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Miami sparkles with an upbeat, artistic atmosphere, vibrant food scene, colorful history, and endless coastal pursuits. With many residents speaking a second or even third language in addition to English, the city has a heavy dose of international influence and culture, especially from Latin America.
Sample Miami’s incredible diversity through its food, art, and legendary nightlife, with a range of experiences that include everything from Cuban coffee and low-key beach days to Argentine Tango lessons and drag shows.
The Miami climate is mild year-round, with average highs rarely dipping below 70. That means there’s really never a bad time to visit! In March through May and September through November, you’ll find perfect beach weather, plus off-season prices (except for two weeks in March for spring break).
While the sugar-fine sand on Miami Beach is lovely, the city’s other charms are plenty enchanting, too — mangroves and manatees, eclectic street art, Mediterranean mansions, and so much more to explore.
Miami spoils visitors for choice, which means it can be overwhelming to decide what kinds of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or beach activities to prioritize. But just like Wanderu helps you find the best deals on bus and train travel, we also want to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
Check out our recommendations for the 10 absolute best things to do in Miami, plus affordable ways to reserve your spot for these popular activities.
1. Biscayne Bay Evening Cruise
There are countless daytime boat tours in Miami, Florida, but there’s a special charm in seeing the city come alive at night — from the water. On this 1.5-hour excursion, you will marvel at South Beach’s twinkling lights and get close-up views of glamorous mansions on Millionaire’s Row.
The tour, narrated in English or Spanish, concludes with a moon-gazing session for outstanding views and photo ops of lunar reflections on the water. There’s also a bar onboard to further elevate the experience. 🍹 A great way to appreciate Miami’s energy, this relaxed cruise offers flexible booking and payment options, including free cancellation and the ability to book now and pay later. All aboard at the link below.
2. Biking in South Beach
Out of all the things to do in South Beach, Miami, pedaling on two wheels is one of the more fun ways to take in the sights. If you don’t bring your own bike along, it is easy and affordable to rent one. Be sure to reserve in advance just in case there is limited availability at the bike shop. Then, simply show up and ride away on comfortable, easy-to-maneuver cruisers. There are even kids’ bikes available!
Cycle the boardwalk, hit the best beaches, marvel at the Art Deco buildings, and grab a bite from a buzzy eatery, all without parking hassles. One of the best things about this bike rental is the flexible duration — book for two hours or several weeks. Start your ride by booking below!
3. Wynwood Street Art Tour
Teeming with art, energy, and bold color, Wynwood is a can’t-miss Miami neighborhood. On this unique one-hour tour, you’ll hop into a golf cart, or “buggy,” and explore several of the area’s most elaborate street murals and graffiti art. Walking is tiring (especially in south Florida heat!) and inefficient, so exploring via buggy allows you to cover more ground in less time.
Group sizes are limited to 10 people, so it’s easy to ask questions and enjoy a personalized experience (and you’ll want to — your guide is incredibly knowledgeable!). Such a unique immersion into Miami’s art scene showcases its diverse cultural vibrancy. And, the tour makes pit stops for Instagram photo ops in front of some of the murals! 📸 Book now through the link below for an unforgettable experience.
4. Little Havana Food and Culture Tour
What better way to get a feel for Miami’s authentic vibe than by tasting your way through its food scene? On this guided walking tour through historic Little Havana, mingle with locals while sampling everything from Cuban coffee to empanadas. Come hungry, as you will most definitely leave full!
Aside from the food, this tour is loaded with cultural insights. You’ll see salsa dancing, domino playing (which is far more exciting than you probably think!), the traditional art of cigar-rolling, and more. Past guests rave about the guides, who explain everything with genuine enthusiasm. Journey off the beaten path and experience authentic Miami by booking this tour with the link below!
5. Everglades Airboat Tour and Wildlife Presentation
Planning travel with children can sometimes present challenges, but this fun Everglades tour simplifies everything by bundling an airboat ride with a 🐊 wildlife show. One of the best things to do in Miami with kids, the entire family will love zooming around on an airboat, learning about this fascinating ecosystem, and getting up-close and personal with alligators during the presentation.
While there are many Everglades airboat tours, this one stands out for its no-hassle logistics. Take the 45-minute ride in a comfortable air-conditioned bus, benefit from a skip-the-line park entry ticket, and even leave with a complimentary photo with a baby gator! Book now through the link below!
6. Miami Boat Party
Vice City is infamous for its sizzling nightlife. From traditional bars to wild nightclubs to concerts, there’s a vibe for every partygoer. For a uniquely Miami experience, sign up for a boat party! Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Miami at night, these booze cruises feature an open bar and a live DJ.
