Best Things to do in Miami Beach In 2023

South Beach

Visiting South Beach is a must see thing to do in Miami Beach for couples, families and groups of friends that enjoy viewing the more eclectic lifestyle that south Florida has to offer. South Beach has 10-miles of white sand beaches with body builders and bikinis as well as numerous options for watersport adventure. Inland you can visit the Art Deco Historic District along Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive where many famous people constructed homes and/or hotels from the 1920s thru the 1940s. These buildings have been brought back to life and now house some of the finest art galleries and museums in the world that exhibit artworks from the Renaissance to Decorative to Modern to Erotic artworks from around the world. The culinary delights found in South Beach range from tasty Latin dishes to French to Italian and there is even an old-fashion diner or two. Nightlife gets rolling in South Beach and if you can't find a party at your hotel just walk down the street. There is something to do in Miami Beach for everyone that will leave lasting memories of a lifetime.

Miami Beach Food and Art Deco Walking Tour

If you are looking for a walking tour that combines great food, history and unique architecture, then the best thing to do in Miami Beach is to take your family on the Miami Beach Food and Art Deco Walking tour. Your 3-hour excursion begins when you meet your expert guide at a designated starting point within the South Beach area. You will indulge in a quick pastry and Cuban style coffee and set out on foot as you begin your journey through the wonderful Art Deco Historic District. Your tour guide will explain all the necessary facts on your way about the particular buildings and why Art Deco architecture is so highly acclaimed around the world. You will stroll along Lincoln Road and the pedestrian mall where you will stop for a quick sampling of local food. Your adventure continues down Espanola Way where you will indulge in some Argentina cuisine before walking down Ocean Drive the capital of Art Deco buildings. Your final stop on the excursion will be to cleanse your palate with some homemade Italian Gelato which is а perfect thing to do in Miami Beach after a leisurely walk through one of the most unique neighborhoods in the United States.

Miami Segway Tour

When you don't want to go on a walking tour or be stuck in a coach all-day, then the best thing to do in Miami Beach to see all the sights is to take a Segway tour. Your 2.5-hour excursion begins when you meet your professional guide at a designated location within South Beach where you will be given basic riding instructions on how to navigate your Segway. As you travel on your Segway your tour guide will enhance your journey with interesting commentary about the history and culture of Miami Beach. Once you have mastered the trick of steering and balancing you will be on your way to see all the beautiful Art Deco buildings South Beach offers on streets like Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive. From here you will travel the waterfront admiring the gorgeous Miami skyline as well as the blue waters of Biscayne Bay and you can watch the numerous cruise ships, yachts and private boats that call the bay home. You will view the Bayside Marketplace, the Miami River and even stop at a 2,000 year old archeological site. Your adventure concludes at your starting point but the memories will last forever.

Art Deco Historic District

Visiting the Art Deco Historic District is one of the most popular things to do in Miami Beach for couples, families and groups of travelers that like to view intricate architecture from the 1920s to 1940s. The Art Deco Historic District contains around 900 buildings and was the first 20th century neighborhood to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. First designated in 1979, the Art Deco Historic District features architecture that is centered on pastel colors, terrazzo floors and unique curvatures. The highest concentration of these buildings is along Ocean Drive where Gianni Versace once built a gorgeous Spanish Mediterranean style mansion. Many of these Art Deco buildings have been renovated and house numerous boutique hotels as well as art galleries. There is an Art Deco Welcome Center which is a great place to pick-up information on all the unique buildings you will view while strolling through the district.

Photo by Phillip Pessar

South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park is one of the best things to do in Miami Beach for families looking for a great view of the surrounding area combined with plenty of activities to keep people busy. South Point Park is 17-acre area that has been converted into a splendid park that features a 20-foot wide walkway, dog park, restaurants and an ocean-themed playground for the children. Adults will be thrilled with the views that extend from Fisher Island to Downtown Miami to Biscayne Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. You can view the numerous yachts and enormous cruise ships that travel in and out of the Port of Miami on a daily basis. The promenade is lit up with neon lights in the evening making this an enchanting place. The park has meticulously maintained grounds and is a favorite with film makers, so if you are lucky you might even see a movie star or two.

