Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
Find Your Favorite Beach
Atlantic Coast
Beach Camping
Family-Friendly
Places to stay.
Campgrounds
Travel Ideas
Accessible Travel
Eco-Friendly Travel
African American Heritage Travel
More Travel Ideas
Popular links.
Florida Webcams
Toll Roads Info
Travel Guides
What to do in miami beach.
By Lauren Tjaden
Iconic, legendary and always vibrant, Miami Beach offers a smorgasbord of things to do.
You can experience blockbuster clubs that include the The Palace , where mimosas and queens take center stage at the club’s famous show and brunch; tour the Historic Art Deco District to see over 800 stunning architectural landmarks from the 1920s; or crack open some fresh claws at Joe's Stone Crab , heralded as the best anywhere, anytime.
Parks, beaches, museums, hotels and spas all compete for well-deserved attention. To help you find the ones that are right for you, check out some favorite things to do in Miami Beach, divided into these categories:
Nightlife, Bars and Clubs | Art and Entertainment | Miami Beach Restaurants | Parks and Beaches | Shopping | Miami Beach Hotels and Spas | Miscellaneous Things to Do in Miami Beach
Dance the night away with the beautiful people at the ultra-modern, high-energy LIV nightclub inside the Fontainebleau Hotel and Nightlife Complex.
- Fontainebleau Hotel
Nightlife, Bars and Clubs
It’s no secret that the nights in Miami Beach are even more sizzling hot than the days. Here are some favorite haunts and under-the-radar gems.
Every queen needs a palace, and this one’s a dandy. You can start the celebration early with mimosas and queens at The Palace’s famous show and brunch-- an out-of-control spectacle in the best possible way—explore the rooftop bar, indulge in notorious nightlife, or just throw back the drinks and let go.
MAC'S CLUB DEUCE
Sip an eye-opening Irish coffee or Bloody Mary at Mac's Club Deuce, billed as Miami’s oldest bar and quirkiest dive. Playboy, Anthony Bourdain, and a slew of other celebrities have sung the praises of this local legend. This rustic classic opens their doors at 8 a.m. every day of the week and doesn’t stop the celebrations until the next morning at 5 a.m.
Dance the night away with the beautiful people at the ultra-modern, high-energy LIV nightclub inside the Fontainebleau Hotel and Nightlife Complex. Inside, you’ll find four full-service bars, and if you want to spoil yourself you can reserve a banquet spot or a private skybox. This is where legends and personalities come for both their shows and the after party, so keep your eye out for stars on the stage and off it.
D’VINE HOOKAH LOUNGE
Puff on an intricate hookah with Lincoln Road as a backdrop from D’vine Hookah Lounge, a first of its kind for Miami Beach. It features over 65 flavors to try while you kick back in their plush and modern lounge. More than that, they offer a full-service bar and a menu of exotic foods that will make the experience just… well, divine.
Check out more nightlife from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Tour Miami Beach’s epic, Historic Art Deco District by foot or bike to wonder over 800 stunning architectural landmarks from the 1920s and beyond.
- Patrick Farrell
Art and Culture
With colorful galleries, iconic art fairs and perched-on-the-edge-of-your-seat performing arts, Miami Beach is a mecca for art and culture lovers.
HISTORIC ART DECO DISTRICT
Tour Miami Beach’s epic, Historic Art Deco District by foot or bike to wonder over 800 stunning architectural landmarks from the 1920s and beyond. You can walk yourself through the history or take a narrated tour and hear the mesmerizing stories behind the first contemporary neighborhood to be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
NEW WORLD CENTER
Attend an outdoor audiovisual “wallcast” while listening to the New World Symphony at New World Center’s SoundScape Park, where the classic sounds of a full orchestra are combined with cutting edge audio and visual technologies to provide a free, mind-blowing concert experience. Make sure you bring something to sit on so you can relax and enjoy the music.
THE FILLMORE MIAMI BEACH AT THE JACKIE GLEASON THEATER
Willie Nelson! The White Stripes! Check out a concert or comedy show at The Fillmore at Jackie Gleason Theater, a historic landmark that’s been showcasing staggering talent since the 50s, including James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Otis Redding, Cream, and everyone else who was or is somebody. Renovated in 2007, the quality, variety and sheer number of shows held at the Fillmore is monumental. Yes, you need to go.
