Best Miami Tourist Attractions In 2023

South Beach

Over the years South Beach has gained a reputation of being the trendiest Miami attraction that combines white sand beach areas with incredible culture as well as stellar nightlife. Trendy part of Miami Beach, South Beach is located along Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive just minutes from downtown Miami. South Beach boasts over 10-miles of beautiful white sand beaches as well as a number of venues that attract people from around the world. First there is the beach area where you can watch people of all shapes and sizes all day long. When you want to explore the streets of South Beach you can take a stroll through the Art Deco Historic District which contains more than 800 buildings, hotels and warehouses which have a truly unique architectural style. There are numerous art galleries such as the Wolfsonian-Florida International University and Britto Central. You can enjoy a challenging game with your friends at Escapethequest or simply relax with a cold libation at one of the many excellent dining choices to be found in the area. Shopping is exciting with outdoor pedestrian friendly malls at Espanola Way and the Lincoln Road Mall.

Photo by bjaglin

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is the number one Miami attraction for travelers of all ages and sizes who are seeking white sand beaches as well as the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Located just east of downtown Miami, Miami Beach is situated on a barrier island that is between the Biscayne Bay on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Miami Beach is composed of many several areas including South Beach, Mid-Beach and North Beach. Younger crowds tend to swarm to South Beach and families will enjoy the amenities as well as solitude of North Beach. Mid-Beach is a wonderful mixture of old and new with a vibrant boardwalk that connects most of Miami Beach. Miami Beach features numerous Miami attractions - beach parks like South Pointe, Lummus and the North Beach Open Space Park which is perfect for various watersport activities from swimming to surfing to kayaking. Most of the beaches boast services such as concessions stands, showers as well as restrooms and there is always someplace nearby to grab a cold libation or to help fight off your hunger. Other popular activities along Miami Beach include shopping where you will find the latest in fashion as well as numerous art galleries that exhibit local artists.

Everglades National Park

Although strictly speaking, not a Miami attraction, the Everglades National Park is within driving distance. Here you will find adventure, nature and whole bunch of alligators. Located near the cities of Florida and Everglades, the Everglades National Park is situated within 1.5 million-acres of what is commonly referred to as the River of Grass. This 2,400 square mile region is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River and there are three entrances to the park that make for easy access for travelers. The park is home to 36 endangered species such as the American alligator, the West Indian manatee and the gorgeous Florida panther. Once inside the park there are a variety of unique activities such as taking an airboat ride, watching humans wrestle with alligators and there are literally hundreds of miles of boardwalk trails to hike or bike. Many people take a tram ride through Shark Valley and there is even a geocaching treasure hunt that will take you around looking for hidden treasures. You can also experience the park by kayak or canoe on an extended camping trip. You can also simply walk through one of the visitor's centers which offer great interactive exhibits for people of all ages.

Biscayne National Park

When you are ready to explore the fabulous underwater world that surrounds the Miami area then the ideal Miami attraction is to plan a trip to Biscayne National Park. Located southeast of Miami in Homestead, Biscayne National Park is situated on 181,500-acres with almost all of the area underwater even though the park consists of 44 islands. The park is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers that take to the water to explore this magical underwater world where you can view hundreds of species of coral as well as colorful tropical fish. The small area that is above water is ideal for exploring with a kayak or small boat through the many mangrove forests that dot the shoreline. Biscayne National Park is perfect for taking a long day of boating through the area where you can picnic, hike or camp at islands such as Long Elliot Key or Adams Key. If you are not prepared to snorkel or scuba dive you can always try a glass-bottom boat ride where you will watch the marine life swim in its own natural habitat. There are two visitors centers that have interactive exhibits and are ideal for people who want to learn more about the surrounding eco-system of South Florida.

