Port of Miami and Skyline (Photo Credit: eskystudio)
Here’s a list of things to do in Miami, Florida, the cruise capital of the world. This list is catered to cruise ship passengers who are looking to fill up their time with fun things to do and see in the area before or after their cruise.
As a cruiser, when you think of Miami, Florida, one thing probably comes to mind, and that is the starting or ending point of your cruise adventures. And while you probably love this sunny city, you might not have discovered every fun and interesting thing to do.
Miami is not only the largest cruise port in the world but also an enticing holiday destination that everyone should explore and experience at least once or many times in their lives.
In This Article:
What to Do in Miami, Florida
Think about the culture, the food, the people, the party atmosphere, the shopping, the beach, the music, and the outdoor adventures, and you’ll see why Miami is an important first or last port of call.
As such, we have gone ahead to list 50 things to do in Miami, Florida, for cruise visitors to help you discover or plan for your next Miami adventure on your upcoming cruise.
Port of Miami
The Port of Miami, officially known as Dante B. Fascell, is located on Dodge Island just across from downtown Miami. It’s the largest passenger port in the world and docks over 22 cruise ship lines. It’s where most Caribbean cruises start and end, giving rise to the name Cruise Capital of the World.
As such, the port of Miami is busy. So, to kick your cruise vacation off smoothly, knowing how to navigate this port destination is crucial. Luckily, despite Miami’s size, it has an incredibly well-laid-out transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and even monorails.
So, getting from one place to another is easy. It’s, however, important to give yourself a one or two-hour head start, especially when coming in from the Fort Lauderdale or Miami International Airport.
Cruise Ships at PortMiami (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
If you plan to spend a few days in Miami before or after your cruise, get a hotel that is near the cruise port or downtown Miami and offers cruise parking services while you are gone and complimentary shuttle transfers to the port. These factors are crucial to saving you massive logistics headaches.
Though parking at the port is rather expensive, it’s much safer and more convenient. However, if you want to park on a budget, you can look for nearby parking lots such as Safe Cruise Parking and Premier Cruise Parking. Let’s explore what you can do in Miami:
1. Shop at Bayside Mall
To jump-start your Miami experience, take a stroll in the Bayside Marketplace. This lovely waterfront market features over 150 shopping outlets. It has some of the best restaurants in Miami and is the perfect introduction to the Magic City.
Here is where you can shop for souvenirs, trendy vacation clothing, and accessories. Bayside Market is also a great place to just relax, get lunch and sip on a refreshing drink while you peoplewatch.
Watching the boats coming in and out of the harbor is also a great way to pass some time before your cruise sets sail.You can purchase all your Miami souvenirs right here.
2. Enjoy the Bayside Nightlife
Miami is a party destination like no other. The magic city never sleeps. One of the best ways to experience Miami is at night. Start by admiring the beautiful skyline, which is even more magical when it’s lit at night.
Go on a night city tour aboard the hop-on-hop-off tour bus. Go night fishing. Grab dinner and a drink at one of the high-end rooftop restaurants in the area. Or enjoy a late-night movie.
3. Relax at Miami Beach
You can’t say you have been to Miami without visiting iconic Miami Beach. This world-famous beach is actually an island off the main city that is connected by bridges.
It’s where you find the iconic Art Deco district and some of Miami’s high-end resorts and neighborhoods. The beach itself is a long, wide stretch of soft white sand that is perfect for a day in the sun and sand.
4. Experience Cuban Culture at Little Havana
Miami is said to have the largest Cuban Expat Community. Cubans have a very rich cultural heritage that can be explored in the vibrant Cuban neighborhood of Calle Ocho or 8th Street.
There is a lot to do in this neighborhood, but nothing beats sampling Cuban cuisine. Enjoy Cuban specials such as toasted Cuban Sandwiches or hot Cuban coffee and mouth-watering pastries.
You can also go on a stroll through the neighborhood and learn some Cuban, check out their art, and dance to the tune of salsa and rumba. Or spectate a zealous game of Dominos at the park. If you are into cigars, then this is the place to get quality Cuban cigars. To wrap up, cool off with a Cuban ice cream at Azucar.
All in all, a trip to Little Havana is bound to leave you with a rich appreciation of Cuban culture, not soon to be forgotten.
5. Get Some Cuban Inspiration at Versailles
You can’t visit Little Havana and miss checking out Versailles. It’s known as the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world. Established over 40 years ago, Versailles became a local gathering zone of the Cuban expat community in Miami.
The ornately designed restaurant embodies the family-oriented Cuban culture and is a great place to visit with the family and enjoy the best dishes Cuba has to offer. The café Cubano served at the bakery is a great caffeine fix for your vacation.
6. Cruise Along Ocean Drive
There is no better way to take in Miami Beach’s fashionable Art Deco district and its majestic business front than cruising along Ocean Drive.
Ocean Drive is a 1.3-mile-long boulevard that starts at South Pointe on the southern side of Miami Beach to 15th Street on the north. This iconic Street features high-end restaurants, eye-popping art museums, and big-name shopping outlets.
Take a stroll or bike along the palm-lined boulevard, exploring the StreetSide cafes, unusual art sculptures, big-name fashion outlets and all manner of retail stores. Rest your feet at one of the eateries and enjoy people-watching while you sip on a refreshing cold drink.
7. Get it All Covered on the Bus Tour
Don’t know where you are going? But want to go anyway? Why don’t you try a bus tour? Bus tours are the best and fastest way to become acquainted with a town. Luckily, Miami has several of those. Take a hop-on hop-off tour of the town and visit the town’s most popular districts and their attractions.
Hit the beach, Coconut Grove, Little Havana, and Art Deco Street all in one tour. These are guided tours that take place in air-conditioned, open-air double-decker buses. Enjoy learning the town’s history while you hop from one part of the town to the next.
8. Millionaire’s Row
Get on a luxurious yacht and explore the spectacular row of celebrity houses on Millionaire’s Row. Apart from catching a glimpse of celebrity living, this tour also cruises along the bay and takes you around the city. This gives you a beautiful view of the Miami Skyline, the port, Fishers Island, and the iconic Miami Beach.
9. Bayfront Park
Swing by Bayfront Park, located just downtown off of Bayside Drive. This is a nice 32-acre park dotted with lush swaying palm trees, perfect for taking shelter away from the heat and bustle of town. It has benches to sit on, a beautiful fountain and an amphitheater.
If you are lucky enough, you can catch a play or music performance at the place. Enjoy the scenic waterfront as you watch the cruise ships’ movements and the Miami Skyline on the other side. In the right season, you might even get a special sighting of Dolphins and Manatees offshore.
10. Experience Miami Seaquarium
Enjoy a couple of hours at the Miami Seaquarium, a 38-acre Oceanarium right in Downtown Miami. Miami Seaquarium is an amazing place to take the kids to meet Miami’s famous aquatic friends. There are dolphins, sea lions, whales and manatee shows that will wow you and teach you a ton about these adorable marine animals.
Apart from marine mammals, there is a variety of fish life on display as well, including sharks. Interact with birds at the aviary and learn a thing or two about them, too.
Pro tip: Save money by getting as many discount coupons as you can to reduce the price of accessing the Seaquarium. The prices are a bit high. Carry your own /snacks so you don’t have to buy the overpriced food served there.
11. South Beach
South Beach is Miami, Florida’s best beach. It’s the wide swath of pristine soft sands and clear waters south of Miami Beach. Here is where you find the glitzy oceanfront resorts and condos frequented by the rich and famous.
South Beach, otherwise known as the American Riviera, is that beautiful beach you see in every movie or TV show set in Miami. It’s home to the famous Art Deco district and the iconic Ocean Drive. Travel sunscreen is essential if you’re going here.
