charming place to visit with the historic 1920s architecture.

Address:

Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States.

5. Bayside Marketplace

Stroll through Miami's waterfront shopping paradise, where live music fills the air and boats bob in the marina. This open-air mall brings harbor views alongside local flavors, street performances, and Miami-made souvenirs. Grab a waterfront table at sunset, watch cruise ships glide by, and catch the daily live music that keeps Bayside Marketplace buzzing.

Highlights:

Enjoy waterfront dining with harbor views. The perfect place to stroll with an ice cream or sit outside and have a coffee.

Address and opening times:

401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States. Open Monday - Thursday, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Fridays. and Saturdays 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM and Sundays 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM.

Best places to visit in Miami for history

6. Vizcaya Museum

Get a glimpse into Miami’s Golden Age and old-school European design at the Vizcaya Museum. Explore lush gardens with flowing fountains and an impressive collection of European art amassed by industrialist James Deering when he built Villa Vizcaya as his winter home in 1914.

Top tip:

Visit early on weekdays to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photos of the gardens and Biscayne Bay views. You can easily spend a few hours here without getting bored.

Address and opening hours:

3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

7. Biltmore Hotel

Pop in for a drink or an afternoon tea at this iconic institution that’s been serving up luxury for almost a century. During the Roaring Twenties, the Biltmore was a hub for showbiz stars, politicians, and even gangsters like Al Capone. Be dazzled by the opulent designs and history of this palatial hotel.

Top tip:

Free guided tours are open to the public on Sundays at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Get the lowdown on celebrity guests and the ghosts who are rumored to roam the halls.

Address and opening hours:

1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States. Open daily, 24/7. Tours on Sundays only.

Best places to visit in Miami for art

8. Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts

Visit the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts to see world-class performances in an inspiring venue with incredible architecture. This gleaming glass-and-steel venue hosts everything from Broadway shows to classical concerts in spaces designed for perfect acoustics. The second-largest performing arts center in the US brings global talent to the heart of downtown Miami.

Highlights:

You can take a free architectural tour of the building, as that alone is worth seeing. If you see a show, then you're in for a treat as there are state-of-the-art acoustic.

Address:

1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States.

9. Museum of Graffiti

At the Museum of Graffiti, you can learn the history of Graffiti and gain new insights into ever-evolving street art. Trace graffiti art back to its beginnings, then see how its influence spread to the mainstream through design, fashion, and advertising.

Top tip:

Check out works from top graffiti artists like Kaws, Futura 2000, Dondi White, Phase 2, and Rammellzee.

Address and opening hours:

276 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Open Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.

10. Wynwood Arts District

Miami's open-air art gallery pulses with creativity, where vibrant murals transform warehouse walls into canvas. This former industrial district now hosts over 70 galleries, museums, and some of the city's coolest cafes and craft breweries. Take a guided tour of Wynwood to discover the stories behind the street art and get insider tips on the neighborhood's best spots.

Top tip:

You can see incredible graffiti murals on the street and works by Andy Warhol and Shepard Fairey in the galleries. Many restaurants in the area offer happy hour specials from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Address and opening hours:

Wynwood Arts District, Miami, Florida, United States. Open daily, 24/7. Tour times and dates vary.

11. Art Deco Museum

Many of Miami’s iconic Art Deco buildings would have been demolished if not for the efforts of preservationist Barbara Baer Capitman. At the Art Deco Museum, you’ll learn the incredible story of how she saved these architectural wonders from the wrecking ball during the turbulent 1970s. Any tour of Art Deco needs to start here.

Top tip:

Check out exhibits beyond Art Deco that delve into other styles like Med Revival and Miami Modern.

Address and opening hours:

1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

12. Allapattah

Step aside, Wynwood. Miami's Allapattah neighborhood is stealing the spotlight with its raw energy and cultural authenticity. This working-class district, whose name comes from the Seminole word for alligator, serves up the real Miami - minus the tourist crowds and inflated prices. T

Highlights:

Some of the city's best museums are in this area, including the game-changing Rubell Museum in a former warehouse and Superblue Miami, famous for mind-bending digital installations.

Address:

Allapattah, Miami, FL.

