Tripadvisor—the crowdsourced ratings and recommendations platform for travelers—just unveiled its annual ranking of the world’s Best of the Best Things to Do. We’re glad they’ve narrowed things down a bit, since navigating the seemingly infinite pages of user-generated reviews and images can start to feel overwhelming.
When it comes to Miami, we’re a little biased, but we think we do a pretty great job of steering savvy travelers to the best things to do, eat and see in the city. Still, with upwards of 150 million unique visitors trawling its vast depths each month, Tripadvisor is a trove of data on the world’s top destinations—and we’re curious how our Miami faves stacked up in 2024.
The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Things to Do celebrates the highest-rated experiences and attractions in the world based on Tripadvisor reviews. It’s also broken down by country and category, spotlighting the best food and drink, family-friendly activities, nature excursions and more.
At the top of the list, New York’s Empire State Building climbed to the No. 1 attraction globally for the first time ever. The Unvanquished Tour in Portugal’s Porto City, where visitors can explore 2000 years of history in just a few hours, made its debut as the No. 1 best experience in the world for 2024.
Globally, Miami didn’t make much of an impression this year, but travelers in the U.S. ranked several of the city’s experiences and attractions among the country’s best of the best. Not surprisingly, we excel especially well at boat tours and nature excursions. But Miami is also increasingly a top destination for families and foodies alike. Below, find all the top-ranked Miami selections from Tripadvisor’s 2024 Best of the Best Things to Do.
Top Experience in Miami
Little Havana Food and Walking Tour (No. 13 in the U.S.)
Score: 5.0 of 5 bubbles / 4,065 reviews
Tripadvisor's take: "Take a stroll with Miami's Little Havana Food and Walking Tour, where you'll explore a unique side of the city and taste Cuban dishes. Learn about the Bay of Pigs memorial and Celia Cruz mural, witness cigar rolling, and delve into Cuban coffee culture. You’ll also get to mingle with locals and watch Cuban music and dance performances."
Top Attraction in Miami
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo (No. 4 in the U.S.)
Score: 4.5 of 5 bubbles / 14,474 reviews
Tripadvisor's take: "Head to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to check out the marine animals and colorful coral reefs. Dive into the crystal clear waters by joining a snorkeling or scuba diving tour. You can also rent a kayak or take a scenic boat tour if you prefer to stay dry."
Top Food & Drink in Miami
South Beach Cultural Food and Walking Tour, Miami Beach (No. 14 in the U.S.)
Score: 4.5 of 5 bubbles / 634 reviews
Tripadvisor's take: "South Beach's food scene and striking architectural landscape come together in this lively walking tour. Locals, visitors, and families of all ages will love the opportunity to learn about the city's Art Deco hotels—and try the region's best dishes (think: ceviche you won't be able to stop thinking about)."
Top Family-Friendly in Miami
Pirates Adventures Sightseeing Tour from Miami (No. 3 in the U.S.)
Score: 5 of 5 bubbles / 661 reviews
Tripadvisor's take: "Relax on a comfortable boat while soaking in amazing views and a one-of-a-kind vibe. This 90-minute trip caters to all (specifically couples and families), and is led by a friendly crew—and a fun raffle. You'll learn about celebrity homes and enjoy some great sightseeing, all in a safe, kid-friendly environment."
Top Sailing & Day Cruises in Miami
1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale (No. 8 in the U.S.)
Score: 5 of 5 bubbles / 1,061 reviews
Tripadvisor's take: "Unleash your inner pirate with a family-friendly pirate cruise in Ft. Lauderdale. Perfect for kids' birthday parties, this interactive adventure comes with onboard water cannons, a thrilling treasure hunt, and scenic views along the way. It's BYOB, so bring your favorite beverages. Travelers agree that the experience is affordable and educational, with a charming crew to boot."
Private Boat Ride in Miami with Experienced Captain and Champagne (No. 9 in the U.S.)
Score: 5 of 5 bubbles / 203 reviews
Tripadvisor's take: "Treat yourself to a private boat ride offering stunning views of Miami's Biscayne Bay, with an experienced captain onboard and a flute of champagne in hand. Expect a family-friendly atmosphere, excellent commentary, and million-dollar sights along the way. Known for great value, this relaxing and informative adventure is perfect for groups looking to celebrate a special occasion."
Party Boat Cruise in Miami (No. 11 in the U.S.)
Score: 5 of 5 bubbles / 315 reviews
Tripadvisor's take: "Wind down on this pirate-themed party boat cruise in Miami, where you'll find beautiful sunset views (and dolphins, if you're lucky!). Dance to a mix of tunes with the resident DJ, and get to know the friendly crew under starry skies. Travelers love the great drinks, tasty eats, and homey atmosphere—perfect for an evening out on water."
Top Water Sports in Miami
Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour, Key Largo (No. 11 in the U.S.)
Score: 5 of 5 bubbles / 555 reviews
Tripadvisor's take: "Snorkel at not one but two different coral reefs in Florida Keys, the world's third largest reef ecosystem in the world. This tour provides everything you need, from snorkel equipment to reef-safe sunscreen. That means you'll be able to focus on spotting tons of marine life, such as eagle rays, eels, and even sharks."
Methodology
According to Tripadvisor, the 2024 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Things to Do Awards are determined "based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period between April 1 2023 through March 31, 2024, as well as an additional editorial process." No further details on the additional editorial process were provided.