The 20 Best Things To Do in Miami in 2024

Explore like a local with this guide to the 20 best things to do in Miami. Unparalleled dining, beaches, and cultural offerings await.

Crystalline shores, eclectic cuisine, and vibrant neighborhoods — Miami has it all. 

It’s the perfect place for a decadent vacation or a longer stay that allows you to explore the city’s culture in depth. And it has a whole lot to offer.

Whether it’s your first trip or you’re headed back to explore the city better, Landing’s guide to the 20 best things to do in Miami will help you make the most of your stay. Here’s everything you need to know, divided by landmarks, neighborhoods, restaurants, outdoor activities, and of course, beaches.

Things To See in Miami: 4 Iconic Landmarks and Places

If Miami’s vibe had to be just one word, it might be “culture.” This city shows off its creative side every chance it gets — in its cuisine, cultural attractions, and art and architecture. Here are the landmarks and museums you can’t miss: 

1. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

This ornate villa, complete with perfectly manicured gardens, is an excellent place to spend the afternoon walking around and taking in the opulence of European architecture. Film buffs will recognize the mansion from famed movies like “Any Given Sunday” and “Iron Man 3.”

2. Wynwood Walls

Wynwood Walls might be the most Instagrammable part of Miami, which is high praise for such a picturesque city. This space is full of massive, colorful murals by street artists from all over the world. 

3. Bayside Marketplace

The Bayside Marketplace is a hub for Miami’s culture. Right on the water, this shopping center is home to dozens of stores and restaurants where you can explore local goods and flavors. Plus, it’s the departure point for excursions — like sightseeing boat tours — that offer an express view of the city.

4. The Pérez Art Museum

The Pérez Art Museum is a must for contemporary art fans, as it’s home to paintings, sculptures, and conceptual pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. With a calendar of world-class exhibitions and events, the Pérez Art Museum is a place long-term visitors can return to time and time again.

Immerse Yourself in Miami’s Vibrant Neighborhoods: 4 Top Picks

One of the best ways to get to know any city is to walk around and take in the sights and sounds — and Miami is no exception. It’s full of diverse areas known for their unique architecture, tasty cuisine, and friendly folks. Here’s what to see in Miami on a neighborhood tour:

5. Design District

Luxury lovers will find themselves at home in the Design District, home to contemporary architecture, upscale shopping and dining, and galleries. Even if you don’t plan on spending, a visit is worth the sightseeing and people-watching. 

6. Little Havana

This West Miami neighborhood should be on any foodie’s or art lover’s list. Rich with Cuban culture, Little Havana shares the island’s top dishes and creative offerings. Try an authentic Cuban sandwich or coffee, explore the area’s live-music nightlife scene, or stop by a local gallery. 

7. Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove boasts charming eateries and upscale shopping, making it an excellent option for a relaxing afternoon. It’s also home to landmarks, museums, and the Barnacle Historic State Park — not to mention stunning bay views. 

8. Little Haiti

Little Haiti is another of Miami’s cultural centers, known for Afro-Carribean food and art and its burgeoning indie scene. Expect to find quirky bars, record stores, and colorful architecture. 

Where To Eat in Miami: 3 Musts for Foodies

One of the top things to do in Miami is eat. The city’s a cultural melting pot, boasting unique flavors from around the world. Plus, Miami’s location on the water makes it a prime place for top-notch seafood. Here are three experiences that should be on any foodie’s list: 

9. Waterfront Seafood

Miami’s shores are dotted with high-energy, Tiki-style bars and upscale eateries serving delicious seafood. Just walk around the waterfront and you’ll find decadent lobster, fresh oysters, and Latin-inspired dishes like ceviche pretty much anywhere you go. You won’t have trouble finding comforting fried fare, either. 

10. Cuban Cuisine

Little Havana is an excellent one-stop-shop for Cuban cuisine, though you’ll find island influences in dishes city-wide. Don’t leave Miami without trying a Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja (a shredded beef stew), or rice pudding.

11. Trendy Restaurants in Wynwood

Wynwood boasts fashionable restaurants with virtually every cuisine, from trendy ice cream bars to Japanese eateries to New American joints. If you want to explore several flavors back to back, check out the Smorgasboard Miami food truck park. 

