Located in the south of Florida, Miami is home to fantastic beaches and vibrant nightlife. 

Miami is a bucket list destination for many, for a good reason! From beautiful beaches to funky artwork and more, there is so much to do in the beach city.

If you’re planning a trip to Miami, here are the nine best things to do.

1. Visit Miami Beach 

When you visit Miami, the first place you should visit is the iconic Miami Beach. 

Miami Beach is the best area in the city for soaking up the sun in the city. However, while it isn’t in the Miami municipality, as it’s on an island, it’s definitely worth a visit. 

2. Wander the Art Deco District

Located in the Miami Beach area, the Art Deco District is a must-visit while in Miami. 

With a hint of 1930s nostalgia, the beautifully restored buildings within the Art Deco District have a lot to offer. 

Looking out towards the sea, the pastel-painted buildings offer a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. 

However, the Art Deco District comes alive after dark with its neon signs and canopy-covered dining areas. So make sure to visit at night. 

3. Stroll Through The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 

Known as one of Miami’s greatest treasures, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens’ stunning architecture, artwork and gardens make it worth a visit. 

Previously known as Villa Vizcaya, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the former villa and estate of businessman James Deering.

The Vizcaya Museum boasts 34 rooms arranged around a courtyard. The Renaissance-style villa is filled with the most exquisite European furniture and artwork dating from the 15th to 19th century.  

Situated on a 28-acre estate, visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a must-do while in Miami. 

Related: This is the best time to visit Florida.

4. Explore the Everglades National Park

You can find the Everglades National Park just a short drive from Miami.

The Everglades National Park covers 1.5 million acres of swamplands home to crocodiles, alligators, snakes and a range of birds. 

While you can wander through the everglades on foot, the best and most exciting way to see what the national park offers is on a high-speed airboat. 

Hopping on an airboat means you’ll be taken deep into the marshes and streams, guaranteeing the chance to see alligators. 

5. See Wynwood Walls

One of the best things to do in Miami is to see the Wynwood Walls.

Known as Miami’s most Instagrammed place, Wynwood Walls is an outdoor artwork gallery by graffiti artists and muralists. The artworks spread across warehouses and shop exteriors.

Located in the Wynwood neighbourhood, you can easily see all of the Wynwood Walls in around 20 minutes. However, because The Walls have become so popular, they’ve instituted a ticket policy. To see the Wynwood Walls, it costs $10 for adults, $5 for students and children under 12 are free. 

6. Visit South Beach 

Located on the end of Miami Beach is where you can find the suburb and beach of South Beach.

South Beach is one of the most recognisable spots in Miami, as it’s been used as a backdrop for many Hollywood movies and TV shows. 

While you can easily walk through South Beach on foot, the most scenic part is in the southernmost section along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th streets. 

Spend your day laying on the beach soaking up the sun or wandering through this iconic part of Miami. 

Related: These are the best beaches in Florida.

7. Take a Day Trip to the Bahamas 

Did you know that if you hop on a boat from Miami and travel for two hours, you’ll end up in Bimini, The Bahamas? 

So, what’s one of the best things to do in Miami? Taking a day trip to The Bahamas, of course!

Known for its pristine beaches, tropical climate and delicious seafood, Bimini is a fantastic place to visit for the day. 

Some of the best things to do in Bimini include

• Visiting Radio Beach
• Doing a shark dive with Bull Run
• Exploring the waters of Tuna Alley
• Enjoying drinks at Island House
• Exploring the underwater Bimini Wall 

8. Explore Key Biscayne 

Florida’s southernmost barrier island, Key Biscayne, is a quick 15-minute drive from Downtown Miami.

A subtropical paradise, Key Biscayne boasts sandy beaches, bike paths, nature preserves and beach restaurants. If you love island escapes, visiting Key Biscayne is one of the best things to do in Miami. 

The village of Key Biscayne is located in the middle of the island, with Crandon Park to the north and Bill Bags Cape Florida State Park to the south.

Crandon Park is one of the most popular places, with an 18-hole golf course and 27 tennis courts. You can also go kayaking, snorkelling and kiteboarding. 

Bill Bags Cape Florida State Park is the busiest on weekends. However, you must visit Cape Florida Lighthouse at the bottom of the island. It’s one of Florida’s coolest lighthouses, making seeing it a must-do while in Miami. 

9. Take a Day Trip to Key West 

If you’re hiring a car during your time in Miami, one of the best things to do is take a day trip to Key West. 

The Florida Keys are made up of hundreds of keys (islands) and five main islands. Key West is the westernmost island and the most famous travel destination. 

You must drive along the scenic Overseas Highway to get to Key West. Along the way, you’ll be blown away by the stunning views of the ocean, beaches and islands. 

Driving direct to Key West from Miami takes three hours, but because there is so much to see along the way, you’ll be stopping off quite a bit. Because of this, you’ll need the entire day to get to Key West and back. 

Miami is a bucket list destination for many in the USA’s southernmost state.

With so many things to do, from beach hopping to visiting famous murals and even going to the Bahamas, Miami has to be at the top of your travel list.

When are you going to plan your trip?