Things to do in Miami for self travelers

Get ready to see how Miami popped up atop the swamps to grow large and fast! This tour will narrate you its history as you browse the downtown Miami period buildings, instead of the modern skyscrapers and glitzy South Beach. You will start the time journey near the Chaille Block to witness how the local commercial architecture looked like during the first building boom in the early 20th century. Few steps away, get back to the 1560s as you admire the stately Gesu Catholic Church, a legacy of the earliest Spanish settlements in Florida, rebuilt in 1896. The soaring Miami-Dade County Courthouse nearby will surprise you how troublesome it was to construct skyscrapers on Miami's soft soil a century ago. Passing by the historic lowrise Flagler Worker's House, you will meet the famous oil and railroad tycoon and hotelier Henry Flagler who developed Miami and Florida down to Key West. Crossing the scenic Brickell Bridge over the Miami River, you will reimagine the life of the area's first tenants as the towering statue of the Tequesta Indians catches your eyes. Finally, you will discover the First Presbyterian Church, Henry Flagler's significant gift to the Presbyterians, who would gather for sermons in a restaurant in Miami's early days. To get there, you will walk through and take in the glorious views of Biscayne Bay and the iconic skyline from the waterfront Brickell Park. Join this tour to engage with Miami's past on a deeper level and get inspired!

Welcome to Miami Beach's splendid South Beach with its sandy strands, swaying palms, and pastel-colored buildings that popped up in the 20th century amidst the mangrove to become a swanky resort soon. This audio tour points out the spectacular small Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive and modern structures and streets of note, too, and is perfect to match with the ultimate beach leisure. You will start the tour in the historic district and see the epic Hotel Breakwater, the set of the iconic Calvin Klein’s 1986 naked photoshoot. You will also muse upon the landmark Waldorf Towers, the Colony Hotel, and many more. Then, you will enjoy scenic lookouts of the South Beach waterfront and beyond at the South Pointe Park Pier. Next, you will get a chance to explore the heritage of the Florida Jews, once predominant in the area, at the Jewish Museum. After that, the opulent villa Casa Casuarina will captivate you with a thrilling story of how fashion designer Gianni Versace lived and died there. In the end, you will stroll the hip main street, Lincoln Road, that hosted the first gay pride parade in 1972 and is now lined with the renowned shopping and art venues. On your way there, you will walk the historic Espanola Way, a quaint throwback to the Old World designed in the 1920s. Join the tour to discover what defined the resort town’s heyday in the past and still attracts holidaymakers from all over the world to Miami Beach!

Embark on a solo exploration of Miami's historic heart with this self-guided audio tour. Ideal for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, this tour offers a deep dive into the city's architectural gems and cultural landmarks. Starting with the iconic Freedom Tower and concluding at the exquisite Vizcaya Bridge, this route invites you on a journey through the city's storied past. Begin your tour at the Freedom Tower, soaking in its Spanish Renaissance style that narrates the tale of Cuban-American heritage. The tour will guide you through streets lined with historical treasures, from the age-old Gesu Church to the luxurious Biltmore Hotel. Experience the emotional impact of the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach without stepping inside, and marvel at the architectural wonder of 1111 Lincoln Road. The tour's end at the Vizcaya Bridge offers a final look at Miami's Italian influence. Along the way, you'll encounter the splendor of the Versace Mansion and the entertainment legacy of The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. The tour's narrative will vividly paint the history of each site, allowing for a deeply immersive experience. Capture unforgettable memories as you discover the city's remarkable transformation from pioneer roots to modern-day skyline. Each step is enriched with stories that bring the past to life, ensuring a memorable and informative solo journey through Miami's historical and cultural landscape.

Welcome to the Little Havana neighborhood that beautifully represents the Cuban lifestyle in Miami. This in-app audio tour will take you through the vibrant main street and immerse you in the local tastes, sounds, and stories. You will start at the famed Versailles restaurant, partly decorated by Cuban-American rapper Pitbull's uncle, where you will eat like a Cuban for the first time on this tour. After the fine special sandwich there, you will learn how Little Havana became the American home for Cubans and, if you like, visit the Bay of Pigs Museum for more information on that. Next, you will poke into the small Latin Art Core Gallery that pioneered displaying artworks by emerging and established Cubans and Latin Americans. After the art-looking, you will sip a cup of Cuban coffee at the inventive La Colada Gourmet coffeeshop. The tour will also show you the places in Calle Ocho (8th Street) to get the real deal on Cuban food staples like mojito, sugarcane juice, puff pastry, and others. Right next door, look up at the historic MDC's Tower Theater, where the Cubans would learn English in the 50-60s. From there, you will walk to Domino Park to watch the common pastime enjoyed by the elderly Cubans who avidly play dominoes. Finally, soak in the live salsa or jazz tunes at the iconic Ball&Chain bar, where Billie Holiday and Chet Baker regularly performed. Join the tour to taste Cuba in Miami and glimpse the local Cuban community's past and cheerful present!

