The Best Things to Do in Miami (beyond the nightclubs)

As a long time resident of Miami, I can tell you hitting the clubs is overrated and exhausting. Sure Miami has a history of being a party scene and it was a well deserved label. But things have calmed a bit and the idea of standing in line (or paying a lot to skip it) is more than I can handle. If you’re in the market for a trip to Miami, you should know, there is a lot more to the city beyond the nightclubs. From the food to the shopping and yes, even the party scene, Miami is a top choice for travelers seeking fun in the sun. Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Miami.

Starting With The Obvious: Miami Beach

Miami Beach, specifically South Beach, is infamous. If you come to Miami and don’t spend a few hours on the beach catching the sun and taking in the scene, you are totally missing out. Watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean is hard to beat. But before you set up your lounger on the sand, take some time to admire the Art Deco architecture. Many of these facades have been around since the 1930s. And there are laws in place to ensure they stay around for the foreseeable future. Some have been totally gutted and redesigned to more modern standards on the inside, but the outside still screams Miami Beach.

If you are looking for a quieter time on the beach, head to the area adoringly known as “South of Fifth.” That’s just south of 5th street if you’re trying to figure it out. You’ll find more room to spread out here and even some spots for children to play. You might be surprised to know that up until the 1950s this was the only area on Miami Beach that wasn’t segregated. Miami Beach has a very marred history steeped in racial segregation that you should learn more about.

Head north of 40th street to find the a more laid back section of South Beach. It doesn’t get all the accolades of South of Fifth but it is my go to area for beach time. Here you can sunbathe around the SoHo crowd or hear the DJs mixing it up at the Fontainebleau. If you want the vibe, go to the beach near 8th and Ocean. It can get pretty wild over there so be warned. But it’s also a good time if you like your beach time with a bit of a party vibe.

If the beach is not your thing but you still enjoy some time on the water, rent a jetski and explore Biscayne Bay or spend an afternoon on a chartered yacht if your wallet can handle it.

Explore the Art Scene

Miami has added a few prominent museums to its repertoire over the past decade. Sure, there are some long standing ones around like Vizcaya Museum and Gardens which have been around since the early 1900s. This stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa and its gardens offer a glimpse into Miami’s history. There’s also the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Miami Children’s Museum that both have a beautiful view of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami where all the cruise ships dock.

But if you want the hottest ‘new’ neighborhood, pop into Wynwood. This area seemed to magically appear out of nowhere and now tourist can’t get enough of it. Long before this area became popular with tourist, street graffiti artist would leverage the abandoned commercial buildings to showcase their skills. Staples like the Wynwood Walls have brought art lovers here for years. This outdoor museum features vibrant street art and murals by renowned artists from around the world.

Even if you don’t go into Wynwood Walls, you are surrounded by art. Massive murals sprawl across entire buildings, painted by internationally renowned street artists who, frankly, treat every inch of space like their own playground. There are messages painted on the ground, utility poles that have transformed old tires into different things and most of the buildings have some sort of mural. The entire area is casual and totally Instagram-worthy. You’ll likely leave with a phone full of pictures and a newfound appreciation for the way spray paint can tell a story.

Wynwood is far more than art. Once you arrive, you quickly understand why everybody puts this area on their ‘things to do in Miami’ checklist. Start by having morning treats at The Salty Donut or Zak the Baker. Pop into a few local shops for some retail therapy. Check out the Graffiti Museum and Wynwood Walls. Next, grab lunch at Le Chick or Ms Cheezios. Do a bit more exploring and perhaps have dessert at Fireman Dereks. Finally, if you stick around for dinner try KYU, Uchi or any number of amazing restaurants in the neighborhood. If you’re a late night soldier, check out the nightclub in the back of Coyo Taco. Yes, there is a hidden nightclub that you access through a secret door inside this popular Mexican restaurant. If you are more into a lounge kind of night, stop by Dante’s Hifi for a throwback listening session.

Speaking of Food: Indulge Miami’s Culinary Scene

First things first, there is no such thing as Miami cuisine. Miami is a melting pot which means it benefits from the cuisines from around the world. That said, if Miami had a heartbeat, it would be powered by cafecito. This tiny, potent espresso drink is the unofficial fuel of the city. One that has made its indelible mark here is Cuban cuisine.

