Best places to visit in Miami: top attractions you don't want to miss

Best places to visit in Miami: top attractions you don't want to miss

Discover the best places to visit in Miami. See where to find Art Deco history, urban art, bustling beaches, and make your plan to see these top sights.

Miami is a modern explorer’s paradise. Steamy beaches and storied luxury thrill your senses. Iconic architecture and street art spark your creativity. Natural wonders beckon families and inspire you to unwind. With a truly unique mix of attractions in a tropical setting, the best places to visit in Miami are what memories are made of.

Be dazzled by history at the opulent Vizcaya Museum or Biltmore Hotel. Get the real story of urban art at the Graffiti Museum. Immerse yourself in spectacle at the Superblue art experience and Paradox Museum. Escape to nature at Everglades National Park and Biscayne Bay. Then hit the beach.

Whether you want to take a walking tour of Miami’s Art Deco streets or arts beacon Wynwood, or dive into nature snorkeling the crystal clear waters of one of the world’s largest coral reefs, keep reading to discover the top sights.

Best places to visit in Miami for history

1_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-1.webp

1. Vizcaya Museum

Get a glimpse into Miami’s Golden Age at The Vizcaya Museum. Explore lush gardens with flowing fountains and an impressive collection of European art amassed by industrialist James Deering when he built Villa Vizcaya as his winter home in 1914.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Ticket with Transport lets you live in the luxury of the Magic City’s early days at this iconic villa turned museum.

Highlights:

Each room on the first floor of the mansion is inspired by a different European style, ranging from Versailles to an English manor to Italian verandas.

Address and opening hours:

3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

2_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-2.webp

2. Art Deco Historical District

Coast through Miami’s most iconic neighborhood on an Art Deco Segway Tour. View  hundreds of Art Deco architectural gems along Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington Avenues. Cruise the beaches, shops, and top sights that make Miami famous.

Highlights:

Get the story behind Miami’s gilded age from your expert guide, as you cruise past the historic hotels, Versace Mansion, and Lincoln Road Mall.

Address and opening hours:

1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Tour times vary.

3_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-3.webp

3. Biltmore Hotel

Pop in for a drink or an afternoon tea at this iconic institution that’s been serving up luxury for almost a century. During the Roaring Twenties the Biltmore was a hub for showbiz stars, politicians, and even gangsters like Al Capone. Be dazzled by the opulent designs and history of this palatial hotel.

Highlights:

Free guided tours are open to the public on Sundays at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Get the lowdown on celebrity guests and the ghosts who are rumored to roam the halls.

Address and opening hours:

1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States. Open daily, 24/7. Tours on Sundays only.

Best places to visit in Miami for art

4_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-4.webp

4. Museum of Graffiti

Get the history of Graffiti and gain new insights into ever-evolving street art with the Museum of Graffiti Admission. Trace graffiti art back to the beginnings, then see how its influence spread to the mainstream through design, fashion, and advertising.

View the collections on your own or take a guided tour with a local street artist.

Highlights:

Check out works from top graffiti artists like Kaws, Futura 2000, Dondi White, Phase 2, and Rammellzee.

Address and opening hours:

276 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Open Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.

5_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-5.webp

5. Wynwood Arts District

Experience the collision of street art and fine art and get the behind-the-scenes story of how Wynwood transformed from an area scarred by urban blight to Miami’s vibrant arts hub and became one of the best places to visit in the city. With the Wynwood Arts District Walking Tour you’ll take in the neighborhood’s unique diversity and get tips from your guide on the best local spots for food and drinks.

Highlights:

See incredible graffiti murals on the street and works by Andy Warhol and Shepard Fairey in the galleries.

Address and opening hours:

Wynwood Arts District, Miami, Florida, United States. Open daily, 24/7. Tour times and dates vary.

6_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-6.webp

6. Art Deco Museum

Many of Miami’s iconic art deco buildings would have been demolished if not for the efforts of preservationist Barbara Baer Capitman. At the Art Deco Museum you’ll learn the incredible story of how she saved these architectural wonders from the wrecking ball during the turbulent 1970s. Any tour of art deco needs to start here.

