With so much to do in this vibrant South Florida city, you’ll want to make the most of your Miami vacation by booking the best Miami tours!
Your Miami trip will have you sipping mojitos at a trendy rooftop bar in Brickell and learning to salsa dance in Little Havana. An international melting pot, Miami is easily one of the country’s most exciting cities and one of my all-time favorites!
From the white sandy beaches of South Beach to iconic Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive, you’ll never be lacking for things to do during your Miami vacation.
There are a number of exciting Miami tours to try, from Hop On Hop Off Miami bus tours and Miami food tours to Little Havana tours and day trips from Miami to Key West.
Miami nightlife includes everything from vibrant nightclubs to crazy pool parties to Latin dance bars and more; this city has something for everyone!
With so much to explore, you’ll need a solid Miami itinerary to make sure you can get to it all!
This Miami travel guide will make planning your Miami vacation easier than ever. I’ll include sections on top things to do in Miami, how to get around in Miami, where to stay in Miami, best Miami tours, where to eat in Miami, and more!
Page Contents
Miami Map
Ready to book your trip to Miami? Check out Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights from your departure city and take the first step towards an unforgettable South Florida vacation!
Top Things to Do in Miami
Miami Beach & South Beach
There’s no question that the ultimate Miami activity is going to the beach! One of the best and easiest free things to do in Miami, soaking up the sun at the beach is a must for every Miami vacation. Miami Beach is just a short drive from the mainland and boasts a high volume of luxury beach resorts, trendy restaurants, bars, shops, and boutiques. Check out Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road to eat a delicious meal and shop till you drop! Head down to South Beach (the southernmost part of Miami beach) for a high-end Miami experience. There are tons of things to do in South Beach, from glamorous nightclubs and celebrity-chef eateries to relaxing on vast stretches of white sandy beach. Stroll along the infamous Ocean Drive to soak in the art deco architecture and stop by the famed Versace Mansion, which is now a boutique hotel and restaurant.
My picks for best Miami Beach tours: Miami Beach Food and Art Deco Walking Tour; A Taste of South Beach Food Tour; A Taste of South Beach Food Tour
Miami Nightlife
When you think Miami, nightlife is the first thing that comes to mind. There are endless things to do in Miami at night, from some of the world’s best nightclubs to vibrant Latin dance bars to chic rooftop bars and more. Beach parties, pool parties, and day parties are also all the rage in Miami, especially on South Beach. Some of the best South Beach Miami pool parties include the SLS Pool Party, the rooftop at 1 Hotel South Beach, and the Mondrian Pool Club. Though beach and pool-centered nightlife is concentrated on South Beach, Miami nightlife is very much alive throughout the city so you really can’t go wrong wherever you go! That said, the most important thing to remember when going out in Miami is that the city is glamorous, showy, and sexy, so you’ll need to dress the part. I’m talking heels and your tightest dress when you’re headed out for a night on the town in Miami! Men should wear long pants, a nice shirt, and avoid sneakers or you may not be let into the club!
My picks for best Miami nightlife tours: Top Miami Nightlife Tours and Activities; Miami Boat Nightlife Experience; Sip, Savor & Salsa! Lessons, Mojitos, Live Music & Dancing
Wynwood & Design District
There are tons of fun things to do in Wynwood and the Miami Design District. The two neighborhoods border each other, making it easy to include them both in your Miami itinerary! Wynwood is a funky area with art galleries and boutiques, late-night bars, and craft breweries. The iconic Wynwood Walls are a popular attraction and feature colorful murals created by well-known street artists. The Design District is flush with modern interior design stores, art galleries, and high-end restaurants and boutiques. The area also boasts the Institute of Contemporary Art which is definitely worth a visit.
My picks for best Wynwood Art Tours: Miami Food and Art Walking Tour of Wynwood Neighborhood; Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Small-Group Tour; Miami Art Tour: Design District, Midtown and Wynwood
Little Havana
The flavorful Cuban heart of Miami, Little Havana has much to offer visitors. A hub for Cuban immigrants who have built up this neighborhood and made it their own, there are tons of things to do in Little Havana. The famed Calle Ocho is the epicenter of the neighborhood and you can see locals playing dominoes and smoking cigars at Maximo Gomez Park. Explore the market, stop into a bustling cafe for Cuban coffee, check out the various Latin American art galleries, and don’t miss trying some traditional Cuban food! At night, experience Little Havana’s lively nightlife when you sip on mojitos and listen to rumba bands playing live music. I would definitely recommend taking a tour of Little Havana in order to get the full effect and learn a bit more about the history and culture in the area from a local perspective!
