The best things to do in Miami for locals and tourists

What is it? Relive all things Jazz Age at the Miami Design Preservation League’s annual festival, with free events and activities including the artisan and antiques marketplace, a classic car show, lectures, films, guided architectural tours and a variety of musical performances.

Why go? The theme for this 48th edition is "Celebrating Art Deco Centennial 1925-2025," looking back on 100 years of Art Deco influence in Miami. 

What is it? New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Miami has the King Mango Strut. While incomparable in size and scale, this comical and locally revered parade returns on Sunday, January 5 to celebrate over 40 years of "putting the NUT in Coconut Grove" through satirical floats and eyebrow-raising subject matter.

Why go? Onlookers (around 10 thousand of them each year) are encouraged to get into it by dressing up, embracing the parade's ethos to “celebrate and skewer what’s weird and wonderful about Miami and the year that was.” And if you actually want to be in the parade, that's a possibility, too. Amateur comedians and performers can apply here. 

Time Out tip: The strut route begins at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. It turns left onto Main Highway and then turns left onto Grand Avenue at CocoWalk and turns left again at Commodore Plaza.

What is it? Fort Lauderdale's burgeoning annual food and wine festival enters its sixth year with a splashy lineup of events, classes, competitions and an exclusive dinner series all focused on spotlighting renowned and emerging chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality establishments from the region. Over five days and six events, sample local flavors and rub shoulders with fellow foodies and celebrity personalities like Fabio Viviani and Nancy Fuller, among others.

Why go? The festival's main event, The Grand Tasting, takes place on Saturday, January 18 at Las Olas Oceanside Park with over 100 vendors, celebrity chef demos and live music. General admission grants unlimited tastings and access to seminars, while VIP tickets provide early entry and exclusive lounge amenities. Various dates and locations

What is it? Miami’s number one attraction (at least on Trip Advisor) is a surreal Italian Renaissance-style villa in the middle of lush, laid-back Coconut Grove. Its meticulously landscaped gardens, sprawling bayfront terrace and, well, the house itself, make up a total of 43 acres.

Why go? Vizcaya is home to some of Miami’s most Instagrammable floors and staircases and makes for the most fetching photo backdrop in the city (just ask the quinceañeras and brides roaming about). Its inimitable collection of European antiques and decorative works from the 16th to 19th centuries is truly breathtaking. 

What is it? Let’s end 2024 and kick off 2025 with a bang, shall we? Unlike the temperatures, which regularly dip into the 50s and 60s come wintertime (yes, that’s considered frigid in Miami), this season’s slate of concerts is hot, hot, hot.

Why go? The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel, makes a return to South Florida this month but there's plenty more to explore this season. Snag your tickets pronto: these are the best winter concerts in Miami to put on your calendar.

What is it? This emerging hub for independent local businesses, art galleries and restaurants (including several Michelin-recognized spots) runs through Little Haiti and El Portal. Like Wynwood more than a decade ago, the neighborhood still has an industrial feel, home to a patchwork of warehouses, smaller residences and even a functioning dairy plant from 1929.

Why go? Little River has steadily taken off over the last few years thanks to its lower rent and proximity to other exciting mainland Miami pockets. Numerous cafés, arts organizations and cultural venues have nestled themselves between old car repair shops and Haitian botánicas, setting the stage for the handful of fresh mixed-use developments now underway in the neighborhood.

Don't miss: Sunny's Steakhouse, an acclaimed pop-up that was recently resurrected as a gorgeous brick-and-mortar restaurant in its original locale.

What is it? As the temperatures lower, curtains will rise for theater companies across South Florida. There’s a lot to sort through over the last few months of 2024, and our picks for the most exciting shows are a testament to the diversity of producers, audiences and talent in the cultural melting pots of Miami-Dade and Broward. 

Why go? Expect to encounter both timeless and contemporary classics, plus newer works that examine today’s social issues with compassion, nuance and biting humor. Looking to dive into a full-throttle season of culture in Miami? Peruse our seasonal theater roundup, featuring the best shows across South Florida to book right now.

