Miami is a top tourist destination in South Florida because of its stunning beaches, excellent climate, history, culture, sports, and entertainment. Downtown Miami is a thriving modern city and cultural mecca that is divided from the Atlantic Ocean by Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach.
You will always find enough to do in Miami, from the museums to the alleys of Little Havana. A must-see in the region is Miami Beach, which is across the bay and has an amazing stretch of beaches, an Art Deco District, and a vibrant atmosphere. Everglades National Park is one of the well-liked day trip options from Miami that is close by.
10 Best Tourist Attractions in Miami
Here is a list of the most gorgeous attractions in Miami that can really make your trip more experiential. Take a look and note the places that you definitely would not want to miss during your trip. Plan your time and discover the best places to visit with your list of the top tourist attractions in Miami.
1. Miami Seaquarium
The Miami Seaquarium, which is situated on the Rickenbacker Causeway on the route to Key Biscayne, is a terrific spot to take the family for an afternoon of fun and learning. In addition to many other sea creatures, this aquatic facility is home to a vast variety of sea life, including killer whales, dolphins, stingrays, seals, and penguins.
The Seaquarium features a variety of animal exhibitions, however as of this writing, the killer whale and dolphin shows have been cancelled. Salty the Sealion is still performing, so don’t give up! Animal interactions can be had for a price if you want to get up close and personal. There are four opportunities to engage with dolphins, one with penguins, and a chance to go swimming with seals.
2. Perez Art Museum
The Perez Art Museum, also referred to as the PAMM locally, is located on a great piece of beachfront property in Miami. Artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries is shown inside a beautiful edifice designed by Herzog & de Mueron.
For more over 25 years, the museum has showcased works of art by regional and worldwide artists. In addition to its permanent collection, the PAMM frequently presents changing exhibitions. The building’s interior resembles a piece of art in and of itself. It is easier to appreciate the artwork when you are calm and reflective thanks to the open, light rooms and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay.
The first and second floors are where you’ll find the most of the permanent exhibitions, while the second floor is typically where the temporary exhibits are located.
Verde is a highly renowned on-site restaurant at the PAMM. Sit down at a seat inside or on the wide patio to enjoy a quick lunch while admiring the breathtaking views of the water. Verde is a highly renowned on-site restaurant at the PAMM. Sit down at a seat inside or on the wide patio to enjoy a quick lunch while admiring the breathtaking views of the water.
3. Bayfront Park
A 32-acre park, Bayfront Park is located next to Bayside Marketplace on the east side of Biscayne Boulevard. Several fascinating statues and monuments may be found in the park. The Pepper Fountain, which is controlled by electronics, is one of the distinctive characteristics.
The Challenger Memorial, an outdoor amphitheatre where musical concerts of all kinds are held in remembrance of the Challenger spacecraft’s crew, the Light Tower, and a playground for kids are other highlights. Locals frequently visit this location only to jog or walk the paved trails.
4. Little Havana and Calle Ocho
The Cuban neighbourhood of Little Havana in Miami is better recognised for its distinctive cultural scene than for its abundance of tourist attractions. The streets are lined with eateries and specialty food stores, while Latin music fills the air. In the open areas, the locals mingle.
Buildings are adorned with murals that depict significant Cuban people and situations from daily life. The main roadway through the neighbourhood, Calle Ocho, is where much of the action takes place, but Little Havana extends far beyond that into the neighbouring streets and avenues. The location provides a lot of amusement for anyone viewing. Of course, this is the place to go for Cuban food, or perhaps, and this might surprise most visitors, for a fantastic haircut at one of the many barbershops.
5. Bayside Marketplace
A sizable outdoor-style mall, Bayside Marketplace has more than 120 specialty and tourist-oriented stores, a significant number of cafes and restaurants, and daily live entertainment. Along with numerous distinctive, one-of-a-kind locations, tourists will find some well-known chain retailers. Tourists and locals alike frequent the market.
The mall is situated along Miami’s waterfront, overlooking docks and boats, as implied by the name. Many visitors just come to take in the atmosphere. From here, tour boats depart for destinations all around Biscayne Bay. A water taxi service to Miami Beach and the downtown hotels is also available nearby.