Highlights:

Check out exhibits beyond Art Deco that delve into other styles like Med Revival and Miami Modern.

Address and opening hours:

1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

7_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-7.webp

7. ARTECHOUSE

 Immerse yourself in innovative installation art that fuses technology, entertainment, design, and science with an ARTECHOUSE Immersive Art Experience Entry Ticket

Highlights:

Download the ARTECHOUSE XR App to add another layer to your experience and explore an entirely new digital world.

Address and opening hours:

736 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open daily, 1:00 PM-8:00 PM.

8_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-8.webp

8. Superblue Miami

Step inside an incredible interactive world with the Superblue Miami Immersive Art Experience Ticket. Become one with the art and feel your own creativity flowing as you explore a mirrored labyrinth and interact with digital waterfalls. Marvel at the technology behind this experience that pushes art to evolve.

Highlights:

See your own heart beat sync up with a display of 3,000 flashing lights.

Address and opening hours:

1101 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open daily, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM. Extended hours Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

9_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-9.webp

9. Isamu Noguchi at Bayfront Park

Go beyond the street murals of Wynwood to discover more public art in Miami. Pick up an Electric Bike Rental  and cruise to the center of Bayfront Park where you’ll find Isamu Noguchi’s “Slide Mantra” sculpture that was interactive decades before VR existed. and  Climb the steps then zoom down this unique marble slide.

Highlights:

Noguchi's influence on Bayfront Park isn't limited to the "Slide Mantra". Explore other pieces like the Challenger Memorial on a bike ride.

Address and opening hours:

Bayfront Park, Miami, FL 33132, United States. Open daily, 24/7.

Best places to visit in Miami for families

10_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-10.webp

10. Paradox Museum

Defy reality at the Paradox Museum. This eye-popping experience is packed with 70 optical illusions that are tailored for unbelievable pics. The Paradox Museum Entry Ticket is a gateway to an alternate universe of fun and will teach you the science behind the illusions too. 

Highlights:

Get photos of yourself inside the paradoxes that will leave your friends asking how you did it.

Address and opening hours:

Miami, FL 33137, United States. Entry is between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

11_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-11.webp

11. The Everglades

Ride an airboat through the River of Grass as you discover one of the most unique natural habitats in the world. The Everglades National Park: Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show takes you through sawgrass swamps, mangroves, and small islands where you’ll see alligators, turtles, and rare birds.

Top the tour off with an alligator show and learn more about these living fossils.

Highlights:

Kids can get up close and touch baby alligators at the wildlife show.

Address and opening hours:

Everglades National Park, Florida, United States. Tour time and dates vary.

12_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-12.webp

12. Key West

Sail out from Miami and explore one of the world’s largest coral reefs on the Key West Day Trip with Snorkeling and Open Bar. Dive into the crystal clear ocean for a snorkeling adventure where you’ll observe hundreds of fish and marine animals. On the boat ride back enjoy unlimited drinks at the open bar.

Highlights:

All the snorkeling gear you’ll need and expert instruction are included.

Address:

Key West, FL 33040, United States. Tour times and dates vary

13_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-13.webp

13. Biscayne Bay

Sail the secret coves of Biscayne Bay to explore, swim, and snorkel. Get some of the best natural sightseeing in Miami up close to Biscayne National Park on the Intimate Sailing in Biscayne Bay with Food and Drinks. Keep your eye out for dolphins and manatees.

Highlights:

The sail boat is completely eco-friendly and is equipped with a trapeze so you can hang out over the water.

Address and opening hours:

Biscayne Bay, Florida, United States. Tour times and dates vary.

14_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-14.webp

14. Star Island and Miami Beach

Feel the rush of wind through your hair as you rocket over the ocean on the Sightseeing Speedboat Tour. This high-velocity adventure takes you along the Miami coastline for views of the skyline, celebrity mansions on Star Island, and bustling South Beach.

Highlights:

See all of Miami from the ocean in 45 thrilling minutes.

Address and opening hours:

Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Tour times and dates vary

15_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-15.webp

15. Osprey Triangle

Explore a mangrove jungle in the middle of Florida’s largest urban park on the Paddleboard or Kayak Island and Animal Tour. You’ll paddle through lush canals teeming with wildlife like manatees, fish, birds, and iguanas.  

