Planning the ultimate coastal holiday to sunny Florida? Leave plenty of time on your itinerary to check out the best things to do in Miami Beach! Pristine beaches, iconic architecture, lively nightlife, and a world-class art scene make this island city a destination unlike any other.
Splash the day away at South Beach, then take a stroll along Lummus Park’s palm tree-lined boardwalk. Indulge in authentic Cuban, Spanish, and Italian cuisine at Española Way, swaying to the live music playing. Hit up Lincoln Road for Art Deco ambiance, browse modern art at The Bass, then admire the stunning views from South Pointe Park.
Need a hand deciding what to do? Plan the ultimate getaway with this complete guide to the best places to visit in Miami Beach, Florida!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out all our other attractions guides and our Florida Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, when to visit & what to do!
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Lummus Park
Looking for the signature Miami Beach experience? Put Lummus Park at the top of your list of places to see in the city. Sandwiched between South Beach and Ocean Drive’s buzzing energy, Lummus Park boasts lovely sights and outdoor fun.
Stroll across the grassy lawn, winding between palm trees. Lummus Park offers peak people-watching, from the beach gym across the sand to the volleyball matches and locals rollerblading around. Bike along the paved path with views of the ocean, head for the white sands of South Beach to soak up some rays, or hit the waves at Lummus Park Beach.
Along Ocean Drive, the party never stops. Head across the street and grab fruity cocktails at Voodoo Nightclub and Rooftop Lounge. Get a double scoop of creamy gelato at Mammamia’s Gelato Italiano to beat the Florida heat, or sip on tangy margaritas over grilled fish and steaks at Social.
Art Deco Historic District
History buffs and architecture lovers traveling to Miami Beach, immerse yourself in the 1920s glamor of the Art Deco Historic District. Discover over 800 classic examples of Art Deco architecture, each offering a dynamic and diverse structural design and artistic flare.
Walk through the Art Deco Historic District between Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue, perusing local shops and restaurants. Prime yourself with a lesson at the Art Deco Museum, and sign up for a district tour.
Heading inland, gaze around at the bright pops of colors and glass-blocked buildings with geometric silhouettes and Mediterranean fountain features. Snap a picture of the stunning murals on the walls, depicting pastel scenes of palm trees, birds, and goddesses.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Art Deco Historic District’s swankiest 20s-era buildings, like The Webster and The Colony Hotel. At night, the area is aglow as the pastels are traded for neon accents and vintage signage.
Lincoln Road
Can’t imagine a holiday without a shopping spree? Stop by Lincoln Road for a shopping wonderland. Remodeled to exude Art Deco opulence in 1960 by Morris Lapidus, this pedestrian street is the perfect place for admiring iconic architecture and trendy boutiques.
Shop ’til you drop down the Lincoln Road Mall, peeking into mainstream clothing shops and eclectic local boutiques. Find a piece of Miami Beach’s art scene at the Romero Britto Gallery, teeming with bold pop art.
In the evening, grab tickets for a local production at the Colony Theatre. On Sundays, get a taste of local culture at the Lincoln Road Farmer’s Market. Meet local artisans, bakers, and farmers, and sample the best handmade products and treats Lincoln Road has to offer.
Dine on Peruvian fare in the elegant Chotto Matte, flourishing with tropical plants. Soak in the South Beach panoramas with a cocktail in hand at Juvia with a seat on the upper-level deck.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
South Florida is more than just beautiful beaches. Retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city to the flourishing gardens of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. As it’s conveniently close to the City Center, a stop at these gardens may be just the relaxing break you need.
Mosey through the 3-acre urban garden, soaking in the sights and smells of fragrant flowers. Tread over the red bridge in the Japanese Garden’s bamboo forest, heading for the Orchid Garden. Spectacle at over 1,200 species of these elegant, perfumey flowers. Circle the Wetland Garden, joined by bright butterflies flitting about. From the gazebo, look out at the flowering trees and palms in this exotic nature sanctuary.
Want to bring a piece of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens home? Swing by the Botanical Boutique and browse an array of gardening tools, souvenir hats and t-shirts, exotic dishes, stained glass art, and more.
Española Way
Muy fabulosa food and drink, festive music, and a lively crowd make for a top-notch atmosphere down Española Way. Situated in the Art Deco District from Washington Avenue to Drexel Avenue, this is one of the best places to go in Miami Beach for delicioso dishes and Mediterranean culture.
Wander down the charming, tree-lined street as the live music and laughter from the nearby al fresco dining establishments wash over you. These few blocks of Española Way are overflowing with Miami Beach’s local flavor with a Spanish-inspired spin. Stop to watch the glamorous flamenco dancers or groove to the bands jamming out, then pop into one of Española Way’s many eateries.