WILZIG EROTIC ART MUSEUM
Bring your wild side, a sense of humor, and possibly a date to experience the Wilzig Erotic Art Museum, filled with paintings, sculptures, pop culture props and miscellany. More than just a collection of inappropriate materials, this museum features spectacular artwork, some dating back to thousands of years ago and from all corners of the world.
ROMERO BRITTO
Buy a colorful, one-of-a-kind print, sculpture, tote bag, dish or puzzle wearing the artwork of Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto. Inspired by Matisse and Picasso, this cheery artist uses vibrant colors that exude happiness in a reflection of his optimistic view of the world. You can find his work in his Britto store in Miami International Airport, or in art stores all around Miami Beach.
MIAMI BEACH CINEMATHEQUE & GALLERY
Grab a coffee and snack and watch only the best indie flicks at the headquarters of the Miami Beach Film Society. Part of the Art Deco District, this cinema features a screening room, an art gallery, a bookstore, and a café to service all of your hipster needs.
OOLITE ARTS
Support the arts and check out sumptuous exhibits at Oolite Arts, which showcases over 1,000 visual artists, both budding and established. Oolite garners high praise as a trailblazer in the South Florida contemporary cultural scene and as a creative learning center.
And there’s more!
Check out more area art and culture from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau..
A platter of Joe's Stone Crabs
- Emeril's Florida
Miami Beach Restaurants
A legend for its daring Latin and Caribbean flavors, trendy restaurants anchored by celebrity chefs, and tremendous food festivals, Miami Beach invites you to explore its culinary scene one table at a time.
JOE'S STONE CRAB
Crack open some fresh claws at Joe's Stone Crab. They’ve been around for over 100 years now, starting out before Miami Beach was a city. They were also the first to serve the delicacy that is the Florida Stone Crab, and they’ve been the best at cooking them ever since. If crab isn’t your thing, they’ve got a bit of everything, from their renowned fried chicken to their famous key lime pie. You’ll likely have to wait for a table but it’ll be worth it.
MANGO'S TROPICAL CAFÉ
It’s easy to imagine you’re at the famous Brazilian Carnivale when you sit down for dinner and a show at Mango's Tropical Café. Expect lively reggae music, salsa dancing, and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. On a special night, you might catch some belly dancing or an ultra-modern hip hop show.
LA SANDWICHERIE
Order a croque monsieur and a salad with house specialty vinaigrette at La Sandwicherie, a small sandwich bar that packs a punch with its authentic French food and fresh smoothies. It’s not fancy, but this dive is regarded by many foodies as the best sandwich shop in all of Florida.
Cool down with kosher Key lime sorbet or rich cappuccino chip ice cream, made fresh daily with premium juices, candies, chocolate, butterfat and creative ingredients at The Frieze. This small ice cream shop is nestled in the artistic district of Miami Beach, making it the perfect spot to refuel on your stroll around town.
ICEBOX CAFÉ
Indulge in a decadent raspberry chocolate mousse cake or streusel apple pie from Icebox Café, a restaurant in South Beach known for using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms in South Florida. The salads are memorable as well.
NIKKI BEACH
Dress up, sip fine champagne with your toes in the sand, and enjoy the Sunday brunch of your life at Nikki Beach. Their flagship location in South Beach features a fresh crepe and Belgian waffle station, farm fresh eggs and sushi, all in a beautiful beach club setting.
Here are more area eateries from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Nothing needs to get between you and the sunshine at famous Haulover Beach, one of the only clothing-optional and most all-accepting beaches in the United States.
- Patrick Farrell for VISIT FLORIDA
Beaches, Parks and Recreation
With all of Miami Beach’s generous offerings, its beaches, stretching across the glistening Atlantic coast, are the undeniable stars of the show. Here are some beaches and parks you won't want to miss.
12TH STREET BEACH
Rent some chairs and mingle with the singles at South Beach’s 12th Street Beach, sited close to Ocean Drive’s signature Art Deco district. This wide swath of sand is the most popular gay beach in Miami Beach, populated mostly by men, a few women, and curious tourists engaged in people watching. Just look for the rainbow flags posted at the lifeguard stations.