Here is where you want to go and enjoy a day in the sun, sand, and sea with a decent amount of people watching or hanging out. This is a party beach where the atmosphere is ever-vibrant. There are plenty of restaurants and high-end dining scenes nearby where you can indulge in the delectable Miami cuisine.
South Beach is everything you dream about when you think of a beach and more. However, being the prettiest beach in the country means that it gets crowded. But that-to-many is the charm of the beach.
12. Relax at Lummus Park Beach
Still on South Beach is the beautiful Lummus Park. A green grassy area covered with swaying palm trees also features a kid’s playground. This shaded beach area at Lummus Park is perfect for a family picnic and offers much-needed respite from the sun’s scorching heat.
13. Explore Vizcaya Museum
One of Miami’s most popular attractions, a national treasure, in fact, is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This sprawling ornate mansion from the Italian Renaissance era takes you back to the affluent living of the wealthy from the period of 15th to 19th centuries.
The grand mansion on-site features the best of Mediterranean architecture, furniture, décor, and stunning artwork. Surrounding the mansion are perfectly manicured gardens featuring hundreds of orchids and tree species. Enjoy the beautiful courtyard with its ornate water fountains and statues.
14. Embrace Modern Art at Pérez Art Museum Miami
Pérez Art Museum Miami, or PAMM for short, is a modern museum showcasing contemporary Artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries. This intriguing museum is located near the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami. The museum building itself is a piece of artwork that features stunning hanging garden decorations on the building’s façade.
You have the opportunity to learn and observe thought-provoking art in a 45-minute guided tour of the museum. Then, enjoy the breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay’s waterfront from the raised seating area at the Verde Hotel.
15. Open Air Art Exhibit at Wynwood Walls
Feast your eyes on the evolutionary art scene at the colorful Wynwood Walls. North of downtown Miami is a rehabilitated warehouse district whose walls are now large-scale canvases for local and international artists such as Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf, and other great artists.
A vision of the late Tony Goldman, the Wynwood Walls has featured different artists every year since 2009. Visit this popular and important art museum featuring over 80,000 square feet of painted murals and enjoy some eye-pleasing visual displays of talent.
16. Shows at Jungle Island
Extraordinary performances are what you are promised at the 18-acre park in the heart of Miami. Located on Watson Island between downtown Miami and South Beach.
Jungle Island is an animal park featuring some of the rarest animals in the world. It is set in a picturesque tropical setup where everything looks like paradise, from waterfalls and streams to the thick canopy of the tropical forest.
Jungle Island, Miami (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
The main draw to Jungle Island is, however, the sail-covered arena that houses the park’s shows. Here, you can enjoy entertaining bird and wild cat shows like in no other place.
The private beach on the park housing a waterpark with water slides is another draw to the park. Jungle Island is easy to get to via southbound bus or taxi, which charges anywhere between $2 and $30 fare.
17. Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Spark your wonder at the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science located in the museum park. This Planetarium is set in an architecturally gorgeous building overlooking the Miami skyline in the museum park.
Frost Museum features one of the best planetariums in the world and a spectacular multi-level aquarium. The museum’s 500,000-gallon aquarium is a hit with the kids and adults alike. It has all manner of marine life representing the aquatic life of the Gulf of South Florida.
Peer into the glass of the aquarium as you learn the ways of sharks and other interesting marine life. Learn new information about corals, mangroves and the entire ocean ecosystem.
Or gaze at the stars in the observatory level of the museum using a powerful telescope. And don’t miss the 3D 8k visual system in a tilted 250-seater auditorium that creates a realistic space experience.
18. Miami Children’s Museum
Tap into your inner child in an interactive play and learning experience at the Miami Children’s Museum. The Miami Children’s Museum is a two-story, brightly colored and playfully designed building in the middle of Watson Island. It has 17 galleries separated into sections that offer interactive and entertaining fun learning.
Aimed at enriching your kids with a zeal to learn using a playful environment. This museum is a hit with the little ones, especially the pirate fun, animal pet farm, and play areas. There is even a picnic area outside the museum and a subway place for lunch.