13. Institute of Contemporary Art

Miami's pre-eminent contemporary art museum, the ICA, is free to enter. Completed in 2017, the architecture alone is worth the visit, with its car-strewn façade, metallic finish, and scenic sculpture garden.

Highlights:

The ICA's cutting-edge special exhibitions showcase the world's most innovative artworks. Its permanent collection includes artistic heavyweights like Cindy Sherman and Allan McCollum.

Address and opening hours:

61 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best places to visit in Miami for families

14. Paradox Museum

Defy reality at the Paradox Museum. This eye-popping experience features 70 optical illusions tailored for unbelievable pictures, it is a gateway to an alternate universe of fun and will teach you the science behind the illusions, too. 

Highlights:

Get photos of yourself inside the paradoxes that will leave your friends asking how you did it.

Address and opening hours:

Miami, FL 33137, United States. Entry is between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

15. The Everglades

Ride an airboat through marshland as you discover one of the most unique natural habitats in the world. Your boat trip will take you through sawgrass swamps, mangroves, and small islands, where you’ll see alligators, turtles, and rare birds.

Highlights:

Kids can get up close and touch baby alligators at a wildlife show.

Address and opening hours:

Everglades National Park, Florida, United States. Tour time and dates vary.

16. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Escape to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Biscayne Bay, home to powdery beaches and Florida’s oldest lighthouse, the Cape Florida Lighthouse. Built in 1825, this white-washed tower offers guided tours where you'll climb 109 spiral steps to reach the observation deck. Spot cruising manatees, native birds, and on clear days, Miami's glittering skyline.

Highlights:

There are miles of cycling and nature trails, as well as some of Florida’s best beaches, for an active and wholesome day for the entire family.

Address and opening hours:

1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, United States. Open daily from 08:00 AM until sunset.

17. Biscayne Bay

Sail the secret coves of Biscayne Bay to explore, swim, and snorkel. Get some of the best natural sightseeing in Miami up close to Biscayne National Park. Keep your eye out for dolphins and manatees.

Highlights:

The sailboat is completely eco-friendly and equipped with a trapeze to hang out over the water.

Address and opening hours:

Biscayne Bay, Florida, United States. Tour times and dates vary.

18. Star Island

Cruise across Biscayne Bay on a boat tour past Miami’s most exclusive address. Get an ocean-view peek at Star Island’s celebrity mansions, where the rich and famous drop anchor in style. You will see downtown's soaring skyline, Port Miami's massive cruise ships, and Fisher Island's exclusive shoreline.

Highlights:

Up-close views of celebrity homes and chances to spot dolphins and manatees.

Address and opening hours:

Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Tour times and dates vary.

19. Osprey Triangle Nature Preserve

Explore a mangrove jungle in the middle of Florida’s largest urban park in Osprey Triangle Nature Preserve. You can go paddleboarding or kayaking through lush canals teeming with wildlife like manatees, fish, birds, and iguanas.  

Highlights:

Head to a small island for a swim and refreshments. Explore the rest of the nature preserve when you’re back on land.

Address and opening hours:

North Miami, FL 33181, United States. Tour times and dates vary.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Miami?

You’ll need at least three days to work through the beach area alone. If you want to visit the key museums and galleries, too, add another four days to your trip.

What is the best time of year to visit Miami?

The glorious spring weather rolls in from the end of March to early July. This is the perfect time to visit, but in August, temperatures reach a blistering average of 89 degrees — not the ideal weather for outdoor strolls and garden picnics. The city’s high season falls between November and March. This period offers mild weather but bustling crowds.

How do I get around Miami?

The city’s Metrorail and Metromover train systems make commuting easy if you don’t have a car. The Miami Trolley will provide coast-side transportation, and if you need to travel to the islands, the best places in Miami are easily reached by water taxi. This service has two lines that stop at Bayside Marketplace, Hyatt Convention Center, and American Social Brickell.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Miami?

There’s a reason Little Havana and Wynwood make frequent appearances in tourist blogs. These fascinating yet eclectic neighborhoods have it all, from great food to art and history. Coconut Grove hugs the Biscayne Bay shoreline, offering lazy cafes and world-class shopping.

What are the best places to go shopping in Miami?

Miami Design District hosts world-famous designer labels and swanky brands. If you’re looking for tourist attractions that are a little less understated, Dolphin Mall is a sprawling retail space with over 240 stores.