HAULOVER BEACH
Nothing needs to get between you and the sunshine at famous Haulover Beach, one of the only clothing-optional and most all-accepting beaches in the United States. Renowned as one of the best nude beaches in the world, this 99-acre beach features multiple tennis courts, a golf course, and multiple hotels within walking distance.
PINE TREE PARK AND FLAMINGO BARK PARK
Unleash the joy in your best friend at Pine Tree Park or Flamingo Bark Park, the largest two of six “bark parks” (dog parks) designated by the city. Flamingo Bark Park offers agility equipment, drinking fountains, lights, grass, and benches; Pine Tree Park offers drinking fountains and both grassy and mulched areas.
MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN
Breathe deep among the blooming exotic trees and Japanese-style landscaping, complete with a striking red bridge and stone lanterns, at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. You can participate in a yoga session or meditate in these gardens, a respite meant to encourage an appreciation of both nature and culture.
Here are more Beaches , Parks and Recreation from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Stroll Lincoln Road Outdoor Antique and Collectable Market for hours on end, looking at the booths of vintage jewelry and clothes, Art Deco furniture, American pottery, quirky art, retro cameras -- the finds are endless.
- Ginger Harris for VISIT FLORIDA
Home to celebrated shopping and dining destinations like Lincoln Road Mall , where you can nosh on local produce from the weekly Farmer’s Market , and shop at designer stores, Miami Beach delivers almost endless opportunities to search for and scoop up treasures.
THE WOLFSONIAN-FIU
Stop by the quirky gift shop (think finger puppets of world leaders and First Lady paper dolls) at The Wolfsonian-FIU, a seven-story museum that focuses on the power of design in the persuasiveness of art. For an in-depth experience, take one of their free guided tours to explore the intriguing permanent and temporary exhibits.
LINCOLN ROAD ANTIQUE AND COLLECTIBLE MARKET
Browse through one-of-a-kind antique Miami memorabilia, including vintage clothes, designer furniture and must-have jewelry at the Lincoln Road Antique and Collectible Market, billed as ‘the largest Sunday social event in South Florida.’ The ongoing events lure enormous, eclectic crowds of Treasure Hunters from all over the world, making the crowd as fascinating as the merchandise.
Check out more area shopping options from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Colony Hotel at Miami's Art Deco District
- PATRICK FARRELL for VISIT FLORIDA
Miami Beach Hotels and Spas
Miami Beach encompasses a stunning variety of restored Art Deco hotels, including The Plymouth , sited in historic Collins Park a mere block from the beach, a lush getaway that features private terraces and French clawfoot tubs; as well as distinctive, sophisticated places to stay like the Palihouse Miami Beach , Greystone Miami Beach and the Cardozo Hotel . Here are some offerings to tempt you.
Pay a visit to the SLS Hotel, the tallest art deco building in South Beach, restored and revamped from its 1939 glory into a towering, glittery palace with gorgeous bars and restaurants. You can spend a day at the resort, where old French luxury is met with a modern playful energy, and feast on anything from masterfully crafted sushi to local Latin cuisine. At night, visit Hyde Beach, its premier nightlife destination.
Splurge on an oceanfront view room at Eden Roc, a historical wonder that blends nostalgic glamour with plush modern comforts. Unwind at a cabana at one of their three sumptious pools, or enjoy resort activities like jet skiing and nature trails. You don’t even need to be a guest to slip into luxury at their world class spa, a serene playground offering massages, facials and other spoil-you-silly services.
BIKINI HOSTEL CAFE & BEER GARDEN
If staying at a resort isn’t your style-- or budget --go out and make some new friends at the Bikini Hostel Cafe & Beer Garden. Centrally located at the core of South Beach, you can ditch the car keys and walk to the nightclubs, restaurants, and beautiful beaches. A pool, ping pong tables and large apartments are among its amenities.
THE STANDARD SPA
If you need any form of restoration – from skincare to mindfulness – The Standard has the cure for what ails you, promising soothing Hamam baths, Finnish Saunas and group baths. Its spa services marry traditional treatments with holistic ones; choose from facials and massages to astrology and health coaching. The main pool, the heart of the outdoor hydrotherapy playground, boasts an arctic plunge pool and waterfall hot tub.