At Bayside Market, a brand-new destination has emerged: the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. This massive Ferris wheel, which stands 200 feet in the air, contains 42 climate-controlled passenger gondolas in addition to one VIP version with a glass floor. During your 15-minute cruise, you’ll experience stunning views of Biscayne Bay and Miami.
6. Everglades National Park
One of Florida’s most distinctive natural characteristics is protected by Everglades National Park, which is not far from Miami. The 1.5 million acres of these swamplands are home to alligators, crocodiles, snakes, and birds. In essence, this entire region is a small river that empties into the ocean.
An educational Visitors Center, walking pathways, and boardwalks for observing wildlife are all included within the park. The Anhinga Trail, which starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, is one of the park’s busiest walking routes. Despite being less than a mile long, this trail passes through a region where alligators and other wildlife are frequently seen by tourists. This non-strenuous trail is accessible to wheelchair users.
An airboat tour is among the best ways to experience the Everglades. Visitors are taken on these swift boat excursions into the marshes and streams to view alligators and other wildlife. A 30-minute airboat ride, a live alligator display at the Everglades Alligator Farm, and transportation back to your hotel are all included in the Miami Everglades Airboat Adventure with Transport half-day tour.
7. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
James Deering, a wealthy entrepreneur in the 20th century, had this National Historic Landmark, which is situated on 28 acres, as his winter residence. The home, which was constructed in 1916, has 34 rooms grouped around a main courtyard.
The Vizcaya project required more than 1,100 workers and craftsmen, many of whom were imported from Europe to achieve architectural realism.
An remarkable collection of European furniture and ornamental arts from the 15th to the 19th centuries is housed inside the villa designed in the Italian Renaissance style.
Beautiful Italian and French fountains, pools, and statues may be found throughout the grounds. A breakwater with intricately carved female figurines is located at the bottom of the steps leading into Biscayne Bay.
8. South Beach
The always-active area of South Beach is situated near the southernmost portion of Miami Beach. When planning a beach vacation to Miami, many people have this in mind. One of the main draws is the large stretch of beach along Ocean Drive that faces the ocean. This is the most well-liked beach in Miami and one of the best beaches in Florida, and it is frequently crowded in the summer.
It’s a location to be seen and be seen, but it’s also a place to cool off in the shallow waters, go swimming, and enjoy the sun. The beach is separated from Ocean Drive by a paved walkway, which is far from the water. The streets are lined with luxurious Art Deco structures.
9. Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach is worthwhile to visit even if you have no interest in the beach. The fashionable South Beach district is dominated by this 1930s and 1940s architectural style.
These distinctively styled structures, painted a variety of pastel hues and sporting sizable neon signs, were constructed in the wake of a severe hurricane that struck in 1926. Many of them are hotels and eateries, the majority of which have been immaculately maintained. Awnings on the bottom level of these buildings provide shade for outdoor dining spaces along some of the main roadways. The area’s two main thoroughfares are Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.
10. Miami Beach
Miami Beach, which is situated on a barrier island and is connected to the mainland by a number of bridges, is made up of a variety of peaceful residential sections, vibrant entertainment districts, and expansive stretches of soft-sand beaches. Many of the island’s greatest sights and activities may be found on South Beach, which is the southernmost and most historic part of the island.
The Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach, whose pastel buildings from the 1930s and early 1940s feature vintage neon signs, is one of the city’s top tourist destinations. This location is a pricey tourist destination with a tonne of beachfront hotels, shops, restaurants, and sunbathing options.
The primary thoroughfare in this region is Beach Drive, a stretch of road that runs beside the ocean and is lined with stunning Art Deco structures. From May 2020 to May 2022, Ocean Drive was only open to pedestrian traffic; however, from 15th Street to 5th Street, one-way vehicular traffic was allowed.
Collins Avenue is located one block inland and runs parallel to Ocean Drive. Collins Avenue, which connects a number of areas in Miami Beach, is actually State Road A1A.