Photo by Jared

Lincoln Road

When you want to visit a great place that is filled with architecture, culinary delights, culture and history, then an ideal thing to do in Miami Beach is to stop at Lincoln Road. You will be amazed at the variety of attractions that are located within such a small strip of land that includes numerous art galleries, gorgeous Art Deco buildings, boutique shops and plenty of different cuisine from around the world. You can explore Lincoln Road on a walking tour, by Segway, bicycle as well as numerous vehicle options that range from a double decker bus to private coach to an amphibious duck vehicle. Your whole family can indulge in Latin culinary delights, explore the Bass Museum of Art and even listen to the New World Symphony as well as soak up the intricate Art Deco buildings that bring the past back to life as you take an exciting excursion of Lincoln Road.

Photo by Ed Webster

Ocean Drive

One of the most popular things to do in Miami Beach for all travelers is to take a scenic tour of Ocean Drive. When you visit Ocean Drive you can expect to see over 900 Art Deco buildings, cultural venues, boutique shops and dining establishments. There are a number of ways that you can visit Ocean Drive which range from an amphibious duck vehicle, a bicycle tour, double decker bus as well as a private coach. Other exciting ways to see Ocean Drive is by cruising on a Segway or from the sky above inside a seaplane. You can experience the culture of Ocean Drive by taking a salsa dance lesson at the spectacular nightclub Mango's Tropical Cafe or include a stroll down Ocean Drive on a food excursion which features cuisine from several Latin and South America countries. No matter which way you decide to experience, Ocean Drive is a must thing to do in Miami Beach.

Photo by derÄsthet

Holocaust Memorial

The Holocaust Memorial is one of the most interesting things to do in Miami Beach for all types of travelers from families to groups to business men. Located at 1933-1945 Meridian Avenue, the Holocaust Memorial was conceived by a group of Holocaust survivors that now call South Florida their home. The memorial is stunning a true reminder of the world's past history when Nazi Germany was in turmoil and the Jewish people were victimized. The centerpiece of the memorial is a huge bronze arm reaching up into the sky which represents each Holocaust family struggle to shelter and save their families. The memorial is set upon beautiful pink stone from Jerusalem at the base in which the arm extends upward. There are several other vignettes throughout the memorial which depicts mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters trying to shield fellow family members as well as other Jews from an unthinkable fate. The Holocaust Memorial also features a black granite wall with thousands of Holocaust victims' names etched into the stone.

Photo by Dennis Goedegebuure

Miami Beach Botanical Gardens

If you are seeking a tranquil outdoor environment that displays superb flora and fauna within an urban setting, then the perfect thing to do in Miami Beach is to visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Located along Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens are situated on 2.6-acres of lush landscape. The gardens boast fantastic flora features from wetlands to mangroves to orchids to bromeliads in an ideal surrounding that allows for relaxing moment in your life. There are numerous paths made of stone with fountains to enhance the beautiful flowers that are on display. One of the major attractions within the garden is a Japanese Garden which is complete with a red bridge over a tranquil pond. Other highlights include a native garden that sports Floridian flora which includes pond apple trees as well as an edible garden which boasts pineapples, raspberries and pomegranates. There is a Great Lawn area which is used to sponsor events throughout the year as well as an event plaza and a plant nursery onsite.

