20 fun things to do in Miami that make it one of a kind

Beyond catching rays on South Beach and famous sunsets, Miami is filled with unexpected adventures that’ll make your heart race. Zip through mangrove tunnels on airboats, salsa dance in Little Havana's vibrant streets, or spot celebrities' mansions from a luxury yacht in Biscayne Bay. Whether you’re craving adrenaline-pumping water sports, mouth-watering Cuban cuisine, or world-class street art in Wynwood, here is our list of 20 cool things to do in the Magic City. Pack your shades – Miami’s calling.

Fun things to do in Miami as a couple

1. Set sail on a private yacht cruise

Experience Miami Bay in abject luxury on the back of a private yacht while you sip bubbly with your loved one. You’re even welcome to bring your own drinks on board.

Highlights:

Listen to your own music playlist through the yacht’s Bluetooth speakers and snap selfies of yourself living the high life.

2. Go parasailing in Biscayne Bay

Float peacefully between sea and sky as Miami's stunning coastline unfolds beneath your feet. A thrilling parasailing adventure gives you a bird’s-eye view of South Beach's iconic Art Deco skyline, the Port of Miami's cruise ships, and the glittering waters of Biscayne Bay.

Highlights:

Keep your camera ready – you might spot dolphins playing in the boat's wake or massive sea turtles gliding through the crystal-clear waters.

3. Take in Miami's views from your private plane

Soar above the vibrant beauty of Miami’s skyline, South Beach's pristine shores, and downtown's iconic landmarks on an unforgettable plane tour. Experience the Magic City from a new perspective. Perfect for proposals, celebrations, or just feeling fancy.

Highlights:

Get the ultimate window seat on a 45-minute aerial tour.

Fun things to do in Miami with kids

4. Rub shoulders with wildlife in the Everglades

The Everglades National Park is a sprawling wilderness crawling with wildlife, always offering unique things to do. You’ll spot alligators and experience the famous River of Grass as you take an airboat tour to explore this wilderness.

Highlights:

Snap a selfie with the Everglades’ celebrity gator, Jaws, before preparing for a wildlife show.

5. Paddle with island turtles

Glide into the wild heart of Miami's Osprey Triangle on a canoe tour, where gentle sea turtles swim beneath your kayak and curious manatees might pop up to say hello. You will also have the chance to see raccoons in their natural habitat.

Highlights:

This peaceful escape from Miami's buzz leads to a secluded islet where tropical fruits await under swaying palms.

6. Challenge your mind at the Paradox Museum

Visiting the Paradox Museum is guaranteed to leave you perplexed. You’ll roam through hallways of optical illusions as you learn the science behind them. The in-house staff are always happy to answer questions, so don’t be shy.

Highlights:

You’re better than most if you can find your way through Paradox Tunnel’s revolving tubes without falling over.

Address and opening hours:

Miami, FL 33137, United States, 2301 N Miami Avenue. It is open from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

7. Go snorkeling

Miami’s mangrove jungles are teeming with wildlife. This area has shallow stretches of water, allowing even the weakest swimmers to snorkel. There is truly no better way to take advantage of your visit to Miami than with a snorkeling trip.

Highlights:

Once you’ve worked all those paddling muscles, you’ll laze on the shore over a snack.

Fun things to do in Miami on your own

8. Bounce across Miami's waves on a banana boat ride

Perched on a bright yellow banana-shaped tube, you'll bounce, splash, and slide through the waves as your speedboat captain serves up just the right mix of thrills and giggles. Water sports are such a fun activity to enjoy in Miami.

Highlights:

Experience pure joy and exhilaration as you bounce across the bay.

9. Take surfing lessons on South Beach

If learning to surf is on your bucket list, Miami is a great place to try. The Surf Academy is one school that provides top-notch lessons so that you can learn to catch the waves.

Highlights:

Experience one of Miami’s most iconic pastimes while taking up a brand new hobby.

10. Quad bike through Miami’s off-road trails

Experience the thrill of Miami on an ATV ride. Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping quad bike adventure as you explore this vibrant city’s stunning landscapes and hidden gems. You’ll tear through mud puddles in the countryside under the watchful eye of your guide.

Highlights:

Enjoy countryside vistas as you race through the trails.

11. Go on a Wynwood party bike crawl

A party bike crawl is a pub crawl with a difference. You’ll do it all on a party bike with its own music while discovering the best bars, restaurants, and street art in Wynwood.

Highlights:

Experience Wynwood as your cheerful guide teaches you about the region. You’ll even get a souvenir cup to take back home.

12. Experience Miami’s nightlife in South Beach

From rooftop bars with sparkling skyline views to pulsing dance floors in South Beach’s hottest clubs, Miami's nightlife is a force to be reckoned with.

Highlights:

With a club crawl experience, you can skip the lines at exclusive venues and get VIP access.

