9 Exciting Things To Do In Downtown Miami You Can't Miss

The magic city of Miami attracts sun-seekers looking for warm weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing food. The downtown area of Miami offers a rich cultural experience as well that just might surprise you.

Let’s take a look at the top nine exciting things to do in downtown Miami.

1) Explore The Patricia Frost Museum 

This massive complex includes the Frost Science Museum, the Frost Aquarium, and the Frost Planetarium. With an Explorer ticket, you’ll have access to all of the Patricia Frost Museum science exhibits, the Frost Aquarium, and a ticket to see one Frost Planetarium show. 

The Frost Planetarium is a 250-seat theater with an 8K projection screen and surrounds sound that shows odysseys into outer space. 

Exhibits at the Patricia Frost Aquarium include: 

  • The Royal Caribbean Vista top level – An impressive 500,000 gallon, 100-foot wide Gulf Stream aquarium.

  • The Dive mid-level – Almost 30 aquariums and interactive vessels from the underwater world.

  • The Deep – The lowest level with a 31-foot oculus lens forming the bottom of the Gulf Stream Aquarium. 

Frost Science Museum

2) Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park in downtown Miami is a hidden gem that is fun for the family and a great way to let the kids burn off some energy. Stop at a sandwich shop on the way to pick up a picnic lunch.

There are 32 acres of grass lawn, paved walkways, a sandy beach, a tropical rock garden, waterfalls, and more.

At the park’s south end, you’ll find the Lee & Tina Hills playground, with some unique equipment. A climbing structure in the form of a wave, with a dolphin, a turtle, and a manatee. There is also a pirate ship with slides.

Take a walk around the park to see the monuments designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, including Slide Mantra, the Challenger Memorial, and the Light Tower. 

A sandy beach

3) HistoryMiami Museum 

Visit the largest museum in the state of Florida and uncover the history of Miami. The History Miami Museum is part of the downtown Miami Cultural Center Complex. 

The History Miami Museum has been sharing extraordinary South Florida history for over 80 years. 

In addition to their rotating temporary exhibits, you’ll find an extensive core collection that includes: 

  • Tropical Dreams – The history of South Florida from prehistoric times to the present day.

  • Whitman Family Gallery – Photographs and objects related to the Whitman Family

  • Folklife Gallery – Understanding cultural diversity and traditions.

  • History and Ourselves – Popular Cuban refugee raft and a Seminole dugout canoe artifact.

  • Miami from the Sky – History of the Miami International Airport.

  • Miami, The Magic City – Photographs from the late 1800s through the 1980s.

 Admission is free on Family Fun Days, the second Saturday of each month. 

4) Mary Brickell Village 

This exciting shopping center has nearly 50 boutiques and outdoor kiosks with interesting shops and fun restaurants. 

Located in the heart of downtown Miami, Mary Brickell Village is a great spot for an afternoon of retail shopping therapy. Later, you can stay for dinner and drinks. This open mall has a great social vibe, with a sensational view of downtown Miami. 

Mary Brickell Village is just a stone’s throw away from Brickell City Centre and its luxury shops, in case you are looking for something a bit more extravagant.

Luxury Shops

5) Freedom Tower At Miami Dade College 

The iconic Freedom Tower has been standing in downtown Miami since 1925. Originally built as a newspaper headquarters, the 289-foot-high building served as the Cuban Assistance Center from 1962 to 1974, aiding the Cuban people who were immigrating to America. 

The National Historic Landmark Tower is now home to the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD), whose mission is to serve as a Museum Without Boundaries. The MOAD is one of the best art museums to visit in Miami. 

The Freedom Tower is also home to the MDC Special Collections, including the Cuban Legacy Gallery, the Kislak Center, and the Exile Experience.

6) Bayside Marketplace 

The Bayside Marketplace is a large shopping center overlooking Biscayne Bay with over 60 shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

Visitors to the marketplace can explore the Miami Walk of Fame which honors contributions to the “charisma, worldwide prominence and name recognition of Miami through film/television, music, sports or honorary means.” 

Kids will enjoy walking through the Dino Safari, with over 25 full-scale animatronic Dinosaur replicas. 

Take a ride on the 200-foot-tall Skyview Observation Wheel for an exciting view of the downtown Miami skyline. Riders can relax and enjoy the view from their private, fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondola. 

7) Brickell City Centre 

Brickell Centre is a massive five-story retail, dining, shopping, and lifestyle complex a short walk from the Miami River. The 500,000-square-foot vertical shopping complex includes premium shopping for home decor, beauty, jewelry, apparel, and more. 

Brickel City Center includes top luxury brands, and the flagship store is a 107,000-square-foot ultra-modern Saks Fifth Avenue. 

After spending an enjoyable afternoon of shopping, visitors can pop into CMX Brickel Center, a VIP Cinema Experience movie theater. The upscale CMX cinema experience includes current-release movies, where guests are served hand-crafted cocktails and chef-crafted cuisine at their seats.

