Top Things To Do In Miami

by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Wed March 22, 2023

You’ll never run out of things to do in Miami. Its year-round warm tropical climate, undisturbed terrains, and cultural and artistic scenery are perfect for several outdoor activities.

From water sports and forest adventures to diverse events and entertainment, there is something for every type of traveler to enjoy. Find the top activities for your first or next trip to Miami below.

Explore Miami’s Sandy Beaches

If you’re like us, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear of Miami is the sandy beaches. Lounging on their breezy shores and listening to the sounds of the surf while soaking in the sun are among the best things you can do in The Magic City.

From North to South beach, Miami offers over a dozen beaches with soft, white sands and shades of blue, turquoise, and almost clear aqua waters. Each beach has its own vibe that lets you relax, reflect, and re-energize.

Experience Water Adventures

Miami is a paradise for all watersport lovers. The best place for engaging in water adventures, in our opinion, is the Biscayne Bay area.

You can go sailing around the private islands and mansions. Or, go parasailing off the coast to enjoy breathtaking views of Miami’s skyline and the coconut mangrove as you soar above Biscayne Bay’s waters.

There is also a wide range of water activities to try, such as kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, canoeing, and snorkeling.

Don’t forget to visit the unique, 95% underwater Biscayne National Park when in the area. It’s a 270-square-mile marine sanctuary with hundreds of endangered marine species. The lush mangrove forests are also a sight to see for nature enthusiasts.

Explore The Everglades

If you prefer land to water adventures, visit the Everglades National Park. It’s a natural World Heritage Site on nearly 1.5 million acres of mint tropical and subtropical land.

Because of its pristine condition, the land accommodates some of the most diversified ecosystems in the world. It's one of the best spots for the modern-day environmentally-conscious traveler. You’ll mostly explore this natural wonder on foot, by bike, or by boat.

To begin your explorations, get a bird’s-eye view of all the land by climbing the 65-foot observation tower at Shark Valley. Then head straight to the Everglades heart and walk along the Anhinga trail. You’ll see various wildlife, including alligators, herons, and turtles.

You can also glide along the numerous creeks and swamps to see unique marine wildlife.

Camp And Hike At The Big Cypress National Preserve

There’s more for nature lovers and eco-travelers at the neighboring Big Cypress National Preserve. You can camp here for days and hike through this uncharted swampland to create unforgettable memories.

At nearly 729,000 acres, this National Preserve is about half of the adjacent Everglades Park and houses endangered wildlife like the Florida Panther.

Begin your adventures at the welcome centers, such as the Oasis Visitor Center, before hiking the deep lake trail or cycling through the Fire Prairie Trail. You’ll get important information about the rugged tours and trails to guide you.

Marvel At The Art And Culture

Take a long walking tour of the graffiti-wrapped galleries of Wynwood and marvel at some of the most dynamic works of art.

As the first Museum of Graffiti worldwide, the Wynwood neighborhood educates on the history of the graffiti art movement. It honors hundreds of graffiti artists who’ve transformed the walls of dull public places into vibrant artwork.

You can also witness Miami’s ancient and contemporary art and culture in the following spots:

The Perez Art Museum
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Haitian Heritage Museum

To relish the city’s food culture, we recommend strolling through the Little Havana neighborhood and savoring the cultural cuisines in the area’s eateries.

Sightsee From Miami To The Key West

A sightseeing tour from Miami to the Key West area along the overseas highway stretches about 113 miles. The road trip is a fun adventure characterized by spectacular ocean views.

You'll move through several islands and stop at different places for various activities. Some include snorkeling at Key Largo and hiking on the Bahia Honda Park beach. You could also scuba dive on this beach to see the underwater statue - Chris of the Abyss.

Speedboat sightseeing and jet ski tours are also available.

Visit The Cape Florida Lighthouse

The Cape Florida Lighthouse is among the oldest standing structures in Miami. Standing majestically on the island’s South End in Cape Florida State Park, it has survived the test of time and guided mariners since the 1800s.

Start your tour by climbing about 109 narrow spiral steps to get to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean.