Discover Miami: Beaches, Art Deco & the Best Things to Do in the Magic City

Explore world-famous beaches, vibrant neighbourhoods, and the best things to do in Miami — from South Beach and Wynwood to Little Havana.

Tourism Tickets United States Miami

Neighborhoods

South Beach, Brickell, Downtown Miami

Wynwood, Little Havana, Coconut Grove

South Beach for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Soak up the Art Deco of South Beach, tour Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, explore the Frost Science Museum, shop and cruise at Bayside Marketplace, and wander the murals of Wynwood before relaxing on Miami Beach.

Best Time Windows

Winter and spring (Nov–Apr) bring warm, dry, sunny weather and the peak season. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms but lower prices, while late summer and autumn fall within the Atlantic hurricane season.

Getting Around

The free Metromover loops around Downtown and Brickell

Metrorail and Metrobus connect wider Miami-Dade ($2.25)

Rideshare and the free Beach trolley are easiest in South Beach

Food & Nightlife

Cuban, Latin American, and fresh seafood cuisine

Wynwood, Brickell, and Little Havana dining districts

Iconic clubs like LIV and Space, plus rooftop and beach bars

Seasonal Highlights

Spring festivals like Calle Ocho and Ultra Music Festival

Summer beach days, pool parties, and Miami Spice dining

Winter sunshine, Art Basel, and Miami Music Week

Side Trips

Everglades National Park and Key Biscayne

Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach by Brightline

The Florida Keys and Key West along the Overseas Highway

Famous Miami City Spots

Flamingo Gardens Tickets

Deering Estate Tickets

Zoo Miami Tickets

Rapids Water Park Tickets

SkyViews Tickets

Museum of Ice Cream Tickets

Things to Do in Miami

Beaches & Waterfront Living

Miami is defined by its beaches. Sunbathe on world-famous South Beach, stroll South Pointe Park, and relax along the golden sand fronting the historic Fontainebleau and Eden Roc. From swimming and paddleboarding to sunset walks on the boardwalk, the Atlantic coastline is the heart of any Miami trip.

Art Deco, Wynwood & Culture

Wander the pastel Art Deco District of South Beach, photograph the open-air murals of Wynwood Walls, and explore the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Miami's creative scene blends street art, design, and culture against a tropical backdrop.

Little Havana & Latin Miami

Feel Miami's Cuban soul in Little Havana. Walk Calle Ocho, watch locals play dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park, sip Cuban coffee, and enjoy live music and authentic Latin food. It's the best place to experience the city's vibrant Caribbean and Latin American heritage.

Vizcaya, Gardens & Iconic Landmarks

Step back in time at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a Gilded Age villa surrounded by Italian gardens and Biscayne Bay views. Get close to wildlife at Jungle Island, cruise from Bayside Marketplace, and take in the skyline from the waterfront — Miami's landmarks mix history, nature, and glamour.

Nightlife, Dining & Shopping

Miami nights are legendary. Dance at LIV and Space, sip cocktails at rooftop and beach bars, and dine through Wynwood and Brickell's celebrated restaurants. By day, shop waterfront at Bayside Marketplace and the designer boutiques of the Miami Design District.

Miami Neighborhoods

South Beach (SoBe)

Miami's most famous neighbourhood, South Beach combines pastel Art Deco hotels, white-sand beaches, and world-class nightlife. Stay here for Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road shopping, buzzing restaurants, and easy access to the ocean — ideal for first-time visitors.

Brickell

Miami's sleek financial district, Brickell is a forest of glass high-rises with upscale dining, rooftop bars, and the Brickell City Centre shopping complex. Well connected by the free Metromover, it's perfect for travellers who want a modern, walkable base near Downtown.

Downtown Miami & Bayside

The waterfront core of the city, Downtown Miami is home to Bayside Marketplace, the Frost Science Museum, Pérez Art Museum, and Bayfront Park. Hop aboard a bay cruise, ride the free Metromover, and enjoy skyline and Biscayne Bay views.

Wynwood

Miami's arts district, Wynwood is famous for the Wynwood Walls and its ever-changing street murals. Explore galleries, craft breweries, trendy cafés, and independent boutiques in one of the city's most creative and Instagram-friendly neighbourhoods.

Little Havana

The heart of Miami's Cuban community, Little Havana centres on Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street). Sip Cuban coffee, watch dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park, enjoy live Latin music, and taste authentic Cuban cuisine in one of the city's most colourful districts.

Coconut Grove

Miami's oldest neighbourhood, leafy Coconut Grove offers a laid-back, bohemian vibe with waterfront parks, sailing marinas, sidewalk cafés, and boutique shopping at CocoWalk. Nearby Vizcaya Museum & Gardens makes it a relaxed, green base away from the beach crowds.

How to Get to Miami

Airport
Train
Bus
Car

Miami is served by Miami International Airport (MIA), one of the busiest gateways in the United States, located about 8 miles (13 km) west of Downtown and roughly 10 miles from South Beach. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood (FLL) is another option around 30 miles north. Getting from the airport to the city:

Miami Beach Airport Express Route 150 bus to South Beach for $2.25 (about 40 minutes)
Metrorail (Orange Line) From MIA Station to Downtown in about 15 minutes, then the free Metromover
Tri-Rail / MIA Mover The MIA Mover links to Miami Central Station for regional trains
Taxi / Rideshare Flat-rate taxis and rideshare reach Downtown or Miami Beach in 20–35 minutes

Brightline high-speed trains run from MiamiCentral in Downtown, connecting Miami quickly with cities up Florida's east coast and on to Orlando. Main station: MiamiCentral (Brightline)

Miami to Aventura (approximately 22 minutes)
Miami to Fort Lauderdale (approximately 30 minutes)
Miami to West Palm Beach (approximately 70 minutes)
Miami to Orlando (approximately 3.5 hours)

Long-distance coach services connect Miami with cities across Florida and the wider United States.

