Things to do in Miami for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Miami
All self-guided activities
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.
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.
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.
The museum's galleries weave together elements of history, culture, and playful humor into a rich tapestry that reflects the lively complexity of sexuality. Be it a romantic date night, a girls' night out, or a much-needed slice of "me" time, the Museum of Sex promises a unique, unforgettable experience. It's a conversation starter and a testament to one of the most intriguing aspects of human existence.
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.
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.
Visit the Museum of Ice Cream in Miami, where you can enjoy unlimited ice cream and explore creative, interactive installations. Dive into the sprinkle pool and learn about the history of ice cream, perfect for families, friends, and special occasions.
Set off from Miami towards your Everglades Experience – located within the Everglades Holiday Park, just 50 minutes drive from Miami. Start the adventure with an airboat tour through the _river of grass_ with a live guide leading the way. They’ll give you a quintessential Florida experience as you navigate through prairies of swampy sawgrass and look out for wildlife like turtles, birds, and alligators. After your airboat tour, watch a wildlife show where expert handlers will present alligators to the audience using traditional Seminole Indian techniques.
Located in the vibrant setting of South Beach, Peach Museum offers interactive exhibits, unforgettable photos, and immersive rooms that spark your imagination. With a VIP ticket, the Peach Museum becomes your playground for the entire day. Show up when you please and enjoy the luxury of in-and-out privileges. Plus, the VIP pass also comes with a delightful souvenir gift!
About Miami
The best tours to do in Miami with kids are:
The must-see attractions in Miami for a first visit are:
The best walking tours to do in Miami are:
Insider tips for visiting Miami
izi.TRAVEL2022When I’m in Miami, I always mix the obvious with the local favorites. For classic attractions in Miami, I love starting early in South Beach, then heading to the Art Deco streets around Ocean Drive before the heat kicks in. If friends ask me what to see in Miami beyond the postcards, I send them to Little Havana for a strong cafecito, live music on Calle Ocho, and domino games at Maximo Gomez Park. I also recommend kayaking at Oleta River State Park or walking the quieter bayfront paths in Coconut Grove. For more thoughtful tours in Miami, Wynwood is best explored slowly, wall by wall, especially on weekday mornings.
When I visit Miami, I usually tell people to choose a neighborhood based on how they actually want to spend their days. In my travel guide Miami, I recommend South Beach if you want to walk everywhere and be near the water, but I prefer staying in Coconut Grove for a calmer, leafy side of Miami with bay views, sidewalk cafés, and easy access to Peacock Park. If your priority is food and late nights, Brickell works well. For more local things to do in Miami, Little Havana puts you close to Cuban coffee windows, live music, and Calle Ocho. When you visit Miami, avoid booking too far inland unless you plan to drive everywhere.
When I visit Miami, I eat by neighborhood, because each part of Miami has its own rhythm. For Cuban flavors, I always recommend Little Havana—grab a cafecito from a walk-up window and look for family-run spots along Calle Ocho, not just the busiest corners. For a more polished night out, I like Brickell and nearby Downtown Miami for Peruvian, rooftop cocktails, and late dinners that start after 8. If you want seafood, Coconut Grove feels more local, especially around the marinas. In my travel guide Miami, I’d also include Allapattah for newer chef-driven places. One of my favorite things to do in Miami is plan dinner around the neighborhood, then walk it afterward.
When I’m alone in Miami, I like experiences that feel easy to slip into without needing a group. One of my favorite things to do in Miami is rent a bike and ride the Beach Walk from South Pointe up through Mid-Beach early in the morning, when Miami feels softer and less performative. For quieter attractions in Miami, I’d add the Pérez Art Museum and a solo stroll along the bay at Maurice A. Ferré Park. If someone asks me what to see in Miami on their own, I also suggest Little Havana for a cafecito and people-watching at Domino Park. Among tours in Miami, I’d skip big bus groups and choose neighborhoods you can explore at your own pace.
When I want quieter attractions in Miami, I head beyond the usual beach circuit. One place I love in Miami is the Kampong in Coconut Grove, a tropical garden with old banyans and a calm bayfront feel that many visitors miss. For what to see in Miami with more local character, I recommend the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables on a weekday, or the walking trails at Matheson Hammock where you can watch kiteboarders out on Biscayne Bay. If you’re comparing tours in Miami, I’d skip the crowded basics and spend time in the MiMo District instead—its vintage motel signs and riverfront pockets show a more layered side of Miami.
In my travel guide Miami, I usually tell people to give Miami at least three full days, but four or five feels much better. When I visit Miami, one day disappears into the beach and Art Deco area, another into neighborhoods like Little Havana, Coconut Grove, or Wynwood, and a third into Biscayne Bay, museums, or a slow lunch that turns into sunset drinks. If you only visit Miami for a weekend, you’ll get the surface but miss the city’s different moods. For me, the best things to do in Miami aren’t just landmarks—they’re neighborhood walks, long meals, and time to move between the water, street life, and nightlife.
When I visit Miami, I always tell people to eat across cultures, because Miami’s flavor comes from its mix. Cuban food is the classic starting point—cafecito, croquetas, medianoches, and a good ropa vieja in Little Havana—but Miami is also strong on stone crab when it’s in season, fresh ceviche, and Haitian and Nicaraguan dishes if you go beyond the beach areas. In my travel guide Miami, I’d say don’t leave without trying a Cuban sandwich from a no-frills ventanita and key lime pie with a tart finish, not the overly sweet kind. One of my favorite things to do in Miami is build a day around snacks in different neighborhoods.
When I’m in Miami with family, I usually recommend a day on Key Biscayne. It’s one of the most relaxed things to do in Miami, especially if you start at Crandon Park, where the water is calmer and shallower than South Beach and the old cabanas give it a very local feel. For attractions in Miami that work for different ages, I like pairing that with the nature center or a slow walk at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. If someone asks me what to see in Miami with kids, this area feels much easier than the busier beach zones. Among tours in Miami, I’d skip rigid schedules and keep the day flexible around naps, snacks, and shade.