Highlights:

Head to a small island for a swim and refreshments. Explore the rest of the nature preserve when you’re back on land.

Address and opening hours:

North Miami, FL 33181, United States. Tour times and dates vary.

Best places to visit in Miami for culture

16_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-16.webp

16. Design District

Miami's design district is home to some of the city's finest museums, restaurants, and shopping experiences. Get a taste for the area with the Design Distric Food & Art Tour.

Highlights:

It all starts at Palm Court, where you can gaze at famed sculptures like R. Buckminster Fuller's "Fly's Eye Dome." Pair your public art tour with some of the city's exciting Peruvian-Japanese fusion foods.

Address and opening hours:

Miami Design District, Miami, FL United States. Tour times and dates vary.

17_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-17.webp

17. South Beach

Miami's South Beach is a mecca for foodies and has an exceptional history as a donut-making spot. Taste many kinds of delicious donuts on the South Beach and Ocean Drive Donut Tour. You’ll try churros and dips as you learn about Miami’s food culture.

Highlights:

Enjoy a guided SoBe and Ocean Drive tour with live narration. Your guide will even suggest sites for the rest of your Miami visit.

Address and opening hours:

South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Tour times and dates vary.

18_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-18.webp

18. Little Havana

Savor the exciting flavors of Miami's Cuban heart and soul like a local. The Little Havana Walking Food Tour with Lunch takes you to iconic sights like Calle Ocho and Domino Park, where you'll hear stories about the neighborhood's founding. This is where Miami’s lively Cuban community whiles away the hours over dominoes and cigars.

Highlights:

Taste delectable Cuban cuisine that’s been passed down through generations before enjoying a cup of Cubano prepared by the town’s most gifted barista.

Address and opening hours:

Little Havana, Miami, FL, United States. Tour times and dates vary.

19_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-19.webp

19. Institute of Contemporary Art

Miami's pre-eminent contemporary art museum, the ICA, is free to enter. Completed in 2017, the architecture alone is worth the visit, with its car-strewn façade, metallic finish, and scenic sculpture garden.

Highlights:

The ICA's cutting-edge special exhibitions showcase the world's most innovative artworks. Its permanent collection includes artistic heavyweights like Cindy Sherman and Allan McCollum.

Address and opening hours:

61 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

20_-_BC23-MIAMI-BEST-PLACES-20.webp

20. Museum of Illusions

Tucked away close to Miami Beach, the Museum of Illusions provides the perfect selfie spot before or after hitting the sands. Skip the line with a Museum of Illusions Ticket and gain access to a range of 3D exhibits that immerse you in optical illusions.

Highlights:

Pack your camera for memorable snaps of you walking to the edge of a hair-raising skyscraper or sitting on a flying magic carpet.

Address and opening hours:

536 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open daily, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Miami?

You’ll need at least three days to work through the beach area alone. If you want to visit the key museums and galleries, too, add another four days to your trip.

What is the best time of year to visit Miami?

The glorious spring weather rolls in from the end of March to early July. This is the perfect time to visit, but in August, temperatures reach a blistering average of 89 degrees — not the ideal weather for outdoor strolls and garden picnics. The city’s high season falls between November and March. This period offers mild weather but bustling crowds.

How do I get around Miami?

The city’s Metrorail and Metromover train systems make commuting easy if you don’t have a car. The Miami Trolley will provide coast-side transportation, and if you need to travel to the islands, the best places in Miami are easily reached by water taxi. This service has two lines that stop at Bayside Marketplace, Hyatt Convention Center, and American Social Brickell.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Miami?

There’s a reason Little Havana and Wynwood make frequent appearances in tourist blogs. These fascinating yet eclectic neighborhoods have it all, from great food to art and history. Coconut Grove hugs the Biscayne Bay shoreline, offering lazy cafes and world-class shopping.

What are the best places to go shopping in Miami?

Miami Design District hosts world-famous designer labels and swanky brands. If you’re looking for tourist attractions that are a little less understated, Dolphin Mall is a sprawling retail space with over 240 stores.