Miami is home to a wealth of fun and interesting attractions, from the World Erotic Art Museum, to the colorful street art of the Wynwood Walls, to the cool blue waters of the Venetian Pool. These 20 Miami attractions should be your go-to spots.
World Erotic Art Museum | Smart Destinations/Flickr
World Erotic Art Museum
For something new and interesting (and a little bizarre) to do in Miami, stop by WEAM. The place is filled with art, historical artifacts, and other items, all having to do with human sexuality. The mission of this quirky museum is to document and educate the history of erotic art, and itfeatures pieces from artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and Dalí.
Some of the best art in Wynwood is concentrated in the Wynwood Walls, where guests can come and grab a snack or drink from the Wynwood Kitchen and then spend time admiring and taking photos of artwork by both local and international artists. Bright colors spill over all of the walls here, and there isn’t a single blank space.
For a taste of authentic Cuban culture, look no further than Versailles, which not only stands tall as Miami’s best place for a cafe con leche and a noche media sandwich (or late-night cortadito), but it also serves as the political and culture epicenter of Cuban life in Miami as well as the backdrop for political protests. Older men can be seen here talking about memories from living in Cuba or discussing politics, telling stories, and having some laughs.
Overview of Vizcaya in Coconut Grove | Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
This gorgeous museum is full of history and beauty, where guests can come experience what used to be James Deering’s winter home. The garden stretches for what seems to be miles, full of lush flora. The museum is known for hosting really wonderful events and seasonal decorations, which guests can visit to enjoy light bites and beautiful glittering lights and embellishments around the home.
This beautiful lagoon in the heart of Coral Gables boasts bright, cool water for guests to swim in. Venetian Pool is the place to be during the spring and hot summer months, where guests can enjoy swimming beneath waterfalls and exploring caverns. This is a nice place to come and tan, have some snacks and cold drinks, and stay far away from the South Beach chaos.
Bayside Marketplace is a great spot for spending a lazy afternoon with friends and loved ones. There’s so much to do in the area, that visitors will never run out of things to keep busy. Have lunch overlooking the water, take a boat ride, go shopping for trinkets, or head to a bar for a nice frozen cocktail. There’s always live music and dancing going on, too.
For a good ol’ baseball game, head over to Marlins Park. Munch on some amazing eats (gooey grilled cheese, Cuban ice cream, barbecue), root for your favorite team, watch fans go wild, and have a ton of fun.
The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is one of the most popular art museums in the city, and natives love to come by and see the interesting exhibits. All kinds of cool pieces are housed here—from video and multimedia projects, to sculptures, to traditional paintings. The PAMM is all about breaking the mold and champions artists that push their creative limits. Art lovers will not be disappointed.
The Frost Museum, located on Florida International University’s campus, is another really cool spot for art lovers. Guests can come and enjoy exhibitions that both showcase creativity and imagination and also make loud statements about social and political topics like body image, religion, and sexuality. Admission to the museum is always free.
Right on the water and with amazing views, Bayfront Park is a wonderful place to come and walk the dog, take a nice stroll, take some photos, an relax. Looking for a little more action? Just walk over to the nearby Bayside Marketplace, full of boutiques and restaurants, and go shopping or grab a cold, fresh smoothie.
Seeking designer fashion? Head to the Design District, spend the day shopping, and have lunch at a tasty restaurant. Whether looking for Tory Burch sandals or Italian furniture and home décor, this is the spot for window shopping. The area is especially nice on bright and sunny Miami days.
Looking to catch a new movie and have a burger, or visit some chic boho boutiques and have a coffee? From grabbing a New Orleans-style frozen daiquiri to watching a movie in a premium theater to shopping for gifts for the whole family, CocoWalk is the one-stop shop for a fun weekend outing.
For those who love animals and nature, Jungle Island is a fun and family-friendly spot. Find mammals, exotics birds, primates, fish, and reptiles here as well as Parrot Cove, a private beach. The beautiful trees and flowers also make it a gorgeous spot for your Instagram feed.
These beautiful lush gardens filled with exotic flora are awe-inspiring. Visit the butterfly encounter here and have some lunch at the Glasshouse Café, right outside the butterfly exhibit. Find gorgeous flowers, trees, and fruits in full bloom, creating a wonderful sweet scent throughout the entire area. Take a tram tour, or visit during one of the Gardens’ many festivals (like the Chocolate Festival and Orchid Odyssey).
Big animal fans are going to love visiting Monkey Jungle to see different species of primates, from orangutans to spider monkeys. Try the Rainforest Adventure Tour to interact with these amazing creatures up close.
In the mood for a cold brewski? Concrete Beach is home to some of the best-tasting beer in the city, so grab a cold glass of the Stiltsville Pilsner and a seat at one of the community tables. There’s always great music here as well as games like Giant Jenga and Connect Four (which, admit it, are a lot more fun to play when a little tipsy).
Looking for the real deal when it comes to South Beach clubs? Try LIV, the holy grail of all dance clubs, located at the top floor of the Fontainebleau Hotel. The cover price is mucho expensive, and the drinks are, too. It’s even a challenge to get in—bouncers choose out of the line, so dress to the nines. Those lucky enough to get in will be partying like true Hollywood stars.
As tourist-y as Ocean Drive might be, it is a must-see in the Magic City. Walk by during the day after laying out on the beach and grab a cold drink or some food at the strip of restaurants. At night, sit with friends for dinner or grab drinks with your partner before hitting the clubs. Be prepared for lots of loud Latin music, which is, of course, part of Miami’s flair.
Looking for some great little treasures? Fall in love with this outdoor mall filled with stores like Urban Outfitters, Zara, H&M, Forever 21, and Penguin. Stop and have lunch at one of the outdoor café-style restaurants, or sit for a drink with a friend and enjoy the warm Miami weather.
Looking to get a taste of authentic Cuban culture? Pass by Domino Park in Little Havana and play a game with some of the residents. No worries if you’re not familiar with this popular Cuban pastime. Grab a cafe con leche and have a seat—someone will be teaching you how to play soon.
