Things To Do In Miami Besides The Beach: Museums, Parks, Culture, And Cuisine
Published February 5, 2022
Last updated April 7, 2024
Let’s be honest: when people visit Miami, they usually go for the beach. Needless to say, South Florida’s Atlantic coastline is truly stunning. But if you’re reading this post, you’re probably curious about this tropical metropolis beyond its beaches. Miami is a treasure trove of cultural, non-beach activities for travelers who want more than just sand and sun!
My first visit to the Miami metro area was a long weekend in 2018. It was actually one of the first trips I blogged about! Two friends and I had a lot of fun exploring South Beach, but that short getaway was more about relaxing and taking it easy.
For this 2022 solo trip, I had a couple of goals in mind. First, I wanted to focus on museums, parks, and cultural attractions. Second, I wanted to explore more of the City of Miami (i.e. not only Miami Beach). In 2018, we only spent a few hours on the mainland to check out the Wynwood Walls.
Did I succeed with my mission this time? I feel like I did! I saw a lot of things I missed the first time, and I’m glad I decided to spend two nights in Miami Beach followed by two nights in Miami. To skip down to any of the sections of this post, click or tap the relevant link!
Things to Do in Miami
As mentioned above, one of my main goals on this trip was to get a better sense of Miami proper! And I’m so glad I did, because there are tons of interesting things to explore there! Read on to learn about some museums, neighborhoods, parks, and more!
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Website: https://vizcaya.org/
Ticket price (Jan. 2022): $25 per person
This historic mansion was undoubtedly the highlight of my time in Miami! It was built in a Mediterranean style in the 1910s and 1920s by aristocrat James Deering, who had ties to New York, Chicago, and Paris. Every inch of the house is incredibly ornate, and each room has its own unique style with extravagant decorations and furniture from all over the world.
After you wander through the rooms and halls of the Vizcaya mansion, head outside to discover the massive botanical garden on the estate. This might be the most impressive garden I’ve seen in the United States so far! There are so many little hidden corners to explore, and the entire space feels very regal.
Finally, the Vizcaya Museum looks out onto Biscayne Bay, and this waterfront patio is just as stunning as the interior. Check out the gazebo and dock, then admire the massive stone sculpture of a ship sitting out in the water. Unfortunately, there’s no way for museum guests to get over there, but it’s close enough that you can see how detailed this life-size piece of art is.
Vizcaya Village Farmers Market
If you happen to visit the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens on a Sunday, consider grabbing lunch at the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market across the street from the main entrance. The museum has a cafe and restaurant, but the food there seemed pretty expensive. For less than ten dollars, I got three tacos from one booth at the market. Other vendors were selling pizza, coffee, desserts, and more.
Explore Brickell and Brickell Key on Foot
Miami’s towering financial district is known as Brickell. If you want to see the heart of the city, this is where you should go. Of particular interest is Brickell City Centre, an architecturally distinctive outdoor mall.
Although walking around Brickell is nice, you’re not actually going to see a panoramic view of the city skyline there since you’re in the middle of it. To get a better view of the city, head over to Brickell Key, a small, triangular island connected by a short bridge to the mainland.
A public pedestrian pathway goes all the way around Brickell Key, which offers unobstructed views of both Brickell to the west and Downtown Miami to the north.
The Barnacle Historic State Park & Coconut Grove
Address: 3485 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/barnacle-historic-state-park
Ticket price (Jan. 2022): $2 park entrance fee, $3 house tour fee
History buffs won’t want to miss The Barnacle Historic State Park! This long and narrow strip of wooded land is home to the oldest home in Miami-Dade County still standing in its original location, built in 1891.
I recommend the house tour, where you’ll learn about the life of Ralph Middleton Munroe, who built and owned the house. He was a ship designer and photographer; models of his ships and photos he took are displayed around the house.
The state park is also home to a small yellow boathouse built by Munroe on a short stretch of waterfront. The fact that the home and the boathouse have survived well over a century of hurricanes despite being so close to the water is testament to Munroe’s building skills!
After touring The Barnacle, check out Coconut Grove, the neighborhood where this state park is located. It seems like a lively little village that offers lots of interesting restaurants, street markets, and green space along its shorefront.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) & Maurice A. Ferré Park 🆕
Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Website: https://www.pamm.org/en/
Ticket price (Mar. 2024): $18 per person
Miami’s premier modern art museum is just steps away from the water’s edge north of downtown. The Pérez Art Museum features exhibits with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. There’s a nice mix of styles and areas of focus. While some pieces are more abstract, I found most of the art here to be accessible and engaging as a casual museum visitor.
Before or after visiting the PAMM, consider a stroll through Maurice A. Ferré Park. The art museum is located within this waterfront park that has its own sculpture gardens, which are open to the public free of charge.
Little Havana
Little Havana is one of the areas I was most interested in seeing on this trip, and I have to tell you the truth: it was sort of a let-down. Centered around Calle Ocho, the area just felt like a tourist trap to me.
I want to emphasize that this is just my opinion after spending an afternoon there. I would probably even be willing to give Little Havana another chance next time I’m in town. Perhaps a walking tour might be a better, more structured way to experience the area.
Wynwood 🆕
On my first visit to Miami in 2018, I took a very quick tour through this neighborhood. Wynwood is known as Miami’s hub for street art. I liked it back then, but I didn’t spent enough time here to fully enjoy it. I also skipped this area in 2022, but I’m glad I went back in 2024 to rediscover Wynwood’s prolific art scene!
Nearly every outdoor surface in Wynwood is covered in paint. Sides of buildings display murals that are multiple stories tall. Some pieces span entire city blocks. Even sidewalks and street signs serve as canvases for graffiti artists. There’s a wide variety of styles, but colors are typically vibrant. Themes are generally upbeat, paying homage to Miami’s natural environment and blend of cultures.
Wynwood Walls
Address: 2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Website: https://thewynwoodwalls.com/
Ticket price (Mar. 2024): $12 plus tax
Established in 2009, this collection of outdoor art was instrumental in putting Wynwood on the map as a flourishing arts district. You have to pay to get in, but general admission is reasonably priced. If you’re on a tight budget, you can still get a sense of the neighborhood without visiting the Walls. With that said, this iconic attraction is worth seeing if you can!
Having been to the Wynwood Walls twice six years apart, I was curious if things inside would be totally different. It looked to me like most or all of the individual murals had been painted over. However, I recognized certain distinctive styles from my previous visit. I’m guessing there are resident artists that come back every so often to paint new pieces. It was cool to see that the overall vibe basically stayed consistent throughout the years!
Smorgasburg Miami
Address: 2600 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Website: https://www.smorgasburgmiami.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smorgmiami
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smorgasburgmiami/
If you visit Wynwood on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll have the opportunity to eat at Smorgasburg Miami. It’s right next to the Wynwood Walls. This food stall market originated in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but currently has locations throughout the world.
Wynwood has a wealth of food and drink options, so there are other great options if you visit on a weekday. However, Smorgasburg is appealing because the vendors serve local, Latin-influenced street food. Ismael and I got burgers, oxtail fries, some Brazilian pastries, Venezuelan steak, and drinks. Everything was spectacular!
Things to Do in Miami Beach
Miami Beach, despite its name, is much more than just a picturesque waterfront. Going to the beach is pretty self-explanatory, so here are some other things to see and do in this beautiful island city!
Art Deco Museum & Ocean Drive
Address: 1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://mdpl.org/welcome-center/art-deco-museum/
Ticket price (Jan. 2022): $5 museum fee, exploring Ocean Drive is free
All the art deco architecture on Ocean Drive was my favorite attraction in Miami Beach! Now, to be honest, the Art Deco Museum itself is pretty small and doesn’t have any breathtaking collections. But you should still check it out before walking along Ocean Drive. That’s because the museum has lots of information to help you recognize the most iconic elements of the art deco style.
After visiting the Art Deco Museum, I was able to identify and appreciate the architectural motifs throughout Ocean Drive. In fact, last time I was in South Beach, the art deco scene totally went over my head! Here’s a sampling of the kinds of buildings on this oceanfront strip.
Jewish Museum of Florida - Florida International University (FIU)
Address: 301 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://jmof.fiu.edu/
Ticket price (Jan. 2022): $12 per person
This museum south of Fifth Street is stunning both inside and out! Come visit to learn all about Florida’s fascinating Jewish history, and see if you can spot some art deco elements in this synagogue that was converted into a museum.
The guided tour of the Jewish Museum of Florida was really enjoyable, so be sure to join one if you can. It’s a great way to learn about the history of this building and the community that built it. At one point, the synagogue was in disrepair and at risk of being demolished. Luckily, it’s been beautifully restored and is currently home to some stunning Jewish artifacts.
The Bass Art Museum & Collins Park
Address: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://thebass.org/
Ticket price (Jan. 2022): $15 museum fee, visiting Collins Park is free
Even if you don’t typically visit art museums while you travel, consider giving The Bass a chance! That’s because lots of the exhibits are interactive! It’s not just a collection of old paintings.
My favorite part of the museum is the main room on the first floor. It’s got an entire wall of flashing welcome signs in hundreds of different languages!
After visiting The Bass, spend a few minutes in Collins Park, where the museum can be found. This large oceanfront park also has a couple of pieces of outdoor art.
The Wolfsonian - Florida International University (FIU) 🆕
Address: 1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://wolfsonian.org/
Ticket price (Mar. 2024): $12 per person
One additional museum to consider in Miami Beach is The Wolfsonian. It’s housed in a striking white structure that almost resembles some kind of temple. Inside this Spanish Renaissance-style building, you’ll find an impressive collection of artifacts that (according to Wikipedia) were generally produced between the 1890s and 1940s.
The exhibits at The Wolfsonian have a strong focus on industrialization, built and natural environments, and art deco. Since this museum is not on Ocean Drive or Collins Avenue, it’s not as prominent as, say, The Bass. When I visited, I basically had the entire place to myself. The Wolfsonian provided a refreshing little break from the sun, not to mention the hustle and bustle of South Beach.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden & Holocaust Memorial
Botanical Garden address: 2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Holocaust Memorial address: 1933-1945 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Botanical Garden website: https://www.mbgarden.org/
Holocaust Memorial website: https://holocaustmemorialmiamibeach.org/
Ticket price (Jan. 2022): Free
This small botanical garden and Holocaust Memorial can both be found at the corner of Meridian Avenue and Dade Boulevard. The botanical garden is small. Although it has some pretty orchids and a cozy little Japanese section, it really only took me about ten or fifteen minutes to walk through.
Miami Beach’s Holocaust Memorial, located next to the botanical garden, is an incredibly moving and emotional dedication to victims of the Holocaust. According to their website, South Florida had between 20,000 and 25,000 Holocaust survivors living in the region at that time, and a group of them commissioned this memorial in the mid-1980s.
The website also states that the commissioners faced opposition at the time of its proposal for bringing “gloom” to a cheerful vacation hotspot. Fortunately, the supporters of the memorial were ultimately successful. With so many Holocaust survivors and their families living in Greater Miami, it’s important for visitors to know that this atrocity is an inextricable part of this community’s history.
The memorial is centered around a massive bronze hand reaching towards the sky with intricately sculpted people clinging desperately to it. Walk all the way around the monument to find the tunnel to the center, where you’ll be able to see artist Kenneth Treister’s work up close.
The memorial is emotionally raw and provocative, and it was impeccably designed. The solemnness of this space sets it apart from the rest of Miami Beach, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. The Holocaust Memorial really should not be missed.
The Culinary Scene in Miami & Miami Beach
As a large, sprawling metropolis and a cultural melting pot, Miami boasts a multifaceted food scene. When I’m in South Florida, I always sample a variety of cuisines from the Caribbean and Latin America. I try to seek out specialty dishes that aren’t easy to find at home in Chicago. Read on to see what these two cities have to offer!
American Classics with a Latin Twist 🇺🇸
Bocas Grill Brickell
Address: 2525 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129 (Click or tap here to view other locations)
Website: https://www.bocasgrill.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bocasgrillrestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bocasgrill/
American favorites are easy to find in Miami. I couldn’t resist a burger and truffle fries from Bocas Grill. The fried breaded cheese on the burger was definitely the highlight of this plate!
Argentinian-Style Pizza 🇦🇷
Banchero Miami
Address: 6995 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
Website: https://www.bancheromiami.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bancheromiami/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bancheromiami/
I was immediately drawn to Banchero because the pizzas they had on display in their window reminded me of the kind of pizza I had when I lived in São Paulo. The anchovy personal pan I got was pretty salty, but also really good!
Bandeja Paisa and Colombian Seafood 🇨🇴
La Ventana 🆕
Address: 710 Washington Ave #2, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://laventanamiamibeach.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laventana_restaurant/
Colombian food is such a treat, and I highly recommend seeking it out wherever it’s available in the US! My go-to dish is bandeja paisa, a mixed plate that comes from the region of Antioquia (where Medellín is located). La Ventana’s take on this dish felt innovative and refined, with a flavorful bean stew and red sausage.
La Ventana offers lots of seafood options, so we shared some octopus and shrimp appetizers. Ismael ordered a fried fish with coconut rice and tostones (fried plantains). Their octopus reminded me of Mediterranean cooking; it was served with fresh veggies, baby potatoes on the side, and lime juice squeezed on top.
Don't Leave MIA Before You Try It: Cuban Cuisine 🇨🇺
Cuban food is a must in Miami! There are countless places that serve it all over town, and some are better than others. Research your options before choosing a Cuban restaurant near you!
Sazón Cuban Cuisine
Address: 7305 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141
Website: https://www.sazoncubancuisine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SazonCubanCuisine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SazonCubanCuisine/
My Airbnb hosts recommended I try Sazón in North Beach for casual, local Cuban seafood. I really enjoyed the fried fish with rice and beans I had there. Be sure to get a mojito as well!
Esquina Cubana 🆕
Address: 710 Washington Ave Suite #1, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://esquinacubana.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquinacubana/
This colorful Cuban restaurant is located in the heart of South Beach, and has very positive reviews online. Ismael and I tried it for lunch one day.
Both of our main dishes (pulled pork and steak) were pretty tasty. I preferred the steak over the pulled pork, which came with black rice and steamed yucca.
The best dish we got here was their Caribbean Octopus starter. It came over a bed of garlicky mashed potatoes, and it was just phenomenal. I never would’ve thought these two items would go well together, but they absolutely did!
My only complaint about this place is that we were seated right after a large party, and it sort of felt like they were taking priority over everyone else in the restaurant. We had to wait a while for our food, so this restaurant is probably ideal if you’re not in a rush.
Miami Beach has a dining culture of 18% or 20% tips being included automatically (so always be sure to check the bill before adding additional tip). This is understandable, given the high number of foreign visitors who may not be aware of American tipping norms. However, service can be hit or miss here, especially as you get closer to Ocean Drive.
Japanese and French Fine Dining 🇯🇵🇫🇷
Sérêvène 🆕
Address: 1920 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://www.serevenemiami.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serevenemiamibeach/
If you’re looking to go all out and indulge in a high-end dining experience, Miami is the perfect place to do it! My friend and I decided to try “Sérêvène by Chef Pawan Pinisetti” because it was attached to the hotel we stayed at in Miami Beach.
Sérêvène offers Japanese and French-inspired izakaya small plates. We ordered a couple of things from each section of the menu, and I loved the focus on seafood and the creative way dishes were presented. The caviar push pops (pictured second below) were especially memorable. The lobster uni alfredo (pictured third and fourth below) was incredibly creamy after being mixed by hand at the table.
Even the vegetable dishes at Sérêvène were stunning! We ordered a “hen of the woods” (maitake) mushroom, which came out with an almost meaty texture. It was drizzled with a soy beurre noisette (brown butter) sauce that gave it a distinctive nutty, woody flavor. This was probably my favorite plate of the night.
Other noteworthy plates from Sérêvène include the lobster and prawn spring rolls (pictured first below) and the “octo fritto” (pictured second below). The latter was still chewy and tender despite being lightly fried, which is an unusual way to prepare octopus.
To end the meal, we enjoyed bison and black truffle meatballs, followed by fois gras and donettes. I’ve had fois gras before, but it’s always been savory. Trying it as part of a sweet dish at the end of the meal was a new experience for me.
Our waiter at Sérêvène informed us that they have a semi-rotating menu, with certain favorite dishes being permanent. So if you go, you may not see these exact items listed on the menu. Regardless, dining at this contemporary fusion restaurant is sure to be a culinary highlight of any trip to Miami and Miami Beach!
Peruvian Ceviche, Pasta, and Churrasco 🇵🇪
El Pollo Inka Miami 🆕
Address: 7285 NW 36th St, Miami, FL 33166
Website: https://elpolloinkamiami.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elpolloinkamiami/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elpolloinkamiami/
This restaurant is close to Miami International Airport, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for one more meal before flying back home. My friend and I tried one of their ceviche platters as an appetizer, and we both ordered steak with pasta for our main plates.
Peruvian food is unlike cuisine from any other country in Latin America. The ceviche is light and refreshing, and “tallarines verdes” (green spaghetti) is a local pasta recipe made using pesto, basil, and other ingredients.
If you’re wondering why I didn’t get chicken at a restaurant with “pollo” in its name, it’s because everything else on their extensive menu looked so enticing! The chicken looked good too, but the dishes we ordered seemed a little more uniquely Peruvian.
Pupusas & Salvadoran Steak 🇸🇻
El Atlacatl
Address: 3199 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Website: http://elatlacatlmiami.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElAtlacatl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elatlacatlmiami/
Have you ever had pupusas? They’re a delicious flatbread delicacy from El Salvador, and they were a major highlight of my trip there in 2019! That’s why I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have some at El Atlacatl in Little Havana. They make a great appetizer, so I also ordered a bistec salvadoreño, which ended up being a massive amount of steak, rice and beans, and grilled veggies for less than twenty dollars.