Head over to the cultural heart of Miami’s Cuban community, Little Havana, for some authentic cuban food. Try the Miami-style Cuban sandwich which is a perfect mix of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, pressed between two halves of Cuban bread until golden and crispy. Little Havana is also a pretty cool neighborhood to explore. You’ll have the feeling of being transported straight to Cuba, minus the cars from the 70s.

There are a surprising number of food halls/food venues that have an array of vendors. If you are with a group that can’t decide what you want, try Smorgasbord or Lucky Cat in Wynwood. If you are downtown, stop in to Julia & Henry or if you’re in the Design District try St. Roch Market. At either of these venues, you’ll get an array of foods and are sure to find something to satisfy everyone in your group. And since they are in cool neighborhoods, you’ll also have some place to walk off all of the calories you’ve just consumed.

It wouldn’t be Miami without a mention of seafood. Whether you’re dining at a chic restaurant with ocean views or grabbing a quick bite at a local seafood shack, Miami knows how to do seafood right. Joe’s Stone Crab is probably the most famous spot for fresh stone crabs (in season from October to May).

Make a dash for the Little River neighborhood. Here you can pop into Kiki on the River or SeaSpice for some of the freshest fish around. Watch the mega yachts roll in while you try to hold a conversation over the music of the house DJ. It’s very much a scene from a reality tv franchise that certainly gives you that Miami feeling.

Test Your Credit Limit: Retail Therapy

You definitely want to be ‘Miami Chic’ when you head out to enjoy the city. If you decide to go club hopping it helps to be fabulous. There are a few places to drop lots of dollars on some of the finest garbs in the city. I’ll leave out the traditional malls like Aventura and Merrick Park both are equally amazing places to shop. But a bit closer to Miami Beach are a few standouts that you should add to your list.

The Design District is a wonderland for designer shopping. There is an outpost for nearly all of the big brands and more being added on a regular basis. Come here if you have Chanel and Tom Ford kind of money. There are also some pretty amazing restaurants here to ensure you have sustenance while you shop. On some days, you can find live music to take your mind off of how much money you’ve spent.

There are two other notable mentions when it comes to shopping: Brickell Center and The Shoppes at Bal Harbour. At both, you’ll find top designer brands and large department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue that carry a little bit of everything. And if you are up for a drive and don’t have a ton of cash, there is always Sawgrass Mills. It’s one of the largest outlet malls in the US and they have a designer area that might make your knees buckle.

Dive into Fandom: Enjoy a Professional Sports Game

There aren’t many cities that have such a wide array of professional sports teams as Miami. From hanging out court side with the Miami Heat, catching a home run from a Miami Marlin, watching the Miami Dolphins score touchdowns, screaming for Messi at an Inter Miami CF game to watching the world Championship Florida Panthers take the ice, you can see everything. Except a WNBA game but I would imagine it’s coming soon.

My Perspective

Dance the night away in Miami if you wish but the city offers a diverse array of activities beyond its famous nightlife scene. From relaxing on the beach to spending all of your cash living large, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city. So, the next time you visit Miami, make sure to experience more of what this beautiful destination has to offer, beyond the nightclubs.

FAQs: Best Things to Do in Miami

What is the hippest part of Miami?
The hippest part of Miami is Wynwood, known for its incredible street art, galleries, and wide range of bars and restaurants. The area also buzzes with craft breweries, indie shops, and a dynamic nightlife scene, making it the go-to spot for art lovers and those looking to experience Miami’s cultural pulse.

Is there anything fun to do in Miami?
Yes, there are plenty of fun things to do in Miami. Miami offers a range of activities, from relaxing on its famous beaches like South Beach, exploring the vibrant street art in Wynwood, to experiencing the lively culture of Little Havana. Visitors can also enjoy water sports, visit world-class museums like the Perez Art Museum, or take a trip to the nearby Everglades for outdoor adventures. Whether you enjoy nightlife, shopping, or outdoor activities, Miami has something for everyone.

Where do Miami locals hang out?
Miami locals hang out in spots like Wynwood, the Design District and Coral Gables.  Locals also frequent the laid-back vibe of South of Fifth for the hottest restaurants, and Brickell for rooftop bars. For beachside relaxation, many head to North Beach for a quieter, less touristy experience than South Beach.