Photo by SherryBerryVA

Fisher Island

If you have ever wanted to see how the rich and famous live their lives, then the ideal thing to do in Miami Beach is to take the ferry to Fisher Island. Located just three miles of the coast of Miami, Fisher Island was created in1906 when there was a canal constructed that cut-off this spectacular piece of land. Since that time the island has become home to many of the rich and famous people who call Miami their home. There are no roads or bridges that connect Fisher Island with mainland and the island is only accessible by ferry or private invitation. You will witness lavish homes, spectacular white sand shorelines, an observatory, golf course and if you are lucky you got an invitation to stay at the only hotel on the island. The ferry runs 24-hours a day from Terminal Road at the MacArthur Causeway. But maybe the best way to see Fisher Island is from one of the many excursions from Parasailing for a bird's eye view or by boat as you cruise the shoreline looking for a glimpse of your favorite movie star, music artist or philanthropist.

Salsa Lessons

If you are tired of stepping on your partners toes and are looking for something romantic to do with your partner, then the best thing to do in Miami Beach is to learn to dance salsa. Your 2-hour dancing lesson begins when you arrive to the Mojito Room which is the upper portion of the famed Mango's Tropical Cafe. Here you will meet your expert salsa instructor who will guide you through all the steps of salsa dancing. You will have 1.5-hours of superb dance lessons which will be accompanied by live music within the Mojito Room. After your lesson you have free admission to the hottest nightclub in South Beach which is Mango's Tropical Cafe where you can continue honing your salsa dance skills. Whether you are a beginner or expert salsa dancer there is something that will help you move forward in your dance step by taking a lesson in salsa dancing.

Bass Museum of Art

Visiting the Bass Museum of Art is one of the more interesting things to do in Miami Beach when you want to view art from the Renaissance period. Located along Collins Avenue, the Bass Museum of Art is housed in the former Miami Beach Public Library and Arts Center that was constructed in the 1930s in an Art Deco style. Founded in 1963 the Bass Museum of Art exhibits primarily Renaissance period artwork that ranges from paintings to sculptures. The international collection of artwork represents the cultural contributions and attractions that make Miami Beach a special place. The museum has a rotating gallery of exhibits that runs continuously throughout the year. There are educational programs, lectures workshops and artists projects for people to widen their knowledge of the fine arts. An interesting aspect of the museum is the Art History Lab which combines different eras of art history to correlate pieces while on exhibit. The Bass Museum of Art exhibits is a Salon Style which allows patrons to understand the influences from various countries during specific time frames.

Photo by Laura Tomàs Avellana

New World Center

If you are interested in music education and performance, then the best thing to do in Miami Beach is to go to the New World Center. Located along 17th Street in south Beach, the New World Center is a premier music facility and is home to the New World Symphony. The venue opened in 2011 and was designed by Frank Gehry as well as Yasushisa Toyota. These two have combined extraordinary design with acoustics to provide for one of the best venues in the country to watch and listen to live musical performances. The concert hall can accommodate everything from small ensemble to full-orchestra to percussion concert series. The venue has a pavilion, a main hall, atrium and a rooftop garden. There is also an ensemble room as well as a lounge. Many private parties and functions are held on the rooftop where patrons have an excellent view of the South Beach skyline. Adjacent to the New World Center is the 2.5-acre Miami Beach Soundscape which hosts numerous concerts by projecting the performances on a 7,000-square feet wall. You can view everything from movies to concerts and the facility is part of the Arts for the Parks program.

Photo by Phillip Pessar

Miami Beach Boardwalk

More About Miami Beach Boardwalk

If you like to walk, jog or run combined with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean then the best thing to do in Miami Beach is to travel along the Miami Beach Boardwalk. Located directly along the shoreline, the Miami Beach Boardwalk begins at Indian Beach Park at 46th Street and Collins Avenue and continues four miles to the south until 5th Street. The portion of the boardwalk between 46th and 23rd Streets is an elevated wood boardwalk which only allows pedestrian travel. This portion offers numerous areas of beach access as well as the opportunity to view some of the more iconic hotels along Miami Beach. Once you cross 23rd Street the path becomes paved and allows other types of transportation such as bicycles through its ending point on 5th Street. You can enjoy numerous activities along the Miami Beach Boardwalk with easy beach access as well as access to the Lincoln Road Mall which is a pedestrian style mall that extends for 1-mile west of the boardwalk. Whether you are looking for a scenic walk or white sandy beaches or an enjoyable bike ride the Boardwalk is а perfect thing to do in Miami Beach for an afternoon of fun.

