Miami is a gloriously sunny city made fascinating by diversity. Different kinds of people and cultures make it vibrant and dynamic. Skyscrapers and nightclubs are aspects of Miami that are just as iconic as beaches, alligators and swamps. And all of the city can be yours to enjoy as you drive through it, stopping to explore the parts that tickle your fancy.
Because of the unique way Miami is geographically situated, exploring by car is the most convenient and efficient way to explore. It is a long, narrow city on the east coast of mainland Florida, but it also includes islands you can get to across bridges. Furthermore, because of Miami’s hot and sunny weather and world-famous scenery, you’ll want to travel at your own pace and in your own best level of comfort. A convertible is the classic choice for exploring the city, but an SUV with its air-conditioning and higher seats for better views might suit you best in The Sunshine State.
Must-see attractions in Miami
1. Lummus Park Beach
If you want to see an iconic Miami beach with bikini-clad women, rollerbladers, ripped jocks working out and people playing volleyball, Lummus Park is it. This park and its beach have been featured in countless movies and TV shows, including “CSI: Miami”. Characterized by a grassy palm tree grove, a smooth and winding sidewalk, and a sandy beach complete with a colorful lifeguard station, Lummus Park does not disappoint. It also offers 2 outside fitness gyms, a playground, restrooms and water fountains.
Address: 1130 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: Spend as much time here as you like
2. Everglades National Park
Are you hoping you see an alligator when you visit Miami (without getting eaten)? Then Everglades National Park, with its 1.5 million acres of protected swampland, is a must-see. A relatively short walk along the Anhinga Trail will allow you to see alligators, birds, snakes and maybe even crocodiles in their natural habitat. The park’s borders start just outside Miami and it’s definitely worth the drive.
Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2-3 hours
3. Little Havana
Cuban culture and people make up and influence so much of Miami life that you will want to go to Little Havana to experience the distinctive cultural scene. Calle Ocho is the main road of the district, featuring specialty food shops, restaurants, ambient Latin music and murals on the walls of buildings. Don’t expect tourist traps and kitschy shops – Little Havana is the real deal – the actual neighborhood where Cubans in Miami live.
Address: At the southern end of Biscayne Bay, west of downtown Miami
Time required to see the attraction: 1-2 hours
4. Historic Art Deco District
Miami Beach is a long, narrow island connected to the mainland by a number of bridges. You’ll find the Art Deco District at the southern end of the island. This district is characterized by sleek pastel buildings from the 1930s and 40s, when Miami had to rebuild after a devastating hurricane in 1926. Upscale restaurants, shops and hotels abound, allowing for a memorable day or perhaps the ideal place to stay.
Address: South Miami Beach
Time required to see the attraction: As long as you like
5. Bayfront Park
At this seaside park next to the Bayfront Marketplace, you can stroll, run, fish, swim or just relax. But some other attractive features include The Light Tower, which is a popular concert venue, and the Challenger Memorial, honoring the crew of the Challenger Space Shuttle that exploded just after take-off in 1986.
Address: 301 North Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: As long as you like
6. Jungle Island
While you are driving through Miami, take advantage of the city’s hot climate and lush vegetation by visiting Jungle Island. At this bird sanctuary and wildlife habitat you can see exotic animals, including parrots, tigers, baboons, monkeys and tortoises. You can even interact with sloths, pink flamingos, lemurs and capybaras. There is also a botanical garden featuring thousands of types of tropical plants.
Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 4-6 hours
7. Coral Castle
Coral Castle is not really a castle nor made of coral, but it is an amazing sight to behold. In 1923, Edward Leedskalnin began carving intricate and unique figures from oolite limestone. He finished the job in 1951, and since he never let anyone watch him work, no one knows how on earth he accomplished such an amazing feat. Take a tour and take lots of pictures of this artistic marvel.
Address: 28655 S. Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-2 hours
8. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
This mansion right on Biscayne Bay is an Italian Renaissance-style villa built in 1916. The 34 rooms situated around a central courtyard feature furniture, artworks and decorative details from five different centuries. Just as breathtaking as the mansion are the lush and cultivated grounds. You’ll enjoy formal gardens, sculptures, pools and fountains. This 28-acre estate is a National Historic Landmark.
Address: 3251 South Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2-3 hours
9. Wynwood Walls Street Art
Vibrant street art enlivens the exterior walls of Miami’s warehouse district. These bold murals are sometimes abstract and sometimes representational, but always fascinating. You can take several different tours to both see the art and learn about the artists and the history of art in the district. More than 8,000 square feet of walls display murals, some painted by street artists who traveled across the county or the globe to paint them.
Address: 266 NW 26th St., Miami, FL 33127
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-2 hours
10. Julia Tuttle Causeway
When you visit Miami, you simply must allow yourself the pleasure of driving across the Julia Tuttle Causeway. This 4.4-mile bridge crosses Biscayne Bay, connecting Miami on the west side to Miami Beach on the east side. You will feel like you are driving across the very waves themselves as you traverse this bridge named for the founder of Miami.
Address: Interstate 195/Florida State Road 112 across Biscayne Bay
Time required to see the attraction: Roughly 5 minutes to drive across the causeway
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Miami
Miami has such a vibrant blend of cultures, and the food reflects the exciting diversity.
Finka Table & Tap: In this spacious restaurant with wooden tables and booth seating, you can enjoy bold Cuban cuisine. This restaurant is in western Miami away from the water, but the authentic Cuban food is worth it. Signature dishes include croquette pizza and arroz con pollo fritters. You can also enjoy craft cocktails.
Joe’s Stone Crab Restuarant: This restaurant in South Beach is known for – what else – stone crab claws! Joe’s has been serving this iconic Miami seafood for over a century. This elegant restaurant has an old-world look and feel but a casual and relaxed vibe. Aside from the crab claws, Joe’s also has a full menu of starters, sides, entrees, sandwiches and desserts.
Stubborn Seed: This Miami Beach restaurant dazzles with inspired American cuisine. It offers an eight-course chef’s tasting menu that you won’t regret ordering. Stubborn Seed’s signature dishes include roasted barramundi over onion and citrus stew and cacio e pepe cheese puffs.
