Looking for the best things to do in Miami? Miami is a glamorous mix of Art Deco beaches, Latin American culture, world-class nightlife and street art, with the Everglades and the Florida Keys on its doorstep. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for American travellers.
Best things to do in Miami
1. South Beach and Ocean Drive
Pastel Art Deco hotels facing a wide sandy beach. Book tickets online to skip the line.
2. Wynwood Walls
An outdoor museum of large-scale street art. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
3. Little Havana
Calle Ocho’s cafés, cigar shops and Domino Park. Bring a refillable water bottle.
4. Everglades National Park
Airboats, alligators and the Anhinga Trail, under an hour away. Sunset is a particularly good time.
5. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
An Italian Renaissance-style villa on Biscayne Bay. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
6. Key Biscayne
Quieter beaches and a historic lighthouse. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
Stay charged, stay connected
- Cameras for landscape photography BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
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7. Pérez Art Museum Miami
Contemporary art on the bayfront. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
8. Design District
Luxury boutiques and public art. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
9. Beach days
One of the most popular ways to experience Miami; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
10. Cuban coffee and food tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Miami; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
11. Nightlife
One of the most popular ways to experience Miami; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Book tickets online to skip the line.
12. Boat trips on Biscayne Bay
One of the most popular ways to experience Miami; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
13. Day trips to the Everglades
One of the most popular ways to experience Miami; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Sunset is a particularly good time.
14. Take a day trip to Key West
Key West is the southernmost point of the continental US, a laid-back island of pastel houses, sunset celebrations and turquoise water. Read our Key West travel guide. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
15. Take a day trip to Orlando
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe, opened in 2025) and SeaWorld, plus lakes, springs and the Kennedy Space Center within easy reach. Read our Orlando travel guide. Book tickets online to skip the line.
16. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try Cuban sandwiches and cafecito, stone crab (October to May), ceviche and key lime pie. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Book tickets online to skip the line.
When to go
The best time to visit is December to April (dry season).
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | December–February | Dry, sunny, 60–78°F; peak season and higher prices. |
| Spring | March–May | Warm and dry; spring break crowds in March. |
| Summer | June–August | Hot, humid, daily thunderstorms; hurricane season begins June 1. |
| Fall | September–November | Still hot early, peak hurricane risk in September; pleasant by November. |
Where to stay
- South Beach: The classic beach-and-nightlife base.
- Mid-Beach: Quieter resorts on the sand.
- Brickell and Downtown: High-rise hotels and city dining.
- Coconut Grove: Leafy, relaxed and bayfront.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150–250 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $260–450 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $500–1,200 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Miami travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Spring break and Art Basel (early December) push prices up.
- Summer is hot, humid and stormy; hurricane season runs June to November.
- Use rideshare; parking in South Beach is expensive.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $780–$1,350 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,640–$2,764 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Miami
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our travel gear picks
- Travel backpacks for weekend trips BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Best phones and wearables for travel Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Miami?
For most first-time visitors it is South Beach and Ocean Drive: pastel Art Deco hotels facing a wide sandy beach.
How many days do you need in Miami?
Plan 3–4 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Miami?
December to April (dry season).
Is Miami good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Miami is popular with couples, beach lovers, foodies and nightlife fans.
What should I eat in Miami?
Try Cuban sandwiches and cafecito, stone crab (October to May), ceviche and key lime pie.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Miami Travel Guide: Beaches, Neighbourhoods and Food
- Key West Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay and Tips
- Orlando Travel Guide: Theme Parks, Hotels and Planning Tips