Known for its crystalline blue seas, fine sand and beautiful sunny weather, vacationing doesn’t get any better than in Miami. The coastal metropolis in Florida has long been a hub for travelers looking for an upbeat vacation. Like a fiery spell, Miami hypnotizes travelers with its glitz and glamour, leaving many planning a return trip.
And whereas many travelers flock to Miami to enjoy its wild parties and great beaches, there is much more to the multicultural city. And if you dig deeper, there are other exciting things worth trying out on your trip. Here are the top things to do in Miami.
Visit Wynwood Walls
Ideally, the only outdoor museum on the planet, the Wynwood Walls, is a great way to spend your day in Miami, especially if you are an art enthusiast. And whereas the city has countless museums, nothing better represents Miami than raw street art.
The Wynwood Walls were a concept conjured when the late Tony Goldman turned walls of warehouses into canvases for artists to express themselves through art. And soon, what started as only a few walls on 25th and 26th street evolved into a vibrant art district. Wynwood Walls is the perfect day trip and the perfect opportunity to get some likes on your Instagram.
Check out the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
With a planetarium, an aquarium, and two science galleries, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a great way to update oneself on a few science facts on your visit to Miami. Located in Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, the museum is a perfect family friend itinerary.
The museum opened its doors in 2017 following its completion thanks to a $325m investment by private, public and philanthropic institutions. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum is a 23,000 square meter erection with six action-packed floors. Also, nothing is as enthralling as seeing the sprawling views of downtown Miami on the 6th floor.
Visit the Ancient Spanish Monastery
The captivating story of how a building in Spain ended up in Miami is one you must be willing to entertain on your visit to the city. Initially known as the “The Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels,” it was a building in Spain that served as quarters for Cistercian monks and dated back centuries to 1133.
William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper mogul who was mesmerized by its beauty, decided to purchase it. Broken into pieces and packaged into 11,000 boxes, and sent to Brooklyn, where it remained for another 25 years until Hearst’s demise—then, purchased by Raymond Moss and William Edgemon for $20m, who had it packaged and moved to Miami. Today the Monastery is a top attraction in Miami and has been used as a movie set for some of Hollywood’s blockbusters.
Check out the Art Deco District
For a relaxed trip to Miami, it doesn’t get any better than the Art Deco District. The world-famous Miami South Beach architecture offers some of the most beautiful scenery as you enjoy a relaxed stroll through the city. In addition, the pastel-painted buildings with a touch of 1930’s nostalgia hold significant historical value for Miami.
Art Deco District started as a movement in the 1920s as the US battled the great depression. Many Americans looked to lift the moods through architecture using basic geometric shapes such as cubes, spheres and straight lines. Coupled with terrazzo floors, detailed ceilings, tropical colors, and bright neon lights, the Art Deco District is a masterpiece that keeps giving.
Check out Little Havana
Miami has reaped big from its residents thanks to a robust multiethnic ecosystem. As a result, little Havana is an excellent way to delve into Latino culture. A small, vibrant city with some of the tastiest delicacies in the land, Little Havana is a beautiful, laid-back trip you must take on your visit to Miami.
Whether you seek to watch a nail-biting game of dominos at Maximo Gomez Park or set off for a culinary trip in Calle Ocho, you are destined for a beautiful journey in Little Havana.
Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The museum and gardens are a historic landmark in the Coconut Grove district on Biscayne Bay. Initially built as a winter home for James Deering, a manufacturer, between 1914 and 1922, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers insight into jaw-dropping European overindulgence.
The museum holds exhibitions from the 15th-19th Centuries. Featuring a main house filled with decorative art, 10 acres of formal gardens, a Rockland hammock, and a mangrove shore, the estate is a breathtaking day trip you cannot afford to miss.
Visit Miami Beach
It is almost sinister to visit Miami and not go to the beach. In fact, when the thought of Miami crosses your mind, chances are high that you envision a fun time playing in the sand under the shimmering sun. Connected to the mainland by a couple of bridges, Miami Beach is one of the top destinations in Florida. Miami Beach is a blend of upbeat entertainment-focused areas, tranquil neighborhoods, and some of the country’s most picturesque beaches.
South Beach Miami is where most travelers flock, thanks to its diverse attractions, such as Art Deco Historic District. South Pointe Beach is a more relaxed, family-friendly destination where you can enjoy a casual swim. South Pointe has numerous restaurants to get the juices flowing if you are into crazy culinary trips. Check Joe’s Takeaway (part of Joe’s Stone Crab) and Smith & Wollensky for some fine dining experience.
Check out Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
If you are more stirred by nature walks, visiting the 83 acres of flamboyant gardens will highlight your trip to Miami. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is known to have some of the rarest species of flora, such as the petticoat palm.
The garden has over 3,400 species, including orchids, native and exotic plants, and tropical fruits in its ecosystem. But, of course, the best way to enjoy a bit of everything is by taking the 45-minute tram tour. Founded by famed plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild in 1983 with a mission to share the beauty of tropical gardening, the gardens have become synonymous with some of Miami’s top festivals.
