10 Top Things To See & Do On Miami's Upper East Side

This awesome spot is a cozy garden and popular venue for casual events. Enjoy a drink from the bar, whether it’s an ice-cold beer or a specialty cocktail to go with some casual pub grub. The venue has hosted many concerts for a variety of artists, including DJs and singer-songwriters. Not only are the prices cheap, food good, and music loud, the garden also has a casual putt putt and miniature golf course. Regardless of whether you participate in any of the activities or not, with its twinkling lights and kitschy decorations, the garden is a cozy space with killer atmosphere.

Price: Mid-Range

Opening Hours: 5:00pm-1:00am Monday-Sunday

Watch out for: musical performances Miami Ironside | ©Ines Hegedus-Garcia/Flickr

Miami Ironside is one of the hottest spots in the Upper East Side neighborhood. The outdoor mall is essential for shopping and dining, plus there are plenty of hip special events. Eat a delicious slice of gourmet pizza or cool off with a scoop of nitrogen-frozen ice cream. Once you’re done eating, burn off some calories at the boxing and fitness center. Ironside is also home to at least five art studios and galleries, as wells as over 20 architecture and design shops, studios, and offices. Miami Ironside is arguably one of the trendiest, most modern multipurpose facilities, so you’re bound to find something to do that suits you.

Price: Mid-Range

Opening Hours: 8:00am-11:00pm Monday-Sunday

Watch out for: special events Paddleboarding | ©Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/Flickr

Located right along the coast, this Miami park is rich with greenery, as well as fun sports and activities to participate in. Take a walk around the park to get beautiful views of the adjacent water, palm trees, and bright blue skies. Go kayaking on the water, or try other water activities such as paddle boarding and sailing. Morningside also happens to be a fantastic place for tennis aficionados, as the park has tennis clinics, offering lessons for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. Non-tennis sports available include basketball, and baseball. If sports aren’t your vibe, keep it simple by playing with the kids on the playground, or enjoy a hearty barbecue. Morningside is also home to a small community center.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 7:00am-9:00pm Monday-Friday, 11:30am-4:00pm Saturday & Sunday

Watch out for: special tennis center hours

Want to explore your creative side? Then attend a beginners’ class one night at Painting with a Twist. While the concept is based on BYOB (bring your own bottle) Painting with a Twist gladly provides cups, bottle openers and buckets for ice. Enjoy a glass of wine while learning how to paint at the same time. Compositions range from animals and landscapes to flowers, and more. If you want a certain design to hang at work or at home, check the schedule to find out which style of picture will be painted when. Come on a whim for a casual evening with friends, or book a special, private session to celebrate an important event or occasion. There are multiple locations of Painting with a Twist all over Miami, so no matter where you go, a fun, artistic night isn’t far away.

Price: Mid-Range

Opening Hours: Noon-Midnight Monday-Sunday

Watch out for: private parties Jazz Performance | ©Howard Ignatius/Flickr

All that jazz – that’s what you’ll find at this neighborhood restaurant. Come and enjoy live performances of jazz and blues from local, up-and-coming musicians. The soothing sounds create the perfect setting while you dine on the tasty, traditional American menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Jazz Café & Grille also serves a delicious brunch menu with dishes such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, fresh fruit bowls, and mimosas. If filling up on food will distract you from the musical show, sit back in a cozy both and sip on a simple cup of coffee and snack on a dessert pastry. Atmosphere, good music, delicious food – this place has it all.

Price: Mid-Range

Opening Hours: 7:00am-7:00pm Monday, 7:00am-11:00pm Tuesday-Saturday

Watch out for: the tasty brunch menu Legion Park | ©R. Maas/Flickr

Legion Park is the perfect place to have outdoor fun with the family, or engage with the community. Enjoy the sunshine in this open air, waterfront park, which is equipped with numerous facilities. For starters, Legion is a great place if you have children; the park frequently hosts after-school programs and camps, in addition to hosting the girl scouts on occasion. There’s also a fun playground, tennis court, picnic area, soccer field, and biking and walking paths, plus various water sports and boats to rent. Finally, the park extends indoors as well as outdoors by way of the recreation center. Play a game of basketball, use the computer, or take a dance class as the multipurpose facility.

Price: Budget

Opening Hours: 6:00am-9:00pm Monday-Sunday

Watch out for: special recreation center hours Miami Farmers Market | ©Yellow Green Farmers Market/Flickr

Located in Upper East Side’s Legion Park, the Urban Oasis Project puts on a weekly farmers’ market that strives to make healthy food accessible to everyone. Purchase fresh, seasonal produce grown locally by Miami gardeners. The market also offers farm products, including grass-fed beef, free-range organic eggs, cheeses, nuts, and more. Each booth accepts cash, credit, debit, SNAP, and EBT, so no matter your current income, you can have fresh, healthy, and organic fruits and vegetables. Be on the lookout for specialty products, such as jams, jellies, freshly baked breads and pastries, and candles, in addition to hot food that you can eat on site.

Price: Mid-Range

Opening Hours: 9:00am-2:00pm Saturdays

Watch out for: incentive program Veggie Bucks

The busy city of Miami can be fun, but also exhausting. So, take a load off at Clean Start Total Body Cleansing. The calm day spa is the perfect place to come and relax, as well as soothe your mind, body, and spirit. Clean Start offers a number of services, such as colon hydrotherapy, food detox, massages, facials, acupuncture, body wraps, vibrational therapy, lifestyle coaching, iridology, biofeedback, and more. The body cleansing facility also sells products for visitors to continue their treatment at home. Look out for vitamins, minerals, and more for weight management, women’s health, and overall cleansing. Find whatever you need to get your body in tip-top condition at the on-site herb shop.

Price: Luxury

Opening Hours: 10:00am-6:30pm Monday-Saturday

Watch out for: seasonal specials Miami Boutique Shop | ©alesh houdek/Flickr

Is your style funky with fringe or rock and roll chic? If so, stop by Rebel. This Upper East Side women’s clothing store has everything, including tees, blouses, sweaters, jeans, skirts, dresses, and boots. You’ll find just what you’re looking for, whether it is an outfit for that Friday night concert, or something appropriate to wear to work. The boutique’s staff is very friendly, and is more than happy to help you find just the right look for you. Keep an eye out for shoes and accessories as well, such as high heels, boots, scarves, and vintage jewelry. Rebel adds new items to their inventory frequently, especially during seasonal changes.

Price: Mid-Range

Opening Hours: 10:00am-7:00pm Monday-Saturday, Noon-5:00pm Sunday

Watch out for: frequent sales and holiday specials Custom Cupcakes | ©Clever Cupcakes/Flickr

This sweet shop is what dreams are made of. The Baking Girl Café Shop is a quaint, feminine bakery with a 1950s-inspired décor of pastels and polka dots. There’s an array of baked goods on offer, including cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, full-sized cakes and more. The gourmet desserts are one of a kind, not only in flavor, but in design as well; everything in the shop is custom made. Need a cake for a wedding or birthday party? They’ve got you covered. You can also order custom cookies and gift them to friends and family during the holidays.

Price: Mid-Range

Opening Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday

Watch out for: appointment only