Get a patio seat at Pane & Vino and dine on authentic Italian, or enjoy an upscale evening at Mercato Del Pescario. Get cozy in the speakeasy vibes of Spanglish Cocktail Bar + Kitchen, perfect for date night.
South Pointe Park
Soak in the South Florida sun at South Pointe Park. Located in the South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood, this park is ideal for a day of outdoor activities by the stunning coastal scenery of Miami Beach. South Pointe Park offers gorgeous green spaces and abundant beach activities for all, from families to couples.
Kiddos can look forward to the splash pad or dive right into the waves at the park’s beach. Those traveling with a furry friend can unleash their pup in the Bark Park. Lay down a blanket on the grass for a picnic, or head to the South Pointe Cafe for refreshments.
Stroll down South Pointe Pier, gazing across the Straits of Florida at the skyline of downtown Miami. Take in the panoramic views of Fisher Island, and watch the yachts heading to and from Port Miami. Stay for the sunset as the sea breeze tousels your hair with the distant squawks of gulls around you.
The Wolfsonian-Florida International University
During your Art Deco District explorations, art and history buffs will want to lose track of time at The Wolfsonian-Florida International University. Immerse yourself in 200,000 works of art, artifacts, and pieces of propaganda saved from the 1850s to the 1950s. A division of Florida International University, The Wolfsonian offers art and an extensive library.
Walk up the front path of the grand, golden detailed Mediterranean Revival-style building that houses The Wolfsonian. Peruse the rotating collections, ranging from luxurious furniture to 1900s artwork showing predictions of what 1920 might look like. From a NY Central Railway Terminal mailbox to an advertisement for the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale, the Wolfsonian is as eclectic as they come.
The swanky art deco architecture and intriguing collections make it a must-see in Miami Beach. Finish off your day at the museum with a treat from Bettant Bakery, whose croissants and coffee bar are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Bass
Hunting for the best of Miami Beach’s contemporary art scene? Discover an oasis of modern masterpieces at The Bass. Browse avant-garde pieces that are bound to capture your attention and make you think.
Celebrate the color, culture, and diversity of Miami Beach encapsulated by the art on display at The Bass. Inside, say hello to the neon multi-lingual Welcome Wall, then dive into some of the rotating exhibitions. Marvel at the Phraseology exhibit, a modern take on the Conceptual Art Movement of the 1960s, and the Chroma in Situ hanging panels by Devora Perez.
Order a frothy cappuccino from The Cafe at The Bass, then mosey through the garden space of Collins Park, making your way down the palm-tree-lined path and passing by the rainbow rock tower. Pick an artsy souvenir from the Elemental shop in the park to remember your time in artsy Miami Beach.
World Erotic Art Museum
Break away from the beach and take a walk on the eccentric side of the city at the World Erotic Art Museum. While in the South Beach neighborhood, be sure to swing by the museum for ancient and modern titillating pieces. As the only museum in the United States centered around erotic art, this unique Miami Beach gem is worth a visit.
Behold over 400 plaster casts of genitals that make up the eight-meter-long Wall of Vagina by Jamie McCartney. Then, travel to Asia and find Chinese felatio art on willow scrolls from 1470. Observe the classic pin-up art, including the iconic wind-up skirt photo of Marilyn Monroe. Study an entire exhibit dedicated to Lady Godiva, iconic for having ridden horseback naked in the 13th century.
Just around the corner, stop into the LGBT Visitor Center to chat with friendly docents about sightseeing in the area or for LGBT+-friendly bar suggestions.
Collins Park
A busy schedule packed full of exciting destinations is well and good, but sometimes you just need to unwind in a peaceful park. Collins Park is a fantastic spot for people to unwind and meander down the paths with a coffee in hand or let kiddos burn off some energy.
Start on the west end, making your way from The Bass to the east end facing the beach. Along the way, pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial, and admire the sculptures scattered around the lawn. Children can tackle the playground while you chill out on a bench in the shade of the palms.
Cross 22nd Street to catch a performance at the Miami City Ballet, or head eastward across Collins Avenue to the nearby beach.
Get ready to devour zesty Mexican and mouthwatering seafood at Habitat. If Japanese cuisine is more up your alley, Water 1 at the Rooftop Bar offers fresh sushi with spectacular views of the sparkling ocean.
Soundscape Park
Find a bit of zen in the core of Miami Beach at Soundscape Park. Spanning 2.5 acres of lush green space, find artistic touches among natural beauty. A respite from the urban buzz of downtown, this is a beloved space where the community comes together.
Miami Beach’s artsy heritage shines through with white sculptures encasing the rose trees, providing some shade as they create a canopy. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, take your family to a film on the lawn, or join for the free morning yoga open to the public.
If you love meeting locals during your travels, an event at Soundscape Park is ideal. As it’s adjacent to New World Symphony, classical tunes can be heard echoing throughout the park.
If you’re looking for a bite in the area, Ole Ole Steakhouse serves up juicy and hearty Spanish-inspired meals. Pummarola Miami Beach has some of the finest Neopolitan pizza in the city.
ARTECHOUSE Miami
Serious about getting the finest photo ops while on holiday? Get your camera ready and prepare your best poses for ARTECHOUSE Miami. This innovative art space is so much more than cute selfies. From technology to manipulating and creating designs, it’s all in your hands.
Reconnect with your inner child in the larger-than-life-sized kaleidoscope, watching the colors change and rotate around you. In the Renewal 2121 showcase, time travel 100 years into the future, where nature lives harmoniously with technology. Immerse yourself in an interactive marketplace, and become a scientist in a neon laboratory lush with flowers growing on vines. Did someone say “new profile picture”?
Snap some shots of flowers growing from toxic waste barrels and see an astral projection of yourself on screen. Fun for the whole family doesn’t end at ARTECHOUSE Miami!
Indian Beach Park
Wondering what awaits on the narrow strip of land across the Flamingo Waterway? That would be the gorgeous views and iconic sightseeing of Indian Beach Park. Trek to the north of the island to the Mid-Beach district for some of the city’s most beautiful beaches and notable architecture.
Jog, bike, or casually stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, enjoying views of the turquoise waves lapping onto the white sand beaches. Venture over wooden sections of the boardwalk and under shady palm trees. Take any of the frequent detours from the paths down to the shores of Miami Beach.
If you have a taste for the finer things in life, experience peak luxury with a cabana rental at the Fontainebleau Resort just south of Indian Beach Park. Appreciate the Golden Era atmosphere with modern amenities and unmatched views and service.
Museum of Illusions Miami
Enjoying the quirky culture of Miami Beach? Don’t miss out on the Museum of Illusions Miami, full of beach-themed and fantastical optical illusions. Get ready to fill your camera roll with goofy and hilarious moments to remember your Florida holiday.
Where else can you take a magic carpet ride above the clouds, discover gold and gems in a vault, and get stuck inside a massive sand timer, all in one afternoon? Test out the scenes in the Museum of Illusions Miami, posing on a zooming cop car, and on a lounge chair at the beach, wrestling with a seagull for your hot dog. Your friends and family back home won’t believe their eyes when you share these snapshots!
One of the most exciting exhibits is the Plate Smash, where you can test your aim and strength by whipping plates at the target. Challenge your family to see who can smash theirs the hardest!
South Beach
While visiting this island city, you’ll no doubt be on the hunt for the best coastlines of Miami Beach. South Beach offers the quintessential Florida beach experience, running parallel to the vibrant Ocean Drive. Known for constant parties on the beach, SoBe’s lively shore boasts a big personality.
Beach bums, surfers, partiers, sand castle architects, volleyball players, and wave riders will find the perfect vacation escape among the top tourist attractions in South Beach, Miami. With 2.2 miles of pristine sands, this beach is busiest across from Lummus Park and quieter on either end. Bob up and down on the waves in ocean kayaks or get an adrenaline rush jet skiing.
Laze in the sun on your towel, looking out at the sweeping views of South Beach. Head toward the topless section of the beach if you want to avoid tan lines, but be wary of this section if you’re traveling with kids.
Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine Ocean Drive
When in Miami Beach, do as the southern Floridians do and dig into the best Cuban fare around. Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine Ocean Drive serves up South Beach’s most delectable and traditional Cuban food.
Step inside and be teleported to 1950s-era Cuba as chachachá music greets you. Golden lamps create a warm and cozy ambiance above the bar. Hop onto a bar stool, or grab a table. Let your eyes roam from the colorful, ornate floor tiles up to the walls covered in memorabilia and vintage advertisements.
Send your taste buds into fiesta mode with just a bite of their fantastic fare. Order a classic Sandwich Cubano stuffed full of flavorful ham and pork, topped with melted swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on their signature bread.
Chow down on Lechón Asado Roasted Pork, or treat yourself to a juicy steak and fresh, buttery lobster tail of the 1957 Surf and Turf.
The Clevelander Bar
On the lookout for the trendiest bars in the South Beach area? Look no further than The Clevelander Bar. Indulge in an evening of luxury with hand-crafted cocktails and unbeatable views at The Clevelander Bar, also called the C-Level Rooftop Terrace.
Enter the magnificent lobby of The Clevelander, one of Miami’s top hotels, and take the elevator up to the sixth floor. On the outdoor terrace, you’ll be met with picturesque views of the ocean lapping the shores of South Beach, the vivid sunset, and the bustle of Ocean Drive. Take it easy on one of the plush chairs, and order a craft cocktail and tapas.
If you’ll be in town for a weekend and you’re chasing the best party scenes in Miami Beach, you’re in luck. Get your dancing shoes ready and head over to The Clevelander Bar for electronic music to groove the night away to.