Here are more hotels from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Experience sunset at the quietly beautiful Holocaust Memorial.
- Photo Credit: Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Miscellaneous Things to Do in Miami Beach
The adventures are just getting started; Miami Beach serves up museums, tours, and even ice-skating. Here are some ideas.
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
Experience sunset at the quietly beautiful Holocaust Memorial. The memorial is a large arm, outstretched to the sky with over 100 smaller figures clinging to it and each other. In a city with one of the largest populations of Holocaust Survivors, since 1990 this memorial has served as a reminder of the suffering that occurred in Nazi concentration camps and hosts a number of community and educational events.
SCOTT RAKOW YOUTH CENTER
Go ice skating year-round at the Scott Rakow Youth Center, which welcomes children of all ages. Featuring a 12,885-square-foot rink and a pro shop that provides skates, pads, leg warmers and gloves, they’ve got everything you need for an afternoon of skating.
SOUTH OF FIFTH STREET AND SOUTH POINTE PARK
To see how the other half lives, take a stroll through SoFi, the enclave South of Fifth Street and South Pointe Park, known for its hip, elite residents and multi-million-dollar penthouse suites. Eyeball the most vibrant Miami Beach houses and condos, or get a yummy taste of luxury at any number of high-end restaurants along the way. If you’re going to run into a celebrity in Miami Beach, it will probably happen here.
To soak up all the sights of Miami Beach, climb aboard a Miami Beach Duck Tour, with a specially designed tour vehicle that’s equally at home on the land and the water. Pick from multiple excursions that offer spectacular views of the local architecture, the homes of the rich and famous, and some history lessons on the city narrated by entertaining tour guides who all have backgrounds in comedy and performance. The tours are wheelchair-friendly, so everyone can join in and see the sights.
Check out more things to do from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Video tour of Little Havana
PLACES TO REMEMBER
Miami Beach
South Beach
RELATED CONTENT
Panama City Florida - Things to Do & Attractions in Panama City FL
Ybor City Florida - Vacation Guide to Ybor City in Tampa FL
Panama City Beach Florida - Things to Do & Attractions in Panama City Beach FL
Plant City Florida - Things to Do & Attractions in Plant City FL
Strategic alliance partners.
Miami Beach Travel Guide
Courtesy of Henryk Sadura | Getty Images
15 Fun Things to Do in Miami Beach
Miami Beach caters to the moneyed crowd. At upscale shopping centers like pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road Mall and renowned spas (the 70,000-square-foot spa at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is the largest on the Eastern Seaboard), residents and
- All Things To Do
South Beach South Beach free
With a nickname like the "Art Deco Playground," it's no wonder so many people flock to South Beach. Travelers see South Beach not only as one of the best vacation areas in Florida, but as one of the best in the country. Popular perception has somewhat pigeonholed the area as being reserved exclusively for the 24-hour partiers, but that's not necessarily the case. The truth is that South Beach (or SoBe, for short) welcomes anyone looking for pristine sand, amazing food and yes, a buzzing nightlife.
The options are limitless: you can spend the whole day shopping at boutiques, getting pampered at an opulent spa or just strolling along Ocean Drive . South Beach also hosts numerous festivals and events, including volleyball tournaments, Art Deco Weekend and music and art shows. Families can take the kids over to Watson Island about 4 miles over the McArthur Causeway to see the animals at Jungle Island or to play at the Miami Children's Museum for some educational fun.
Ocean Drive Ocean Drive free
One of the most famous thoroughfares in the city, the country, or maybe even the world, Ocean Drive is characterized by its distinct art deco buildings, its constant streams of crowds and its glittering hotel and club fronts in the nighttime. Suffice it to say that if you've booked a hotel along Ocean Drive, you're guaranteed to be in the thick of things. Shopping, dining, beach activities and more are all right outside your hotel door.
Travelers say the best way to experience Ocean Drive is just by walking down the street, taking in the historic art deco hotels and storefronts and snapping some photos along the way. Day or night, visitors say you'll find something to do along Ocean Drive, whether it's dining outdoors steps from the ocean, grabbing a cocktail at a bar or dancing the night away at one of the clubs. Though, many warn that partaking in the revelry of food and drink along Ocean Drive does come with a high price tag. If you sign up for one of the best parasailing tours in Miami , you'll likely enjoy a bird's-eye view of Ocean Drive from the sky.
Lincoln Road Mall Lincoln Road Mall free
U.S. News Insider Tip: For the best affordable fare, take a slight detour off Lincoln Road to The Lincoln Eatery for a handful of fast-casual food booths or the top-rated Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza, hidden inside of a South Beach office building on Michigan Avenue. – Lyssa Goldberg
Located on Lincoln Road, between Alton Road and Washington Avenue, the Lincoln Road Mall is a mile-long, can't-miss pedestrian shopping area. Originally envisioned as the "Fifth Avenue of the South," Lincoln Road attracted outposts of Burdines, Saks Fifth Avenue and Cadillac, and was transformed into only the second open-air mall in the United States by famed Miami Modern (MiMo) architect Morris Lapidus in the late 1950s. As artists flocked to Lincoln Road and brought visitors to the area, the pedestrian promenade experienced a resurgence as one of the premier streets in the nation by the late 1990s. The street offers a blend of several architectural styles, including Mediterranean Revival, art deco, midcentury modern, and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Lummus Park Lummus Park free
U.S. News Insider Tip: Snap a pic with one (or all) of Miami Beach's iconic lifeguard towers, each designed in its own set of funky colors and whimsical shapes to reflect the city's surrounding art deco aesthetic. – Lyssa Goldberg
This is the beach and park area that fulfills all of South Beach 's stereotypes. Fit sunbathers, bikini-loving celebrities, supermodels (often occupied with a photo shoot) – all of the above crash on the beige-colored sand here, which runs along Ocean Drive from about 5th Street to 14th Street. Volleyball nets, beach gear rental kiosks and restrooms dot the area as well. The grassy stretch between Ocean Drive and the beach features plenty of palm trees, playgrounds and a winding paved pathway that attracts runners, bikers and rollerbladers. It's also the home of Muscle Beach, an outdoor fitness area for exercise, weight lifting and gymnastics located on the sand at 9th Street. Spending some time here will put you within walking distance of Ocean Drive's many restaurants and bars and allow you to experience the Art Deco District, in addition to the sun and sand.
South Pointe Park and Pier South Pointe Park and Pier free
Located at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe is a 17-acre park that features walking paths, grassy knolls and sweeping views of the ocean. The area also has a playground with water features, and a dog park. There's plenty of seating throughout the park and a 55-foot art sculpture that lights up and greets visitors like a modern lighthouse. The South Pointe Pier juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular place to fish. The 450-foot-long pier offers stations for cutting bait and washing fish, recycling bins for fishing line and seating for various vantage points of the ocean.
Overall, recent travelers said a stroll through this park and along the pier is enjoyable, with many noting they loved watching both cruise ships and smaller yachts come and go. Reviewers also commented on the stunning views and raved about the many photo-ops. Families also say South Pointe Park, with its grassy areas and playground, is a great spot for kids.
Art Deco Historic District Art Deco Historic District
Miami Beach is known for its art deco architecture, a design style of the 1920s and '30s that's characterized by bold colors and geometric shapes. It often incorporates styles of cubism, futurism and other varying art movements. You'll spot this architectural style adorning the city's gorgeous hotels , storefronts, restaurants and buildings that line South Beach . The best way to experience all the art deco architecture Miami Beach has to offer is on a walking tour of the South Beach neighborhood.
Several outfitters offer tours, including the Miami Design Preservation League and Art Deco Tours , and prices start at $32 per person.
Española Way Española Way free
Located between 14th and 15th streets, the pedestrian-only Española Way is a two-block corridor of pastel pink Old World-style buildings known for its restaurants, shopping and entertainment. It's bound by the main Washington Avenue thoroughfare on one side and Pennsylvania Avenue on the other. Modeled after the charming Mediterranean villages of Spain and France, the historic enclave was formed as a bohemian artist colony in the 1920s. It quickly became a popular hangout that attracted the likes of gangster Al Capone, who made one Española Way hotel the site of an underground gambling ring.