Photo by NPCA Photos

Oleta River State Park

If you like to spend time in the great outdoors exploring numerous activities that are both land and water based, then the perfect Miami attraction for you is a to plan a trip to Oleta River State Park. Located in municipal suburb of North Miami, the Oleta River State Park is situated on 1,043-acres of lush landscape that overlooks Biscayne Bay and is the largest urban park in Florida. There are numerous activities within Oleta River State Park with all types of bicycling taking center stage with over three miles of paved paths and ten miles of rugged off-road bicycle paths which are ideal for a strenuous ride. You can find a plethora of watersport activities from kayaking to canoeing to standup paddleboarding to fishing within the mangrove forests along the coastline of Biscayne Bay or you can just lounge on the 1,200-feet beach. There are several nature trails that are perfect for hiking and there are excellent picnic areas as well as camping facilities available. Other facilities located within the park are showers, restrooms and a concessions stand where you can rent various watersport and sport equipment. The Blue Marlin Fish House is just outside of the park and is an ideal Miami attraction for lunch or dinner.

Photo by Edoardo P.

Miami Design District

When you are looking for the latest in fashion trends and art designs, then the ideal Miami attractions for you is to visit the Miami Design District. Located three miles from downtown Miami, the Miami Design District is situated between Northeast 43rd Street on the north to Northeast 36th Street on the south to Northwest 1st Avenue on the west to Biscayne Boulevard on the east. The Miami Design District is home to such fashion icons as Alice and Olivia, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Max Mara and Tom Ford. You will find high-end watches like Tag Heuer, Rolex and Seiko as well as a variety of excellent boutiques from Tiffany and Company to the Bazaar Project. You can find stunning artwork at the Bossa Gallery, De La Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space, Maman Fine Art and the Speed of Light. You can also take a quick stroll through the Haitian Heritage Museum. Dining at the district is superb with choices from Lemoni Cafe to Harry's Pizzeria to the Cyprus Tavern. The Miami Design District also holds a number of events for families as well as concerts such as the Mismo March Concert.

Photo by Ines Hegedus-Garcia

Bayside Marketplace

The Bayside Marketplace is one of the best Miami attractions for people that like to shop and explore the culture of the city. Located along Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami, the Bayside Marketplace is situated overlooking Biscayne Bay and offers a plethora of shopping and dining choices. When you visit the Bayside Marketplace you will be pleased with the variety of shopping venues from Bed, Bath and Beyond to the Gap to the Disney Store to Guess to the Revival Boutique. You can also find other shopping venues like the Footlocker, Champs Sports and the Toy Factory. While you are at the Bayside Marketplace you can rent a boat or take a thrilling speedboat tour of Biscayne Bay. You can stroll along the Walk of Fame which features the artwork of Romero Britt as he celebrates stars from film, music, sports and honorary dignitaries. Dining is superb with establishments like Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Yeung's Lotus Express, Mambo Cafe and there is even a Hard Rock Cafe. In the evening the Bayside Marketplace comes to life with several venues with live music and don't be surprised if you see revelers dancing in the streets.

Photo by Ines Hegedus-Garcia

Little Havana (AKA Calle Ocho)

When you need to experience some of the most fascinating cultures in Miami, the perfect Miami attraction for you is to plan a trip to Little Havana. Located west of downtown Miami, Little Havana is mainly situated along Calle Ocho but stretches for miles west of the Miami River. When you visit Little Havana you will be pleased with the sights and sounds of a thriving Latin community that is primarily made up of Cuban descendants. As you stroll along Calle Ocho you will notice beautiful artwork such as murals, statues and monuments to many of Cubans famous leaders as well as a plethora of little shops that feature merchandise from various Latin American countries. You will enjoy watching older men play dominoes while sipping on Cuban coffee and the many people dancing to vibrant Latin music. You can visit the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library which explains the events of the invasion that formed the future politics of Cuba for decades. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Little Havana where your taste buds will be pleased by some of the tastiest food on the planet.

Photo by Maya83 on Flickr.