Photo by David Berkowitz

Collins Avenue

When you want to visit a street that features architecture, dining, shopping and more, then the best thing to do in Miami Beach is to stroll along Collins Avenue. Located one block west of the Atlantic Ocean, Collins Avenue is one of the more popular places for people to visit because of its wide range of activities. While walking along Collins Avenue you can view incredible Art Deco architecture from hotels to business buildings to converted warehouses that still adorn this fabulous era of architecture. Shopping along Collins Avenue include the Lincoln Road Mall where you will find numerous boutique stores as well as high end retailers where you can browse for the latest fashions or that perfect souvenir. Dining is superb with cuisine that ranges from Asian at Katsuya by Stark to Middle Eastern at Byblos to wonderful baked goodies and Italian cuisine at the Rosetta Bakery. Nightlife is abundant on Collins Avenue with the Drinkhouse Fire and Ice Bar, the Regent Cocktail Club and the Liquor Lounge.

Photo by Pietro & Silvia

Britto Central

If you want to view the incredible work of a pop culture icon, then the best thing to do in Miami Beach is to visit the Britto Central. Located along and within the Lincoln Road Mall, Britto Central is a combination of a working art studio and gallery of Romero Britto incredible masterpieces of art. Romero Britto combines pop culture into his creations with bright vibrant colors that feature the intricacies of his work. At Britto Central you can walk through the gallery and view many of his outstanding pieces of work that over years have appeared at events such as the World Cup as well as the Super Bowl. Britto has an extensive portfolio of work with international companies from Walt Disney to Evian to Coca-Cola. His creations are based on warmth, optimism and love with a mixture of life in which he exhibits in his masterpieces. Britto's formula within the gallery is his philosophy that art is to important and must be shared to the world. Britto Central is an ideal thing to do in Miami Beach for age groups and you will be amazed by the vibrancy of the space that brings together paintings, sculptures and fine art prints to the public.

Photo by Achim Hepp

Jewish Museum of Florida - FIU

When you are interested in learning about how culture and religion shaped Florida over the years, then the perfect thing to do in Miami Beach is to visit the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. Located along Washington Avenue, the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU consists of two beautifully restored Art Deco buildings and one of the buildings was the first synagogue in Miami Beach. The museum offers a core exhibit that explains Jewish life in Florida from 1763 to present day. Other exhibits are rotating and feature the richness, diversity as well as the influence that Florida and Jews have had on their community. The museum might focus on the immigration of Jews to Florida or the influence of food on the Florida community. The museum also offers several lectures, walking tours and religious events for the Jewish community of Miami Beach. The museum opened with a collection of 6,000 items and now houses over 100,000 pieces of various artworks, ephemera, photographs and other artifacts that help explain the lives of Jews in Florida.

Photo by Phillip Pessar

The Wolfsonian - Florida International University

When you want to see one of the finest collections of decorative and propaganda arts in the world, then the ideal thing to do in Miami Beach is to go to the Wolfsonian - Florida International University. Located along Washington Avenue in Miami Beach, the Wolfsonian-Florida International University is housed in a stunning 56,000 square foot seven-story 1927 Mediterranean Revival building. The museum was the brain child of Mitchell Wolfson Jr. and features decorative and propaganda arts from 1850-1950. The collection exhibits fascinating pieces of art from furniture to prints to paintings as well as ephemera and decorative art objects. The Wolfsonian has a library on the third floor, small objects and paintings on the fourth floor and floors five thru seven are reserved for exhibition galleries. Every year the Wolfsonian boasts special temporary exhibits which can feature up to 200 pieces of varied artwork that is directly from the extensive collection of pieces that took over four years to catalogue. The exhibits are a wonderful view of how the advent of modernity is mixed with persistence of tradition in shaping our lives and an excellent view of the cultures from around the world.

