26 Miami Attractions for a Sun-Soaked Vacation

Looking to escape to a tropical getaway to soak in some vitamin D? Miami, Florida may just be the perfect place to plan your next vacation—with its beautiful beaches, eclectic shopping spaces and unique historic attractions. 

Get ready to explore one of the top travel destinations in the United States and check out the best Miami attractions to add to your trip itinerary. 

Top Attractions in Miami

Include several of these top popular attractions in your vacation plans down to Miami. 

1. Visit Miami Beach

What's the first thing you think of when planning a trip to Miami? It’s likely the beach, and Miami Beach is one of the best. With its turquoise waters and white sand—Miami Beach is a top stop for both visitors and locals. Feel free to stop by the many restaurants and shops along the beach before or after jumping into the Atlantic Ocean. 

2. Swim in the Venetian Pool 

Coral Gables is a small Miami neighborhood, well known for its European-style homes and buildings. Within Coral Gables, you’ll find the Venetian Pool. Designed in 1923, this historic swimming pool features Mediterranean architecture, two waterfalls and several grottos for visitors to enjoy. The Venetian Pool offers nonresident and resident admission rates, ranging between $11 to $21 per ticket. 

3. Visit Little Havana

Next on our list is Little Havana, a small neighborhood full of color, live music and culture. Greatly influenced by Cuban heritage, admire the area’s colorful murals and stop by Domino Park to see locals fiercely playing dominoes. Don’t forget to stop by a restaurant or food stand to try some delicious Cuban food and coffee. 

4. Stroll Through the Art Deco Historic District

The Art Deco Historic District is well known for its vibrant buildings and distinctive 20th-century architecture. Join a walking or segway group tour to get the inside scoop on the neighborhood and see the best spots. Be sure to stop by the Art Deco Welcome Center to grab a brochure and map if you plan to explore by yourself. 

5. Explore the Everglades National Park

Just an hour’s drive from Miami is the Everglades National Park. Located in the southern tip of Florida, the Everglades are a unique wetland park with various flora and fauna, including crocodiles, manatees and birds. You can explore the national park by kayak, boat or even by airboat. We recommend starting your journey at the Royal Palm Visitor Center to get more information about the park and trails, such as the popular Anhinga Trail.

6. Visit Fisher Island

Fisher Island is well known for its celebrity and higher income homeowners. Most of those who visit the exclusive island arrive by boat, as a bridge or car can’t reach it. However, those who visit Fisher Island must receive an invitation from a resident or have a hotel reservation. Helicopter, boat and seaplane tours are available for sightseeing the island’s surrounding turquoise waters and extravagant properties. 

7. View the Exhibits at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Calling all art lovers and history enthusiasts—don’t forget to check out the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) during your trip. You won’t be able to miss the stunning glass building—filled with contemporary and modern art, including sculptures, photographs and painting exhibits from around the world. The PAMM also offers artist-led workshops and educational programs for visitors interested in interactive experiences. 

8. Explore the Zoo Miami

A trip to the zoo is always a great way to spend a day in a new city, and the Zoo Miami is one of the best. Due to Miami's tropical climate, it’s becoming a loving home to more than 400 species from across the globe. Make sure to wear your walking shoes, as the zoo is more than 750 acres and has more than 100 special exhibits to check out. Don’t forget to purchase your admission tickets through AAA ahead of time for an easy entrance. 

Tourist Attractions in Miami

These tourist attractions are definitely worth adventuring during your time in Miami. 

9. Shop at the Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace is one of the most popular attractions in Miami, and for many great reasons. Located right on the marina, this open-air marketplace has countless restaurants, eclectic local and national shops and live music venues. While you’re there, hop onto a boat or yacht tour to view the waterfront and dive into the crystal clear waters. 

10. Spend a Day at Jungle Island

Step into the lush rainforest at Jungle Island, formerly known as Parrot Jungle Island. Spend the day admiring exotic birds and animals, such as cockatoos and orangutans, throughout the wildlife park. Explore your wild side and try out the zip line course or the SuperFlight experience. 

11. Visit the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science)

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, also known as Frost Science, is a one-of-a-kind museum in Miami. Frost Science combines a planetarium, aquarium and science museum into an immersive and unique experience. 

With six floors of exhibits, you can learn about a variety of topics, including the solar system, the world's oceans and prehistoric creatures. This is a great experience for visitors of all ages, especially families.  

12. Tour the Deering Estate

The Deering Estate is a historic property once home to American business owner Charles Deering. The property is surrounded by protected wetlands and native ecosystems, which you can enjoy via canoe rides and walking trails. 

The Stone House, the mansion on the property, features 20th-century architecture and an extensive art collection. The Deering Estate is also home to the Richmond Cottage, the last structure of the pioneer town of Cutler. You can book tours to see these historic buildings and explore the rest of the estate. 

13. Explore the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

During your stay, you’ll notice how green and lush the city of Miami is. There’s so many opportunities to see and learn about its unique flora. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden spans over 83 acres of rainforest and is home to various plants, trees and flowers within its 27 exhibits. 