Recent travelers called Española Way a hidden gem and recommend seeking out this charming side street for a short stroll, shopping, lunch or dinner. With more than a dozen restaurants, sidewalk cafes and bars in a two-block span, visitors come here for people-watching in a lively atmosphere and al fresco dining under twinkling lights. The area comes alive at night with music from the street's restaurants, and you'll find everything from Cuban food, sushi and coffee shops to Spanish tapas, Mexican and Italian.
New World Symphony Center New World Symphony Center
U.S. News Insider Tip: Check the lineup of free outdoor screenings and plan an evening picnic. Bring a blanket (or hotel towel) and buy sandwiches from a spot nearby like Rosetta Bakery, Crema or La Sandwicherie, which is worth the extra few blocks' walk. – Lyssa Goldberg
You don't have to be a classical music aficionado to appreciate Frank Gehry-designed symphony hall, the New World Center. Home of the New World Symphony, an orchestral academy for young music graduates, the New World Center is both a campus for music education and a state-of-the-art performance center with plenty to offer lovers of the performing arts and live entertainment. Visitors who've attended a concert here praised the excellent acoustics and architectural design of this cultural landmark.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden Miami Beach Botanical Garden free
U.S. News Insider Tip: The plants aren't the only reason to visit – Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers an escape from the South Beach bustle. For some peace and tranquility, attend one of the garden's community events like yoga, tai chi or a meditation sound bath. – Lyssa Goldberg
A subtropical garden in the center of South Beach, Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a 3-acre landscape filled with 100 species of palm trees, orchids and other native plants. This lush garden oasis is an ideal spot to spend an hour strolling under the shade of flowering trees and spotting wildlife, such as native and migratory birds, butterflies, turtles and koi fish. The garden is divided into several sections, including a Japanese garden with water lilies and a red wooden bridge, a gumbo-limbo courtyard, an edible plant garden, wetland mangroves, turtle and koi ponds, water features and more. You can pick up a garden map at the entrance to navigate to self-guided audio tour stops.
The Wolfsonian-Florida International University The Wolfsonian-Florida International University
Located in the Art Deco Historic District and housed in a 1920s Mediterranean Revival building that is a South Beach landmark in its own right, the Wolfsonian-Florida International University is a multistory museum that explores the impact of art and design on world history through a collection of more than 200,000 objects. Focused on a century of transformation from 1850 to 1950, the collection of artifacts includes everything from everyday household appliances and furniture to groundbreaking architectural plans, propaganda posters and more.
Visitors enjoyed learning about 20th century design and seeing the display of art deco objects and political memorabilia. Some noted the museum's relatively small size means you can get a comprehensive look at the collection in about two hours. The indoor, air-conditioned museum is also a great place to escape the inevitable South Florida rain or humidity. At the gift shop, you can find design-oriented souvenirs, jewelry, clocks, kitchenware and books, including Wolfsonian publications. Travelers also recommended ordering a cappuccino or macchiato from the on-site coffee bar.
Holocaust Memorial Holocaust Memorial free
Located near the intersection of Dade Boulevard and Meridian Avenue, the Holocaust Memorial in South Beach is a moving tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. The idea was conceived by a small group of Holocaust survivors in 1984 and the memorial officially opened to the public in 1990. The site features a series of statues, architectural pieces, a garden of meditation and a memorial wall. The main sculpture features dozens of emaciated people reaching out for help, clinging to one another, that make up an outstretched arm reaching up to the sky.
Recent visitors echo one another, saying that Miami Beach's Holocaust Memorial moved them deeply and caused them to remember the importance of never forgetting the tragedy. Most travelers agree that you should stop by to see this beautiful tribute while you're in the area, citing the informative photo panels as ways to learn even more about this atrocity. There is also a brochure for self-guided tours available for a suggested $2 donation.
The Bass The Bass
Located in Collins Park steps from the beach, The Bass is a contemporary art museum on the northern end of South Beach featuring international contemporary art in a wide range of media, including sculpture, design, fashion and architecture. The small two-floor museum is housed in a 1930s art deco building that was formerly the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center. While exhibitions within the galleries change every few months, The Bass' permanent collection includes outdoor public art within Collins Park, headlined by artist Ugo Rondinone's Miami Mountain sculpture – five boulders stacked 42 feet high, each painted a different fluorescent color, that have become an iconic photo-op.
