10 Best Things to Do in Miami

If you're in search of an iconic beach that exudes heady Miami glamour, then make your way to South Beach. Locals flock to 'SoBe' to preen by the water and partake in a multitude of watersports like snorkelling, paddle boarding and kite surfing. 

Just moments from the sand, you’ll find rows of pastel Art Deco buildings that house museums, art galleries and boutique shops. Sip sundowners at an Ocean Drive bar before whirling off to party the night away. Try the LGBTQ-friendly Twist or the neon-drenched Vendôme.

Miami Riverwalk is a picturesque pedestrian walkway that runs adjacent to the Miami River, allowing you to take in downtown’s glitzy urban landscapes from a whole new perspective. Start off at either end of the Riverwalk, whether that’s from beautiful Bayfront Park or from the Riverwalk Metromover station. 

The district is also a fantastic place to take a stroll after the sun has set, with city lights shimmering magically on the water. Come November, you can enjoy a host of folk culture shows and multicultural food vendors that form the Miami Riverwalk Festival.

Iconic Ocean Drive ranks highly among the most popular streets in Miami. Traversing the length of South Beach, this is the place to be seen in town, whether you want to flaunt your latest supercar or show off your tan and your new bikini.

Part of this world-famous stretch has recently been pedestrianised, which makes strolling here an absolute pleasure. As you move along the pavement, take photos of colourful Art Deco buildings, browse designer shops or enjoy a Miami Vice cocktail at an al fresco eatery.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the former estate of a wealthy Miami businessman named James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune. This piece of prime real estate is situated in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighbourhood and is reminiscent of a romantic Tuscan villa. 

It features lavishly decorated interiors that are filled with fabulous furniture, exquisite artworks and highly-collectable treasures. It is now open to the public as a historical site. Make sure you walk the Italian Renaissance gardens, which boast shaded pathways and topiary hedges, overlooking sparkling Biscayne Bay. 

West of Downtown Miami, Little Havana is a charismatic neighbourhood that’s home to the famous Calle Ocho strip, where most of the city’s best Cuban restaurants can be found. Besides feasting on carne asada and queso frito, you can indulge in eclectic shopping at family-owned boutiques and kitschy souvenir shops.

After you’ve splashed out on artisan wares and a box of Cuban cigars, stroll around the blocks, photographing the kaleidoscopic street art murals. Dance along to the rhythmic Latin music pulsing through the streets, elevated by the aroma of freshly-ground coffee, grilled chorizo and juicy tropical pineapple.

Strolling through Miami’s energetic, Puerto-Rican influenced Wynwood neighbourhood is a veritable feast for the senses. Long considered one of the city’s most innovative creative hubs, the district is home to the world-famous Wynwood Walls, an open-air graffiti gallery.

Here, you’ll find large-scale murals and dazzling artworks from some of the globe’s best-known street artists, making it a must-visit for Instagrammers. The streets are jam-packed with old, converted warehouses that host hip craft breweries, trend-setting art galleries and buzzing restaurants. You can even book a guided tour to see the best spots.

Housed in a double-storey building overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay and its glamorous marina, Bayside Marketplace offers a premium downtown shopping experience. Various independent shops and fashion outlets make up the scene here including Pasha Silver, Sunglass Hut, Footlocker and Victoria’s Secret.
 
When it comes to dining, you have plenty of enticing options like Hard Rock Café, Kuba Cabana and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The Marina Stage is a major drawcard, with live bands performing daily. Don’t forget to take in the vista from the Sky Views Miami observation wheel.

Many Miami visitors enjoy a day out on the Everglades: tropical wetlands that are abundant with scenic sawgrass prairies and dense mangrove estuaries. A great way to explore this wild region is by riding a traditional airboat, a propeller-powered craft that skims swiftly over the water. 

Various pitstops enable you to take in the beauty of Florida's flora and fauna so don’t forget to bring your camera. Wildlife sightings include alligators, red-bellied turtles, great blue herons and rose-hued spoonbills. Back at the base, you can even pet a baby gator.

Downtown Miami is home to several panoramic rooftop venues where you can make the most of the city's enviable weather. Area 31, a restaurant and bar on the 16th floor of the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, makes a memorable starting place.

Take in views of the Miami River, Biscayne Bay and the glamorous city skyline before ordering a round of Guava Martinis or Tropical Negronis. Voodoo bills itself as an all-inclusive nightlife destination with its Tiki-themed dancefloor and white-hot DJs. If you're a party-lover, check out their extravagant VIP options.

Many associate Miami with wild parties and its famed Downtown district never disappoints. If you’re looking for an epic nightlife experience, head to Club Space, a warehouse venue where weekend events are elevated with pulsing dance music, giant glitterballs, neon lasers and extravagant drinks.

The high-end Blume Nightclub boasts an al fresco garden bar, which enables you to choose between hard partying on the dance floor beneath an LED chandelier, or a chill-out session outside. Alternatively, visit TuCandela if you want to dance to vibrant Latino music into the small hours. It's decorated with trombones, tribal masks and cool vintage records.