Art Deco Historic District

A trip to Miami is not complete until you visit the most popular Miami attraction which is the Art Deco Historic District. Located in the heart of South Beach, the Art Deco Historic District is situated between 5th Street on the south to 23rd Street on the north primarily along Collins Avenue, Washington Avenue as well as Ocean Drive and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The Art Deco Historic District is a fabulous collection of 800 hotels, buildings and warehouses which were constructed from the early 1920s until the early 1940s. The district features beautiful architectural lines that are sleek and curvy with prominent geometrical forms that are like eye candy. The building process incorporates chrome accents along with glass block and gorgeous terrazzo floors. Notable buildings within the district include the Celino South Beach Hotel, the Clevelander Hotel, Colony Hotel as well as the Beacon Hotel and you cannot miss Villa Casa Casaurina which is a Spanish-style mansion that was constructed by Gianni Versace. The Art Deco Historic District is home to several Miami attractions, dining options and shopping venues to help you along your walk through this historic Miami attraction.

Photo by Phillip Pessar

Coconut Grove

When you are searching for a laid back neighborhood that is consistently one of the best Miami attractions then a visit to Coconut Grove is highly advised. Located south of Brickell and east of Coral Gables in Miami, Coconut Grove is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Miami and is often referred to as the Bohemia on the Bay or just the Grove. The first wave of inhabitants began in 1825 when the Cape Florida Lighthouse was constructed and in 1873 the area was named Coconut Grove. While you are in Coconut Grove you can take a splendid historic walking tour of the area which includes sites like the Barnacle House which is the oldest house in Miami Dade County, the Peacock Inn, Peacock Park, the Stirrup House as well as the Engle Building. Other exciting places you can visit are two outdoor malls which are the Cocowalk and Mayfair in the Grove that sport some of the best shopping in all of Miami. If you like to view art then try the famous Miami attraction like the Midori Gallery or Boswell Mourot Fine Art and a trip to Coconut Grove is not complete until you visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Photo by amanderson2

Coral Gables

When you want to view some of the most incredible ornate mansions in Florida and visit one of the oldest cities in Florida, then the best Miami attraction for you to visit Coral Gables. Located southwest of Miami on the border of Little Havana and Coconut Grove, Coral Gables is also known as the City Beautiful because of the lavish homes that resemble different enclaves in Europe. You can drive past Mediterranean mansions; Italian designed villas, numerous Cordobas and miniature Alhambras. When you are finished marveling at the architecture you can take a ride down Granada Boulevard to Anastasia Avenue where you can view the Biltmore Hotel with its gorgeous design. From here you can cruise down DeSoto Boulevard and watch the beautiful stone fountains at DeSoto Plaza which are highlighted by numerous waterfalls, a gorgeous landscape and palm groves that exist at the Venetian Pool. Now you have time to relax and go shopping along the Miracle Mile where many high end boutiques sell one-of-a-kind merchandise. When you are ready to soak up some culture then visit the Lowe Art Museum which has a perfect collection of pre-Columbian and Mesoamerican art as well as an excellent collection of Baroque and Renaissance art from paintings to sculptures.

Photo by Phillip Pessar

Washington Avenue

When you want to be in middle of the action while visiting South Beach, then an ideal Miami attraction for you is to visit Washington Avenue. Located in the heart of South Beach, Washington Avenue is a perfect place to soak up the culture, go shopping, view Art Deco architecture, dine at exotic restaurants and party the night away. Washington Avenue has numerous Art Deco buildings and a portion of the street is included in the Art Deco Historic District. You can find excellent shopping whether you are searching for something special at True Religion, Armani, Diesel or Barneys New York. Vintage clothing can also be found on Washington Avenue at retail outlets like Belinda's Designs Courture and Luna Designs is known for its one-of-a-kind selection of fine attire. When you get hungry there are fabulous restaurants like Playa Café and Chalon on the Beach for Latin as well as Cuban delights, Pane and Vino prepares Italian and the 660 at the Angler's serves steaks. When you are ready to dance the night away then try popular Miami attractions like the Trade, the Copa Room and you are just steps away from the famous Mango's Tropical Cafe.

Photo by Ed Webster

Fisher Island

When you are interested in viewing the lifestyles of the rich and famous, then the perfect Miami attraction for you is to take a trip around Fisher Island. Located three miles from South Pointe in the Atlantic Ocean, Fisher Island is one of the most exclusive islands in all of the United States and perhaps the world. Fisher Island was created in 1906 when a canal was constructed and cut-off this piece of land from the mainland. Today Fisher Island is home to some of the wealthiest people in Florida and is only accessible by ferry and private invitation. Fisher Island boasts incredible mansions, a golf course, an observatory as well as a hotel. The island also sports some of the best beach area that offers white sands and big views of the beautiful turquoise colored waters of the Atlantic Ocean. You can view the lifestyles of these wealthy people on several boat cruises that circle the island while pointing various homes of the rich and famous.

