Miami is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. and it is easy to see why. There is a warm climate, beautiful beaches, bright blue ocean and an electric mix of people.
Miami offers something for everyone, from nature, to thrilling adventures and also ample cultural and architectural beauty.
If you are planning a trip to Miami for the first time, these are some of the top-rated tourist attractions and places you really need to check out.
1. Beaches
No visit to Miami would be complete without visiting the beach.
Miami is famous for beaches and there are so many different places you can go. The most popular with tourists include:
• South Beach
• Surfside
• North Beach Oceanside Park
• Haulover Beach
• Sunny Isles Beach
Other beaches to consider visiting if you have a flexible schedule include:
• Sunny Isles Beach
• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach
• Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
• Crandon Park Beach
South Beach is one of the most popular destinations, this area essentially allows tourists to experience the glitz and glamour of Miami and is home to high end shopping, glitzy mansions and most importantly, a gorgeous coastline. If you have the money you can stay at the The Villa Casa Casuarina At The Former Versace Mansion, whose luxury can only be truly comprehended upon seeing it in person.
You can also get an unforgettable experience by simply strolling on this perfectly lit up beach at night or wander over to the lively Ocean Drive for all day and night entertainment.
Miami has so many incredible watersports available to book at most beaches, including sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, jet boating and stand up paddleboarding.
2. Check Out Street Art in Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls is a trendy and unique outdoor destination featuring huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe. This once run down area has been revitalised and now has lots of shops, bars, restaurants and companies based here. The street art and galleries are incredible.
3. The Vizcaya Museums and Gardens
Miami is famous for being a beach and part destination, but there is so much more than this especially for people seeking culture.
The Vizcaya Museums and Gardens one of the most unique features of Miami you will be left awed by the meticulously cared for gardens, coupled with the unique architecture.
This popular alternative tourist spot features a main house full of things to see, a hardwood hammock and stunning gardens covering an area of 10 acres.
4. Watch Live Sports
There are lots of sports teams in Miami including the Miami Dolphins (American Football), the Miami Heat (NBA), the Miami Marlins (MLB), the Florida Panthers of the (NHL) and Inter Miami CF (MLS).
Depending on the time of year you visit you should be able to see at least one sporting team. We highly recommend taking in a Miami Heat game. The Heat compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league’s Eastern Conference Southeast Division. The club plays its home games at FTX Arena, and has won three NBA championships. The atmosphere on match days is incredible.
5. Party on Ocean Drive
Tourists who derive fun from night clubbing can get it from the numerous South Beach bars. This is one of the most lively destinations in the whole of Florida and there are lots of bars, clubs and restaurants located here.
6. Experience Live Theatre
In addition to the above described unique features of Miami, visitors are given an opportunity to experience fantastic live theater abound here. For instance, one can visit the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Actor’s playhouse and Jackie Gleason Theater, all of which offer Broadway quality plays or even musicals. Beside, ballet enthusiasts are given the opportunity to see the internationally acclaimed Miami City Ballet.
7. Day Tours
Miami and Art Deco seem synonymous. Certainly, the city is known for this particular architectural style, especially in South Beach, where it dominates. But Miami offers a wealth of interesting architecture to explore, and the buildings employ more than the familiar pastels and geometric lines that classify Art Deco. Lots of travel operators an local guides offer day tours and excursions showing you the highlights of the city.
8. Explore Little Havana
Little Havana is Miami’s vibrant Cuban heart, with Latin American art galleries and busy restaurants. Cafes with walk-up windows sell Cuban coffee to cigar-smoking patrons. On Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), locals discuss politics over dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park, dubbed Domino Park by locals. The historic Tower Theater screens independent and revival films, while the area’s clubs host live Latin music.
9. Road Trip to Key West
Are you looking to do one of the most amazing road trips of your life? Plan a trip to Key West. This is part of the Florida Keys archipelago and a popular place to visit near Miami. Key West is Florida’s southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise-ship stop also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It’s known more for its coral reefs – destinations for diving and snorkeling – than for its beaches.
10. The Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is located around a one hour and thirty minute drive from Downtown Miami and is possible unlike anywhere you have ever been before in your life.
It features 1.5 million acres of swamps with a fascinating variety of wildlife. The best way a tourist can enjoy the Everglades is with a boat tour, which are available at Flamingo and Gulf Coast all year round.
Travelling through this park enables tourists to see crocodiles, alligators, the great blue herons and wood storks among other kinds of swamp wildlife.
Along with places like New York, New Orleans, Chicago and California, Miami really is a must see city in the USA. There is something for everyone and every month is a great time to visit.
