Miami is a city in Miami-Dade County in Florida state of the United States of America. The city is known for its pristine beaches and fun vibe. Partying and clubbing are some of the most fun things to do in Miami at night. The city has a pop culture standing of its own. It has been featured in several films, television shows, and music videos. There are movies, shows, and songs dedicated to the city. Many of the best places to visit in Miami are recognized because of their pop culture fame. The city has been featured in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Ace Ventura, Bad Boys franchise, Baywatch, The Bodyguard, Donnie Brasco, Iron Man, and so on.
The majority of Miami’s tourist attractions are close to the coast. The beaches of Miami have it all. People come here to enjoy the ocean view, relax in the golden sands, enjoy street food, get thrilled of water sports, or just swim to beat the heat. Each of the Miami beaches has a vibe of its own.
Aside from the beaches, there are several outdoor activities to do in Miami including nature trails, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, jet-pack rides, parasailing, off-roading, and so on. The city has gardens, public parks, sports venues, entertainment venues, recreational areas, wildlife parks, and golf courses. These places are the major Miami attractions for family tourists.
But, Miami is more popular with bachelors and is a prominent spring break and pre-wedding partying destination. Nightlife in general is an integral part of Miami travel with several clubs, pubs, bars, nightclubs, dance bars, and so on. You can find these spread throughout the city and along the beaches in Miami.
The city is well known in the art community as well for its role in the Art Deco movement. Art museums and galleries are a major part of Miami sightseeing. It is also a renowned center for innovative performing arts.
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Top 21 Tourist Places to Visit in Miami in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Wynwood Walls
These warehouse walls act as an art gallery of sorts. The walls feature large murals of celebrities, historical figures, and fictional characters. It is one of the most popular things to see in Miami. The murals are changed from time to time. While here, you should also check out Wynwood Doors. These are building doors painted by different artists and these too are changed from time to time. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this wall.
I suggest you should try a Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Tour.
2. Margulies Collection
This art gallery exhibits the collection of Martin Margulies. The collection features contemporary artwork and vintage photographs. It is one of the best places to visit in Miami for art admirers. You will need about an hour to tour this collection.
3. Pérez Art Museum Miami
This museum is dedicated to international artwork hailing from 20th and 21st centuries. The art gallery is supposed to be reflective of the international culture of the city and the country. It is one of the best Miami tourist attractions to see modern artwork from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. You will need an hour to tour this museum.
4. Freedom Tower
Built-in 1925, this National Historical Site exhibits the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. During the 1960s, this building was used to receive Cuban refugees. Today it is known among Miami attractions for housing the Museum of Art and Design and the Cuban American Museum. You will need an hour to explore this building.
5. Gesu Catholic Church
Built-in 1925, this is the oldest church in the city. This pink church is also one of the most photogenic monuments you will come across during Miami sightseeing. The architecture is a blend of several styles. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.
6. HistoryMiami Museum
This museum is dedicated to the history of southern Florida and the Florida keys. The museum has 4 permanent exhibits namely Tropical Dreams, The History of Ourselves, Whitman Family Gallery, and Folklife Gallery. Collectively these exhibits shed light on several aspects of the region from pre-historic times to the modern period. You will need about an hour from Miami to tour this museum.
Day 2
1. Little Havana
This Cuban neighborhood is the most famous district to explore when you visit Miami. It has been featured in films, television shows, and music videos. The area is great for colorful houses, street art, street food, restaurants, and its general Latin American vibe. It is one of the best things to do in downtown Miami. You will need a couple of hours to explore Little Havana.
I suggest you must try a Little Havana Food and Walking Tour.
2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
This villa was built in the 20th century and belonged to an industrialist named James Deering. The villa is known for its Italian Renaissance style of architecture. The villa has 70 rooms featuring different types of decors and antique art. It is one of the most fun places to go in Miami for art and architecture admirers. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this place.
I suggest you should get your admission ticket to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in advance.
3. Key Biscayne
This town sits on an island in the Florida Keys. The town and the island are popular for their pristine golden sand beaches and several fun things to do in Miami. It is also popular for its seafood joints, golf courses, water sports, boat cruises, and recreational parks. The island is also home to Bill Baggs Cape Florid State Park where people can enjoy nature trails, birdwatching, camping, and other outdoor activities to do in Miami. You will need 3 to 4 hours to enjoy this island.
Day 3
1. Jewish Museum of Florida
Built during the 1930s, this building was previously a synagogue. Now it is a museum dedicated to the history of Jewish people around the world. There is also an exhibit focused on the history of the community in Florida. You will need an hour from the Miami trip to visit this museum.
2. The Art Deco Historic District / Miami Beach Architectural District
This area has around 800 buildings built between 1923 and 1943. These buildings are known for their beautiful art-deco style and pastel color palate. You will come across several historical places to see in Miami. The area is home to several iconic hotels with a history of hosting celebrities. You will need an hour or so to explore this area.
I suggest you should book a Walking Tour of The Official Art Deco.
3. The Wolfsonian
This museum is dedicated to art and design. It houses more than 180,000 items of decorative arts, handicrafts, artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and so on. It is one of the best places to go in Miami to witness antique items as well. The museum exhibits originate from North America, Europe, and Asia. You will need an hour to tour this museum.