Brickell City Centre 

8) Explore Biscayne Bay 

Downtown Miami is bordered to the east by Biscayne Bay and the protected Biscayne National Park. Over 90% of the park is covered in water. The bay includes the northernmost point of the Florida Keys, a vibrant living coral reef, and an extensive mangrove forest. 

Park visitors can dive into one of the top scuba destinations in the United States, and go fishing, boating, snorkeling, paddling, hiking, and more. 

Visitors can take guided tours and participate in ranger-led programs. A top attraction here is the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail, an underwater snorkeling trail through the remains of a shipwreck.

Biscayne National Park

9) Private Luxury Tour 

Experience Miami on a private luxury tour that is specially curated for you. 

Your tour will include private transportation and an entertaining local guide with over 40 years of background in South Florida. On a Stellar Miami Tour, you’ll experience Miami’s culture, top Miami attractions, and exciting restaurants. 

Our private Miami tours are created just right for you, whether you want to explore the downtown area, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, South Beach, Little Havana, or more. Along the way, your guide will share exciting stories of Miami’s history. 

Go online or call us today to book your best Miami tour!

Private Luxury Tour
Private Tour in Miami | Vizcaya Museum in Miami
Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 6

Half-day Tour of Miami, Coral Gables and Vizcaya Museum with Food Stop

As we travel in comfort in a luxury black SUV, I will show you the most picturesque spots while we take a historical journey through time in one of the most exciting cities in the world. We will also learn about headline-making events as we pass through all the famous and trendy attractions such as the vibrant Little Havana, sub-tropical jungle Coconut Grove and "The City Beautiful" Coral Gables. We will also stop for a taste of a Cuban bakery along the way. Also included is the entrance fee to Vizcaya for up to 3 adults and 3 children.  This tour includes transportation from your location anywhere in Miami or Miami Beach. Additional fee for pickup outside of this location. NOTE** This is a unique and fully customizable experience. We can change the start time and destinations per your preferences. We can also accommodate larger groups upon request. Contact me and I will create a day that you will never forget!!

Private Miami tour showcasing iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and scenic views with Stellar Miami Tours.
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 6

Ghosts, Cocaine Cowboys and Prohibition in Miami Tour

Smuggling, Drug Cartels, Dirty Cops, a murderous Cocaine Godmother and BILLIONS of dollars make for some salacious stories! Miami has always had a reputation for flashy lifestyles and reckless behavior (think Miami Vice) which led to the creation of one of the most diverse, vibrant and glamorous cities in the world. Come with me as I take you through the cities of Miami and Miami Beach and see the locations of these headline making events.

Private Miami tour showcasing iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and scenic views with Stellar Miami Tours.
Duration
4 hours
Group Size
2 to 6

Miami Beach & Miami Food and History Tour by Luxury Vehicle

Miami has become one of the most culturally diverse, cities on the planet, and this is reflected in the AMAZING culinary options available throughout South Florida. On this tour we will stop in Wynwood, Downtown Miami, Little Havana and Coconut Grove to try some typical international foods that reflect the diverse community, Included in the tour is a Pastelito, Empanada, Shrimp ceviche, Mexican street taco, homemade guacamole and chips, Cuban coffee and award winning Key lime pie.

Private Miami tour showcasing iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and scenic views with Stellar Miami Tours.
Duration
8 hours
Group Size
1 to 6

Full Day Tour of Miami, Miami Beach and Coral Gables with Vizcaya

This full day tour is the ultimate way to experience the magic and unique character of this enchanting city as told through the eyes of a lifelong, true local and original photographs to back it up! Learn about the origins of this spectacular waterfront frontier that was founded by two women! Hear the incredible stories of how Miami went from swamp to swank almost overnight giving it the nickname "The Magic City". During the day we will incorporate a either a 1.5 hour sightseeing boat tour out of Bayside Marketplace or a tour of the Vizcaya Villa and Gardens. You can choose to  see the manmade islands that are home to Millionaire's (and Billionaire's) and celebrities or the stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa and estate built in 1916. We will also stop along the way to try some traditional foods from some of the many ethnic groups that make Miami the cultural melting pot of the world! This is a day you will never forget. This tour is tailored to your tastes and interests or trust me to  show you the best the city has to offer.

Boat cruising through Biscayne Bay at sunset with Miami skyline in the background
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
1 to 10

Guided Sunset Boat Tour

Visit Miami's Celebrity Homes and Learn about Miami History, Celebrity Homes, and Miami Lifestyle. The Guided boat tour passes by the main tourist points of Miami's intracoastal and Billionaire's homes, perfect for those looking for a peaceful boat ride surrounded by knowledge.

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 6

Half-Day Everglades' Airboat Tour

Sign up for a half day tour to visit the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Preserve. Learn about the history, geography and wildlife along the way to Everglades driving by the stunning promenade. Once we get there, you will have the opportunity to see alligators and birds up close in the Big Cypress National Preserve! Take an airboat ride and explore a boardwalk in Big Cypress.