Travel Guide: Exploring Miami

Miami is your NEW home. Why have you waited so long? You recently bought a new condo, an apartment, or a house. Now what?!

Here's a helpful guide for you in this beautiful city - always an ideal and vibrant beach getaway, an idyllic coastal setting, but still offering all the amenities of a modern and trendy urban epicenter.

Miami boasts many of the world's best beaches and 24/7 nightlife (best pool parties, nightclubs, yacht charters). Talk about award-winning restaurants that even the reluctant gourmands will appreciate. But to be honest, what's even more splendid than floating in crystal-clear waters with white beaches around, with a refreshing drink in your hand. At the same time, you watch the glorious sunset and listen to your favorite playlist?

Miami offers MORE, apart from the most often talked about beaches, museums, cultural attractions, and art galleries. That's a real bonus when you have several impressive options for leisure, adventure & sports, nature, parks, science, world-class events, and entertainment.

Now, this gets to be more exciting!

Enjoy the quintessential Miami for the best times of your life. So, after you have settled in, you start to get bored with a beach routine (how could you?). You might complain that the water is always warm and clear, and the beach is too clean. Or maybe you have other things in mind?

If you want something different, we can help you. A few of the places of interest included here (legendary landmarks) are within Miami’s distance, located at the neighboring cities, too, where most of the action is!

We hope that our comprehensive guide – a collection of our favorites - will also be yours in no time.

Welcome to MIAMI!

Be in awe of South Florida’s spectacular water views as its winding road takes you to swamp mangrove forests and a cove overlooking Biscayne Bay. A dreamy backdrop for special occasions, like pre-wedding photoshoots and outdoor weddings. Or perhaps, wander around and take tons of photos for your Instagram.

Explore the mystical world of plants, birds, flowers, butterflies, etc. Don’t miss this garden’s diverse and rare Cycad collection, one of the world’s most comprehensive. A comfortable and leisurely way to explore this place is through its tours. In addition, their renowned Mango and Orchid Festivals usually draw crowds every time.

Take a break from the Bal Harbor Shops shopping mall and jump right into the most beautiful waters in Miami. The Ritz-Carlton will assist with any culinary needs. The beach also has a jetty at its end as you peek at locals working their waves. If you want peace and calm, this is the beach for you!

Home of the Four Seasons, this white sandy beach is waiting for you, with plenty of space to explore. Combine it with the poshest strip of the famous Boardwalk. A charming oasis you wouldn’t resist.

Start a boardwalk-walk from here, enjoy the athletic crowd or take photos from the pier. The playground, splash pad, walking, and biking spaces will thrill anyone. South Pointe Park is urban parkland at its finest.

The vast and lush land will take your breath away. It is all about preservation and conservation. Its tropical hardwood hammock’s description in one word: sacred. Plan a visit by checking its website for its various events, activities, and tours to your liking.

This lovely place is a Mediterranean paradise right in Miami. Immerse yourself in European art and take a stroll in the garden. This sanctuary will feel like you are in France or Italy. Guided tours are popular here. If you only have an hour to spare: choose between the house or gardens. Better yet, maximize the whole experience by spending a few more hours.

Headway South to this hidden gem. Perfect for boat trips and a peaceful afternoon away from the city. There's a good restaurant for delicious food. Also, they have a small tiki bar on the sand with food and drinks on weekends.

Morikami is a spot-on place to appreciate Japan's living culture and arts in South Florida. Enjoy the art exhibitions and traditional Japanese festivals, or roam around the property based on a century-old Japanese settlement. Appreciate a unique Japanese cultural experience to educate and inspire you. Tip: Book a Tea Ceremony or Sushi workshop here.

Connect with nature and observe the wonders of this turtle habitat. There is a wide array of live reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and some displays. So, forest to water, don’t miss this hidden gem.

Jungle Island is a three-in-one adventure and fun place: a wildlife habitat, a botanical garden, and a bird sanctuary. Part of the attraction includes large animals, like baboons, alligators, tigers, monkeys, and orangutans. There is a wide-ranging variety of exotic plants for the gardens, including orchids, bromeliads, and heliconias. Parrots and other exotic birds fly freely in the tropical setting or do some acts in their shows for the public. Brace yourself as animal interactions are usual here and part of the fun. Do you want to cuddle with a sloth, a lemur, or maybe a pink flamingo? Would you dare?