We recommend taking the free tram tour that offers a brief history of botanical gardens and what they include. You can also do a private or self-guided tour of the gardens. 

14. Go Back in Time at the Ancient Spanish Monastery 

Calling all the history buffs! Take a tour of the Ancient Spanish Monastery—a 12th-century monastery originally built in Sacramenia, Spain. In the 20th century, the monastery was carefully dismantled, shipped and reassembled where it now stands in North Miami Beach. 

Visit and take in the monastery’s beautiful Gothic and Romanesque architecture, including its quaint chapel and gardens. The property also features a museum that includes Spanish artifacts and other exhibits. 

15. Attend a Concert at the New World Center

The New World Center is a beautiful modern concert hall on Miami Beach and offers concerts, musical performances and community events all year round. Recently opening in 2011, the New World Center’s performance hall layout and advanced audiovisual technology work together to create a musically impressive experience. 

16. Take Your Family to Miami Children’s Museum

The Miami Children’s Museum is a great place to fill up sometime during a family vacation or avoid an unforeseen tropical rainstorm. The museum includes 14 permanent exhibits and many traveling exhibits that come and go throughout the year. In the museum, kids can take part in interactive experiences to learn about arts, culture, history and community. 

Some exhibits include a multisensory room, a supermarket and a music maker's studio. You’ll find the weekdays to be less busier than weekends, especially if cruise ships are docked.

Free Things To Do in Miami

Save some cash on your vacation with these free but enjoyable things to do in the Magic City. 

17. Take a Yoga Class at Bayfront Park

Bayside Park sits close to Bayside Marketplace and is well known for its free outdoor classes, musical concerts and unique sculptures. Both locals and visitors can participate in open-air yoga classes in the park. Take a breath during your vacation and enjoy the peacefulness of meditation.  

18. Admire the Wynwood Walls

A quick to-do on your trip itinerary is stopping by the Wynwood Walls. The Wynwood Walls is a collection of street art on warehouse walls, as well as sculpture and canvas work. You can either take a self-guided tour of the Wynwood Walls or join a private guided tour to see all of the works of art. 

19. Wander Through the Miami Beach Botanical Garden

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a free attraction that provides fresh air in the center of the busy city. Enjoy the leisurely walk through the garden and admire the native plants, flowers and lush wetlands. Garden entry is complimentary, but you can pay to participate in weekly yoga classes and guided tours. 

20. Soak Up the Sun at Hobie Beach

Looking for a tranquil beach that’s free to enjoy? Try Hobie Beach—located in Rickenbacker Causeway. This beach is perfect for water enthusiasts and sunbathers. The breezes can keep you cool in the heat but are also ideal for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Whether you’re out on the water or sunbathing on the beach, don’t forget to take in the picturesque views of the Miami skyline. 

21. Stroll Through Coconut Grove

As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami, Coconut Grove is a hip area known for its waterfront parks, bohemian aesthetic and historical influence. Coconut Grove is a great area for trying different foods, planning a water adventure and sightseeing. You can also join a city speedboat tour for a more personalized experience of the area. This is a pedestrian-friendly area, so bring a good pair of walking shoes. 

Outdoor Activities in Miami

Take in the tropical sun rays and lush vegetation with these fun Miami outdoor activities. 

22. Sunbathe at the South Beach

The South Beach neighborhood is what many know Miami for—including its far-stretching sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters. Spend the day sunbathing and swimming in the refreshing water. Once the sun sets, you’ll find a bustling nightlife with popular restaurants and dance clubs. You can also venture over to the Art Deco District from here. 

23. Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Miami is full of stunning historic architecture, and a must-visit destination is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Coconut Grove. This remarkable museum showcases exquisite Italian Renaissance-style architecture and houses diverse art and antiques. Outside the museum, you’ll discover elegant gardens, fountains and sculptures.  

24. Fish at Key Biscayne

Just a quick trip from downtown Miami is the beach town of Key Biscayne. There are so many fun things to do in this area, making it a top to-do for a trip itinerary. Activities include inshore fishing, hiking in the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and scuba diving to explore the underwater shipwrecks and lighthouse. 

25. Visit the Coral Castle Museum

The Coral Castle Museum is a one-of-a-kind viewing experience in Miami. Created between 1923 and 1951 by Edward Leedskalnin, the sculpture garden was sculpted entirely without modern tools. Learn more about Leedskalnin, his journey of building unique sculptures and his impressive work ethic during the visit.   

26. Kayak at the Oleta River State Park

In the middle of the urban city, you’ll find an oasis—the Oleta River State Park. Extending over 1,000 acres, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, the most popular being kayaking, biking and fishing. 

In the warmer months, the nearby beaches are a great place to sunbathe and cool down. For outdoor enthusiasts, we highly recommend embarking on a kayaking tour along the Oleta River to explore the mangroves and the area's pristine natural ecosystem

Plan Your Trip to Miami With AAA

There’s a diverse range of Miami attractions, and Travel AAA can help you organize and create your ideal tropical vacation today. Make the most of your Membership and utilize the exclusive benefits and savings. Be sure to add a few unique tours and experiences to ensure your trip to the Magic City is unforgettable!