The 16 best Miami tours guide you through the city’s ultimate sights and eats

What is it? What’s a sightseeing tour throughout Miami without a little traffic? Not an authentic one, that's for sure. If you're bound to get stuck beyond the wheel, it’s best you leave the driving to someone else so that you can spend the afternoon gawking out the window, taking in the city’s fabulous architecture and those stunning ocean views.

Why go? Each bus has its own tour guide to point out and explain the sites. Another perk of riding the Big Bus? You'll never have to deal yet another Miami transportation struggle: parking.

What is it? If you’re the type who researches a city’s food scene before booking travel, this culinary tour will keep you from spending precious hours Googling away. Set off on a gut-busting journey through Little Havana, sampling the Cuban neighborhood’s authentic delights—from ice cream and cafecito to those irresistible croquetas.

Why go? Between stops, you’ll learn about the people, the culture and, of course, the food that make this place so special. 

What is it? More than showing you where The Birdcage was filmed, Art Deco walking tours are a fun, interactive way to learn all about South Beach’s historic architecture—without ever needing to refer to your guidebook.

Why go? You’ll learn to distinguish Mediterranean Revival from Miami Modern and be able to tell all your friends back home you were inside an actual Art Deco structure. Bonus: the three-hour tour includes five stops to snack and rest your feet. 

What is it? Few tours will take a Pitbull dance break at a red light, but Duck Tours is unlike any other tour you’ll take in Miami. You’ll ride an amphibious truck, meaning it can travel on land and on water, through the streets of Miami Beach and downtown Miami, past Bayside Marketplace and into Biscayne Bay for a truly 360-degree view of the city.

Why go? Guides are informative but also really fun, so expect to hear the “#SELFIE” song when your peers start wielding their selfie sticks.

What is it? Okay, maybe this doesn't count as a tour in Miami, but if anything deserves to be an expection to the rule, it's something that involves a trip to the Bahamas. Head out from Miami Beach on a high-speed ferry to the Island of Bimini. 

Why go? You'll get six hours of free time to enjoy the white sand beaches and clear water, with the option to take on various water sports from jet skiing to parasailing and shipwreck snorkeling. Miami excursions to the Bahamas don't come cheap, but these are relatively reasonable. 

What is it? On this two-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll sample global cuisine from a chef-driven food hall—including a unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian—all while checking out the stunning art and architecture. You'll also get to indulge in Chef Andrew G.'s famous cookie creations. 

Why go? The bougie neighborhood gets a bad rap for being nothing more than a place to shop and for being expensive. While the latter might be true, there’s plenty to see and do in the MDD that has nothing to do with retail. 

What is it? No matter what the countless murals in Wynwood might lead you to believe, spray painting a vacant wall is still very much illegal. Fortunately, this workshop and tour gives you free rein without the risk of defacing public property.

Why go? Led by a real-life street artist, the class takes place at an artist's studio (address is provided upon booking). Students are handed a can of paint, a mask (safety first!) and shown how to write, blend colors, and illustrate using different spray tips. 

What is it? Those willing to brave the elements for an up-close glimpse of South Florida’s most impressive landscape should opt for an amphibian experience. Start with a one-hour airboat tour, which whisks you through thousands of tiny islands and past native wildlife.

Why go? You’ll see crocodiles and alligators (the Everglades is among the few places in the world where the two species cohabitate), as well as all sorts of other wildlife, many of which are endangered. A dry hike led by a naturalist and lunch are included in this unique adventure.

What is it? Cover more ground while exploring Wynwood’s myriad murals on a graffiti buggy tour. You’ll hop on the golf cart for a one-hour ride through the colorful arts district, learning about the popular street art and the artists who created it.

Why go? Do you suffer from FOMO? No worries! This fast-paced route brings you past more than 50 of the area’s galleries and murals. 

What is it? Glide your way through the arched mangrove canopy and bask under the light of the moon and stars on this monthly tour at scenic Oleta River State Park.

Why go? Guides will lead you through the peaceful intercoastal waterway to the park’s hidden treasure: Sandspur Island. The tour ends back at the beach cove for s’mores and refreshments around the campfire. 

What is it? Don’t let achy feet come between your plans to explore Miami Beach. Instead of trudging down Ocean Drive, complaining, hop on a Segway and glide past South Beach’s beautiful Art Deco buildings and woosh down Lincoln Road (you didn’t have the cash to shop anyway).

Why go? The guided tour lasts two to three hours and includes the neighborhood’s most popular landmarks. 

What is it? Pressed for time? This is how you see Miami’s essential sights in under an hour. Your pilot will not only steer you clear of danger but also give you the lowdown on what you’re seeing below.

Why go? Fly over South Beach, through Downtown and across Biscayne Bay as you soak in the city’s beautiful skyline and indelible Art Deco architecture. 

What is it? The fastest way to learn why Coral Gables was nicknamed the City Beautiful is on one of its family-friendly bike tours, presented by the Coral Gables Museum and Bike Walk Coral Gables.

Why go? You’ll ride down tree-lined boulevards, around historic fountains and past picturesque homes built in the grand Mediterranean Revival architectural style. The route changes monthly to include different neighborhoods and bike rentals are available. $12

What is it? This tour combines some of our favorite weekend activities into one: day drinking, sampling craft beers and letting others drive us around. If you’re interested in learning about Miami’s burgeoning local breweries, or just like drinking really good beer, grab a seat on the Brew Bus immediately.

Why go? You’ll be whisked away to several South Florida breweries on an air-conditioned minibus, given a tour of each facility and handed a complimentary beer of your choice at every location. Cheers to that. $97

What is it? This two-hour walking tour spotlights the neighborhood’s unique traits and its MiMo influences across public and private structures. This Miami Design League tour is offered for private groups only, so convince your friends.

Why go? Most of us know MiMo from the pastel-hued motels along Biscayne Bay, the historic Vagabond Hotel or the arresting Coppertone girl sign. But few realize that this iconic Miami Modern architecture also has a place on the North Shore of Miami Beach. $TBD

What is it? Get a rare up-close view of Stiltsville, a curious Miami landmark of colorful, crumbling buildings originally built in the 1920s and '30s in the shallows on the northern end of Biscayne National Park.

Why go? Available as part of a daily two-hour Biscayne Bay sightseeing tour or customizable as a private tour, you'll want to book your time with Captain Matt, about whom National Geographic said: “A guided excursion could take you to the most spectacular place on Earth, but it is the operator who really makes the memory.”