What is it? One of South Florida’s natural jewels, this 83-acre garden, named after renowned botanist and Miami resident David Fairchild, is filled with tropical splendor: a lush rainforest with a stream, sunken garden, dramatic vistas, an enormous vine pergola and a museum of plant exploration.

Why go? Winter is the absolute best time to visit Fairchild; the breezy weather just beckons you to explore every inch of this sprawling tropical land. 

Don't miss: Through January 15, visit Night at the Garden, Fairchild's sixth-annual seasonal light spectacle, when you can frolic the gardens during the twilight hours and enjoy special themed food, beverages and family-friendly activities.

What is it? Miami is home to many beautiful outdoor movie venues where you can catch a flick under the stars, kick it on a rooftop with your peeps, watch a floating film on the water or roll out a blanket in a park with your boo.

Why go? If you’re looking to get outside and enjoy an al fresco film, you’re in luck. As the temperatures inch lower in Miami this season, it’s prime time to screen the latest blockbuster, roll back a classic or enjoy a festive Halloween or holiday movie. Click through for the latest outdoor cinema showtimes in Miami.

What is it? With a collection of works from such artists as Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, Frank Stella and Ana Mendieta, not to mention some high-caliber traveling exhibitions, this relatively young museum (formerly Miami Art Museum) is worth a visit.

Why go? Family-friendly interactive programs bring art home: during free Second Saturday (of the month) programs, museum teachers lead families in hands-on activities inspired by the works on display.

What is it? Every great coastal food city has its own special ingredient plucked from the sea, like lobsters in Maine and crawfish down the bayou. Here in Miami, we have the stone crab: steamed, chilled and served with mayo-mustard sauce for dipping. 

Why go? It’s buttery sweet, delightfully hands-on, sustainable (kind of) and only available for a few months each year—making it that much more special when the season (October 15 to May 1) arrives. Prepare to bib up, practice your claw cracking and tiny fork-wielding techniques and review our up-to-date, locally vetted recommendations for the best stone crabs in Miami.

Don't miss: We recently sat down with Stephen Sawitz of the famous Joe's Stone Crab to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Miami Beach institution.

What is it? Not all beaches are created equal. That becomes abundantly clear when you live near one of the world’s best and then try leaving. In Miami, it’s actually hard to find a beach you won’t like. Still, we all have our favorites, and different occasions call for different beaches. Yes, we have that many. From sunbathing meccas to shady spots for picnicking, we've compiled our picks for the best beaches in Miami.

Why go? Looking to chill in nature? Perhaps try a beach on Key Biscayne. Wanna strip down to your birthday suit? Haulover (the nude section) is your destination. Ready to party? We probably don’t have to tell you which beach is best for that. 

Don't miss: Haulover Park’s 32nd annual Kite Day celebration (Oct 12-13), where hundreds of colored kites–from a 100-foot squid and stingray to a 50-foot astronaut—fly through the air all afternoon. 

What is it? Frost Science is an aquatic-driven museum that occupies four buildings—the Aquarium, the Frost Planetarium and the North and West Wings— and features year-round exhibits and is a delight for curious minds of all ages.

Why go? The museum is as state-of-the-art as it gets, featuring interactive exhibits, a 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream aquarium that houses all sorts of sea creatures and a planetarium dome that hosts monthly laser light shows.

Don't miss: On January 19, the "That '90s Laser Show"-themed program includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Nirvana.

What is it? When it comes to dining on the water, Miami has a bit of everything: Lively dockside dives, glamorous Mediterranean-inspired lounges and wellness-focused options abound—not to mention storied hotspots where celebrities (both legit and aspiring) arrive via yacht.

Why go? From seafood towers and $1 oysters to dog-friendly decks where piña coladas flow like water, Miami has that and more. If you’re not seizing every opportunity to indulge at one of Miami’s many waterfront restaurants, you’re doing something wrong. Click through to scope out our full guide to Miami's best waterfront dining.