A Venezuelan Breakfast 🇻🇪
Doggi's Arepa Bar
Address: 1246 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145 (Click or tap here to view other locations)
Website: https://www.eatdoggis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoggisArepaBarMiami/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doggis
Venezuelan food is one of my top recommendations for international cuisine whether you’re in Miami or not. It is so full of flavor and every bite is such a treat! I went to Doggi’s Arepa Bar expecting that I might just grab a quick arepa to go, but I ended up getting an entire breakfast combo with not only arepas but also black beans, shredded beef, eggs, and avocado.
Travel Tips
Are you ready to head off to Greater Miami to see some of the amazing attractions listed above? If so, here are some additional tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly!
Getting Around Without a Car
Anyone who’s been to South Florida knows that the cities are spread out. With that said, your options are to rent a car for your trip, use ridesharing platforms, or utilize public transportation.
Since rental car and Uber prices have gone up recently, I opted to figure out public transportation while I was in Miami. And I have to say, it wasn’t as bad as Google Maps was making it look. That’s because Miami has an above-ground Metrorail system, and free trolley routes exist in both Miami and Miami Beach. Unfortunately, neither of these systems is fully integrated into Google Maps. You might have to do some research on your own to take full advantage of them!
Miami-Dade County Metrorail
The Metrorail was a great way to get from where I was staying in Coral Way up to Brickell, and I even took it all the way to Miami International Airport for my departing flight. The trains are clean and modern, and the wait time is generally only about ten minutes.
However, the Metrorail only has one-and-a-half lines plus some smaller loops near downtown (called the Metromover system). As such, you can’t really use it to get out into the suburbs. It doesn’t go over the bridges to Miami Beach either.
I rode the Metrorail a lot on this trip, but it wouldn’t have been as useful if I had stayed further inland in Miami. As a visitor, you can purchase an unlimited day pass for $5.65 (as of January 2022), which I believe works for city buses as well.
The Trolleys
Did you know that both Miami and Miami Beach have trolley networks? They are especially easy and intuitive to use in Miami Beach, where some routes make small loops (e.g. in South Beach or North Beach), and the Collins Express runs north to south.
Miami-Dade County trolleys are free to ride and don’t require the transit pass mentioned above. You just get on and get off, and you don’t need to swipe anything. The trolley is a great alternative to Uber that you should try at least once!
Taking the Bus
I actually never ended up taking the bus during this trip because the Metrorail and the trolleys got me to the places I wanted to go. If you’re headed further inland from Brickell or looking to head out to someplace like Key Biscayne, the bus will probably be your best option.
Where to Stay
Miami and Miami Beach are bigger than they look on the map, so I recommend staying as close as possible to the attractions you want to see. If you plan to spend four nights or more in the area, dividing your time between Miami and Miami Beach is a great idea. I’m really glad I did that this trip!
Miami - More Than Just the Beach!
Don’t get me wrong: I love the beach just as much as any other travel enthusiast! But I also really love exploring the cultural attractions in seaside cities and towns. As one of America’s most dynamic cities, Miami certainly has no shortage of them!
Have you been to any of the places mentioned in this blog post? Are there any I missed that I should go see next time? Leave a comment and let me know!
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This post was published on Feb 5, 2022
This post was updated on Apr 7, 2024
The Caffeinated Man Behind The Blog
Where I’ve Been
I have only been to Miami once for just one day and we just went to the beach. It is a shame that we never got to experience Miami a bit more. Looking at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens it looks so fairytale-ish and does not make me think of Miami at all. It has such an European vibe. Would have to go back to Miami soon for more exploration!
I’ve been to Miami a few times, but only to be there the day before a cruise. Each time, we have visited Little Havana, and I agree with you about the tourist trap feel, but there are sure great restaurants there! My sister just moved to Miami, so I’m sure I’ll be spending more time there now. I’d love to visit Brickell Key and Vizcaya Mansion looks incredible too!
It sounds like food was the highlight of your trip! I love how many unique South and Central American cuisines you can have. I would also visit the free garden and the mansion on the water.
The Art Deco Museum sounds really interesting. I love learning about architecture. The Holocaust memorial also sounds interesting – I had no idea there was such a heavy population of Holocaust survivors in that area. Although the sculpture is solemn, it’s incredibly beautiful.
We have visited Miami many times so love to get new ideas for our next trip. Even though many times we do love to laze at the beach. I can’t believe that we still have not made it to Wynwood. Or to many of the great museums. The Holocaust Memorial site definitely looks like a spot for a return visit.