My picks for best Little Havana Tours: Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami; Miami: Little Havana Food, Cuban Culture, Mojito & Street Art Tour (Small Group); Authentic Little Havana Food and Culture Walking Tour
Brickell & Downtown Miami
Brickell and Downtown Miami are the city’s primary financial and business districts. Brimming with malls, department stores, and people heading to and from towering office buildings, this bustling center is worth at least a short visit during your trip to Miami. Downtown Miami is home to the iconic Bayside Marketplace, an open air mall with cute eateries and shops that is Miami’s most visited tourist attraction. Downtown is also where you can catch a Miami Heat game or stroll along the Miami Riverwalk. Brickell has some fun nightlife spots and is filled with art galleries, boutiques, high-end restaurants, and rooftop bars, giving this urban neighborhood more of a “local” feel. Don’t miss the Brickell City Centre for some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in the area during a weekend in Miami!
My picks for best Brickell and Downtown Miami Tours: Speedboat Sightseeing Tour of Miami; Miami Combo Tour: City Sightseeing, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride; City Tour Miami PLUS (City Tour + Boat Tour)
Things to Do in Miami with Kids
Miami boasts lots of awesome things to do with kids, offering a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities. On a rainy day, head to Zoo Miami or the Frost Science Museum to keep the kids engaged all day long. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is gorgeous for an afternoon stroll, the Miami Seaquarium is a classic Miami family activity, and the kids will love splashing around in Coral Gables’ historic Venetian Pool. Of course, the beach is always a great activity to do with kids in Miami and is one of the fantastic free things to do in Miami as well!
My picks for best Miami tours with kids: Skip the Line: Zoo Miami Ticket with Optional Upgrade; Go Miami All-Inclusive Pass with Hop-on Hop-off and Zoo Miami; Miami Seaquarium ticket
Miami Bus Tours
Miami bus tours are a great way to make Miami sightseeing stress free. Explore the city’s top destinations with ease as a local guide explains pertinent details. Consider reserving a Hop On Hop Off Miami bus ticket for an optimal Miami bus tour experience.
My picks for best Miami Bus Tours: Big Bus Miami Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour; Discover Miami with the City Tour in a Luxury Bus
Day Trips From Miami
There are lots of fun day trips from Miami to add to your Miami itinerary. Some of the best day trips are to the scenic Florida Keys and the nearby Everglades National Park. Consider a Key West Tour from Miami to make exploring the Florida Keys hassle free. Alternatively, the Everglades are just south of the city, making for the perfect day trip from Miami. Check out alligators, crocodiles, and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat on an Everglades tour from Miami!
My picks for best day trips from Miami: Key West Tour from Miami; 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park; Everglades Tours From Miami
Best Miami Tours
No Miami vacation is complete without some great Miami tours! When you’re planning a trip to Miami consider adding some of these classic tours:
Where to Stay in Miami
My picks for where to stay in Miami: Posh South Beach Hostel; Loews Miami Beach Hotel; EAST Miami
You’ve got lots of great options for where to stay in Miami. The best neighborhoods to stay in during your Miami trip are Miami Beach, South Beach, Brickell, and the Design District.
If you plan to spend the majority of your Miami vacation on the beach, there’s no question you should be staying in Miami Beach. A separate island to Miami’s mainland, you’ll get the full Miami experience from chic beach resorts and restaurants to vibrant bars and nightclubs. Miami Beach offers a relatively calm, beachy vibe with high-end shops and restaurants on Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road, plus a plethora of art and history museums. The southern part of Miami Beach is South Beach, which offers a different vibe entirely.
South Beach is where the party’s at! Here you’ll find Instagram influencers, celebrities, and young people looking for a wild time. Stay here for proximity to a variety of bars, nightclubs, and iconic Ocean Drive, where you can eat, drink, and admire the art deco architecture. And of course, you’re right on the beach. If your budget won’t allow for the Four Seasons or other South Beach Miami luxury hotels, consider staying in a hostel. My personal experience staying at the Posh South Beach Hostel was nothing but clean, pleasant, and included several free things like breakfast, towels, WiFi, and city maps. Many hostels in the area offer affordable group nightclub crawls which are great for solo travelers hoping to experience Miami’s infamous nightlife in a fun and safe way.
Brickell is located on Miami’s mainland, and is the city’s main financial and business hub. With plenty of cute boutiques, high-end restaurants, and charming cafes, Brickell is another great option for where to stay in Miami. Brickell has some fun nightlife options and will give you a feel for the more “local” Miami.
Finally, the Miami Design District is another great place to stay during your Miami getaway. This trendy neighborhood offers tons of cool things to do, including the Institute of Contemporary Art, plenty of art galleries, upscale boutiques, stylish restaurants, and more. Plus, the Design District borders Wynwood which has tons of funky art installations and a buzzing nightlife.
How to Get Around in Miami
The best way to get around in Miami is by car. Whether you rent a car or have your own, driving is definitely the easiest and most convenient way to get around the city. Uber and Lyft are other popular options for getting around, but Ubering everywhere will start to get expensive quicker than you think!