Don't miss: A chill sesh at Gramps Getaway, our 2024 pick for the best new bar in Miami and a recent addition to our guide to the best restaurants in Miami.

What is it? The city’s first and only outdoor museum dedicated to street art.

Why go? The decade-old cultural institution is the famed epicenter of the Wynwood Arts District, legitimizing graffiti art with a roster of more than 50 murals painted by renowned artists around the world—from Shepard Fairey and Kenny Scharf to Kelsey Montague. Vibrant in color, deep in meaning and large in scope, the groundbreaking Walls are the undisputed selfie capital of Miami and chances are you’ll recognize some of the murals from the profile pics in your Insta feed.

What is it? Authentic cuisine, cocktails and culture—this charming Cuban restaurant in Little Havana packs the neighborhood’s hallmarks into one inviting spot.

Why go? It’s rare to find a place that ticks off all the boxes of a proper touristic experience and also captures the attention of locals. James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein is behind the stellar menu, featuring favorites like the irresistible jamón serrano croquettes, hand-cut steak empanadas and risotto-style arroz con pollo. While decorated cantinero Julio Cabrera mixes up all kinds of cocktails, earning La Trova the No. 13 spot on the America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 awards.

Don’t miss: The house band playing Trova-style music nightly. Let the sounds of Cuban son sweep you away!

What is it? The city’s premier wildlife center is home to thousands of animals, from reptiles to mammals to birds. The sprawling facility spans across 750 acres and is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida.

Why go? Due to the zoo’s sub-tropical temps, species native to Australia, Africa and other warm climates comfortably reside here. Forget a safari—Zoo Miami is where you’ll safely spot zebras, giraffes and lions. 

What is it? Our former Decorators’ Row has expanded into a hub for vanguard architecture, fashion and art. There are several multilevel, open-air shopping complexes like Palm Court and Paradise Plaza where you can shop luxury fashion labels including Emilio Pucci and Giorgio Armani. 

Why go? There's always something happening at the District. If your pockets aren’t deep enough for the shops, there’s always the neighborhood’s growing number of galleries, a slew of public art and free admission to the district's main art museum, the ICA.

Don’t miss: The food! From Michelin-starred Cote Miami and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon to Contessa, Tablé and Sushi Yasu Tanaka, some of the best meals in Miami are within walking distance here.

What is it? Designed by iconic architectural guru Morris Lapidus in the 1950s, Lincoln Road Mall was once dubbed the “Fifth Avenue of the South,” though it’s now commonly referred to as “Lincoln.” Endless sidewalk cafés, lounges and cultural venues—such as the Colony Theatre—stretch along its length from Washington Avenue to Alton Road.

Why go? The Herzog & de Meuron–designed 1111 Lincoln Road is quite possibly the world’s most glamorous parking garage and houses upscale retail on the ground level. But there are more than several blocks of stores and boutiques to browse and shop for hours. 

Don't Miss: The Lincoln Road Antique & Collectable Market, a bustling vintage fair celebrating its 32nd season on the promenade. Featuring more than 125 vendors, the market happens approximately every other Sunday during season (check their calendar for exact dates).

What is it? A massive 50,000-square-foot art space dedicated to the production of experiential mediums.

Why go? With so many so-called Instagrammable installations floating about, it’s hard to get excited about anything that bills itself as experiential —but that’s not Superblue Miami, one of the city's best immersive experiences. Featuring brand-new works by some of the art world’s most creative installation artists like Devlin, James Turrell and teamLab, the groundbreaking venture challenges perceptions, heightens the senses and generally wows.

Don't miss: The newest installation, Lightfall by Studio Lemercier, which delves into human perception and our relationship with the natural world through an interplay of light, projection and mathematics set to ambient electronic music by Mexican artist Murcof.

