Whether you’re looking to clear your mind, snap a selfie, pop the question or simply take in the views, Greater Miami & Miami Beach has the most awe-inspiring vistas. The destination has achieved iconic status in part for its natural beauty and historic landmarks and is among the most photographed destinations in the world, offering breathtaking backdrops. These scenic spots provide perfect opportunities to capture memorable views that can be enjoyed in the present or shared in the future.

Pastel Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive — Find Art Deco architecture in South Beach's Historic Art Deco District

Turquoise Water and Iconic Art Deco Landmarks

Soak in the sights of South Beach, two-and-a-half miles of coastline, beach and Art Deco architecture. The Art Deco Historic District is famous for buildings with sleek lines and geometric shapes painted in soft pastel shades. Learn about this architectural style at the Art Deco Welcome Center and sign up for a walking or self-guided tour. If beach views sound enticing, nearby Lummus Park gives access to a stretch of 10 blocks filled with sun, white sand and turquoise blue water.

People enjoying the view at South Pointe Park — Don't miss the sunset at South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park, on the southern tip of Miami Beach, is a green space where you can walk trails, bike paved paths, check out Tobias Rehberger's colorful "Obstinate Lighthouse," watch cruise ships sailing in and out of PortMiami and bask in sweeping views of the sunset. Stroll the wharf, watch as fishermen cast lines from the pier and drink in the grandeur of Downtown Miami’s skyline.

Neon lights illuminating the boutique hotels along Ocean Drive — Immerse yourself in the neon-lit charm of Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive, All Lit Up

Ocean Drive is a picturesque, 15-block stretch of Miami Beach adorned with Art Deco hotels, retro cafes and nightclubs. Between 5th and 15th streets, the neon-lit stretch of South Beach staples offers a unique charm. A notable sight on Ocean Drive at night is A Fish Called Avalon, an upscale seafood restaurant with a bright-yellow 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible at its entrance and bright green lights emanating from the building.

Just a few doors down, the historic Colony Hotel, one of the first Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive, is an excellent destination for those who love architecture. The hotel has a distinctive neon sign and features a sleek white and blue facade with clean lines and geometric shapes. Right next door, you’ll find the Boulevard Hotel, whose red neon lights are as iconic to Ocean Drive as the ocean breeze.

Live performers at The Betsy Hotel, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere — Experience luxury and culture at The Betsy South Beach hotel

The Betsy South Beach celebrates art and design by boasting the sole example of Florida-Georgian style architecture on Ocean Drive. Its Piano Bar is a thing of wonder with rotating art exhibits, lush palm trees and large windows, reminiscent of Old Havana. The bar is a stylish setting in which to enjoy live jazz and a shaken martini.

Crandon Park and Nature Preserve Beach with a lifeguard stand, inviting turquoise waters, and golden sands — Discover natural beauty at Crandon Park

Key Biscayne’s Scenic Majesty

A barrier island with jaw-dropping scenery, Key Biscayne provides unparalleled views from the peak of Rickenbacker Causeway or along the shores of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Runners will be inspired by the picturesque seascape and serene ambiance at Hobie Beach and Crandon Park.

People dining at tables with an ocean view at Rusty Pelican during dusk — Experience memorable views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami at Rusty Pelican

Brunch, lunch or dinner is always special at Rusty Pelican, but the main attraction goes beyond the fine food: The floor-to-ceiling windows at this waterfront eatery in Rickenbacker Marina provide expansive views over Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami, where the high-rises seem to be rising from the water. As day transitions into evening, you can witness the sun setting over the bay, casting a golden glow over the city.

The Skywheel Miami at Bayside Marketplace, offering stunning panoramic views — Take in breathtaking views from Skyviews Miami

Iconic Skyline & Bay Views

At Bayside Marketplace, soar 200 feet on the Skyviews Miami observation wheel for a 360-degree panorama of Downtown Miami and the glistening waters of Biscayne Bay. At neighboring Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), the rotating exhibits and permanent art collections are complemented by outdoor terraces that showcase nature’s works of art and provide stunning views of Biscayne Bay from an elevated vantage point. For stunning panoramic views, be sure to stop by the rooftop terrace at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, whose observation deck on the top level offers 3,275 square feet of open-air space. For an equally impressive view, visit the Vista level (level 4) of the museum, where you’ll marvel to spectacular views of the skyline and bay and watch cruise ships sail by.

You can get some of the best views of Downtown Miami at night–a sparkling wonderland of steel and glass high-rises doused in an array of colors–by simply hopping into a car, taxi or rideshare and heading west on the MacArthur Causeway (I-395) from Miami Beach to the mainland. Bonus: You’ll pass PortMiami and all of the brightly lit mega-ships. Then head south on I-95 for more spectacular views. You’ll feel like the buildings are right on top of you as you pass by. By day, the waterfront multi-million-dollar mansions on Star Island, also viewed from the MacArthur Causeway, offer a glimpse into the world of the rich and famous.

Visitors gathered on the Shark Valley Observation Tower, enjoying panoramic views of Everglades National Park — Experience panoramic views from the Shark Valley Observation Tower

The Wild Wonders Of The Everglades

Few places are as magical and wild as Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. A wonderland of marshland, sawgrass and mangroves, it serves as a vital habitat for endangered species, including the Florida Panther and the American crocodile. For panoramic views of this exotic location, visit the Shark Valley Observation Tower, which offers elevated views of this unique landscape for up to 20 miles.

Anhinga Trail, showcasing lush vegetation and serene water with lily pads — Explore Everglades National Park’s Anhinga Trail

For as long as people have been coming to Miami, artists have been trying to capture the bright, fiery orange, red and cotton candy sunsets over the River of Grass. Luckily, you can see them for yourself at many locations, including the Anhinga Trail inside Everglades National Park. It’s part-boardwalk, part-paved and wheelchair-accessible, and you might even see some wildlife, too. For a more intimate and adventurous experience, Coopertown Everglades Airboat Tour & Restaurant offers a private airboat tour that lets you experience an Everglades sunset firsthand while zipping through the grass- and lily-covered waters aboard a flat-bottomed boat propelled by giant propeller fans. There’s a good chance you’ll see an alligator basking in the sun.

Alternatively, choose a more tranquil journey through Nine Mile Pond by canoe or kayak and paddle through a maze of tree islands, mangrove tunnels and serene open waters. Avid bird watchers can enjoy abundant sightings at Mud Lake, where the striking roseate spoonbill, with its vibrant, pink plumage, is a coveted sight amidst the natural beauty.

Miami has breathtaking sights waiting to be explored and experienced. When visiting, take a moment to pause, absorb the views and marvel at the area’s many wonders.

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