The 12 Best Things to Do in Miami (Updated 2024)

Posted: 2/20/24 | February 20th, 2024

Miami is vibrant city known for its beach culture, party scene, Cuban influence. It’s definitely considered one of the more high energy, fun cities in America. Miami attracts millions of visitors per year.

Personally, Miami isn’t my favorite city in the States (though I do love the beaches), but there’s absolutely no denying that there’s a lot of fun to be had here. From beaches to partying to Cuban culture to the nearby Everglades, you can do a lot. (And if you’re looking to splash out, there are tons of luxurious hotels, upscale shopping districts, and high-end dining to be found here.)

Here are some of my top things to see and do in Miami:

1. Explore the Everglades

Everglades National Park has 1.5 million acres of swamps, prairies, and sub-tropical jungles. It is one of the most unique and largest public parks in the United States. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site, it is home to 14 rare and endangered species including the Florida Panther, American Crocodile, and West Indian Manatee, among others. Over 350 species of birds, 300 species of fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles live in this unique environment.

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore the park using your own two feet, but to traverse the waterways, you’ll need to hop in an airboat. The park is only an hour from the city.

Airboat tours cost around $37 USD. If you want a more active boating experience, kayak tours are also popular (expect to pay around $100 for a kayak tour that includes a kayak rental).

2. Visit Little Havana

Little Havana, Miami’s Cuban neighborhood, was born almost overnight. In the mid-1960s, an estimated 300,000 refugees fled Cuba, with most landing and settling in Miami. Today, over 1.2 million Cuban Americans live in Miami, with Little Havana centering around “Calle Ocho” (SW 8th Street). This is one of my favorite parts of the city and the food here is incredible. Eat in one of the little restaurants and bakeries, walk the vibrant streets, enjoy a Cuba Libre (rum and coke) or Café Cubano (espresso shot sweetened with brown sugar), or get in on some salsa dancing. It’s an arty, quirky neighborhood worth exploring.

Food tours around Little Havana cost around $69 USD and are the best way to learn about the area from an expert local guide.

3. Admire the Art Deco of South Beach

Located in South Beach, the Art Deco Historic District is…