What is it? Hiking in Miami probably doesn’t come immediately to mind when thinking of this oceanside paradise. We’re more of a mojitos-and-long-brunches kind of city. And to be honest, the only summits we have around here are towering mountains of rubbish. But don’t underestimate the joy of a brisk Miami hike where the air is thick enough to chew.

Why go? Whether you’re searching for a shaded escape through native trees, a scenic stroll along the waterfront or just a peaceful trail where flip-flops won’t betray you, Miami offers plenty of places to get your steps in—without ever needing to learn how to use crampons. Click through for our full guide to the best nature trails and hiking in Miami.

What is it? America’s only full-time orchestral academy, the New World Symphony grooms graduates from conservatories for careers in the symphony and other high-profile posts. Concerts range from classical to experimental, and the quality is high: guest teachers have included Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman and past guest conductors have included Sir Neville Marriner and Paavo Järvi. Founder Michael Tilson Thomas of the San Francisco Symphony often lends a hand too.

Why go? Since 2011, the symphony’s home has been a Frank Gehry-designed showstopper in SoundScape Park, where they regularly hold free, outdoor WALLCAST concerts and movie screenings. 

What is it? Miami’s 24/7 ultraclub is a playground for celebrities and hard-partying locals alike.

Why go? If you’re in the mood for going all out, E11even has you covered with a full nightlife experience—think dancers, bottle service and tons of big-name musical performances. 

Don’t miss: The people-watching at Giselle, the club's extravagant rooftop restaurant. Just sit back and take it all in.

What is it? An afternoon spent wandering the isles of Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods sounds fun, but nothing beats a dewy Saturday morning picking through organic produce and testing out kitchen-made salt scrubs as the Florida sun warms your shoulders. We’ve rounded up the best farmer’s markets in Miami, from year-round staples to options with air conditioning, too. 

Why go? For nearly every neighborhood in Miami, there is a farmers’ market, and nothing says “I support local” like giving small farms and mom-and-pop businesses the chance to peddle their homegrown and homemade goods. Oftentimes, you’ll find the produce is fresher (and cheaper) than grocery stores, and packing a picnic blanket to lay out on after a shopping trip makes for a fabulous family or dog-friendly afternoon.

Don't miss: Free yoga under the banyan trees on Saturday mornings at Legion Park.

What is it? The only garden of its kind in the US: a 37-acre park exhibiting more than 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, nuts and exotic edibles. An old schoolhouse and coral rock building recall South Florida’s pioneer life, while the charming gift shop sells spices, jams and jellies, unusual seeds and aromatic teas, plus cookbooks on tropical fruits and vegetables.

Why go? The park is also the site of recurring events like an annual orchid festival, blues concerts and a summer fruit festival where you can really stock up. 

Don't miss: This month, the park hosts its annual Summer Fruit Festival. If you can't make it, there are free guided tours offered daily. Learn about the fruits as you eat them—visitors are allowed to try anything that's already fallen from a tree.

What is it? This massive national park spans 1.5 million acres of wetlands. See alligators, cranes, turtles, manatees and even panthers roam their native habitat freely.

Why go? There’s no place in the world like it, and it’s within driving distance of Downtown Miami. With three separate entrances, visitors can explore on foot, bicycle and via boat.

Don’t miss: A sunrise in the everglades by booking a room at Flamingo Lodge, the only hotel inside Everglades National Park.

What is it? Find a slice of old-world Europe right in the middle of South Beach. Española Way is a charming, pedestrian strip lined with shops, restaurants and cozy, bilevel hotels that transport you to far-flung places.

Why go? Much larger Lincoln Road may have overshadowed it at one point, but the bustling tourist corridor is attracting more locals than ever before with its sidewalk eateries and free outdoor programming. Experience Paris’ café culture at enduring favorite A La Folie Café, serving up hard-to-find French classics. Drink your way down the tree-lined street’s mix of open-air bars and restaurants, stopping to take in the live music and unique people-watching, and get away from Miami without the need to go very far.