13. Discover a tropical paradise at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Step into an 83-acre wonderland where rare palms sway, and exotic flowers bloom in every direction. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden invites you to wander through rainbow-colored butterfly gardens, past tumbling waterfalls, and under the shade of ancient banyan trees. This living museum showcases Florida's most spectacular collection of tropical plants, from towering palms to delicate orchids.

Highlights:

Stroll through the Wings of the Tropics Butterfly Conservatory.

Address and opening hours:

Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

14. Explore the vibrant Wynwood Arts District

Wynwood Arts District transforms city blocks into an ever-changing canvas where world-class street artists splash their visions across towering facades. Wander past giant technicolor murals, hidden courtyards, and bold statement pieces that have turned this former warehouse district into a global street art phenomenon.

Highlights:

You can visit Wynwood Walls, a museum showcasing street art where you can also spray paint your own mural.

Address:

2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, USA.

15. Experience classical music reimagined at New World Symphony

Step into a Frank Gehry-designed masterpiece where classical music breaks free from tradition. Miami Beach’s stunning New World Center isn't your typical concert hall - it's where rising stars perform everything from Mozart to multimedia shows.

Highlights:

Catch a performance inside the cutting-edge theater, or spread out on the lawn for a free WALLCAST™ concert, where the music soars under the stars on a 7,000-square-foot projection wall.

Address and opening hours:

500 17th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open Monday to Friday 10:00 - 5:00 PM. Closed weekends.

Fun things to do in Miami if you like food and drink

16. Taste your way through Miami’s art district

Wynwood serves up Miami’s most exciting food and art adventure. From authentic tacos to innovative fusion dishes, each bite tells the story of Miami’s diverse food scene, while every wall showcases world-class street art.

Highlights:

Sample five local foodie favorites on a food tour of Wynwood.

17. Dine and dance at Mango's Tropical Cafe

Enjoy a night of tropical food and Latin dancing Mango’s Tropical Cafe. This space blends authentic gastronomy with exhilarating performances.

Highlights:

See belly dancers, Burlesque performances, and several Latin-American dance disciplines. Enjoy Mango’s famous live band once your official tour has ended.

Address and opening hours:

900 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Open daily 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

18. Crack into Miami's legendary stone crabs

Forget Maine lobster - Miami's culinary crown jewel is the sweet, succulent stone crab. These prized claws, harvested from local waters, transform dining into a delicious ritual from October 15 to May 1. Chilled to perfection and served with signature mustard sauce, stone crabs aren't just seafood - they’re a Miami foodie tradition that brings locals and visitors together for a memorable feast.

Highlights:

South Beach is the perfect spot to find the best crab in the city — and nowhere is more obviously a top choice than Joe’s Stone Crab.

19. Take salsa dancing lessons

Few dance forms are as spirited as salsa, and now you can experience it for yourself in Miami. There are many Cuban bars and clubs where you can learn salsa or bachata, plus enjoy a yummy Mojito.

Highlights:

Learn to dance salsa and Bachata.

20. Sample the best street food in Litte Havana

Sample the flavors of Little Havana on a food and culture tour. You’ll discover the locals’ favorite haunts and visit family-owned spots like Calle Ocho. Be sure to taste the authentic Cuban coffee and empanadas, but leave room for dessert. Next, you’ll pass the jazz bar that inspired Billie Holiday and other jazz legends.

Highlights:

See a demonstration of cigar rolling and discover Cuban history at Cubaocho Museum.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Miami at night?

Biscayne Bay comes to life after sunset, so an evening cruise will give you a unique perspective of the city lights. If you’re looking for things to do that are a little more rabblerousing, a boat party will keep you dancing until dawn. Both options will immerse you in Miami nightlife while exposing you to exquisite views of the city.

Are there any fun day trips from Miami that I should consider?

If you want to see how the rich and famous live, take a bay cruise in a shaded bi-level boat. You’ll visit Star Island, where you’ll see the lush mansions of A-list celebrities. There are plenty more activities on offer on the water. Jet ski rides are always a heart-pounding success.

What are some popular festivals or events in Miami?

Miami is renowned for its music, and March’s Ultra Music Festival is its biggest EDM event. Carnaval on the Mile will appeal to more eclectic travelers. Artists from all over the city bring their masterpieces out onto the streets of Miracle Mile. The Calle Ocho Festival is equally vibrant, providing a block party fronted by Latin American musicians. The Miami Film Festival is another important event that showcases work by U.S. filmmakers.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Miami?

A Sawgrass Park Day on an airboat is sure to impress even the tiniest of toddlers. If you’re more interested in spotting creatures, a tour to Key West on a glass-bottomed boat will give you front-row seats to the animals of the mangrove swamps.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Miami?

A parasailing tour will give you a bird’s eye view of Biscayne Bay, but if you’re terrified of heights, you can take it down to sea level on a jet skiing and pontoon ride.