Welcome, dear readers, to the radiant and captivating city of Miami. This sun-soaked paradise beckons travelers from every corner of the globe with its promise of golden beaches, quirky pastel art deco architecture lining palm tree-dotted streets, and the irresistible aroma of exotic culinary delights wafting through the air. But let's not be lured into complacency by the siren call of the sun and sand. Miami Beach has much more to offer, beyond the clichéd postcards and tourist brochures. Allow Tripfox to be your guide as we embark on a journey through this city, discovering the best things to do in Miami Beach and exploring its multifaceted wonders.
Exploring the Shores: Miami's Beaches
Ah, South Beach, the crown jewel of Miami's coastline. If you're a first-time visitor or a repeat offender, South Beach demands your attention. It's the Miami you've seen on countless postcards, where cerulean skies mirror the pristine waters of the Atlantic, and the people exude an energy that's nothing short of infectious. Sink your toes into the sugary sands, take a refreshing dip in the azure waters, rent a jet ski for some adrenaline-pumping fun, or try your hand at windsurfing, all while wondering how you'll ever descend gracefully from your board. And when the sun begins its descent, let the margaritas flow freely, savor a sumptuous Cuban dinner, and maybe even indulge in an early morning jog through the verdant Lummus Park. Repeat as needed, for South Beach's allure is perennial.
Waterfront Wonders
For those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, Sunny Isles Beach beckons with its old-world charm. Pastel 1950s motels and quaint beachfront cottages line the shores, contrasting starkly with the ever-rising skyline of high-rises. Stroll along the Newport Fishing Pier, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, or simply soak up the inviting ambiance of this coastal enclave. With its bright red umbrellas and striped lounge chairs, Sunny Isles exudes warmth and casual elegance, a far cry from the glitz and glamour of South Beach.
Now, for the dog lovers and adventurers among us, Hobie Beach awaits. One of Miami's few pup-friendly beaches, Hobie offers mesmerizing skyline views, tranquil mangrove estuaries, and thrilling offshore winds. So, bring your furry companion and brace yourself for a day of unadulterated fun.
Outdoor Adventures
With beautiful clear skies and warm weather all year round, Miami is a prime destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Get outside and explore the great outdoors. Here are just a few things to do in Miami Beach to get your fix of sunshine and adrenaline rushes.
Water Sports
Deep sea fishing, freshwater fishing, luxury boats, parasailing, speed boats, sunset dining cruises, and sailboat charters await you on the open waters of Greater Miami. Get on board or rent out your own equipment for water sports including jet skiing, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
Did you know that Miami is home to the world’s largest cruise ship port? Surrounded by the beauty of Biscayne Bay and the wide-open waters of the Atlantic, Miami is a prime destination for boating. With perfect gentle offshore winds and warm rays from an always-shining sun, this subtropical city presents an alluring charm. Here’s your guide to getting some salt and sea off the coast of the Magic City.
Marinas
Walk the docks of Coconut Grove’s picture-perfect marina. The Dinner Key Marina is Miami’s largest wet slip marina. It offers 582 berths with 225 extra moorings offshore. Take a quick look around and you’ll soon get a feel for what’s what. For a pretty penny, you can take out party yachts like Tikki Beach or enjoy a champagne cruise on the Hula Girl. If you just want to get some salt spray and explore the wide open sea, get some sailing lessons from the Coconut Grove Sailing Club.
Last but not least, Dinner Key is a great place to charter a fishing boat. Spend your day exploring the deep and keep your fingers crossed for some great catches. When you’ve tired yourself out chasing down your personal Moby Dick, wind down with a dockside happy hour and toss back a few $1 oysters over at Monty’s Raw Bar.
Sailing
Want to try out your sea legs? Check out Shake-A-Leg in Coconut Grove. As the city’s premiere community boating center, they offer everything from beginner sailing courses to group charters on long keelboats. For the last twenty years, they’ve been effortlessly devoted to giving to local charities. They have brought the adventure of sailing to more than 10,000 children and adults in the city, 25% of whom have disabilities. Now, this is a business we can get behind.
