Best Attractions in Miami to Visit, From Museums to Gardens

Many people think of lively nightlife, bustling beaches and Cuban influence when they think of Miami. Glitz, glamor and palm trees: Miami has all of those, with some to spare. However, there are so many more types of Miami attractions; here you'll find hands-on sea life encounters, modern art museums and old-world Mediterranean-style villas. There's a lot to explore in this shining city.

When it comes to the top attractions in Miami, you have plenty of options, from world-class art to kid-friendly museums and from alligator experiences to scenic, quiet beach walks. There are attractions here for the young, mature and in-between. These are some of the best attractions in Miami to see during your visit.

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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was previously known as Vizcaya Villa. The estate was once the property of James Deering, a businessman made enormously wealthy by the McCormick/International Harvester company. The early 20th-century estate is a masterpiece of architecture right on Biscayne Bay (the name Vizcaya is the Basque version of Biscayne). Today, a stroll through the property reveals Italian Renaissance and Baroque design architecture and design features, sprawling formal gardens and lovely wooded areas.

The property is owned by Miami-Dade County and it's open for tours every day of the week. If you're looking for a quieter reprieve from rollicking South Beach or other parts of Miami, you can do worse than a trip to Coconut Grove to spend a few hours at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

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South Pointe Pier offers a lovely stroll and some of the best views of the water just off the coast of South Beach. It juts out from the gorgeous South Pointe Park, which has something for families with kids, those in search of a leisurely picnic spot, or anyone just wanting to relax and enjoy a bit of people-watching.

The pier itself is popular among fishermen, but it's also a great place to spot turtles and colorful fish, to watch the speedboats jetting by, or to enjoy the views of cruise ships coming and going from Port Miami. Whether you have half an hour or a leisurely afternoon, this is a great place to head for a little fresh air and downtime--and, quite possibly, an Instagram-worthy shot or two.

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Move over, London Eye. Head to the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel for a climate-controlled gondola ride offering spectacular views of the Miami port and city skyline. Many visitors report that the best time to take a ride is during sunset or just after; the night lights from the observation wheel are even more impressive than views during the daylight (though during the daytime you might get lucky and spot a few dolphins).

The wheel isn't as big as London's, but it is sparkling clean, well-maintained and comfortable. A ride takes just about 15 minutes and includes six rotations of the wheel, so you'll have plenty of time to take in the views.

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Known locally as Frost Science, this is a family-friendly stop that'll fascinate everyone in your group. A planetarium offers regular shows, an aquarium section lets you admire sea life up close and countless interactive exhibits immerse you in the scientific world in fascinating ways.

Not just for kids, the Frost Museum of Science also showcases exhibits showcasing sharks, the history and biology of flight and the power of science and technology. You could spend an entire day here if you want to take in everything; most people stay for 2-3 hours. An on-site cafe and Starbucks provide sustenance to keep you going.

Provided by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a sleek, contemporary museum right on Miami's waterfront. The museum isn't huge; you can explore the entire property in a couple of hours. That's not to say that it is not worth a visit, however. You'll find gorgeous, curated exhibits that occupy a specific niche of contemporary art. The building itself makes a statement and the grounds surrounding the museum are meticulously manicured and maintained, with some outdoor art installations of cats and dogs that make for a lovely stroll.

Guided tours are available at certain times and the on-site restaurant consistently earns rave reviews; it's well worth a visit if you'd like to grab lunch or dinner after enjoying the exhibits.

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The Miami Seaquarium is one of the nation's largest oceanariums: a facility combining aquarium displays and shows. Famous for its dolphin and manatee shows, the Seaquarium spans 38 acres and has plenty to do. You'll find touch tanks that let you get your hands on sea life, shows throughout the day and plenty of open-air exhibits that let you see sea turtles, flamingos and manatees in their habitats. Some visitors schedule a special animal encounter and dive right in with the dolphins and other sea creatures.

Though the Seaquarium isn't cheap, it's a great activity for the whole family that'll provide delight for a few hours or half a day. There are a few cafés and eateries in the park, so grabbing a snack is always convenient.

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Though Everglades Alligator Farm isn't technically located in Miami, at an easy 45-minute drive away, it's well worth an inclusion on this list. Widely regarded as one of the top attractions in Miami, the Everglades Alligator farm in Homestead, FL has something for everyone--including families with small children. Depending on the time you visit, you can watch an alligator show or feeding, hold baby alligators, or just walk around the lovely grounds. The entire farm features thoughtful landscaping where you'll find shade, benches and plenty of space to explore.

Everglades Alligator Farm also offers one-of-a-kind airboat rides, which are relatively inexpensive to book as part of your experience. Take a ride on the shallow waters of the Everglades and you'll get a taste of the wild Florida jungle that will make you feel like you're lightyears away from downtown Miami.

Wikimedia Commons / Phillip Pessar / CC BY 2.0

No list of Miami best things to do would be complete without a mention of Wynwood Walls. The entire Wynwood neighborhood of midtown Miami is full of colorful murals, but Wynwood Walls takes it up a few notches. This outdoor museum features urban art from artists around the world and their artwork--filling walls with unexpected color--making you feel as if you're walking through a living museum. Here you'll find sculptures and art by graffiti writers, fine artists and muralists from every corner of the world.

You can book a private tour or purchase timed tickets to enjoy the exhibits on your own. Either way, you won't regret the time investment. There are good reasons Wynwood Walls has grown exponentially in popularity since its opening in 2009.

When thinking of the best time to visit Miami it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.