Photo by Ines Hegedus-Garcia

Cape Florida (Bill Braggs Cape Florida State Park)

When you are searching for a beautiful beach that features the oldest building in Miami Dade County, then you should visit Cape Florida also known as the Bill Braggs Cape Florida State Park. Located on Key Biscayne, Cape Florida is situated within 400-acres and sports a mile long stretch of soft sand that offers plenty of space for lounging under the sun. Cape Florida is the perfect spot for families who like to spend time outdoors playing in the calm waters and boasts plenty of calm water for swimming, kayaking, standup paddleboarding and fishing. There are numerous nature trails you can hike and even a paved path for bicycling as well as rollerblading. You can spend time in the visitor's center which has numerous interactive exhibits on the history of Key Biscayne and the natural eco-system. An added bonus when you visit Cape Florida is you can visit the Cape Florida Light which was constructed in 1825 and is the oldest standing structure in Miami Dade County. There are showers, restrooms, two restaurants and boat camping is allowed in the No Name Harbor.

Photo by sporadic

Homestead-Miami Speedway

If you like to watch car racing in all forms from Indy to NASCAR then an ideal Miami attraction for you to visit is the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Located in Homestead, Florida, the Homestead-Miami Speedway has an oval layout that ranges from 1.485 to 1.5 miles with a 55,000 seat grandstand that features an Art Deco style. This 600-acre complex can be configured into a speedway, road course or a modified road course. Since the race track opened in 1995 it has hosted events from IndyCar, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, Firestone Indy Lights Series as well as the Grand-Am and is the only race track in the world to host a race from each of these racing categories in one year. The interior of the track has numerous freshwater lakes with the largest being 18-acres in size and is stocked with the rare peacock bass. An added when visiting the Homestead-Miami Speedway is that you have the opportunity to rent a specialty car like a Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi RB or a Ferrari F430 at the track and take it for a spin around speedway.

Photo by Brendon Barnes

Key Biscayne

One of the more popular Miami attractions is to take a trip to Key Biscayne which sports over seven miles of gorgeous beaches. Located off of the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne is the perfect place to spend the day exploring beautiful white sand beaches, hiking trails, nature trails, an amusement park and more. There are two main parks on Key Biscayne which include Crandon Park which offers a great beach area, kitesurfing, a mini-train ride, tennis courts, an amusement park and plenty of picnic space with swaying palm trees for shade. The second is Bill Braggs Cape Florida State Park which is a haven for wildlife spotting, hiking nature trails, biking, fishing and you can lounge on one of the white sand beaches that offer a plethora of watersports. Another great thing about Key Biscayne is the easy access to the country's only underwater archeological trail. The Maritime Heritage Trail is a favorite with scuba divers and snorkelers that follow the trail while viewing six shipwrecks and the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. Key Biscayne boasts one of the highest concentrations of family-friendly fun on any of the Florida Keys and is sure to please everyone.

Photo by David Berkowitz

Rickenbacker Trail

If you are searching for one of the premier trails for biking, walking and skating then an ideal Miami attraction for you is to plan a trip on the Rickenbacker Trail. Located on Biscayne Key along Crandon Boulevard and the Rickenbacker Causeway, the Rickenbacker Trail is 8.5-miles of paved pathway which is perfect for several land based recreational vehicles such as bikes and skates. The Rickenbacker Trail runs the length of Key Biscayne and travels through such notable spots as Virginia Key Beach, Crandon Park and the Miami Seaquarium. As you travel the trail you will be thrilled with the various amenities and attractions that include an amusement park, museum and a historic lighthouse. There are several areas that offer superb snorkeling and kayaking opportunities such as Virginia Key and the Bill Baggs Cape State Park. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for refreshments and food when you need to stop and regroup. There are several options to increase the distance of your bike ride if you take the Virginia Key's Arthur Lamb Road, the Commodore Trail, Biscayne Trail or the Old Cutler Trail. The Rickenbacker Trail is a perfect platform to spend a remarkable day of exploring Key Biscayne.