Some parts of Miami offer a free trolley as a convenient travel option, though it may not always be punctual. If you plan to stay around the Downtown Miami and Brickell areas, the Metromover is another free method of public transportation, but it’s only convenient if you’re traveling in those areas. There are bus routes throughout the city, but you might burn to a crisp waiting for the bus in the hot sun!
Miami bus tours and other Miami tours are great options for Miami sightseeing, and Hop On Hop Off Miami tours will allow you to easily and conveniently explore the city’s top sights. Miami tours will allow you to get a feel for the distinct neighborhoods in the city and will take you everywhere you need to go for a flat fee!
Where to Eat in Miami
There are endless options for where to eat in Miami and plenty of wild spots to party. Here are some of my favorite bars and restaurants in the city to spice up your Miami vacation!
My Favorite Bars in Miami
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila South Beach – Tacos & tequila, speakeasy-style nightclub, South Beach
El Patio Wynwood – Trendy Latin music bar, Wynwood
Los Altos – Speakeasy, tequila, and cocktail lounge, Little Havana
La Victoria – Latin-inspired nightclub, Miami Design District
Astra – (My favorite!!) chic rooftop bar, Wynwood
The Wharf – Fun and wild outdoor bar scene, Miami River
SLS Pool Party – Classic Miami-style pool party, South Beach
Mila – Chic rooftop bar, South Beach
Sugar at East – Very trendy rooftop bar, reservation required but worth it!, Brickell
Joia Beach – Amazing happy hour in scenic location, Jungle Island
My Favorite Restaurants in Miami
Versailles – Iconic Cuban restaurant (Don’t visit Miami without stopping into Versailles!!), Little Havana
Komodo – Upscale Asian Fusion, Brickell
Tacology – Vibrant Mexican with amazing tacos!!, Brickell
Motek Cafe – Hip Israeli/Mediterranean, Downtown Miami
Bagel Cove Restaurant and Deli – Traditional Jewish deli (located in Northern Miami, but the food is worth it!), Aventura
1-800 Lucky – Fun indoor/outdoor Asian food hall, Wynwood
Lagniappe – Charming craft beer, wine, and cheese patio, Midtown
Carrot Express – My favorite spot for healthy food in Miami!, Multiple locations
Big Pink – UNREAL dessert! Enormous slices of cake – South Beach
Forte Dei Marmi – Upscale Italian, get the cacio e pepe in a cheese wheel!, South Beach
Casa Tua – Romantic Italian, make sure to sit in the garden, South Beach
Chotto Matte – Japanese/Peruvian fusion with a cool vibe, Miami Beach
Pubbelly Sushi – Trendy sushi, Brickell
Mayami – Stylish Mexican cantina – Wynwood
Aroma – Israeli cafe straight out of Tel Aviv!, South Beach
Check out my Recommended Travel Essentials page for more useful resources for planning a trip to Miami!
Miami Tips and FAQs
When is the best time to visit Miami?
The best time to visit Miami is from April to November, which is the city’s dry season. Temperatures are mild, crowds are fewer, and it rains way less than in the summer. That said, Miami experiences warm weather year round and is a popular winter destination for those coming from colder cities. Summer can get extremely hot, but luckily you’ve got the Atlantic Ocean right there! Any time is a great time for a Miami trip!
Is Miami safe?
Yes, Miami is a relatively safe city to visit. Of course, there are some seedy areas you won’t want to stumble into, especially at night, but if you stick around the touristy areas during your Miami trip you will be fine. Always keep an eye out for pickpockets in crowded places, never walk alone at night, and keep your wits about you whenever you’re visiting an unfamiliar city.
What are the best foods in Miami?
There are plenty of incredible things to eat in Miami, but one thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss out on authentic Cuban food during your Miami trip! Whether you take a food tour of Little Havana or pop into any of the authentic local Cuban spots on your own, a Cuban sandwich, Ropa Vieja, and a mojito should all be on your must-try list! Miami also has excellent seafood as it’s right on the Atlantic Ocean, and because the city is such a cultural melting pot, international cuisine of all varieties is typically pretty good in Miami. Don’t forget to stop by a traditional Jewish deli for a pastrami sandwich and matzo ball soup like Bubbe used to make!
Is Miami expensive?
Yes, Miami is relatively expensive. From pricey hotel rooms to the cost of dining out, cocktails, beach chairs, and nightclub cover charges, a trip to Miami can start to add up quickly! While there are plenty of free things to do in Miami, if you’re planning a Miami vacation you’ll definitely want to start saving up!
Traveling Alone or Want to Join a Tour?
If planning your Miami vacation is overwhelming and you’d rather experience the city on an organized group tour, check out Intrepid US tours for your Miami trip! Taking an Intrepid tour will maximize your Miami sightseeing experience by offering you a knowledgeable local guide and likeminded travel companions. Intrepid Travel really does a great job of giving guests the local experience and offers super authentic add-ons. Best of all, Intrepid focuses on sustainable travel and their tours are typically quite affordable! I have personally used Intrepid for my travels and can’t recommend them enough.
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