4. Lincoln Road
This pedestrian street mall is part of South Beach. Shopping is one of the most popular Miami activities and you will find almost everything at one of the shops here. The street also has restaurants, cafes, bars, and art galleries. You will need about an hour to explore this place.
5. Holocaust Memorial
This sculpture garden was designed by Kenneth Treister and was founded by a group of Holocaust survivors. The garden features several sculptures depicting the horrors faced by the people during the holocaust. The beautiful sculptures have made this memorial rank among the top things to do in Miami. You will need about 30 to 45 to explore this place.
6. Bass Museum of Art
This museum exhibits the collection donated by John and Johanna Bass. The museum features artwork by renowned artists including Botticelli, Rubens, Dupre, and Makart. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes from Miami travel to explore this museum.
Day 4
1. Zoo Miami
This zoo has more than 300 articles and is one of the most popular Miami tourist spots for families. The zoo has African lions, elephants, deer, antelope, gazelle, alpaca, oryx, clouded leopard, orangutan, rhinoceros, jaguar, wolf, and giraffe, hyena, tiger, and so on. You will need about 2 hours to tour this zoo.
I suggest you should book your Entrance Ticket to Zoo Miami in advance.
2. Monkey Jungle
This wildlife park houses 30 species of primates in the recreated forest-like environment. The park is quite popular for animal interaction activities and shows. These are popular activities in Miami for family tourists. You will need a couple of hours to tour this place.
3. Coral Castle
This sculpture garden was developed during the 1940s by Ed Leedskalnin. It is one of the most fascinating things to see in Miami, not just for the wonderful sculptures, but also for the legend surrounding its creation. Leedskalnin claimed he used ancient Egyptian methods to move heavy stones to the site, though it was never revealed. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Miami sightseeing to explore this site.
Day 5
1. Miami Seaquarium
This aquarium and marine life entertainment park is one of the most popular Miami tourist attractions. You get to witness several shows featuring seals, orca whales, sharks, and so on. People can also engage in encounters with animals at this place. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore the seaquarium.
I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket to Miami Seaquarium in advance.
2. Miami Children’s Museum
This museum features multimedia and interactive exhibits to engage children. The museum covers a variety of subjects including science, technology, history, evolution, zoology, geography, cosmology, and so on. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.
3. Jungle Island
This zoological park houses rare and exotic animals. But, more than the animals this park is well known for animal encounter activities in Miami and animal themed shows. You will need about 2 hours to tour this animal park.
If you are looking for more fun places to go in Miami, Florida check out the section below. We have put together an exhaustive list of a variety of attractions and activities in Miami.
Things to do in Miami
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Miami , California
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
- Perez Art Museum
- Wynwood Walls
- Wynwood Doors
- The Bass Art Museum
- Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
- Miami Children’s Museum
- History Miami Museum
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- Wolfsonian Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Rubell Museum
- Lowe Art Museum
- Coral Castle
- Holocaust Memorial
- Freedom Tower
- Coral Gables Museum
- Cape Florida Lighthouse
- Jewish Museum of Florida
- The Barnacle Historic State Park
- Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum
- Museum of Graffiti
- The Margulies Collection
- Stiltsville
- Superblue Miami
- Cubaocho Museum & Performing Art Center
- De la Cruz Collection
- Artechhouse Miami
- Calle Ocho Walk of Fame
- Miami City Ballet
- Miami Circle National Historic Landmark
- Haitian Heritage Museum
- Gesu Church
- American Museum of Cuban Diaspora
- Curtiss Mansion
- Museum of Art and Design
- MDC Tower Theatre
- Pan American Art Projects
- Bay of Pigs Museum & Library
- Viernes Cultural Center
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Miami
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Virginia Key
- Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Miami
- Miami Seaquarium
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Jungle Island
- Venetian Pool
- South Pointe Park Pier
- Crandon Park
- Bayfront Park
- FTX Arena
- Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
- Haulover Park
- The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden
- Pinecrest Gardens
- Grapeland Waterpark
- Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
- Hobie Island Beach Park
- Maurice A Ferre Park
- Amelia Earhart Park
- The Underline Park
- The Tropical Park
- Domino Park
- David T. Kennedy Park
- Lock and Load Miami
- Casino Miami
- Margaret Pace Park
- Crandon Golf
- Hialeah Casino Park
- Fun Dimension
- Peacock Park
- Magic City Casino
- Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
- Montgomery Botanical Center
- Alice Wainwright Park
- Dezerland Action Park
- Santa’s Enchanted Forest
- AD Barnes Park
- Zoo Miami
- Monkey Jungle
Shopping in Miami
- Bayside Marketplace
- Dolphin Mall
- Midtown Miami
- Lincoln Road
- Design District
