clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Bart Sadowski/Shutterstock

The 26 best things to do in Miami right now

All the places that you must visit—new classics, old favorites, and other essential sites

View as Map

These 26 locations—chosen by Curbed editors—include some of the Magic City’s most iconic buildings, parks, museums, public art, event venues, and lots more.

Did we overlook your favorite Miami gem? Tell us in the comments or email us your tips and recommendations here.

[Note: Places are listed geographically, starting from the north.]

Read More

Institute of Contemporary Art

Copy Link

Behind its striking facade designed by Spanish-based Aranguren + Gallegos Arquitectos, Miami’s Institute of Contemporary Art offers a focus on local, emerging, and under- recognized artists. The Design District attraction opened in December and features an adjacent sculpture garden. The ICA offers free admission and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A post shared by ICA Miami (@icamiami) on

O Cinema Wynwood

Copy Link

Located in Wynwood, O Cinema is one of the top destinations in Miami for independent, classic, and indie films. If that wasn’t enough, screenings often include a catered meal by a local restaurant. O Cinema also operates locations in Miami Beach and Miami Shores.

O Cinema

The Wynwood Walls

Copy Link

Unlike anything else in Miami, the Wynwood Walls offer 80,000-square-feet of colorful street art by 50 artists representing more than 16 countries. Check in for happy hour at Wood Tavern, Wynwood's first bar, and take a leisurely tour of this Instagrammable area.

New World Center

Copy Link

Located in the heart of South Beach, this indoor concert venue was completed in 2011 by legendary American architect Frank Gehry. Home to the New World Symphony, the 756-seat facility is also joined by the adjacent 2.5-acre SoundScape Park which projects select films and live performances on a 7,000-square-foot screen.

Lincoln Road

Copy Link

Undeniably among Miami's elite people-watching areas, Lincoln Road is the mecca for efficiently absorbing the aura of South Beach without dealing with the late-night craziness. It's always happy hour, there's always a crowd, and there's no better place to have a meal and hang out. Great food options include Books and Books and Havana 1957.

Jungle Island

Copy Link

This 18-acre, kid-friendly zoological park is conveniently located between downtown Miami and South Beach. Jungle Island is known for its lush vegetation, playground, water park, and exotic animals—including a Liger (Lion-Tiger hybrid).

A post shared by Esteban Ramirez (@ebrapro) on

Pérez Art Museum Miami

Copy Link

This striking Herzog & de Meuron-designed structure isn't just a modern and contemporary art museum, but also a great place for dining, drinking, and free movie screenings. Miami’s first 3D-printed cafe opened here recently.

A post shared by Pérez Art Museum Miami (@pamm) on

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Copy Link

This kid-friendly science museum is another great place to take a break from the elements when the Miami summer heat gets to be too much. Here there are tons of hands-on exhibits and activities as well as a 250-seat planetarium and a three-level aquarium.

A post shared by Frost Science (@frostscience) on

Lummus Park

Copy Link

Spanning more than 70 acres between South Beach's ocean sand and Ocean Drive, this famous park is among Miami’s top people-watching destinations. Toss a blanket down somewhere between fifth and 15th streets, pop a squat, and observe all the wonderful wackiness Miami has to offer.

Miami Freedom Tower

Copy Link

Built in 1925 and designed by Schultze and Weaver, the Downtown Miami landmark was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2008. The "Ellis Island of the South” served as the Cuban Assistance Center in the 60s and 70s, offering U.S. sanctioned relief to the Cuban refugees who sought political asylum from the oppressive regime of Fidel Castro.

A post shared by Hi, I'm Bryan! (@bmf136) on

Lummus Park Historic District

Copy Link

Not to be confused the aforementioned Lummus Park in South Beach, this landmarked bit of open space just west of downtown was created in 1909 as one of Miami’s first parks. The 1857 William Wagner House, recognized as the city’s oldest surviving home, was moved to the historic park in 1979.

Bayfront Park

Copy Link

Bayfront Park is the current home of the Miami marathon, Komen Race for the Cure, Ultra Music Festival, free weekly yoga classes, Flying Trapeze School, and big-name concerts like Pittbull's fiesta on New Years Eve. If you're looking for a quick and challenging workout, try sprinting up the hill by the Tina Hills Pavilion 10 times.