19. Cool Down at the Venetian Pool
Take a refreshing dip in the Venetian Pools of Coral Gables. Experience a century-old outdoor freshwater natural pool formed out of an abandoned coral quarry.
The Venetian pool is surrounded by lush, exotic tropical vegetation, with mesmerizing waterfalls and wondrous caves. Lay your towel on a piece of rock, explore the area, take a plunge into the pool and enjoy a drink or snack from the café.
20. Miami Design District
Step into the creative district of Miami, located on South Beach and experience an avant-garde mix of innovative architecture, fashion, art, and culinary experiences. Most people go for the art and stay for the shopping.
Take a walk through this artsy district bearing intriguing new-age art that is both thought-provoking and relaxing at the same time. Dine at the sophisticated street-side restaurants. Or go designer shopping at the shopping hub of high-end brand names such as YSL, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Louboutin and many more. Hours fly by in this area of Miami.
21. South Pointe Park Pier
Take a stroll at South Pointe Park Pier. The 17-acre park located at the southern tip of South Beach is a huge attraction in Miami. It features perfectly manicured green spaces with plenty of shade from an abundance of palm trees and is surrounded by a walkway perfect for jogging, biking, roller-skating, or just strolling.
Relax on the park’s benches and watch as the cruise ships come and go. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a picnic on the grounds, or grill up some steak.
South Pointe Park Pier, Miami (Photo Credit: Jon Bilous)
Or just try the Smith and Wollensky restaurant, famous for its great dishes and aesthetic dining with a rooftop seating area offering great vistas of the ocean. The kids will surely love the splash pad in the place.
You can also embark on a South Beach Cultural Food and Walking Tour, where you can discover some new South Beach gourmet while receiving an educational overview of the culture surrounding the cuisine. The route takes you right through the Art Deco Historic District, and you can choose from a lunch or dinnertime departure.
22. Adventure at the Everglades National Park
You haven’t been to Florida until you’ve set foot on its crown jewel, the Everglades National Park. These protected swamplands sit on a whopping 1.5 million acres. This is the home to some of the world’s largest crocodiles, alligators, snakes, birds, and other animal species. You can also check out this half-day trip here.
Hop on an exciting airboat tour of the marshland to catch a glimpse of sunning alligators, fish, birds and wetlands creatures of all shapes and sizes. There are trails and boardwalks for visitors to explore the park and observe its animal inhabitants in their daily lives.
23. American Airlines Arena
Feel the heat, sing along, or dance to the tune; whatever the event, you can expect to have loads of fun at the American Airlines Arena. Home to the NBA Miami Heat, this Arena is the place to catch incredible basketball games, concerts, plays, and theater performances.
24. Coral Castle Museum
Visit the mysterious Coral Castle found in the Homestead district of Miami. Explore the beautiful coral formations that were created almost a century ago.
The coral formations at the place are quite interesting. But the mystery of how a 100-pound, 5-foot tall man single-handedly excavated, moved, shaped and created 1100 tons of coral without the help of any man or machinery– is perhaps the biggest draw to the place. Marvel at a 9-ton coral gate that moves with just a single push of the hand.
25. Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College
Stop by the iconic Freedom Tower on Biscayne Boulevard. This was the first real skyscraper in Miami and the Southeast United States. The Freedom Tower is hard to miss! It’s the beautiful, brightly painted tall building amongst the sea of glass-window skyscrapers in downtown Miami just opposite American Airlines Arena.
The tower has a long history but is best known for its role as a refuge center for Cubans who were escaping Castro’s communism in the 1960s. Today, it houses the MOAD museum and showcases the history, culture, and arts of Miami.
26. Visit Biscayne National Park
When visiting Biscayne National Park, you will get to see a variety of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and coral reefs that are protected within this water wonderland in Miami. The reefs and islands can only be accessed by boat.
