13 Things to Do in Miami, Recommended by Locals

Miami (nicknamed by some as Magic City) is famous for its white sandy beaches, tropical climate, and spicy nightlife, but this glamorous city is much more than a pretty face! Take a closer look, and you’ll find distinguished institutions of higher education, some of the country’s most formidable professional sports teams, and natural beauty beyond the beaches. You’ll also find the city is rich in arts and culture, and its people are as warm as the climate.  

Officially incorporated as a city in 1896, the 300(ish) residents living there at the time probably couldn’t have predicted the economic success the city of Miami would have over 125 years later. But thanks to its residents’ hard work, ingenuity, and resilience, it has become a go-to location for wealth and investment. In fact, Miami has become one of the top relocation destinations in the US for the ultra-wealthy. 

There’s so much to see and do; it might be overwhelming to try and figure out where to go first in Magic City. That’s why we recruited some of the locals to point you in the right direction. Stick around. We’ve curated a list of some of the best things to do in Miami, as recommended by the people who know it best!

1. Get a bird’s eye view from the Sky Views Miami Observation Wheel

Jay Britto and David Charette, principals and founders of Miami-based interior design firm Britto Charette, had plenty of excellent suggestions for our list. First up, check out the city’s beauty from the best seat in the house! The observation wheel offers unbelievable views of Biscayne Bay, Bayfront Park, and the majestic Miami skyline from 42 climate-controlled gondolas. (One has leather bucket seats and a glass bottom floor for those who want a little more pampering with their view).  

Good to know: The wheel is open Monday through Friday, 1 pm to 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 10 pm. The gondolas can fit up to 8 people, so bring some friends!

2. Get a Cubano at Versailles

Miami has the largest Cuban American population in the US, so you know its Cuban cuisine is off the charts! The Britto Charette team recommends Versailles restaurant to get your fix. “(This is) Cuban food in the heart of Little Havana. Yulian, one of our designers who was born and raised in Cuba, says it’s a fun family experience.” Apparently, plenty of other people agree. Versailles has been named “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant” since 1971. Bring your appetite! They serve up an extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu packed with Cuban staples and traditional cocktails. 

3. Marvel at the street art of Wynwood Walls

“Visit Wynwood Walls,” say Britto and Charette. “We used to have a studio in Wynwood and LOVED the vibe. Art is everywhere. There’s a reason it’s so popular!” First created to revitalize the once-neglected Wynwood warehouse district, this outdoor street gallery is now one of the world’s largest open-air museums, attracting street artists worldwide. The project has grown exponentially since its inception, turning it into a cultural hub and thriving arts district where you’ll find upscale galleries, boutiques, and cafes arranged among the Wynwood Walls murals. “And while you’re there, hop on over to Zak the Baker for artisan breads and pastries. Also, lunch or dinner at KYU (one of our team’s favorite restaurants) is a Wynwood must-do. Save room for the legendary coconut cake!” 

4. Wander in the Rubell Museum

“The Rubell Museum is a standout — we’ve had multiple team events here,” say Britto and Charette. Known for its extensive collection of contemporary works (over 7,200 works by more than 1,000 artists), the Rubell houses contemporary and modern art by some of the most recognized names in the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibitions rotate regularly to showcase different themes, movements, or specific artists to keep things fresh, and they also host site-specific pieces that integrate into the architecture. They’ve got a library, bookstore, garden, and on-site restaurant featuring a Basque-inspired menu, making for a perfect date night! 

Good to know: The museum is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 to 7:30 pm. They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They offer free guided tours with advance notice.  

5. Explore diversity in art at the Perez Art Museum Miami

If you haven’t gotten your modern art fix after the Wynwood and Rubell exhibits, your next stop should be the Perez Art Museum, according to Britto and Charette. “Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM to the locals) occupies some gorgeous real estate off Biscayne Boulevard,” they say. “Once you’ve finished browsing the fantastic collections, you absolutely must take time out to visit Verde, the lovely restaurant at the PAMM where you can dine indoors or outside on the gorgeous terrace. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon.” 

PAMM focuses on diverse cultural narratives in their modern and contemporary exhibits, particularly Latin American and Caribbean. Designed by renowned architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the building itself is a masterpiece of architecture. The sculpture garden outside features works by contemporary artists, including a hanging garden designed just for the space.  

Good to know: The museum is open Friday through Monday from 11 am to 6 pm and Thursday from 11 to 9 pm. They’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

6. Get lost in paradise at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Arianna Castro, principal and designer at Miami’s BC2 Interiors, tipped us off to this 83-acre tropical oasis in the middle of the city. The garden houses a rainforest showcasing the lush, dense environment you’ll find in tropical rainforests, complete with misty waterfalls and an incredible variety of plant life. There’s also an enclosed glasshouse butterfly garden where visitors can walk with thousands of technicolor butterfly species from around the world. “It’s a great escape from the city,” she says. “Especially for families whose kids might be needing a break from the chaos of a busy city.” 