The three-hour cruise departs from Pier Five, with the stunning Miami skyline as your backdrop. Not only will you make new friends, but you’ll also have ample photo ops to document the unforgettable experience! Plus, there’s no fear of commitment here — instead of paying at the time of booking, you’ll be charged 72 hours before your cruise. Get the party started by clicking below.
7. Vizcaya Museum and Garden
There are so many things to do in Brickell Miami, from restaurants and bars to modern urban developments and even touring a historic Italian mansion. Constructed in the early 20th century by an investment mogul, the famed Villa Vizcaya combines Mediterranean aesthetics with a tropical environment.
Reserve an entry ticket with the added bonus of round-trip transportation from either downtown Miami or Miami Beach. Once at Villa Vizcaya, wander through the museum and 10 acres of impeccable gardens at your own pace, and take in the jaw-dropping view of Biscayne Bay. Booking online guarantees admission and transportation that works for your schedule. Step back in time to Miami’s Golden Age by booking through the link below.
8. Romantic Airplane Tour
Are you looking for an exceptional experience for someone extraordinary? Skip the (undeniably fun but) everyday things to do in downtown Miami in favor of this romantic private airplane tour.
You’ll sip champagne while enjoying incredible aerial views of Miami and the ocean during your 50-minute flight with a professional pilot. Choose from various departure times, including around sunset, for picture-perfect lighting. If the weather forecast isn’t looking great, there’s a no-hassle 24-hour cancellation policy. Ready to impress that special someone? 🛩️ Book your flight below!
9. Paddleboarding or Kayaking with Animals Tour
Beautiful Oleta River State Park protects mangrove forests filled with wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and iguanas, right in the heart of the city. Accessible by bus to Miami, this preserve near downtown showcases what the natural ecosystem looked like before human development.
On this tour, explore at water level from a paddleboard or kayak. You’ll be fully immersed in the beautiful environment, accompanied by knowledgeable guides. The tour includes an excursion to a small island with a tranquil beach, where you’ll enjoy a picnic of fresh fruit, beer, and wine. Booking this tour provides local expertise and highlights the preserve’s best areas. Reserve now through the link below!
10. Spend a Day on South Beach
One of the very best things to do in South Beach, Miami? Relax on the beach, of course! Finding a chair and umbrella can be surprisingly difficult, especially on busy weekends. With an online chair and umbrella rental, however, you simply arrive at the beach at your leisure, and the essentials will be waiting for you! If the weather looks questionable, you can always take advantage of free 24-hour cancellation.
South Beach is a particularly gorgeous stretch of white sand with turquoise water and a lively atmosphere. 🏖️ During any Miami visit, relaxing here is a must. What kind of Florida vacation doesn’t include a beach day? Book your beach essentials through the link below.
How to Get to Miami
- Flight – Miami is served by two major international airports. Miami International (MIA) is the larger of the two, with over 1,000 daily flights. MIA serves as a major U.S. entryway from Latin America. Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) is served primarily by budget carriers, making it a less-expensive alternative for many domestic flights. MIA is just eight miles from downtown, while FLL is 28, but it is easy to travel between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Airport via bus or train.
- Train – Miami’s Amtrak Station is the end of the Silver Star Line‘s route from New York City. There are numerous stops and connections along the way to many U.S. destinations, including Washington, D.C., which you can easily book on Wanderu.
- Bus to Miami – Catching a bus to Miami is one of the most straightforward and inexpensive ways to visit. Whether you’re traveling by bus from Orlando to Miami or catching a bus from Tampa to Miami, there are plenty of available tickets and times to choose from. Jet Set Express and FlixBus are two of many carriers that offer affordable tickets in Florida, so you can travel efficiently and put more money toward the best things to do in Miami! Book your bus with Wanderu for the best deals!
- Car – Miami is near the southern tip of Florida, a relatively short drive to many other major cities in the state. It’s 3.5 hours to Orlando, 4 hours to Tampa, 5 hours to Jacksonville, and 10.5 hours to Atlanta, Georgia. Check Wanderu for the best car rental deals for your Florida road trip!
Whether you’re booking a Miami to Orlando bus, taking a train to Miami from Philadelphia, or renting a car for your own epic road trip, Wanderu is the most efficient way to check the best rates and plan your trip with no stress.
Download the Wanderu mobile app to get your travel squared away, then pick from the incredible experiences we highlighted to make the most of your Miami vacation.