Biscayne National Park (Photo Credit: aka_An_Lee)
But it is worth the trip for the chance to see dolphins, turtles, and pelicans that hang out and live in Biscayne Bay Lagoon. There is also a Maritime Heritage Trail that links to different dive sites in the area, most of them being shipwrecks.
27. Family Getaway at Matheson Hammock Park
While still in the Coral Gables region, head on over to Matheson Hammock Park, located south of Coral Gables. Matheson is a beautiful urban park in a tropical setting with a mangrove, marina, and a manmade atoll.
These natural features make Matheson the absolute family getaway while in Miami. The park has something for the entire family. You and the kids can enjoy a dip in the shallow atoll, which is constantly replenished by the waters of Biscayne Bay or go kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing. You can also take one of the nature trails to explore the park, the mangrove, and the entire wetlands.
Another interesting attraction in the park is the scenic restaurant set in an old coral building that serves up delicious meals. It’s definitely worth a visit, especially for a romantic dinner in the evening to enjoy the Miami skyline visible across the Bay.
28. Explore Bill Baggs Cape Florida
For a relaxing day away from it all, try Bill Baggs Cape, Florida Park. Bill Baggs is the tranquil tropical park located at the tip of Key Biscayne that covers a third of the entire Key.
At this park, you can beach bum on one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. Or go hiking and biking along twisted nature trails. You can also get active in the water by kayaking, sailing, fishing, and swimming. The historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825, is also found in the park.
When you get hungry, there is the lighthouse café and boaters grill at the lagoon to serve you scrumptious seafood dishes.
29. Relax at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Botanic Gardens is a tranquil 83-acre botanic garden surrounded by the Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables. This tropical paradise doubles as a plant research center and has the largest collection of palms and cycads. Fairchild is home to fragrant flowers, orchids and exotic plants from all over the world.
The garden itself is exquisitely designed and set in a picturesque landscape bearing lakes, perfectly manicured green grounds and large areas covered by palm trees. Take guided tours of the garden and stop by the butterfly sanctuary for a wonderful experience.
30. Explore Lincoln Road Like a Local
This busy pedestrian road running from the Atlantic Ocean on the east to Biscayne Bay on the west is a popular tourist attraction. Lincoln Road Mall is where you want to go for all your shopping needs. Or to sample mouth-watering dishes at eateries found along the entire road.
31. Holocaust Memorial
Take time to reflect at the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach. This sacred place is marked by a 40-foot tall hand sculpture stretching towards the sky, which is called the Love and Anguish statue.
It portrays great suffering yet even greater love of people helping one another up to the last moment. Walking through the site, you can pay tribute to the 6 million Jews who died in the Holocaust.
The site also bears black plaques on the wall that narrate the history of the Holocaust in moving black and white images. It’s a great way to learn about the Holocaust and remember why we need to love one another.
32. Study Jewish History at the Jewish Museum
Catch up on Jewish history at the Jewish Museum in Miami. History buffs and lovers of stained glass will enjoy a tour of the museum. The museum is hosted in two renovated Jewish synagogues.
They showcase the life and times of Jewish immigration into Miami. Their cultures, beliefs, and history. There are plenty of interesting artifacts displayed. A tour by Howard, a voluntary guide, is a must.
He goes beyond the expected and takes you on a town tour, presenting photographs and showing you places that connect the pieces of the puzzle to give you an in-depth and richer understanding of Jewish history.
33. Step Back in Time at Arch Creek Park
One of the free things to do in North Miami is visit Arch Creek Park and Museum. The park is small but has an interesting history of Tequesta and Seminole Indians, who were the native inhabitants of the place.
The park itself adorns tall hardwood trees and a myriad of tropical flora. It had an iconic limestone bridge believed to have been used as a nature trail by the native Indian tribes. Today, the bridge is collapsed, but it’s still a sight.
There are picnic areas in the park with tables and benches great for a family outing. One of the highlights of the park is the small museum in the area. The museum displays an interesting history of the place and its inhabitants, with 500 artifacts.