Photo by Eduardo Merille

Peter Lik's Gallery Miami Beach

If you are interested in browsing fine photography art while on vacation, then the perfect thing for you do in Miami Beach is to visit the Peter Lik's Gallery Miami Beach. Located along Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, the Peter Lik's Gallery Miami Beach is situated within the outdoor Lincoln Road Mall. Peter Lik is known around the world for his stunning fine art photography of natural landscapes and the built environment that we live our lives within. You can view incredible pieces of work that range from the mountains of Europe to the Americas as well as superb pieces of work that bring the beach and ocean to life. His work on the built environment includes city streets, bridges and long forgotten homes on the prairies. You will be amazed at the natural shots of flowers, trees and various geologic formations from around the world. His work with the stars is fascinating and brings the celestial powers of night into full view for your imagination to ponder.

Photo by Denisse Alarcon

Art Basel

If you are interested in viewing some of the best Modern and contemporary artwork from around the world, then the perfect thing to do in Miami Beach is to visit the Art Basel. Located along Convention Center Drive in the center of Miami Beach, Art Basel features artwork, sculptures, films and photographs from over 250 of the world's leading art galleries and collections. Art Basel specializes in Modern and contemporary art pieces within their exhibits and the main gallery has hosted over 4,000 artists work over the years. There are several smaller spaces within Art Basel that concentrate on a variety of pieces from curating to critics to artifacts. The Public exhibit is a unique thing to do in Miami Beach area and is displayed within Collins Park as well as upcoming films which are projected on the 7,000 square foot projection wall at SoundScape Park in conjunction with the New World Center. You can also find a wide variety of lectures and art classes within Art Basel which are sure to be joy listening to artists about how they created their masterpieces.

Photo by Phillip Pessar

Miami Beach Marina

The Miami Beach Marina is a great thing to do in Miami Beach for people looking for a superb place to dock, rent a boat or spend a couple days while refueling your body on land. Located along Alton Road in the center of Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Marina has 400 boat slips and can accommodate vessels up to 250-feet in length. The Miami Beach Marina is a great place to recharge when you sail into Miami and is situated just minutes from many of the famous sites like the trendy South Beach and downtown Miami. Amenities at the marina range from refueling stations to a freshwater swimming pool to cable television. There are a variety of services like a grocery, boat lifts and mechanics too. If you are looking to rent or buy a boat, there are several brokers and tour guides which can help you with securing the best places to fish, scuba dive and enjoy the life of sailing. There is dining onsite with selections like Monty's and Texas de Brazil for steaks. When you are looking for a premier thing to do in Miami Beach for an overnight or two while in Miami, this place will not disappoint. miamibeachmarina.com

Photo by Charlie Cowins

Flamingo Park

If you are interested in finding a local place to swim, play tennis or use a running track, then the ideal thing to do in Miami Beach is to visit Flamingo Park. Located along Washington Street in the middle of the South Beach Art Deco District, Flamingo Park is a 36-acre complex with a combination of several outdoor sporting venues that caters to local athletes and sports programs. You will find everything here from an aquatics center to tennis courts to a football field to running track to a baseball stadium. Flamingo Park is an ideal thing to do in Miami Beach for travelers who want to stay within their daily exercise regime while on vacation. There are also a wide range of activities and events for individuals as well as families that range from dance lessons to art classes to special development. There is also a great playground that features a rock climbing wall and even a 1950s train.