Zoo Miami is Florida's largest zoo and, thanks to its commitment to conservation, it's filled with all kinds of animals roaming its wide-open terrain – so seeing them feels like spotting them in the wild. This Miami Zoo ticket lets you skip the line and enjoy access to 3,000 wild animals in simulated ecosystems filled with 1,200 trees, plants and flowers, all carefully arranged within the park’s 750 acres of developed land. Get wild with Miami Zoo tickets.

Discover a world of wonder and adventure at Frost Science, where science comes to life in new and exciting ways. Whether you're seeking a thrilling date, sharing the magic of science with a young enthusiast, or organizing an unforgettable outing with friends, Frost Science has something for everyone. With over 250,000 square feet of exhibitions and experiences, you'll always find something new to marvel at. Explore the vibrant ecosystems of South Florida, discover the intricacies of the human body and mind, and embark on a journey of discovery like no other. Capture the ultimate selfie in front of the iconic 31-foot Gulf Stream Aquarium Oculus, or come face-to-face with the majestic 30-foot Yutyrannus huali dinosaur in the Feathers to the Stars exhibition. Immerse yourself in the Everglades at the River of Grass exhibition, and take in stunning views of Miami Beach and Downtown Miami from the museum's rooftop terraces as you explore the energy of the sun.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Miami, the HistoryMiami Museum, a distinguished Smithsonian Affiliate, narrates Miami's colorful past. It brilliantly blends exhibitions, artistic ventures, city tours, and educational activities to paint a vivid picture of Miami's history, leaving no one untouched by the city's charm. As one of the most extensive private, regional history organizations in the southeastern United States, the museum's collections house over 37,000 three-dimensional artifacts. These treasures range from prehistoric archaeological discoveries to vibrant 20th century Afro-Cuban folk art, capturing the essence of Miami's cultural diversity. Additionally, the HistoryMiami’s Archives and Research Center holds a collection of over two million historical images, making it one of the state's most significant repositories.

Step back into the 1920s and explore the former home of Charles Deering, a Chicago industrialist and art connoisseur whose love for preservation and nature shaped the city's beginnings. The Deering Estate isn't just a museum; it's a living, breathing ecosystem of South Florida's unique biodiversity. Paddle through serene waters on a canoe tour, spot exotic birds, or kayak under a moonlit sky, all in one place.

Travel through the timeline of modern street art at Miami's Museum of Graffiti. Located in the graffiti mecca of Wynwood, where giant wall murals and a thriving arts and culture scene have been painted over a disused industrial district, the Museum of Graffiti takes you on the rollercoaster story of graffiti, from its demonized roots in '60s and '70s counter-culture to the highly respected (and expensively auctioned) art form it is today. Featuring an indoor exhibition space filled with stunning works from well-known artists, and archival material documenting graffiti's evolution from vandalism and protest, to subversive underground art and mainstream culture. There are also 11 jaw-dropping exterior wall murals to check out, and a fine art gallery. And when you exit through the gift shop, you'll seriously need to pace yourself. This world-class store is filled with authentic artworks, memorabilia, merch, and one-of-a-kind pieces from Miami's art scene.

Visit Wynwood Walls to see a wide range of street art from hundreds of artists representing over 20 countries. This outdoor museum stretches over 80,000 feet and showcases graffiti, pop art murals, abstract paintings, and sculptures. It brings art into daily life and changes how people interact with their surroundings. Wynwood Walls is a key spot in Miami's diverse art scene. It offers ever-changing visual exhibits that reflect the area's creativity and culture. As you enter the museum's open-air gallery, remember to explore its different styles and spend some time understanding its themes. Your general admission tickets include access to 38+ murals, 7 sculptures, 3 galleries, and a subway cart exhibit.