- Miracle Mile
- Bal Harbour
- The Falls
- Tropicana Flea Market
- Brickell City Center
Beaches & Islands in Miami
- Miami Beach
- Star Island
- Nikki Beach
- Virginia Key Island
- Bal Barbour Beach
- Venetian Island
- Key Biscayne Beach
- Hobie Island
- Surfside Beach
- Flagler Memorial Island
- Nixon Beach
- Palm Island
- South Pointe Park Pier Beach
- Anna Maria Island
- Lummus Park Beach
- Gasparilla Island
- Mid Beach
- Long Key Island
- North Beach
- Grand Bahama Island
- Haulover Beach
- Siesta Key Island
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Grassy Key Island
- Crandon Park Beach
- Eleuthera Island
- Hollywood Beach
- Hibiscus Island
- Oleta River State Park
- Indian Creek Island
- South Beach
- Sunset Islands
- 12th Street Beach
- Fisher Island
- La Gorce Island
- Bay Point Island
- Normandy Isles
- Belle Meade Island
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Miami
- Boat Cruise
- Speedboat ride
- Jet Ski
- Beach Sports
- Bus Tour
- Walking Tour
- Paragliding
- Nature Trails
- Hiking
- Camping
Sightseeing in Miami
- Collins Avenue
- Biscayne Boulevard
- The Miami Wharf
- Venetian Islands
- Little Havana
- Miracle Mile
- Brickell Avenue
- Star Island
- Venetian Causeway Beach
- Tamiami Trails
- Miami Tower
- 12th Street
- Art Deco Historic District
- Lincoln Road
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Miami
- Stubborn Seed
- Motek
- Boia De
- La Traila Barbecue
- La Mar
- Taquiza
- Zitz Sum
- Phuc Yea
- The Surf Club
- El Bagel
- Itamae
- Old Greg’s Pizza
- Ariete
- Amara at Paraiso
- Cote Miami
- Zak the Baker
- Mandolin Aegean Bistro
- Leku
- Ghee Indian Kitchen
- Lucali
- Luca Osteria
- Mignonette
- Makoto
- Byblos Miami
- Jaguar Sun
- All Day
- Macchialina
- NIU Kitchen
- Carbone
- Over Under
- Los Felix
- Joe’s Stone Crab
Where to Stay in Miami?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Miami. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Miami.
Luxurious Hotels
- InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel AKA Brickell
- YVE Hotel Miami
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell Downtown
- Novotel Miami Brickell
- Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
- Kimpton EPIC Hotel
- Hilton Miami Downtown
- Mandarin Oriental, Miami
- Hotel Arya, BW Premier Collection
- JW Marriott Marquis Miami
- Four Seasons Hotel Miami
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District
- Best Western Plus Miami Airport North Hotel & Suites
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Coconut Grove Coral Gables Miami
- Hampton Inn Miami Dadeland
- Miccosukee Resort & Gaming
- Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South
- AC Hotel by Marriott Miami Dadeland
- Eurostars Langford
- SpringHill Suites Miami Doral
- Hilton Miami Dadeland
- Courtyard Miami West/FL Turnpike
- Life House, Little Havana
Budget Hotels
- Sinbad Motel
- Regency Miami Airport
- Travelodge by Wyndham Miami Biscayne Bay
- Selina Miami River
Custom Tours Package in Miami
How to Reach Miami?
By Air
Miami International Airport is the main airport to reach Miami. You can get direct flights to visit Miami from Dublin, Moscow, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Toronto, Montreal, Madrid, Paris, Seattle, Chicago, Charleston, Dallas, Detroit, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Medellin, Houston, New York, San Jose, Juan Santamaria, Tel Aviv, Washington, Pittsburg, New Orleans, London, Panama City, Dubai, Helsinki, Stockholm, Boston, Rome, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Bogota, Doha, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Istanbul, San Francisco and many more. You can get buses and cabs to get to Miami tourist spots from the airport.
By Road
The Silver Service train route of Amtrack connects Miami to New York, Charleston, Savannah, Washington, Jacksonville, and Orlando. The bus network is far more widespread. You can reach Miami by bus from several cities in the USA.
If you are planning to visit Miami by road, you should head for highway routes 75, 95, 98, 27 or 41.
By Water
Despite being a coastal city, there are no travel water routes to reach Miami. You can get boat rides from Miami to reach the Florida Keys islands and back.
Image Reference
- Wynwood Walls – bebatut / Flickr
- Margulies Collection – Marius Watz / Flickr
- Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) – Maciek Lulko / Flickr
- Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College – Ed Webster / Flickr
- Gesu Catholic Church – Tamanoeconomico / Wikimedia Commons
- HistoryMiami Museum – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
- Little Havana – Infrogmation / Wikimedia Commons
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Steve / Flickr
- Key Biscayne – guerriernoir / PixaBay
- Jewish Museum of Florida – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
- The Art Deco Historic District / Miami Beach Architectural District – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
- The Wolfsonian – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
- Lincoln Road – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
- Holocaust Memorial – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
- Bass Museum of Art – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
- Zoo Miami – David Mark / PixaBay
- Monkey Jungle – Bjorn Watland / Flickr
- Coral Castle – Michelle Raponi / PixaBay
- Miami Seaquarium – FrodeCJ / PixaBay
- Miami Children’s Museum – Phillip Pessar / Flickr
- Jungle Island – LEONARDO DASILVA / Flickr
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