Fun Things To Do in Miami: 4 Outdoor Adventures

With so much shopping, culture, and great food, you might not immediately think of Miami as a place to explore the great outdoors. But some of the best things to do in Miami involve getting out in nature. Here’s how to find adventure in Magic City:

12. Kayak and Paddleboard in Biscayne Bay

Biscayne Bay is famous for its calm, turquoise waters — ideal for all kinds of watersports. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and go out independently or with a guide. A habitat for hundreds of types of tropical fish, Biscayne Bay exploration is a must if you want to meet the local fauna.

13. Snorkel and Dive

Biscayne National Park is also an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving. It features coral reefs — like Half Moon and Emerald Reef — and the diverse wildlife that call them home. There are plenty of tours available if you prefer to go with a guide. 

14. Visit the Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a can’t-miss day trip for any Miami visitor. This tropical wilderness expanse featuring canals and wetlands is the best place to spot alligators, manatees, and even the Florida panther.  

15. Explore Oleta River State Park

Paddleboarders, kayakers, hikers, and cyclists will enjoy the laid-back feel of this urban refuge containing a network of waterways and trails. Marshes and mangroves define this 1,000+ acre state park right in the city — no road trip required.

The 5 Best Beaches in Miami

One of the top things to do in Miami, Florida? Hit the beach. No stay in this sun-bathed city is complete without exploring the following shores: 

16. South Beach

Go for the Art Deco architecture and stay for a swim in this upscale, high-energy neighborhood. South Beach also features a two-mile-long bike and walking path if you prefer to enjoy the views without getting wet.

17. Mid Beach

Escape the South Beach action for the more tranquil shores of Mid Beach. But this stretch isn’t without attractions — you’ll have no trouble finding a swanky lobby bar or fine dining option after you dry off. 

18. Surfside Beach

Surfside is a combination of small-town vibes and little-known beaches, making any visitor feel like a local who knows the best swimming spots. Expect white sand, crystal-clear water, and retro architecture.

19. Virginia Key Beach Park

Explore the islands off of Miami’s shores at this beachy park. Pack ingredients to barbeque on site and your bathing suit (swimming is allowed at your own risk), but leave your fishing gear at home since the activity is prohibited. The eco-culture tour is a can’t-miss alternative. 

20. Crandon Park Beach

Crandon Park has a stunning beachfront, tennis courts, and a golf course, making it a veritable urban playground. Plus, there are countless ways to explore its shores — with bike, jet-ski, and surrey rentals. 

Miami Visitors’ FAQ

The only challenge of figuring out what to do in Miami is narrowing your options. The following Miami visitors’ FAQ can help you make the best choices for your wallet and timeframe: 

Is Miami Cheap or Expensive?

Miami is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it on a budget. The city is known for its affordable museums, free (or low-cost) parks, and inexpensive dining at informal eateries. And walking along photo-worthy beaches doesn’t cost a thing. That said, if you want to live luxuriously, Miami has endless options for high-end stays, dining, and shopping.

What’s a Liveable Salary in Miami?

If your visit inspires you to consider moving to Miami, you should have a salary of at least around $52,000, according to Numbeo’s cost of living report. Numbeo says that average rent prices for a one-bedroom sit at around $2,800 per month. While cooking at home and sticking to free activities can help you live on less, the city’s full of temptations, like expensive cafés, bars, and boutiques, so figure in an ample budget for food and shopping. 

How Should I Spend a Day in Miami?

So, you only have 24 hours in Magic City. Here’s what to do in Miami, Florida if you only have a day:

• Explore Little Havana and try some of the region’s most surprising flavors
• Walk along one of the city’s famed beaches
• See the art deco architecture of South Beach
• Take a boat tour for an express city tour

Live Miami Your Way With Landing

Live your best life exploring dreamy beaches and delectable cuisine in Miami. Landing’s flexible-lease apartments offer a convenient option for long-term travelers. Save on high hotel rates and eating out by spending a few nights a week in your comfortable living space. Prepare to thrive — Magic City style.