HistoryMiami Museum

Copy Link

This summer, Miami’s popular downtown history museum is marking the 50th anniversary of the Miami Pop Festival with a special Miami Rocks exhibition. Running though September 30, the exhibit looks back at the 1968 event which hosted the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Chuck Berry, and others. Relive the festival through rare photographs, memorabilia, and more.

Brickell City Centre

Copy Link

Envisioned as a new heart for Brickell, this $1 billion, mixed-use, indoor-outdoor shopping center is another indoor venue worth exploring. Designed by Arquitectonica, it sports a movie theater with reclining seats, tons of shopping, restaurants, and a eye-catching overhead "climate ribbon” to direct airflow.

A post shared by Toronto (@tom__t) on

South Pointe Park

Copy Link

Located on the southernmost tip of South Beach, South Pointe might be the cleanest and prettiest park in the Magic City, offering hashtag-worthy bay views and beautiful sunsets. Whether you're grabbing a drink at Smith & Wollensky or getting lost in a book on its grassy grounds, South Pointe provides an unparalleled atmosphere.

A post shared by Michael (@herrhutte) on

Domino Park

Copy Link

Offically Maximo Gomez Park, this historical meeting spot in Little Havana gets its name from the favorite pastime of its older Cuban-American patrons. Here, walkways feature domino-theme tiles and benches for spectating the intense gameplay. Domino Park is just around the corner from Little Havana’s Paseo de las Estrellas which honors the contributions made by notable Latin American actors, writers, artists, and musicians.

Solo otra dia en #dominopark. #miami #littlehavanna ❤️ #cubanostyle

A post shared by snapchat anniekw (@anniekwilson) on

Coral Gables Merrick House

Copy Link

The historic Coral Gables Merrick House was originally built in 1903 as the childhood home of George E. Merrick, the founder and developer of the city of Coral Gables. Although the home has gone through numerous renovations, guests are still transported through South Florida’s rich history thanks to the home’s old furniture, artworks, and garden.

Venetian Pool

Copy Link

Escape the heat in this historic Coral Gables swimming spot. Built in 1924 with materials sourced from a coral rock quarry, the Venetian Pool holds over 820,000 gallons of water and is a favorite destination among locals and visitors.

A post shared by miamicallsme (@miamicallsme) on

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Copy Link

Vizcaya in Coconut Grove is the palatial former estate of businessman James Deering of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune. Designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style with Baroque elements, the landmark is open to the public and often the site of weddings, photo shoots, and other events. Vizcaya’s waterfront grounds include stunning Italian Renaissance inspired gardens and a compound of historic outbuildings.

Biltmore Hotel

Copy Link

This architectural gem in Coral Gables was built in 1926 by John McEntee Bowman and George Merrick and initially stood as the tallest building in Florida at 315 feet. Its enormous pool was also once the largest in the world and is a common backdrop in films and TV shows. You need not be a guest of the hotel to enjoy the Biltmore’s iconic Mediterranean revival architecture, its many bars and restaurants, or the Donald Ross-designed golf course.

Shutterstock

Miami Seaquarium

Copy Link

Set on 38 acres on Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay, the Miami Seaquarium dates back to 1955 and is one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. Over 500,000 people visit the facility each year to check out its fish, aquatic mammals, sharks, sea turtles, birds, and reptiles.

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Copy Link

This 1891 house is one of the oldest curving homes in Miami-Dade County. It originally belonged to Coconut Grove's founder Ralph Middleton Munroe, who purchased the 40-acre bayfront property in 1886 for a mere $400. Family owned until 1973, the Barnacle and its seaside grounds are now a Florida state park.

Crandon Park

Copy Link

Occupying the northern part of Key Biscayne, this 808-acre waterfront oasis has something for everyone. The public park is home to a marina, golf course, vintage carousel, nature center, two-mile-long sandy beachfront, and a tennis center that hosts the Miami Open each year

Matheson Hammock Park

Copy Link

Recognized as Dade’s first county park, Matheson Hammock Park was founded in 1930 as a gift from William J. Matheson. The Coral Gables site has grown to over 600 acres and features a man-made atoll that draws its water from Biscayne Bay.

