The Magic City of Miami is famous as a sun and fun destination. Miles of white sand beaches and the spectacular blue water of the Atlantic Ocean draw crowds of visitors each year.
Foodie travelers will find fantastic food, including quirky restaurants, fantastic casual fare, hole-in-the-wall places, and fine dining, including 13 establishments with a coveted Michelin Star rating. Miami now has the most Michelin Stars of any city in Florida.
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There is so much more to enjoy in Miami. If you are planning a trip to Florida, then take a look at our list of the top attractions, activities, and hidden gems in Miami.
1) Miami Beach
Miami Beach is famous for its warm sunshine and miles of white sand beach, but there is even more here to love. Three Miami hidden gems are within a mile of the beach.
Lik Fine Art Miami is a fantastic gallery showcasing the work of Peter Lik. You can view his fine art photography with the perfect lighting for his landscape images.
The Wolfsonian is the brainchild of Mitchell Wolfson Jr., with art and design from around 1850 to 1950. The exhibits change frequently. You will find furniture, posters, memorabilia, and eclectic art on show. The Wolfsonian is at the center of the Miami Art Deco district, an easy walk from Ocean Drive.
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a tropical oasis tucked beside the convention center. This amazing garden is three acres of towering palm trees, water features, orchids, flowering trees, and Florida native plants. There is a lovely Japanese garden and an edible garden as well. General admission is free.
2) Bayside Marketplace
Join the buzz of activity at this lively outdoor market with a mix of big-name and local shops and restaurants. This is the place to shop for souvenirs, eat, and participate in some fantastic retail therapy.
There are over 60 shops, 28 restaurants, and an area set aside for special events. There is plenty to keep a high-energy family busy. You’ll find Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami, next to the Miamarina on Biscayne Bay.
If you have a long layover at the Miami airport and are looking for something to do, you can take the Miami Metro Rail directly to the market and be there in less than 20 minutes. Take the Orange Line Metro to the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theatre Station Rail Southbound.
3) Perez Art Museum
The Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is in the downtown Miami Museum Park, on the waterfront facing Biscayne Bay. Over the years, the museum has evolved from several identities and is currently named after Florida real estate baron Jorge M. Pérez after a generous donation of $40 million in 2011.
PAMM is known worldwide to have the best contemporary international art collection. Displays come from collections of international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Exhibits reflect the vibrant culture of Miami’s diverse and colorful community.
Directly behind the Perez Art Museum is the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science. It’s just a three-minute walk to enjoy the displays at both venues.
4) Bayfront Park
Adjacent to Miami’s Museum Park is Bayfront Park, one of the hidden gems in Miami that is great for families.
Grab a picnic lunch and head to Bayfront to relax while you let the kids run off some energy. There are 32 acres of green space, walkways, a sandy beach, a tropical rock garden, waterfalls, and a fountain from 1926.
Several impressive monuments in the park were designed by Isamu Noguchi, one of the world’s leading sculptors, including the Challenger Memorial, the Light Tower, and the Slide Mantra.
The stage at the Bayfront Amphitheater hosts big-name live events and concerts throughout the year.
5) Biscayne National Park
In 1968 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill that created this national park that is covered by water and protects the islands of the Northern Florida Keys, the bay to the west, and the reef to the east. Many people are not familiar with the islands of the Northern Florida Keys, making this national park a secret Miami hidden gem.
Fun things to do at Biscayne National Park include:
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The Maritime Heritage Trail – An underwater snorkeling trail that explores the remains of a shipwreck in a natural setting.
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Snorkeling – See the tropical fish in the colorful coral reefs.
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Sailing – Explore Biscayne Bay from the water.
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Boca Chita Key – This small island and its lighthouse is the most popular spot in the park.
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Elliott Key – The largest island in the national park.
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Dante Fascell Visitor Center, Gallery, and Museum – Get tour information here, learn the park’s rich history and check out the impressive art gallery.
6) Neighborhoods Just Outside Of Downtown Miami
Spend time with the locals by visiting these communities outside of downtown Miami.
Colorful South Beach has world-class shopping, historic architecture, and a lively party scene. At night, South Beach is a hub of nightclubs, live music, amazing food, and the latest speakeasy bars.
Coral Gables is seven miles southwest of downtown and home to the University of Miami. This area is known for its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, gorgeous mansions, the historic Venetian Pool, and the glamorous Biltmore Hotel.
The Mediterranean-inspired Venetian Pool has been at the heart of the Gables since 1923. The pool is filled with spring water from an underground aquifer. Guests must be over the age of three to visit this facility.
The Biltmore Hotel is one of the founding buildings in the area. The hotel was built in 1926 as a luxury hotel. During World War II, the building became a military hospital before being left empty and abandoned. Extensive renovations in the 1980s restored the building to its status as a glamorous luxury hotel.
Coconut Grove is Miami’s historic neighborhood with a tropical vibe. Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Barnacle Historic State Park here.
For one weekend in mid-February, the area comes alive with 120,000 people visiting the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. This outdoor festival has over 250 artists displaying their work, plus competitions with top chefs and mixologists vying for the illustrious Golden Coconut.
7) Luxury Miami Tours
Discover the Magic City of Miami with a luxury private tour. Sit back, relax, and leave the driving to your experienced local guide. We’ll show you Miami’s wonderful attractions, hidden gems, and quirky restaurants.
Explore Miami, South Beach, Little Havana, and the surrounding area while your knowledgeable guide shares entertaining stories of Miami’s illustrious history. Your tour will include private transportation and a 5-star experience with an expert guide.
Go online or call us today to book the best tour of Miami!