Don’t miss: Breezy rooftop cocktails above it all at the laidback-chic Esmé Miami Beach hotel. 

What is it? At the tip of serene, secluded Key Biscayne is this 400-acre state park with beach access, picnic tables, bike trails, and watersport rentals.

Why go? A great place for families with accessible parking close to the sand, Bill Baggs is home to South Florida’s only lighthouse. Take the kids and let them climb the 109 steps to the top of the lookout.

Don’t miss: Boater’s Grill is one of Miami’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away at a far corner of the park, the waterfront spot provides free docking for small vessels and serves moderately priced breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, The Cleat is just steps away for a sunset cocktail with your toes in the sand.

What is it? Don and Mera Rubell’s eponymous museum houses over 7,700 works by more than 1,000 contemporary artists. From Basquiat and Warhol to Koons, the whos-who of 20th-century artists is well represented.

Why go? It’s a former warehouse the couple turned into a sprawling exhibition space after outgrowing their Wynwood gallery of more than 26 years. With 53,000 square feet to play with, the Rubells have room to exhibit as well as engage the community via school partnerships and curatorial training programs.

What is it? Dubbed “Miami’s original neighborhood,” Coconut Grove is an eclectic waterfront enclave with a rich history as the oldest continually inhabited neighborhood in the city. Beyond its recent real estate boom, Coconut Grove is a pretty little neighborhood with some of Miami’s most beautiful architecture and pockets that are full of character.

Why go? One of our favorite neighborhoods in the city, Coconut Grove ranked number 29 on Time Out’s list of the 51 coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2022. It was the only Florida neighborhood to make the list.

Don't miss: Catch the sunset at Monty’s, a lively dockside raw bar with strong tiki drinks and picturesque views of the marina. For dinner, Ariete (New American) and Los Félix (Mexican) both earned nods in the Miami Michelin Guide.

What is it? It’s young, but South Florida does have a past and a quirky and fascinating one at that. Tracing the history of the region, from early Indians to rafting Cubans, HistoryMiami succeeds in educating while entertaining.

Why go? The exhibits on the wreckers of Key West and Henry Flagler both merit an extended look, as does the section on photographer Ralph Middleton Munroe.

Time Out tip: Every second Saturday of the month, the museum offers free admission from 10am to 5pm, with family-friendly activities hosted from 11am to 4pm.

What is it? What began in 1964 as a small, private collection of contemporary art is now an internationally recognized institution with hundreds of pieces within its multiple halls. The 1930s Art Deco building also has meeting areas and classrooms for family-friendly programming, though some of that is on hold for now.

Why go? The Bass’s permanent collections, as well as its traveling exhibitions, comprise art people actually want to see—and Instagram (the real reason we go to museums these days, right?). Think large-scale works made up of found objects that probe us and a site-specific work of LED signs that make you feel at home.

Don’t miss: Spend some time on the lawn exploring the museum’s public art, including Jim Drain’s chess table, Ugo Rondinone’s unmissable Miami Mountain and Najja Moon’s monument to motherhood, Your momma’s voice in the back of your head, which debuted this past spring.

What is it? Built by James Deering’s similarly well-off brother Charles, the vast property served as his winter escape and encompasses several buildings, a mangrove boardwalk and a significant archeological discovery. 

Why go? Outdoorsy types will appreciate the guided nature walks and birding opportunities. Plus, the estate boasts a fossil pit of 50,000-year-old animal bones and 10,000-year-old human remains; the latter are Paleo-Indians.

Don't miss: Starting in November, Deering Estate’s Designer-in-Residence, Alfredo Brito, and a team of local designers transform historic rooms into immersive wonderlands. This year’s design theme is inspired by classic holiday carols like “Frosty, The Snowman” and “Jingle Bells” (roasted chestnuts, anyone?).