Are you more of a night owl? Not to worry, there are still plenty of things to do in Miami Beach for you too. One of our favorites is a two-hour sunset catamaran cruise along Biscayne Bay. Need we say more?
Diving
Did you know that Miami is actually a barrier island composed of limestone coral rock? Well, now you do. With the gentle bath-warm turquoise waters lapping up against it, the city offers some of the best places to dive in the world. The uppermost stretches of the Florida Straits are home to the third largest barrier reef in the world. Extending along the Florida Keys, Miami is home to teeming coral reefs waiting to be explored. There are also a large number of wreck dives to explore as well as a number of places for snorkeling too. Some of our favorite spots to dive and snorkel include Biscayne National Park Maritime Heritage Trail, Emerald Reef,Neptune Memorial Reef, and Biscayne Freighter.
Fishing in Miami
From the shallow strands of Biscayne Bay to the Everglades National Park, Miami is a fisherman’s paradise. Its diverse ecosystem is supported by coral reefs, mangroves, and a warm, fast current. The waters are teeming with sports fish and species that make for a great story to tell about when you’re back home from vacation. Whether you’re a fishing newbie or a die-hard fanatic, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to reel in the big ones (or at least try) in Greater Miami.
Bucket List Things to Do In Miami Beach
Do you have a million things to do on your bucket list and have no idea how you’re going to cross them off? Let us help you.
Enjoy Brunch at the Biltmore
Bottomless Mimosas, anyone? For $85 you can live like celebrities with a massive spread of delicious brunch food in a lush green courtyard. Afterward, veg out and work on your tan poolside.
Go On An Airboat Ride Through the Everglades
Okay, so this isn’t technically one of the things to do in Miami Beach. But who cares? We’ve done it and it’s an absolute blast. They’re only an hour southwest of the city and offer some of the most spectacular opportunities for seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. The Everglades is one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth. Pay around $20 to get into the park’s main center. Here, you can enjoy alligator feeding shows, see baby gator hatch spots, visit giant tortoises, and of course, ride the airboat through the Everglades. Prepare to see water moccasins, boa constrictors, and a whole ton of alligators making their way through the waters. Yes, some will come up right next to your boat.
Enjoy a Cafecito At Ventanita
Watch the clock for 3:05 – the city’s (un)official cafecito time. Head over to two of the city’s best and most unique places for coffee. El Exquisito and Versailles are the best around. While you’re here, order like the locals do – extra sugar and a side of pastelito. You can thank us later. Hang out long enough and you’ll be sure to eavesdrop on some fascinating Cuban stories.
Miami Beach Things to Do: Eat A Sub Sandwich at Publix
Believe it or not, getting a sub sandwich at Publix is one of the top things to do in Miami Beach. You’re probably thinking what’s a Publix? If you’ve never lived in Florida, you would never know. But to anyone who has, it’s pretty much the only good grocery store in the state and has the absolute best sub sandwiches. Ever. Hands down. Let’s just put it this way… Eating a sub sandwich at Publix is like a rite of passage for Floridians. No, we’re not kidding.
Eat Fried Alligator or… Fried Frog Legs
Looking for some interesting things to do in Miami Beach? This isn’t on everyone’s bucket list but it was on ours. While these sound like exotic and downright weird cuisine, you’d be surprised at how many beachside cafes and restaurants serve up various forms of these two dishes. For some of the best alligator, head over to the nearby city of Clearwater (yes, the water is clear and the beaches are just as beautiful). It pretty much tastes like a crispier chicken. We recommend ordering a small side of alligator nuggets.
Culinary Delights
Foodies, Rejoice!
Miami's culinary scene is a cornucopia of flavors, a testament to its diverse cultural tapestry. Whether you're craving Cuban, Haitian, Jewish, or any other culinary delight, Miami has you covered. Let's dive into a curated list of the city's gastronomic gems.