34. Visit Zoo Miami
A day out in the wild at Zoo Miami could be the highlight of your Miami vacation. Zoo Miami is the largest and oldest zoological park in all of Florida. Seated on 750 acres of land, this cageless zoo is like a mini wildlife park and requires a good amount of time to explore.
It features over 3000 animals from 500 different species. The animal’s habitats are created to resemble their exact natural habitats.
At Zoo Miami, you get to see and feed giraffes and hang out with the birds at the aviary. Or check out tigers, jaguars, elephants, lions, rhinos and many other kinds of animals. Zoo Miami is a great place to spend a day and a good learning opportunity for the entire family. A bus, train or taxi can take you to the park. Buses on Route 137 make regular stops at the park.
35. Beach Getaway at Crandon Park
Visit Crandon Park on the northern tip of Key Biscayne. This 800-acre park is just what you need for a beach escape. The park offers great nature trails through mangroves, sand dunes, and forests. It features a tennis and golf course. But the most popular draw is the 2-mile-long white sandy beach on the Atlantic side.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your day at Crandon Park. You can lie on the beach, play tennis or go golfing. You can also go hiking and have a picnic; the possibilities are endless.
36. More Art Deco at the Wolfsonian
The Wolfsonian is a museum in the middle of the art district that showcases interesting and thought-provoking art deco pieces of the period between 1850 to now. The museum’s objective is to show innovative art from the past and how it has formed or shaped modern-day Art Deco.
It’s a unique museum that bears stunning architecture and more interesting Art Deco pieces collected from all over Europe and America. The Wolfsonian is a nice place to escape from the crowds of people on South Beach.
37. Kayak or Paddle Board at Oleta Park
Take a break from the noise in the city at the Oleta State Park. This is the largest urban park in South Florida. The 1000-acre park, located about 30 minutes north of downtown Miami, is a good place to go biking, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The park’s nature trails that wind and twist through the forest, along the mangroves, and over the sand dunes make hiking and biking a thrilling challenge.
The calm waters of the Oleta River inspire tranquil explorations on paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. The beautiful grounds are perfect for picnicking and camping. You can also catch dinner fishing at the pier or sun and tan at the beach. In short, Oleta has everything you need for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
38. Unwind at the Ancient Spanish Monastery
One of Miami’s most beloved landmarks is the Ancient Spanish Monastery, located 15 minutes from Aventura Mall, north of Miami. This is believed to be the oldest building in the Americas, built-in 1133.
The Ancient Spanish Monastery has a long and intriguing history. It was originally built in Segovia, Spain, and was home to monks for over 700 years before it was bought by Media magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1925. Who then transported the monastery back to the US, brick by brick and was later reassembled in Miami.
Today, the monastery is a church with beautiful grounds for weddings, picnics, and photography. The building itself has been maintained in its original beauty with its spectacular architecture featuring detailed cloisters, pillars, columns, and sculptures.
The Spanish Monastery is a must-visit while in Miami. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but always inquire ahead because it is usually closed when there are private functions or filming events.
39. Catch a Late Night Movie
Miami never sleeps and has over a dozen cinemas where you can catch a late-night movie. Most of these movies are foreign independent films that are very educational and entertaining.
When you can’t sleep and want to do something at night besides admiring Miami’s beautifully lit skyline, then pop into one of the late-night cinemas and enjoy a classic movie or two.
40. Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina
If you are looking for a private and secluded beach, then you can find it at the Homestead Bayfront Park. This beautiful, tranquil park located south of Biscayne Bay in Homestead is the gateway to the Florida Keys. Here is where tours to the Florida Keys start. The park has a peaceful and well-organized marina known as Herbert Hoover Marina.
Apart from that, it’s a great place to go with your family for picnics and a day at the beach. There are picnic benches by the water and a restaurant on site that serves delicious food. The restaurant also has an elevated deck where you can enjoy the scenic water vistas before you.
41. Deering Estate
Visit this important piece of history in Miami. The Deering Estate is an over 400-acre estate located at the edge of Biscayne Bay. Here, you can take a tour of the lovely mansion called the Stone House or of the Richmond cottage right next to it.