Stiltsville

Copy Link

Ravaged by Hurricane Andrew, only seven of the wood stilt houses remain in Stiltsville at the edge of Biscayne Bay. The area has been featured in novels as well as shows and movies, like Miami Vice, The Layover, and Bay Boys II.

A post shared by Sue Gerry (@suzanne.photo) on

Cape Florida Lighthouse

Copy Link

Built in 1825 and located at the south end of Key Biscayne’s Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, this historic lighthouse helps guide boaters off the Florida Reef. You can visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or just explore the surrounding beaches and groves.

Institute of Contemporary Art

Behind its striking facade designed by Spanish-based Aranguren + Gallegos Arquitectos, Miami’s Institute of Contemporary Art offers a focus on local, emerging, and under- recognized artists. The Design District attraction opened in December and features an adjacent sculpture garden. The ICA offers free admission and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A post shared by ICA Miami (@icamiami) on

O Cinema Wynwood

Located in Wynwood, O Cinema is one of the top destinations in Miami for independent, classic, and indie films. If that wasn’t enough, screenings often include a catered meal by a local restaurant. O Cinema also operates locations in Miami Beach and Miami Shores.

O Cinema

The Wynwood Walls

Unlike anything else in Miami, the Wynwood Walls offer 80,000-square-feet of colorful street art by 50 artists representing more than 16 countries. Check in for happy hour at Wood Tavern, Wynwood's first bar, and take a leisurely tour of this Instagrammable area.

New World Center

Located in the heart of South Beach, this indoor concert venue was completed in 2011 by legendary American architect Frank Gehry. Home to the New World Symphony, the 756-seat facility is also joined by the adjacent 2.5-acre SoundScape Park which projects select films and live performances on a 7,000-square-foot screen.

Lincoln Road

Undeniably among Miami's elite people-watching areas, Lincoln Road is the mecca for efficiently absorbing the aura of South Beach without dealing with the late-night craziness. It's always happy hour, there's always a crowd, and there's no better place to have a meal and hang out. Great food options include Books and Books and Havana 1957.

Jungle Island

This 18-acre, kid-friendly zoological park is conveniently located between downtown Miami and South Beach. Jungle Island is known for its lush vegetation, playground, water park, and exotic animals—including a Liger (Lion-Tiger hybrid).

A post shared by Esteban Ramirez (@ebrapro) on

Pérez Art Museum Miami

This striking Herzog & de Meuron-designed structure isn't just a modern and contemporary art museum, but also a great place for dining, drinking, and free movie screenings. Miami’s first 3D-printed cafe opened here recently.

A post shared by Pérez Art Museum Miami (@pamm) on

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

This kid-friendly science museum is another great place to take a break from the elements when the Miami summer heat gets to be too much. Here there are tons of hands-on exhibits and activities as well as a 250-seat planetarium and a three-level aquarium.

A post shared by Frost Science (@frostscience) on

Lummus Park

Spanning more than 70 acres between South Beach's ocean sand and Ocean Drive, this famous park is among Miami’s top people-watching destinations. Toss a blanket down somewhere between fifth and 15th streets, pop a squat, and observe all the wonderful wackiness Miami has to offer.

Miami Freedom Tower

Built in 1925 and designed by Schultze and Weaver, the Downtown Miami landmark was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2008. The "Ellis Island of the South” served as the Cuban Assistance Center in the 60s and 70s, offering U.S. sanctioned relief to the Cuban refugees who sought political asylum from the oppressive regime of Fidel Castro.

A post shared by Hi, I'm Bryan! (@bmf136) on

Lummus Park Historic District

Not to be confused the aforementioned Lummus Park in South Beach, this landmarked bit of open space just west of downtown was created in 1909 as one of Miami’s first parks. The 1857 William Wagner House, recognized as the city’s oldest surviving home, was moved to the historic park in 1979.

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is the current home of the Miami marathon, Komen Race for the Cure, Ultra Music Festival, free weekly yoga classes, Flying Trapeze School, and big-name concerts like Pittbull's fiesta on New Years Eve. If you're looking for a quick and challenging workout, try sprinting up the hill by the Tina Hills Pavilion 10 times.

HistoryMiami Museum

This summer, Miami’s popular downtown history museum is marking the 50th anniversary of the Miami Pop Festival with a special Miami Rocks exhibition. Running though September 30, the exhibit looks back at the 1968 event which hosted the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Chuck Berry, and others. Relive the festival through rare photographs, memorabilia, and more.