Photo by jodimarr

New World Symphony

When you are interested in finding out about new and upcoming musical artists in the world, then the best thing to do in Miami Beach is to visit the New World Symphony. Located on 17th Street in the heart of South Beach, the New World Symphony features 87 of the most talented young artists in the classical music field. The students that attend New World Symphony are granted fellowships that can last up to three years to hone skills in the laboratory through professional development in fields such as soloists, conducting as well as modern and traditional repertoire. Founded by Michael Tilson Thomas as well as Lin and Ted Arison over 25 years ago the institute claims alumni of over 1,000 performing artists. The New World Symphony is housed within the New World Center which hosts several events throughout the week which include full orchestra, small ensembles as well as percussion oriented performances.

Photo by Knight Foundation

World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM)

If you like art that explains the world's fascination with erotica, then the perfect thing to do in Miami Beach is to take a stroll through the World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM). Located along Washington Street within the South Beach Art Deco District, WEAM is situated within a 12,000 square feet gallery that exhibits erotic art from the past, the present and the future. Owner and curator Naomi Wilzig has put together a collection of erotic art that is the largest in the world and WEAM focuses on many centuries of fine erotic art that has been created in several mediums from sculptures to paintings to tapestries to objects of art. As you stroll through this eclectic gallery you will view pieces of artwork from the early Roman days through Colonial times to present day. Many of the pieces exhibited within the 20 rooms at WEAM are one-of-a-kind and priceless. You will enjoy interpreting the various pieces that bring the art of love and love in art to the forefront of each piece.

Photo by Phillip Pessar

Mango's Tropical Cafe

When you are ready to experience some of the best live entertainment that includes dancing and plenty of loud music, then the ideal thing to do in Miami Beach is to visit Mango's Tropical Cafe. Located on Ocean Drive in the heart of Miami Beach, the Mango's Tropical Cafe is the top-rated nightclub in the area. You will be thrilled watching people dance in vibrant costumes to the sounds of salsa, reggae, mariachi and even tango. The interior of this two-story venue is spectacular with an ocean beach vibe that exudes palm trees and colorful tropical artwork along the walls. Don't worry when you get hungry because there is menu that will delight everyone with hamburgers, seafood and steaks. Mango's Tropical Cafe is a masterpiece of fun, song and dance with a party atmosphere that is full of energetic patrons that keep the party going all night long.

Photo by Riyaz Jamani

Downtown Miami

Exploring the city of Miami is a fantastic thing to do in Miami Beach. The city of Miami is the second most populous city in the southeastern United States and is home to the largest Cuban-American population in the country. When you travel to Miami there are a plethora of places for couples, families and groups of people to visit that range from an eclectic scene in South Beach to a more tranquil setting in Miami Beach to the rich and famous that live along the shores of Biscayne Bay. Exciting attractions include numerous watersport adventures, beautiful Art Deco architecture and art galleries that represent all genres of art. The Port of Miami is referred to as the Cruise Capital of the World and accommodates the world's largest cruise ships with passengers from all over the world enjoying the beautiful sights, sounds and landscape that the city has to offer.

Photo by Christopher on Flickr.

South Beach Room Escape

One of the more popular things to do in Miami Beach for couples, families and groups is to play an adventurous game at the South Beach Room Escape. Located along Lincoln Road in the heart of South Beach, the South Beach Room Escape is fun and entertaining event that will leave you asking for more clues to the puzzle. The South Beach Escape Room features several different rooms such as the Panic, Black Ops and the Heist in which you will discover a variety of clues and manipulate objects within the room in order to be the first person that escapes. Each room has a specific theme in which you solve riddles and puzzles in such a fashion as to find out which objects you need to manipulate. Think how Indiana Jones felt like in the ancient tombs of Egypt or how archaeologists might have discovered the secrets to ancient Mayan temples. This entertaining venue is perfect for anyone who is intrigued in completing quests as they try to escape. The South Beach Escape Room also features a rooftop lounge which is ан ideal thing to do in Miami Beach for watching the sunset or just enjoying a drink before or after your fun filled adventure.