Best things to do
in downtown Miami

Downtown Miami is the vibrant heart of the city, where you can find a mix of culture, entertainment, shopping, and history. Whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront, a fascinating museum visit, or a lively night out, downtown Miami has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in downtown Miami that you shouldn't miss.

Bayfront Park

What is it?
Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, Bayfront Park is a sprawling green space that offers beautiful waterfront views, a fountain, a playground, and regular events and festivals.

Why should you go?
Bayfront Park offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the city skyline, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. With 32 acres of green space, Bayfront Park is perfect for picnics, jogging, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the water.

The park also features a variety of amenities, such as an outdoor amphitheater, a playground, a splash fountain, and a marina where visitors can rent boats or take a sightseeing tour. Additionally, the park hosts a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the New Year's Eve countdown and fireworks show, the Miami Reggae Festival, and the Bayfront Jazz Festival.

If you're interested in history, be sure to check out the Challenger Memorial, which honors the seven crew members who lost their lives in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Bayfront Park is also home to several public art installations, including a large sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.

American Airlines Arena

What is it?
This venue is home to the Miami Heat basketball team and hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. It's located on the waterfront and offers beautiful views of the bay.

Why should you go?
American Airlines Arena, also known as the Kaseya Center, is the home of the NBA's Miami Heat and hosts numerous concerts, shows, and events throughout the year. With a seating capacity of 19,600 for basketball and 16,500 without upper levels, the arena offers a unique and exciting atmosphere for fans of all ages.

Besides attending a Miami Heat game or a live concert, you can also take advantage of the arena's prime location, which is situated close to some of Miami's most popular attractions, such as Bayside Marketplace, the Perez Art Museum, and the Miami Design District.

Bayside Marketplace

What is it?
Bayside Marketplace is a two-story open-air shopping and entertainment center situated along the banks of Biscayne Bay, with the City of Miami marina on its side.

Why should you go?
One of the highlights of Bayside Marketplace is the Skyviews Observation Wheel, a 176-foot tall Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city and the bay. Other popular activities include sightseeing cruises, fishing charters, water sports rentals, and the thrilling Bayside Blaster boat tour. Bayside Marketplace also hosts various events and live performances throughout the year.

There are also over 190 shops and boutiques in the area selling everything from clothing and jewelry to souvenirs and gifts. You can also find a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious cuisine from around the world.

HistoryMiami Museum

What is it?
This museum explores the history and culture of Miami and South Florida with a collection of over 37,000 objects, including photographs, maps, documents, and other artifacts that offer a unique window into Miami's past.

Why should you go?
The museum showcases the city's diverse past through a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. With a mission to tell Miami's story from its earliest days to the present, HistoryMiami Museum allows you to learn about the city's Native American roots, its Spanish colonial past, the heyday of the Miami Vice era, and much more.

The museum's permanent galleries cover a wide range of topics, from immigration and community activism to the role of the military in Miami's development. There are also rotating exhibits that explore different aspects of Miami's history, such as its vibrant music scene or the impact of climate change on the city. You can also take part in guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.

Freedom Tower

What is it?
This historic building and a national landmark served as a processing center for Cuban refugees in the 1960s. Today, it houses a museum and cultural center that explores the history and culture of Miami's Cuban community.

Why should you go?
The Freedom Tower is a historic landmark in Miami that should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Built in 1925, it was originally the headquarters for the Miami Daily News, but it later became a symbol of hope and freedom for Cuban refugees fleeing Fidel Castro's regime in the 1960s. Today, it serves as a museum of contemporary art and culture, and it has a variety of exhibits that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of the Miami area. The tower's beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style architecture is also a sight to behold, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

What is it?
Located in Downtown Miami, this performing arts center hosts a variety of shows, including ballet, opera, and Broadway productions.

Why should you go?
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class cultural destination with a diverse range of performances, including theater, dance, music, and comedy. The center features four main venues: the Ziff Ballet Opera House, the Knight Concert Hall, the Thompson Plaza for the Arts, and the Carnival Studio Theater.

Additionally, the center hosts many free community events and educational programs, making it a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and enrichment. Whether you are a local or a visitor to Miami, the Arsht Center is a cultural gem you won't want to miss.

Miami-Dade County Courthouse

What is it?
This historic courthouse is a stunning skyscraper that features neoclassical architecture and a grand entrance. It's a great place to take a stroll and admire the city's historic buildings.

Why should you go?
The Miami-Dade County Courthouse is an iconic landmark in Downtown Miami. The courthouse, which was completed in 1928, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. The building is 361 feet tall with 28 floors and was the tallest building in both the city of Miami and the state of Florida when it was built.

You can take a tour of the courthouse and learn about its rich history and stunning architecture. The building features beautiful Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival styles and boasts a beautiful marble staircase and grand entrance hall. The courthouse is also home to several exciting exhibits, including a tribute to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This landmark is a must-see for anyone interested in Miami's history, culture, and law.

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