The guided tours teach a lot of history about Charles Deering and the history of the place. The manicured grounds are excellent for picnics, weddings, and beautiful outdoor events.
Nature trails in the adjacent forest park are insightful into the history of the original Indian inhabitants and bear an archaeological site where 10,000-year-old fossilized human remains were retrieved.
The beautiful estate is graced by a beautiful waterfront that is the perfect launching place for a canoe or kayak adventure to the nearby mangroves. The estate charges $15 adults and $7 kids access fee. Parking is free.
42. Best Cinnamon Rolls at Knaus Berry
On your way to the Keys is a stop you shouldn’t miss. The Knaus Berry Farm is found in Homestead. This farm-fresh dessert and confectionaries café is a must-visit for one delicious reason: their Cinnamon rolls.
It’s not surprising to find a mile-long queue waiting to sample the sweet cinnamon rolls baked fresh at the café. Jump in line or go at an off-peak hour during the weekday and sample this mouth-watering treat. You will probably go back for more. Keep in mind that there are only two seasons in South Florida—when the farm is open and when it’s not. The farm closes for the summer.
43. Go on a Food Tour of Miami
Miami is not only a world art destination but also serves up some of the most exquisite and varied cuisines in the world. Starting with the delicious Cuban sandwich served almost everywhere in Little Havana.
The popular Floridian dessert Key Lime Pie, Joe’s Stone Crabs, Ceviche, Churrasco, Fish Sandwiches and fried fish or grilled lobster are other popular mouth-watering specials in Miami. All these choices can be had at almost any other restaurant in Miami.
44. Enjoy Cocktails and View at Sugar
Sugar is an Asian rooftop bar and restaurant found at the top of the East Miami hotel. It’s known for its venue, which has a remarkable view of the Miami skyline and a delectable menu.
Go for the drinks and stay for the views. You will love the atmosphere in this gorgeous tropical roof bar setting. However, note that since it’s a trendy place, it’s best to visit on days it would be less crowded, like on a weekday.
45. Go Skydiving
Cross sky diving off your bucket list by going sky diving in Miami. The Skydive Miami operators are located in Homestead. This is a thrilling adventure that you should try at least once in your lifetime.
Jump out of an airplane thousands of feet above the ground and enjoy amazing aerial views of Miami. The heart will be pumping and adrenaline rushing. Creating a high you are not soon to forget. The instructors are professional and regard your safety as a top priority.
46. Try Miami Fishing
Miami is an angler’s paradise. It’s a hotspot for flat and deep sea fishing on Biscayne Bay and the Gulf Stream, respectively. There are plenty of fishing charters available and experienced captains who know where the fish are gathering.
Charter a fishing trip and head out to the deep blue sea for big fish such as swordfish, Mahi Mahi, grouper, amberjack, cobia, and tuna. In the shallow waters of the flats, you are likely to hook tarpons, bonefish, snooks, and redfish.
47. Robert Is Here Grocery Store
While in Homestead, stop by the popular fruit stand and farm, Robert Is Here. You can sample their legendary smoothies made from fresh fruit. You can also explore, sample and purchase a wide array of fresh vegetables, exotic tropical fruits, salsas, sauces, and honey that are on display or visit the milkshake counter and try out their famous Key Lime Shake.
Then, go out back and check out the amazing petting farm featuring goats, ducks, donkeys, ostriches, and turtles. There is also an aviary that is home to exotic birds.
48. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has one of the only two living coral reefs in the continental United States. It’s located on Key Largo and features 70 nautical miles of Marine Park, designated as a national historic place.
One of the most popular activities in the park is snorkeling. The healthy reef at the place is teeming with marine life and is a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike.
49. Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina
Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina, otherwise known as the gateway to the Keys, is a lovely urban park in Homestead. It’s located on South Biscayne Bay near the Coral reef of the Florida Keys. Homestead Bayfront Park is an ideal beach park to get away to.
