Miami For First Timers

There’s no shortage of things to do in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, from exploring beautiful beaches, historic sites and Cuban culture to experiencing one-of-a-kind art, architecture, restaurants and professional sports. On your first trip to the destination, you’ll want to do everything, but with so many options, how will you know where to start? Use our guide to discover the many sides of Miami.

Enjoy The Iconic Beauty of South Beach

When in Miami, going to the beach is a must. South Beach is known for its white sand, iconic Art Deco architecture and brightly-colored lifeguard stands. While in South Beach, don’t miss one of the world’s greatest concentrations of 1920s and 1930s architecture: the iconic Art Deco District. It has over 800 pastel-colored buildings with ornate, geometric details, whimsical porthole windows and breezy porches. Learn more about what you’re looking at when you join the Miami Design Preservation League’s guided Art Deco District Walking Tour, available daily except holidays.

Top Things To Do At Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace, located in Downtown Miami, is an open-air shopping and entertainment destination that offers everything from retail and dining to water adventures and live music. You can take a half-day glass-bottom boat ride, a boat tour on the 140-passenger Island Queen or get your adrenaline pumping aboard the Thriller Miami speedboat. Both will take you around Biscayne Bay, where you can see the luxurious celebrity mansions on Star Island and Fisher Island and check out the Downtown Miami and Miami Beach skylines. For one of the best views in Miami, take a ride on Skyviews Miami, a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel towering over Bayside Marketplace.

Explore Biscayne Bay With An Ecoadventure

Biscayne National Park, which is 95% underwater, is the largest marine park in the U.S. National Park system. It offers plenty of opportunities to kayak, paddleboard, sail, snorkel, dive and more. Miami EcoAdventures offers a sunset and full moon guided boat cruise adventure along Biscayne Bay, while the Biscayne National Park Institute hosts guided boat tours of Stiltsville, a group of protected wood stilt houses built in the middle of Biscayne Bay in the 1930s.

Take In The Art At Wynwood Walls

Don't miss the opportunity to take in the incredible art in Miami's prominent street art museum, Wynwood Walls. Located in Wynwood, the destination’s creative hub, this unique outdoor art museum is comprised of six buildings covered in rotating works created by prominent graffiti artists and muralists. It's an immersive experience for art enthusiasts and an unforgettable stop for Miami first-timers.

Miami's Must-See Museum, Planetarium & Aquarium

If you're visiting Miami for the first time, make sure to include the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science on your itinerary. This cutting-edge museum, located in Downtown Miami, offers an unforgettable experience with its interactive exhibits, a world-class planetarium and an impressive three-level aquarium. The museum's rooftop observation deck and The Vista level provide spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, sailing cruise ships and the city’s skyline. Aside from fascinating displays of the natural world and the mysteries of space, the museum also hosts a monthly laser show in the planetarium featuring music from some of the greatest artists.

Live Salsa, Iconic History & Cuban Culture In Little Havana

There’s no better way to experience Miami’s Cuban culture than with a visit to Little Havana. Stroll down Calle Ocho and get a Cuban sandwich, a frita (Cuban burger), Cuban coffee and other traditional Cuban dishes at top restaurants such as Sanguich de Miami or El Rey de las Fritas. Enjoy artisanal ice cream in tropical or Cuban-inspired flavors at Azucar Ice Cream Company. Watch the locals play dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park (Domino Park), or stop by a cigar shop to see real masters roll Cuban cigars. 

Ball & Chain is a historic live-music venue on Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street) in the heart of Little Havana. Here, you can experience Miami's Cuban culture with live music, salsa dancing, flavorful cocktails and delicious tapas. The iconic venue has a rich history and has hosted legendary performers, like Billie Holiday. Whether you want to dance the night away or savor the authentic Cuban ambiance, Ball & Chain is a must-visit destination if you want to experience Miami's renowned nightlife.

Immerse Yourself in Performing Arts

Watch captivating shows direct from Broadway, enjoy the elegance of ballet and jazz, revel in the magic of concerts, and experience a wide range of live theater at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Downtown Miami. For a taste of local theater, head to Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables, and for a good laugh, check out a comedy show at Miami Improv in Doral. With a variety of options available, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Miami's expansive performing arts scene.

Catch The Excitement of Miami's Major League Teams

Miami is home to several major league teams, so sports enthusiasts are sure to find a game to enjoy during their visit. You can catch the thrilling action of the Miami Dolphins football team at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, watch the fast-paced Miami HEAT basketball team at the state-of-the-art Kaseya Center in Downtown Miami, or experience the passion and energy of the Miami Marlins baseball team at loanDepot Park, a beautiful retractable-roof stadium in Little Havana.

Dive into Miami's MICHELIN Star Dining Scene

Fourteen Miami restaurants have been awarded MICHELIN stars, with L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in the Miami Design District receiving a coveted two stars for its French cuisine with elevated craftsmanship in the simplest dishes, especially the seasonal prix fixe menu. An additional 18 restaurants have been awarded Bib Gourmands for great food at a great value, confirming that Miami is truly a top culinary destination.

Explore more things to do during your first visit to Greater Miami & Miami Beach.