Main bus station Miami Central Station / Greyhound at MiamiCentral
Greyhound and FlixBus are budget-friendly options from Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and beyond.

Miami is connected by major interstates (I-95, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike), making road travel straightforward from across Florida.

Typical driving times Fort Lauderdale: 45 minutes Naples: 2 hours Orlando: 3.5–4 hours Key West: 3.5–4 hours
Visitors planning to drive should note that parking in South Beach and Downtown can be limited and expensive.
A car is most useful for day trips to the Everglades or the Florida Keys, while the Metromover and rideshare work best in the city.

Plan your perfect Miami itinerary

Miami in 3 Days

We recommend: Miami Highlights

Mix South Beach, the Art Deco District, Wynwood Walls, and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Balance beaches, culture, and Latin neighbourhoods at a comfortable pace
Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience Miami's highlights

Beaches & Art Deco Miami

We recommend: Miami Beach Itinerary

Spend your days on South Beach, Mid-Beach, and South Pointe Park
Tour the pastel Art Deco District and stroll Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road
Perfect for beach lovers and travellers seeking the classic Miami vibe

Wynwood, Little Havana & Culture

We recommend: Miami Arts & Latin Culture

Explore Wynwood Walls, galleries, and craft breweries before Calle Ocho in Little Havana
Sample Cuban coffee, live music, and authentic Latin food away from the beach
Ideal for travellers seeking Miami's creative and cultural side

Beyond Miami: Everglades & Keys

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Miami

Discover the Everglades, Key Biscayne, Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Keys
Combine wildlife airboat tours, beaches, and the scenic Overseas Highway
Perfect for extending your Miami trip with nature and island escapes

Family & Attractions Miami

We recommend: Miami Family Itinerary

Visit the Frost Science Museum, Jungle Island, and Zoo Miami
Cruise Biscayne Bay from Bayside Marketplace and explore Vizcaya's gardens
Great for families and travellers visiting Miami with kids

Beyond Miami: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Everglades National Park

Less than an hour west of Miami, Everglades National Park is a vast subtropical wilderness. Take an airboat tour through the sawgrass, spot alligators and wading birds, and explore one of America's most unique ecosystems.

Key Biscayne

A short drive across the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne offers calm beaches, the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, and lush Crandon Park. It's an easy island escape with great views back toward the Miami skyline.

Fort Lauderdale

Just 30 minutes north by Brightline or car, Fort Lauderdale is known for its canals, Las Olas Boulevard, and wide sandy beach. Take a water-taxi cruise, dine on the waterfront, and enjoy a more relaxed coastal pace.

The Florida Keys & Key West

Drive the legendary Overseas Highway south through the Florida Keys to Key West, about 165 miles from Miami. Enjoy turquoise water, island bars, snorkelling, and the southernmost point of the continental US.

West Palm Beach

Around 70 minutes north by Brightline, West Palm Beach offers upscale shopping on Worth Avenue, art museums, and easy access to Palm Beach's elegant oceanfront. A polished day out up the Florida coast.

Naples & the Gulf Coast

Cross the state via Alligator Alley to Naples on Florida's Gulf Coast, about two hours away. Known for calm sunset beaches, upscale dining, and a refined, laid-back atmosphere very different from Miami's energy.

FAQs About Visiting Miami

What is the best time to visit Miami?

The best time to visit Miami is from November to April, when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny — this is peak season. Summer is hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms but lower prices, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November.

How many days do you need in Miami?

Most travellers find that 3 to 4 days in Miami is enough to enjoy South Beach, the Art Deco District, Wynwood, Little Havana, and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Those planning day trips to the Everglades or the Florida Keys may want to stay longer.

What are the top things to do in Miami?

Top things to do in Miami include relaxing on South Beach and Miami Beach, exploring the Art Deco District and Wynwood Walls, visiting Little Havana and Calle Ocho, touring Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and the Frost Science Museum, and cruising Biscayne Bay from Bayside Marketplace.

Is Miami expensive for tourists?

Miami can be more expensive than much of the United States, especially in South Beach during the winter peak season. Summer brings lower hotel rates, and booking attractions, tours, and dining in advance often helps visitors secure better prices.

What is the best way to get around Miami?

The free Metromover is great for Downtown and Brickell, while Metrorail and Metrobus serve wider Miami-Dade for $2.25. Rideshare and the free Beach trolley are easiest in South Beach, and a car is useful for day trips to the Everglades or the Florida Keys.

Do I need to book Miami attractions in advance?

Yes. Popular attractions such as Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, the Frost Science Museum, bay cruises, and top nightclubs often sell out, especially during peak winter months and major events. Booking tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

What are the best day trips from Miami?

Some of the most popular day trips from Miami include Everglades National Park, Key Biscayne, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and the Florida Keys down to Key West. These offer a mix of wildlife, beaches, and scenic coastal drives.