Brickell City Centre

Envisioned as a new heart for Brickell, this $1 billion, mixed-use, indoor-outdoor shopping center is another indoor venue worth exploring. Designed by Arquitectonica, it sports a movie theater with reclining seats, tons of shopping, restaurants, and a eye-catching overhead "climate ribbon” to direct airflow.

A post shared by Toronto (@tom__t) on

South Pointe Park

Located on the southernmost tip of South Beach, South Pointe might be the cleanest and prettiest park in the Magic City, offering hashtag-worthy bay views and beautiful sunsets. Whether you're grabbing a drink at Smith & Wollensky or getting lost in a book on its grassy grounds, South Pointe provides an unparalleled atmosphere.

A post shared by Michael (@herrhutte) on

Domino Park

Offically Maximo Gomez Park, this historical meeting spot in Little Havana gets its name from the favorite pastime of its older Cuban-American patrons. Here, walkways feature domino-theme tiles and benches for spectating the intense gameplay. Domino Park is just around the corner from Little Havana’s Paseo de las Estrellas which honors the contributions made by notable Latin American actors, writers, artists, and musicians.

Solo otra dia en #dominopark. #miami #littlehavanna ❤️ #cubanostyle

A post shared by snapchat anniekw (@anniekwilson) on

Coral Gables Merrick House

The historic Coral Gables Merrick House was originally built in 1903 as the childhood home of George E. Merrick, the founder and developer of the city of Coral Gables. Although the home has gone through numerous renovations, guests are still transported through South Florida’s rich history thanks to the home’s old furniture, artworks, and garden.

Venetian Pool

Escape the heat in this historic Coral Gables swimming spot. Built in 1924 with materials sourced from a coral rock quarry, the Venetian Pool holds over 820,000 gallons of water and is a favorite destination among locals and visitors.

A post shared by miamicallsme (@miamicallsme) on

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya in Coconut Grove is the palatial former estate of businessman James Deering of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune. Designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style with Baroque elements, the landmark is open to the public and often the site of weddings, photo shoots, and other events. Vizcaya’s waterfront grounds include stunning Italian Renaissance inspired gardens and a compound of historic outbuildings.

Biltmore Hotel

This architectural gem in Coral Gables was built in 1926 by John McEntee Bowman and George Merrick and initially stood as the tallest building in Florida at 315 feet. Its enormous pool was also once the largest in the world and is a common backdrop in films and TV shows. You need not be a guest of the hotel to enjoy the Biltmore’s iconic Mediterranean revival architecture, its many bars and restaurants, or the Donald Ross-designed golf course.

Shutterstock

Miami Seaquarium

Set on 38 acres on Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay, the Miami Seaquarium dates back to 1955 and is one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. Over 500,000 people visit the facility each year to check out its fish, aquatic mammals, sharks, sea turtles, birds, and reptiles.

The Barnacle Historic State Park

This 1891 house is one of the oldest curving homes in Miami-Dade County. It originally belonged to Coconut Grove's founder Ralph Middleton Munroe, who purchased the 40-acre bayfront property in 1886 for a mere $400. Family owned until 1973, the Barnacle and its seaside grounds are now a Florida state park.

Crandon Park

Occupying the northern part of Key Biscayne, this 808-acre waterfront oasis has something for everyone. The public park is home to a marina, golf course, vintage carousel, nature center, two-mile-long sandy beachfront, and a tennis center that hosts the Miami Open each year

Matheson Hammock Park

Recognized as Dade’s first county park, Matheson Hammock Park was founded in 1930 as a gift from William J. Matheson. The Coral Gables site has grown to over 600 acres and features a man-made atoll that draws its water from Biscayne Bay.

Stiltsville

Ravaged by Hurricane Andrew, only seven of the wood stilt houses remain in Stiltsville at the edge of Biscayne Bay. The area has been featured in novels as well as shows and movies, like Miami Vice, The Layover, and Bay Boys II.

A post shared by Sue Gerry (@suzanne.photo) on

Cape Florida Lighthouse

Built in 1825 and located at the south end of Key Biscayne’s Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, this historic lighthouse helps guide boaters off the Florida Reef. You can visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or just explore the surrounding beaches and groves.