Habitat
Locals are well-acquainted with chef Jose Mendin and his empire of restaurant openings. His new hotspot on Collins Avenue has everyone flocking to see what all the fuss is about. Take your indecisive eaters here. The menu offers a myriad of options including Italian, Asian, Spanish, and Latin American flavors. Think land, sea, and fire food options. We recommend pushing your taste buds to try something different. Pine nut-crusted octopus, Iberico-wrapped croquetas, and pork ribs with a flaming gochujang sauce are good places to start. Just don’t forget your wallet. While the food is amazing, be ready to splurge.
El Exquisito
Remember your cafecitos? There’s more where those came from at El Exquisito. You can find this little gem deep in the heart of Little Havana. Stop by just for the coffee or stay longer for some delicious Cuban food passed down from a family recipe. If you want to try something new, we recommend the famous colada (deliciously-rich coffee), pan con bistec, Rabo encendido, or the vaca frita.
Call Me Gaby
Authentic Italian food is best experienced outdoors. If you can, snag a seat on the patio of this glorious little restaurant in Miami. We’re not exaggerating when we say eating here is one of the best things to do in Miami Beach. These sprawling patios are filled with plenty of comfy seats, big umbrellas, and a perfect place for people watching. Order a stellar pizza or some mouth-watering homemade gnocchi with gorgonzola cream.
Chef Creole
Okay, this Little Haiti spot looks like a hole in the wall. But it is honestly some of the best food we’ve ever had. Don’t leave Miami without getting food here. While there are only a few stools on site, it’s laid-back authentic atmosphere only lends to the charm. Generous portions of shrimp, conch, and fried fish are served up here along with a heap of rice beans, and plantains. This isn’t the time to worry about your diet. Eat half and save the rest for tomorrow.
Boulud Sud
Did you hear about mega chef Daniel Boulud’s new spot in the JW Marriott Marquis? While most of his restaurants are known for their pricey menus, this spot is much more affordable. Both the decor and prices have lightened up a bit, while the food stays up to expectations. The menu is big on Middle Eastern flavors, featuring lamb and pine flatbreads, chicken tagine with couscous, and Arroz bomba with chorizo and saffron-flavored rice. Don’t get us started on the works of art they call desserts. Wash it all down with a smooth and delicious cocktail from their exquisite menu of hand-crafted concoctions.
The Best Hotels in Miami: Where to Rest Your Weary Traveler's Head
Now that we've explored the myriad delights Miami Beach has to offer, you might be wondering where to lay your head after a day of sun, surf, and sumptuous meals. Allow me to recommend some highly-rated hotels that will cocoon you in comfort.
The Biltmore Hotel Experience luxury at its finest at The Biltmore Hotel. This historic gem boasts a lush green courtyard where you can savor bottomless mimosas and a delectable brunch spread. Afterward, soak up the sun poolside as you work on your tan.
JW Marriott Marquis For those seeking a touch of elegance and sophistication, the JW Marriott Marquis is a stellar choice. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a taste of Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine at Boulud Sud, along with comfortable accommodations and captivating views.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach Another iconic choice is the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Nestled along the beach, this hotel boasts opulent amenities, multiple restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It's the epitome of Miami's glamorous allure.
The Confidante Miami Beach If you're looking for a chic and contemporary escape, look no further than The Confidante Miami Beach. With its retro-inspired decor, beachfront access, and tantalizing dining options, it's a trendy choice for the modern traveler.
Start Planning Your Miami Adventure
With this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to dive headfirst into the vibrant tapestry of Miami Beach. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked relaxation, thrilling outdoor adventures, culinary delights, or a combination of all three, Miami Beach has it all and more. So, start planning your ultimate summer or fall getaway, and let this enchanting city weave its magic around you. If you're in need of accommodations, consider one of these highly-rated hotels to enhance your Miami Beach experience. And remember, we're here to answer any questions or hear your comments. Happy travels!