Perez Art Museum Miami or popularly known as PAMM, is contemporary art at its finest. This fantastic museum is the crown jewel, don’t miss it.

This newest museum offers Interactive exhibitions explaining the world of science. Check its multilevel aquarium amidst a futuristic, 250-seat planetarium. Smart never looked better. If you want some great selfie photos, this museum has several Instagram-worthy spots for your snaps.

This art deco mainstay in Collins Park focuses on contemporary exhibits. Only a quick detour away from the Boardwalk and close to The W and The Setai. Members enjoy access to special events. This contemporary art museum shares art with a diverse audience with exciting, educational, and challenging experiences.

This museum is close to Wynwood Walls, and the museum campus often features groundbreaking exhibitions. Check their website for the schedules of different events and presentations you may want. There’s also Leku restaurant serving Basque cuisine in an eclectic environment, both indoors and outdoors.

The Design District has its contemporary art temple, the ICA or Institute of Contemporary Art. Also, what’s nice is that the museum is part of the neighborhood’s First Fridays’ initiatives with extended opening hours and special events and programs, like Family Day.

The Museum of Graffiti is the only art museum in Wynwood. It is the world’s first museum of its kind, dedicated exclusively to graffiti art. Further, it celebrates all the artists who have transformed the walls in their public places into vibrant and creative spaces. This must-see destination in Miami offers both indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

This museum is a bright and aesthetically attractive museum offering 56,000 square feet of space. It has entertaining and educational exhibits which appeal primarily to children’s interest and creativity. There are fourteen (yes, count them) themed galleries providing arts, culture, communication, and community. At the same time, four outdoor exhibits are open, so the kids have a chance to play and enjoy their time outdoors. Those who have kids, let them have fun here and socialize with the other kids.

This Key Biscayne gem will provide you with the best wakeboarding experience. Topnotch customer service meets fantastic equipment. This establishment is always highly-rated.

Are you the adventurous type looking into the latest watersports? This center is the top address for kitesurfing lessons and paddleboarding rentals. In addition, North Beach offers shallow sandbars in a dream-like setting.

Disney World boasts four theme parks and two water parks, the epitome of fun. Don’t miss the newly opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tip: A valid ticket or annual pass and a park reservation are musts to enter any theme park. Schedule your visit with the Disney Park Pass online reservation now.

This park is merely an hour of drive from the hustle and bustle of Miami but is a world away. Enjoy the stunning subtropical ecosystem and spot rare and endangered species. You’ll never forget the landscape and its inhabitants as you plunge in the sense of wonder around you, then sink deeper into life’s slow, leisurely pace in a swamp with the mangroves.

Tampa Bay’s main attraction. Rollercoasters galore, including the highly anticipated Iron Gwazi, with a 91-degree drop. This place is the ultimate in a family adventure with its world-class thrill rides, more than 12,000 animals, and live entertainment.

Three parks invite for an endless adventure. But, of course, the top attraction is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Fans of the book series and films will enjoy this immersive experience. Tip: Skip the regular lines with a Universal Express pass so you can experience the fun faster. It is available for most of your favorite rides and attractions, including both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This space center is where the NASA action starts. Check out what life in space is about with IMAX films, interactive solar systems, a grand, breathtaking space shuttle display, etc. Is there anything more exhilarating than a space rocket launch?

The Setai offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience, notably with Jaya. Often surprising, the design matches the food in excellence. Tip: Plant-centric diners will be entirely delighted. Plus, the drinks are outstanding.

There is an overload of senses at Faena. The hotel wows an oasis for urbanites with several bars and restaurants, including Pao by Paul Qui. A day at their pool or the beach is fanciful and thrilling.

This vegan staple restaurant is especially great for food-conscious diners. They offer plant-based cuisine, also delighting the carnivores.

The premier restaurant is in Surfside. At the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, famed chef Thomas Keller knows American classics, and he serves them well in a timeless atmosphere. So, don’t resist the temptation!

Japanese tradition meets local sophistication at Bal Harbour Shops. It just moved into a new space at the mall, adding to its enduring allure.

This instant Coconut Grove classic is the epitome of Miami’s culinary scene. They call it progressive; we call it quintessential American.

Joe’s Stone Crab has been a true Miami institution in SoFi since 1913. The name reveals its main drawing appeal.