Good to know: The garden is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but hours might vary depending on the season.  

7. Dine at Pastis and Doya

“Miami has some incredible restaurants, including Pastis and Doya,” says Castro. Doya serves modern Aegean food via shared plates (meze) crafted with Greek and Turkish influences. The restaurant is chic, vibrant, and perfect for an intimate dinner or a night out with friends. Pastis is a newcomer to Miami by way of New York City, capturing the Parisian brasserie style that made it so famous in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Whether you go for lunch, dinner, brunch, or just drop in for dessert and a nightcap, you’ll love every single thing on the menu. “Both restaurants are located in Wynwood, which is busy, but wow! The restaurants alone make it worth the trip!”

8. Hit the Design District

“Definitely put the Design District on your list,” says Castro. “Beautiful showrooms, art installations on the streets, a fabulous food hall (MIA Market) — the Design District is just a fun place to be!” The Miami Design District is 18 blocks of high-end shopping, chic restaurants, and, of course, beautiful public art. There are other interesting attractions to see there, too, including the Haitian Heritage Museum and the Miami Museum Garage, a gorgeous garage/work of art designed by five artists. 

9. Hang out with the beautiful people in South Beach

“When visiting Miami, you can’t miss the vibrant energy of South Beach, with its stunning Art Deco architecture and lively atmosphere,” says Meyr Aviv, founder and CEO of national relocation company iMoving. Referred to as SoBe by some, this is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the country. Part of what makes it so special is its bustling beaches lined with trendy nightclubs and restaurants and art deco architecture in pastel hues.  

South Beach hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. If your timing is good, you might catch the South Beach Wine & Food Festival or Miami Swim Week. You can’t leave without cruising down Ocean Drive. You’ll spot the Versace Mansion, once the home of the famous designer and now a luxury boutique hotel. There are also several architectural landmarks from the 30s and 40s, as well as the historic Art Deco District. 

10. Go on an Everglades adventure

“Don’t forget to experience the natural beauty of the Everglades National Park, just a short drive away, where you can take an airboat tour and spot some alligators,” says Aviv. While you’re in the Everglades National Park, check out Shark Valley! It doesn’t actually have sharks (it was named from the slough that drains into the Shark River), but it does have an abundance of native wildlife you’ll want to see, including a dazzling variety of bird species like great blue herons, egrets, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills.  

You can go wildlife-watching from the 15-mile loop trail via walking or biking, or you can opt to see the Everglades by tram. The park’s rangers and naturalists narrate the tram tour, educating visitors on the area’s ecology, history, and wildlife. Halfway around the loop is a 65-foot observation tower providing unbelievable panoramic views of the Everglades. On clear days, you’ll have an unobstructed view for miles.  

Good to know: The best time to visit the valley is during the dry season (November through April), when the animals are most active, and the weather isn’t so sweltering. Bring lots of sunscreen, bug spray, and binoculars for spotting the locals in their natural habitat. 

11. Spend a day in Little Havana

“One of the best things to do in Miami is to visit Little Havana’s 8th Street,” says Carlos Marin, local florist, designer, and founder of Carlos Marin. “Here you will find beautiful murals painted by local artists, ideal for contemplating and taking some photos. There is also the old Tower Theater, inside which is the museum in homage to the famous singer Celia Cruz. Other attractions include restaurants with local and international cuisine and shops of different styles to take home a souvenir of this place.”

12. Bike the Beachwalk

Sarah Giller Nelson, owner of Less is More Organizing Services, had some great recommendations, too, beginning with a day on the bike. “Go for a bike ride on the Miami Beach Beachwalk, which runs for 9 miles along the eastern edge of the city. You can either rent a bike at a local shop or get a Citibike at kiosks around the city,” she says. “You can take the Beachwalk to South Pointe Park, which is my favorite place to stroll or have a picnic. If you go between 4 pm and 6 pm on Friday or Sunday, you get a unique Miami experience: a parade of the largest cruise ships in the world going in and out of port.  

South Pointe Park is across the street from one of Miami’s most famous restaurants, Joe’s Stone Crab. Skip the long wait and dress code and duck into Joe’s Takeaway, the informal market next to the restaurant that carries Joe’s greatest hits. The key lime pie is a must-have!”

13. Eat well on the cheap at Haulover Park

“My favorite cheap eats can be found at the Haulover Park Food Truck Festival, which happens every Tuesday night at Haulover Park,” says Nelson. “Not only is there always a fantastic selection of food truck choices, but its location, nestled between the ocean and the northern edge of Biscayne Bay, makes it one of the city’s most beautiful places to eat from a truck. The sunsets are spectacular!”   

Bienvenido a Miami!

If you’ve never been to Miami, you might find it challenging to put your finger on what it is you love the most once you get here. Or, perhaps more accurately, to choose just one thing you love the most. Like its robust art scene and diverse people, Miami is ever-changing. Just when you think you know the city, it surprises you again. We hope our locals’ list of things to do has given you some inspiration for planning your Miami adventure. See you on the beach!