Visitors can scan QR codes throughout the museum to follow a self-guided tour from their phone, but guided tours must be reserved in advance for an additional fee. The museum also has a cafe serving coffee and light bites; a boutique bookstore and gift shop selling designer jewelry, accessories, art books and other unique gifts; and an education facility called the Creativity Center for programming and workshops.
Miami Children's Museum Miami Children's Museum
The Miami Children's Museum is located on a little island between downtown Miami and South Beach . Kid-friendly interactive exhibits are the focus of this museum, which caters to young children with things like a 6-foot piggy bank (to learn about financial literacy), the Castle of Dreams (a two-story sand castle with a winding slide designed to inspire imagination) and the Music Makers Studio (where children can learn how musical sounds are made), among several other engaging activities.
Families visiting Miami Beach say this is a great air-conditioned place to spend some time with younger kids, especially since many of the exhibits are so engaging. The museum offers fun activities for all ages, but parents said children ages 3 to 6 seemed to enjoy it more than the older ones. The downsides visitors noted were the high cost of admission (and having to pay for parking, too) and the limited food options available on-site. Recent travelers have also mentioned the museum could benefit from some updates.
Haulover Park Haulover Park
Clothing-optional Haulover has long been a favorite of laissez-faire residents and vacationers, but there's more to do here than nude sunbathing. You can fly kites, go charter fishing and even play volleyball at this shore located just north of Bal Harbour. And you don't have to strip to your birthday suit to enjoy this area, as there are also designated sections for swimsuit-clad beach bathing (the northern area of the beach is where you'll find nude sunbathers).
Most travelers said they enjoyed their time at Haulover Park, noting that it's a far more laid-back option than the busier South Beach . Some recent travelers expressed surprise at how friendly the people at the beach were, whether clothed or unclothed. If you don't bring your own gear, plan to part with at least $10 to $25 for beach and chair rentals, according to past visitors.
Ancient Spanish Monastery Ancient Spanish Monastery
Situated in North Miami Beach, this monastery has a storied past. Officially known as the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, construction on the structure began in A.D. 1133 in northern Spain and was completed eight years later. It was inhabited by monks for nearly 700 years, but after a revolution in the 1830s, the monastery was taken over and sold. In 1925, the cloisters and the rest of the monastery were purchased by William Randolph Hearst and dismantled stone by stone to be shipped to the U.S., packed in more than 11,000 crates. After years of sitting in storage, the monastery was rebuilt in Miami over the course of 19 months with plans to turn it into a tourist attraction called the Ancient Spanish Monastery. (Time magazine called it "The Biggest Jigsaw Puzzle in History," as it involved over 35,000 stones.) It didn't do too hot as a tourist attraction alone, so it was sold to a local diocese and was turned into a church. Today, it's an active congregation that welcomes churchgoers and also acts as an attraction highlighting the monastery's beautiful architecture and its surrounding gardens.
If you're looking to escape the hubbub of South Beach , you can venture north to admire this tranquil monastery. Visitors love that its grounds are historic, quiet and serene, and say when the gardens are in full bloom it's truly a sight to see.
Things to Do in Miami Beach FAQs
Explore more of miami beach.
Best Hotels
When To Visit
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
Recommended
The 9 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
Marisa Méndez November 12, 2024
5 Best St. Augustine Ghost Tours of 2024
Holly Johnson November 12, 2024
163 Best Black Friday Travel Deals of 2024
Amanda Norcross|Catriona Kendall|Rachael Hood November 12, 2024
The 9 Best Iceland Tours: Northern Lights, Waterfalls & More
Ann Henson|Amanda Norcross November 12, 2024
The 14 Most Festive Holiday Hotels in the U.S.
Rachael Hood|Catriona Kendall|Erin Evans November 11, 2024
The 5 Spookiest Charleston Ghost Tours
Holly Johnson November 11, 2024
The 13 Best Florence Tours: Wine, Museums & More
John Rodwan November 11, 2024
The 12 Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2025 and 2026
Gwen Pratesi|Rachael Hood|Catriona Kendall November 11, 2024
The 10 Best Chicago Tours for 2024, According to Reviews
John Rodwan November 8, 2024
The 9 New York City Boat Tours with the Best Views
Lyn Mettler November 8, 2024
IMAGES