Miami: what's actually worth it
Miami’s soul was forged when the 1896 railroad arrived, turning a sparse hammock settlement into a vibrant hub that still pulses with this historic energy. The city feels like a warm embrace of chaotic harmony, where the humid air carries the scent of salt and fritters while salsa mixes with hip-hop from open car windows. It is now a dynamic coastal metropolis where art deco elegance meets modern innovation, inviting you to wander its sun-drenched streets and discover why this place refuses to sleep.
Top things to do in Miami
Wynwood Walls
Museum · ★ 4.7 (49,162 reviews)
Unique outdoor destination featuring huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe.
Check tours & tickets →Lummus Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (24,667 reviews)
Sandy spot with beach access, plus a playground for young children & fitness equipment.
Check tours & tickets →Bayfront Park
City Park · ★ 4.7 (21,698 reviews)
Waterfront city green space with a popular amphitheater, landmark fountain & many community events.
Check tours & tickets →Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Art museum · ★ 4.7 (16,262 reviews)
Historic estate with formal gardens & sculptures, grottos & circa-1914 mansion turned museum.
Check tours & tickets →Rosa Sky
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.7 (7,032 reviews)
Vibrant rooftop bar featuring cocktails and tapas, plus live DJs and panoramic city views.
Check tours & tickets →Maurice A. Ferré Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (6,378 reviews)
Spacious waterside park featuring a sand beach, large amphitheater & a playground.
Check tours & tickets →Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.8 (5,109 reviews)
Sizable horticultural destination with a guided tour via tram, water features & a butterfly exhibit.
Check tours & tickets →Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
Ferris wheel · ★ 4.7 (5,596 reviews)
Views of Biscayne Bay & the downtown Miami skyline from climate-controlled glass gondolas.
Check tours & tickets →Pérez Art Museum Miami
Art museum · ★ 4.5 (7,894 reviews)
Sleek waterfront museum features modern & contemporary international artwork & educational programs.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
CVI.CHE 105
Peruvian Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (30,737 reviews)
Peruvian eatery with a hip, boisterous crowd, cocktails & ceviche & sleek space with eclectic art.
Website →Pollos & Jarras
Peruvian Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (22,968 reviews)
Hopping bi-level spot for rotisserie chicken & other Peruvian eats amid neon colors & warm woods.
Website →Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
Cuban Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (26,369 reviews)
Energetic Cuban eatery offering traditional dishes, cocktails & live music amid retro-themed decor.
Website →Café Bastille Downtown Miami
Brunch Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (21,299 reviews)
Informal French cafe serves all-day lunch and brunch options, including omelettes, crepes, and eggs.
Website →Crazy About You
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (19,845 reviews)
An eclectic & budget-priced menu summons Spain, Italy & America at this stylish waterside bistro.
Website →Rusty Pelican Miami
Seafood Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (21,187 reviews)
Diners pack this stylishly updated landmark for water, city & sunset views plus weekend brunch.
Website →Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine
Cuban Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (27,836 reviews)
Iconic Cuban restaurant serving traditional fare in a roomy, vintage dining room with chandeliers.
Website →CASA NEOS
Mediterranean Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (13,778 reviews)
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures
Tour Agency · ★ 4.6 (3,802 reviews)
Thrill rides in open-topped speedboats, with commentary on Miami sights & celebrity houses.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Lummus Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (24,667 reviews)
Sandy spot with beach access, plus a playground for young children & fitness equipment.
Website →Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (6,883 reviews)
Featuring a freshwater lagoon, this diverse wildlife habitat offers hiking, fishing & more.
Website →Oleta River State Park
State Park · ★ 4.6 (7,312 reviews)
Urban park drawing nature-lovers with mangrove forest plus fishing, kayaking, biking & camping.
Website →Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
City Park · ★ 4.5 (4,854 reviews)
Breezy sheltered beach with a man-made atoll pool that accommodates new swimmers & kiteboarders.
Website →Oleta River Outdoor Center
Services · ★ 4.6 (1,507 reviews)
Website →After dark
Lola bar
Bar · ★ 4.9 (7,475 reviews)
Website →Mango's South Beach
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (12,375 reviews)
Restaurant/nightclub with cocktails, live Latin music & entertainment until 5 AM.
Website →Rosa Sky
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.7 (7,032 reviews)
Vibrant rooftop bar featuring cocktails and tapas, plus live DJs and panoramic city views.
Website →Black Market Miami
Bar · ★ 4.6 (2,769 reviews)
This upscale sports bar offers classic American pub fare in a slick, space with plentiful HD TVs.
Website →More guides
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