Photo by osseous

Dolphin Mall

When you are ready to look for new clothes, that perfect souvenir or you are just searching for casual entertainment then the best Miami attraction for you is the Dolphin Mall. Located on 12th Street Northwest in Sweetwater, Miami Dade County, the Dolphin Mall is home to over 240 shopping venues that range and a wide variety of restaurants for your dining pleasure. You will enjoy browsing this uniquely designed mall which boasts sections such as Moda, Playa and Ramblas that resembles the diversity of Miami's population. You will be pleased with factory outlet stores from the Banana Republic, the GAP, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's as well as discount clothing stores like Ross. If you are interested in one-of-a-kind items there is Swarovski, Art de Miami and Maurice's Jewelry/Pandora. Dining is plentiful with choices like P.F. Changs, Kona Grill, Cabo Flats, Kelly's Cajun Grill and Kobe Japanese Steak and Seafood. There is also a wide variety of entertainment venues such as Dave and Buster's, CineBistro and Bowlero. Dolphin Mall can satisfy everyone in the family from children to adults in a casual laid back atmosphere.

Photo by The Trip Master Brasil

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is a perfect urban Miami attraction with plenty of amenities for families and friends to enjoy a great time within this urban environment. Located along North Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami, the Bayfront Park is situated on 32-acres of land that fronts Biscayne Bay and features an outdoor amphitheater, the Museum Park Miami and the Tina Hills Pavilion. The Bayfront Park was originally constructed in 1925 and beginning in 1980 the park went through a complete transformation that was the brain child of Isamu Noguchi who brought a modernist landscape design to the park. The Bayfront Park boasts a superb tropical rock garden, a sandy beach area, playgrounds, water fountains and several monuments adorn the grounds. You can also attend yoga classes throughout the day as well as take a lesson in trapeze work at the Flying Trapeze School. The amphitheater regularly hosts live concerts such as the Ultra Fest and can accommodate up to 25,000 patrons. The smaller Tina Hills Pavilion is ideal for smaller shows with seating for 1,000 people. The Museum Park is an adjacent 21-acre Miami attraction that features the longest stretch of continuous bay walk. This park is home to the Perez Art Museum and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.

Photo by maryandmac

Florida Grand Opera

The Florida Grand Opera is one of the more sophisticated Miami attractions for people who like the watching brilliant performances of opera. Located along Northwest 25th Street with performances at the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House within the Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts of Miami Dade County, the Florida Grand Opera is the seventh oldest opera company in the United States and boasts a great cast of professional opera stars. Over the years, founder Arturo di Filippi has brought several leading opera actors from the Metropolitan Opera to perform with the cast members of the Florida Grand Opera. The ensemble has superb choreographed shows that feature some of the countries and world's leading opera talent. The Florida Grand Opera has played productions of such classic opera performances as Carmen, The Masked Ball, Lucia di Lammermoor and Before Night Falls. The group is dedicated to educating younger people on the importance of music, theater and singing opera so that future generations can enjoy the splendors of opera.

Photo by Florida Grand Opera

Room Escape Miami by Fox in a Box

If you like games, challenges and working together as a team, then a perfect Miami attraction for you is the Room Escape Miami by Fox in a Box. Located on Southeast 1st Street in downtown Miami, the Room Escape Miami by Fox in a Box is the hottest new concept in live games. Room Escape Miami by Fox in a Box consists of five challenging rooms that range from a nuclear bunker to bank robbery to prison break to abandoned zombie lab. Once you choose your challenge you and your friends or family will have one hour to escape the room by using clues, objects and other materials that are present in the room. If you can escape within the one hour you win and if not they will still let you out of your room. Room Escape Miami by Fox in a Box is a perfect Miami attraction for families and friends to bond by working together to solve the challenge before your time limit expires. You can book multiple rooms and take a break in between at the onsite lounge which offers libations.