Visit the Venetian Pool
You’ll have to hit South Beach while you’re in Miami, but if you’re looking for another beautiful place to tan, relax, and swim, you’ll want to visit the Venetian Pool. Located in the heart of Coral Gables, it is a historic lagoon carved out of coral that has been around since 1924, and it also boasts waterfalls and caves. Its gorgeous blue water and natural beauty make it a wonderful place for both families and groups of friends to sit back and soak up the sun.
Venetian Pool, 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, USA, +1 305 460 5306
See the Pérez Art Museum Miami
The Pérez Art Museum Miami, otherwise known as the PAMM, is a beautifully designed, minimal museum that hosts several wonderful events and exhibits, including multi-dimensional and mixed-media pieces from renowned artists. Once you’ve walked around the museum, you can visit the gift shop for some great trinkets (think quirky postcards and coffee table books on art, history, and fashion) and the on-site restaurant, Verde, for a cup of coffee or a quick snack. The museum offers guests a stunning waterfront view and swinging chairs.
Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 375 3000
Go to a Wynwood Art Walk
Your tour of Miami isn’t over until you’ve seen Wynwood, the arts district, and have attended an Art Walk, which takes place every second Saturday of the month. Galleries open and offer viewings, free drinks, and music, and the whole district is alive with a “block party” feel. Bars have DJs and local talent playing, with refreshing cocktails and food trucks serving up some tasty street food eats. You can view the street art, along with performances like drummers and dancers on every street corner. So put on that vintage dress you never get to wear anywhere else and enjoy an art-filled night.
Visit Calle Ocho (and Viernes Culturales!)
Anyone who comes to Miami has to visit Little Havana, which is the epicenter of Cuban culture and politics in Miami. Men gather for cafe con leche and pastries and talk about their favorite memories from Havana. Families gather for delicious, authentic Cuban meals and Cuban ice cream. Ball and Chain, a lounge in Little Havana where people come to dance, drink, eat, and listen to local bands, has been around since the 1930s. Viernes Culturales, or “Cultural Fridays,” happens on the last Friday of every month. This must-see event is when the whole stretch of Calle Ocho comes together to celebrate Cuban culture, with live music, dancing, galleries that stay open to show off Cuban artists’ work, dominoes games, and people rolling and smoking real Cuban cigars. Come and experience a taste of the neighborhood!
Enjoy the Miami skyline (and delicious food!) at Juvia
If you’re looking for a place with an outstanding view and an even more impressive lunch menu, then Juvia is the place for you. Situated on the roof of a parking garage, it features the most breathtaking view of Miami (both during the day and at night when the stars are out, and the city is lit up). Food-wise, it offers guests delicious dishes like fresh ceviche, Chilean sea bass, king crab eggs benedict, and, of course, bottomless bellinis. If you’re looking for a romantic spot for dinner, Juvia is equally impressive at night, complete with a full bar. Make sure to wear your best attire for this spot.
Juvia, 1111 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL, USA, +1 305 763 8272
Enjoy delicious cuisine and excellent views at Juvia | Courtesy of Juvia
Get a great tan on South Beach
At some point during your vacation, make sure to hit South Beach for a great tanning session. Bring along some friends or your family and a cooler of beers or frozen cocktails. When you’re ready to drink, be sure to pour the alcohol in a plastic cup as Miami Beach is very strict about glass containers on the beach. Dip into the water and catch some (small) waves. Enjoy a game of beach volleyball or go rollerblading. You’ll be sure to walk away with a golden glow and the most beautiful beachy waves.
See the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum is a historic villa – first built in the 1910s – that once belonged to James Deering and served as his winter home. The main house features beautiful rooms that guests can walk through and décor that will amaze, including fresco ceilings from Tuscany and France, marble flooring, and stained-glass doors. There is also an enchanting garden that you can walk through and enjoy, and the museum creates a stunning photogenic backdrop. It also holds special events, including the “Gardens by Moonlight” event, a guided tour of the gardens, with wine and small bites served afterward.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 250 9133
Visit Zoo Miami
You might not think the zoo would be a fun thing to check out, but it’s a good time for both tourists and natives alike. Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida and is home to 900 animals. Voted as one of the top zoos in the U.S., its attractions include the camel encounter, water-play areas, the giraffe feeding station, and boat rides. There’s a lot to see here, so set aside a whole day for this attraction!
Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 251 0400
Visit the Bayside Marketplace
At some point, you’ll need to make your way over to Bayside for a boat ride, some salsa dancing, and shopping – buy some trinkets to take home with you. The Bayside Marketplace is home to little shops that sell all kinds of items, including jewelry, bikinis, home décor, and clothing. Take a boat ride around the bay to get some fresh air and a lovely view of downtown Miami. Afterward, stay for a filling seafood lunch at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co., or head to Hooters for a breathtaking waterfront view and the best buffalo wings of your life.
Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 577 3344
Hit a nightclub
Last, but certainly not least, you have to hit a nightclub – it’s what Miami is all about! If you’re looking for a more affordable option, check out Club Space or Club Heart, and if you’re looking for something a bit more high-end, be sure to try LIV, ORA, Mynt Lounge, or Story. For those of you looking for something between a strip club and nightclub, be sure to hit up E11EVEN, which is always open. Indeed, it’s open 24 hours.