Korean BBQ meets American steakhouse at this NYC Michelin-starred Design District outpost. The chic club vibe created by MNDPC is still intimate enough for a date night. The original cocktails deserve a star on their own.

The upscale French eatery inside the Bal Harbour Shops entices diners with an eclectic menu. Stay for the chocolate-dripping Profiteroles presentation.

Michelin-starred, this SoFi establishment offers three Japanese experiences: an open-kitchen restaurant, an elusive bar concept, and a sushi den.

This restaurant is Asian-inspired but very Miami-ish and exudes sophisticated vibes in Wynwood. Chill is the applicable term here. Tip: We highly recommend the chef’s tasting menu.

Euro-rave feels at this EDM (Electronic Dance Music) establishment.

Want to experience a dance club galore? A host of top talents at this great place for fun, too.

This place has the authentic Mediterranean feels at Island Gardens. Perfect for sunset views of Downtown, but stay for the nightlife entertainment with luxury and friendly vibes.

Yes, this unique place is an electro super-house with a fun décor.

Fontainebleau’s nightlife offering incorporates several music styles inside a chic environment. The concept is simple: live it up!

This place is another David Grutman establishment. Five bars, one dancefloor, and well, enough said.

Wood Tavern is a unique place combining the art project and hip hangout in one. Wynwood’s exceptional creativity is in full swing here. Check this place soon.

Find this renowned art complex in Downtown Miami. They offer roughly more than 300 performances annually. It includes a trio of theaters offering Broadway shows and concerts from production companies from its resident companies: Florida Grand Opera, New World Symphony, and Miami City Ballet. You can expect the most brilliant and stunning performances to watch here. Because of the pandemic, this center has implemented safety measures such as wellness screenings, digital ticketing, and reduced seating.

This theater is an exciting spot to let your hair down and just laugh your heart out while maybe sipping a glass of wine. Villain Theater is one of the few theaters with no drink minimum. Parking is free, too, but limited, so be early for the show you intend to watch. The usual vibe here is casual and informal. Drink and eat while listening to beautiful music and watching funny antics from the show’s actors.

This lovely paradise is a 32-acre green space next to the Bayside Marketplace. There are attractive sculptures and monuments and the electronically-controlled Pepper Fountain. One of the popular highlights is the Challenger Memorial celebrating the crew of the Challenger spacecraft. Another top crowd drawer here is the Light Tower, a famous amphitheater fitting for musical performances of all kinds. You can also walk or run along the park’s paved trails before or after watching the show for random cardio activity.

If you can't make it to Switzerland this year, every December, the American show is a must. The leading galleries worldwide make this the global cultural hotspot for three days, right here in Miami.

This festival takes place in various venues in South Beach for three days in January. Many cutting-edge performances are accessible, outdoors, and open to the public. The jazz music from world-renowned musicians happens to be the city’s vibe all weekend. It is genuinely a crowd-drawer. Everyone wants to learn, listen, and celebrate accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

The world's top DJs arrive in Miami for the annual EDM extravaganza in late March.

Celebrate the art movement and several of Miami’s most attractive and colorful buildings.

Three days of fun for the whole family, with activities such as culinary displays, live performances, and outdoor art. This fest is being held every President's Day weekend and is considered one of the country's premier art festivals. It is hosted right in the picturesque waterfront village of Coconut Grove. Imagine seeing more than 200 internationally-recognized artists showcasing their beautiful artworks with Biscayne Bay as the backdrop. Surreal, 'right?

This street festival held every March is the complete celebration of Cuban culture. It is the largest event of its kind in the world. Through the years, this event has included more Latin American cultures. So, if you’re up for some Caribbean fare and Latin American beat, come and see the Calle Ocho Festival.

Miami Open – who doesn’t know it? Watch the games live in one of worldwide tennis’ most coveted tournaments. Indeed, a great place to spot the brightest stars and top athletes here. This year, Miami Open starts on March 21, 2022, and ends on April 3, 2022.

Support your local NBA team and favorite players (with trendy merchandise to boot) throughout the season.

Food and wine are abounding for your ultimate pleasure at this annual culinary festival in February. Must see, visit, and participate!

 

The boat and yacht shows are now combined. As they say, life is better on a ship.

EXPLORE and have FUN in Miami. See you around!