What is it? A throwback to Florida’s fruit stands of old, Robert is Here started in 1959 when the shop’s namesake, then six, began selling his family’s cucumbers from a roadside table. It has since grown into an emporium of exotic fruit and vegetables—and a huge tourist attraction.

Why go? A lovely farm setting, a bevy of exotic fruit—which you can ask to be whipped into a fresh milk shake—and an adorable petting zoo make this worthy of the trek down (way) south.

Don’t miss: Beyond sourcing nearly every type of fruit available, Robert is Here stocks “Grandma’s Kitchen,” its small general store, with local honey, artisanal bread and other yummy, Miami-made treats. 

What is it? Contrary to what any rap or reggaeton music video might have you believe, life’s not all about flexing on a megayacht around here. In Miami, we get down with watercraft in all their forms. On the beach, in the bay and dotting the canal and river-crossed landscapes in between, you can find rental options aplenty spanning everything from pontoons and Miami boat tours to those delightfully zippy jet skis. 

Why go? Because it's hot, and zipping around on the water sounds like a really fun way to cool down. On the jet ski front, we’ve vetted some primo locales for zooming through Miami’s glistening waters, as well as go-to companies for ensuring the rental process goes smoothly. When your next Miami jet ski adventure calls, we’ve scouted out who to turn to and where to go for an amazing time on the water, plus tips on pricing, tours and more. 

What is it? This self-proclaimed “most famous Cuban restaurant in the world” is arguably more popular than its palatial namesake in France. The Little Havana institution is the unofficial meeting place for the city’s Cuban community, who crowd the cafecito window 24/7 sipping on Cuban coffee.

Why go? Toasted Cuban sandwiches, piping-hot Cuban coffee served in thimble-sized cups, authentic Cuban pastelitos made the exact same way for 40-plus years, yummy arroz con pollo...shall we go on? 

Don’t miss: Versaille’s adjacent bakery (it all connects inside) doubles as a charming dessert shop selling mini flans and key lime pies as well as Cuban-inspired ice cream. Get your meal to-go or take advantage of the large tents in the parking lot, offering loads of socially distant outdoor dining.

What is it? What do tourists like more than exploring South Beach, scarfing down Cuban sandwiches or basking on the best Miami beaches? Of course, it’s shopping in a Miami outlet mall. Vaguely lost-looking visitors shuffle through the perennially bottlenecked corridors of these bargain emporiums, loading up their empty suitcases with just about every sale item imaginable—from clothes to housewares to accessories.  Occasionally, it’s locals who begrudgingly schlep across highways and massive parking lots and dodge swarms of sale shoppers all in the name of a good deal. 

Why go? Are outlet malls in Miami pleasant? If you can avoid going on a weekend, they can be. Will they save you loads of money? Always, so we visit them anyway. Click through to 

What is it? Built in the mid-1100s near Segovia, Spain, this monastery was occupied by Cistercian monks for 700 years before it was converted to a granary and stable. In 1924, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst purchased the cloisters and outbuildings and had the structure dismantled and shipped to the United States. Hearst ran out of money, and the stones remained in a Brooklyn warehouse for 26 years before finally being purchased and reassembled in Miami at a cost of $1.5 million.

Why go? Today, this Romanesque structure is an anomalous oasis in a noisy area. Things to look out for include a life-size statue of the Spanish king Alfonso VII (the monastery was originally constructed to commemorate one of his victories over the Moors) and a couple of attractive round stained-glass windows.

Time Out tip: The monastery is a favorite spot for weddings – so much so that it’s often closed to the public, especially on Sundays; call in advance before setting out.

What is it? Yes, Miami can be over-the-top bougie. But there’s also plenty to experience here on the cheap, like a day sunbathing on one of Miami’s famous beaches or scouring for treasures at the best thrift shops in Miami. For the latter, peruse our full guide to the best flea markets in Miami.

Why go? If it’s time to give your wallet a little break or the thrill of a great bargain just gets you off, look no further. We’ve hunted down all of Miami’s best flea markets so you can get your fill of guilt-free shopping.