17 Best Things To Do In Miami Beach

Like all metropolitan cities, you can truly choose your own adventure in Miami Beach. Whether your idea of fun is a day of museum hopping, watching sports (the city is home to the Heat, Dolphins, and Marlins), shopping on Lincoln Road, or doing absolutely nothing on the beach, Miami has you covered. Whatever your plans, give yourself time to soak in the vibrant buildings and murals, the lush, tropical environs, and the multicultural aspects of the city. There’s no place quite like it, and with so much to do, every trip here will be a little bit different.

Arts & Culture

While much of the city’s cultural institutions are a short drive away in Miami proper, Miami Beach has a few of its own that are worth checking out. 

The Art Deco Museum

Learn about architecture and design at this fascinating museum. Emphasis is on the area’s three distinct styles (Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and Miami Modern) but rotating exhibits have covered topics including LGBTQ history and women’s right to vote.

The Wolfsonian

Part of Florida International University, The Wolfsonian is one of the largest university art collections in America. Featuring an eclectic array of works from 1850 to 1950, you will see everything from stained glass windows to political cartoons to landscape paintings. 

1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139; wolfsonian.org

The Bass

Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum showcases works from around the world in its permanent collection and exhibits. Housed in an Art Deco building from the 1930s, it is considered one of the best places to see cutting edge art.

2100 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139; thebass.org

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Although natural beauty is the draw here—tropical trees and plants cover three acres—“Miami Beach’s Backyard” also hosts regular art exhibitions. 

2000 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, Florida 33139; mbgarden.org

Shopping

Lincoln Road

This eight-block area is synonymous with shopping in South Beach, and is a bit like a big, bustling outdoor mall. Come here for big-name brands like Lululemon Crate & Barrel, and J. Crew. Cafes and restaurants are peppered throughout for when you’re in need of a break and a bite to eat.

Española Way

This charming pedestrian-only area looks like it could be in Europe. Originally an artists’ colony, it’s now a two-block shopping district packed with restaurants and a few shops. 

Collins Avenue

If high-end brands are on your wish list (or you just enjoy window shopping), head to this famous shopping area, which mixes labels like Versace with boutiques and big-name retailers like Nike.

Beaches

Greater Miami has a beach for every type of beachgoer. (There’s even a nine-mile accessible path for wheelchair users.) The hard part is choosing which stretch of sand is right for you. Here are a few popular options.

Mid-Beach

Located between North and South Beach, you’ll find high-end beachfront hotels and resorts here, but it is a little less crowded than other areas. 

North Beach

This spot is known for being one of the more peaceful options in the area. Stroll the uncrowded shoreline and the adjacent park.  

South Beach

Miami’s most famous beach is also its busiest, unsurprisingly. It’s a great place for people watching, but not ideal if you’re seeking quiet and space to spread out. 

South Pointe Beach

Located further South at the tip of Miami Beach, this beautiful beach and park area has some of the best views in the city. 

Family-Friendly Activities

Explore The Miami Children’s Museum 

Located just over the causeway, this museum’s whimsical building design (it represents the four elements) sets the stage for the fun that’s inside. The educational exhibits here are all about hands-on play, from the Music Makers Studio, to the Construction Zone, to All About Art, where kids can explore the six elements of the visual arts. 

980 MacArthur Causeway Miami, Florida 33132; miamichildrensmuseum.org

Learn About Science At The Frost Museum

One of the few museums with an aquarium and a planetarium, The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a must-see. Exhibits, both permanent and traveling, explore all aspects of our world. In addition to the sea and the stars, you can learn about the future of space travel, paleontology, and the inner workings of the human body.

1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132; frostscience.org

Play At A Park

While there are many public parks in Miami Beach, three stand out for their family-friendly amenities: Flamingo Park, South Pointe Park, and Lummis Park. 

Flamingo Park

If your crew is into sports, Flamingo Park has a field or court for just about everything you can play: tennis, handball, racquetball, baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. Plus, an aquatic center with two pools, an outdoor water playground, a dog park, and walking trails.

1000 12th St. Miami Beach, FL 33139

Lummis Park 

This spot is fun for people-watching (it’s right along buzzy Ocean Drive in the heart of South Beach), and it has two playgrounds: one for little kids and one for older ones. And when you’ve had your fill of that, the beach and plenty of restaurants are just steps away.

1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

South Pointe Park

This park has direct beach access, as well as a playground and splash pad. Plus, the 450-foot South Pointe Pier is great for fishing, watching the sunset, and strolling.

1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Festivals And Events

A year-round calendar of special events adds to Miami’s never ending party vibe. Highlights include the South Beach Jazz Festival (January), the South Beach Food and Wine Festival (February), and Art Basel (December).