The park features the Herbert Hoover Marina, a launching pad for Florida Keys boat tours. The small beach lagoon is perfect for swimming and shallow enough for the little ones to enjoy.
You can go kayaking, picnicking and hiking in this park. Or spend your day on the sun, sand, and sea admiring the comings and goings at the Marina. It’s a nice way to kill some hours while in Miami.
50. Movie or Concert at the Olympia Theatre
Olympia Theatre is a hidden gem in downtown Miami that you should visit while in town. The theater hosts films, plays, concerts, and movies in an architecturally gorgeous building. The architecture further enhances the experiences you have here. This theater is of historical importance, having been built in 1926 and maintained in the same historic setting to date.
51. Railroad Museum
Another hidden or forgotten Miami treasure is the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. It is a museum dedicated to the railroad history of America. It houses over 40 historic rail cars and memorabilia, including the Ferdinand Magellan presidential railcar that Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Truman, and Reagan rode.
Gold Coast Rail Museum also houses a model train and the Thomson link train for children. Located right next to Miami Zoo, this Museum is worth a visit to explore the railroad history. Besides, the old and rusting railcars make for excellent rustic photo backgrounds.
52. Miami Beach Boardwalk
The Miami Beach Boardwalk is a definite must-see when visiting the area before or after your cruise. You will find a beautiful and scenic pathway stretching seven miles along Miami Beach. There is no cost to walk the boardwalk, and it is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round.
The Miami Beach Boardwalk starts just south of Surfside at 87th Terrace and continues south to 23rd Street, where it becomes a paved surface. This paved boardwalk section runs through Ocean Drive Promenade to 5th Street.
53. Miami Beach Botanical Garden
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is an urban green space in Miami Beach that covers over 2.6 acres. General admission is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 9-5. Here, you will find a Garden Center, Botanical Boutique, and various events throughout the year that are ticketed separately.
54. Art Basel Miami Beach − Annual Event
Will you be visiting Miami in December this year? Art Basel Miami Beach is an annual fair and is one of only four Art Basel fairs in the world next to Hong Kong, Paris, and the founding fair in Basel, Switzerland. This year’s fair will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from December 8th– December 10th, 2023.
Leading galleries from five different continents showcase modern and contemporary art and highlight a new generation of emerging artists. Art Basel Miami Beach dates for 2024 are June 13-16th.
Endless Things to Do in Miami!
As you can see, Miami has plenty of things to consider, setting aside a few days before and after your cruise to explore it all.
The magic city is ever-evolving, and this list is bound to change always, so be on the lookout for even more things to do in Miami. That’s it from us. Have a lovely cruise vacation.
Happy cruising!
Things to Do in Miami: FAQs
When is the best time to visit Miami?
The best time for a cruise out of Miami is from the end of February until early May. This is when you can find the best weather. During this time, there is plenty of sunshine and rain chances are much lower than at other times of the year. For slightly cooler weather, early November to the beginning of December is another great time to visit the greater Miami area.
What can I do in Miami if I only have a few hours available after my cruise?
Many of the things we included on our list above are good to do if you have a few hours to spare after your cruise. For example, you can visit the Perez Art Museum, take an Art Deco walking tour, or visit Miami Seaquarium.
Can I walk from the Miami cruise port to the beach?
If you want to get to the beach on foot, you can go over the bridge by way of Port Boulevard. It will take you about half an hour. If you don’t want to walk, you can take a taxi from any of the Miami cruise terminals or rent a car from the Miami Cruise Port.
What if I am early for my cruise in Miami and need to kill some time? Is there anything to do at the port?
Yes! If you find that you are early for your cruise and need to kill some time, you can visit Seafarer’s Park at the Miami cruise port. It has a swimming pool, restaurant, tennis courts, sand volleyball court, and basketball court. You can also take a stroll over the Causeway Bridge to visit downtown Miami, where you can find a good selection of restaurants and other fun things to do.
