Miami Florida tourist attractions
fill a wide spectrum , offering visitors the opportunity
to mix chic cosmopolitan with natural wonder in this sizzling
southern city. Tour the trendy downtown districts
where fashionable eateries compliment an array of shopping
and cultural activities. For a more natural experience,
explore the nearby subtropical wilderness that is the
Florida Everglades.
The following are some ideas for some of the Miami attractions
you might consider visiting on your Miami vacation.
Offering world-renowned beaches and a trendy scene both day and night, South Beach is truly one of the top attractions in Miami where you never know who you might see. South Beach-Miami Beach is an art-deco party paradise where some of the city’s best restaurants and clubs and located. Dance the night away or grab a sophisticated cocktail after a full day enjoying South Beach’s ultra-popular beaches. Visitors will find a fine selection of attractive Miami hotels along the South Beach-Miami Beach strip and if shopping is your thing, peruse the big labels and latest fashions found among South Beach’s tempting shops.
Key Biscayne National Park
While so close to downtown Miami, Key Biscayne National Park is at the same time worlds away. Outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss a chance to add a trip to this park on their list of attractions in Miami. Key Biscayne has some of the best beaches in Miami and is a welcome place for Miami scuba diving adventures. Other activities at Key Biscayne include camping, snorkeling, boating and viewing the island’s unique wildlife. Key Biscayne National Park can be accessed by car from both the Florida Turnpike and US Highway 1. The park’s entrance can be found at the end of SW 328th Street. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.
Bayside Marketplace
Find plenty of welcome views and a bevy of shops and restaurants at the Bayside Marketplace. One of the more popular Miami Florida tourist attractions for shopping, you can easily spend a few hours at this open-air mall. The Bayside Marketplace is found at 401 Biscayne Boulevard, next to the Port of Miami and American Airlines Arena, meaning you should have no problems finding interesting things to do in Miami nearby. There is often live entertainment at the Bayside Marketplace and when you’ve had your fill of shopping, you can head to the pier for a relaxing stroll.
The Miami Carnival
If you can’t make it to Brazil for this year’s Carnival, no need to fret. Closer to home, the Miami Carnival offers up plenty of Caribbean flare every October on Columbus Day weekend. Launched in 1984 as a neighborhood festival, the Miami Carnival has become an international sensation and one of the top attractions in Miami for yearly events. Starting at the crossroads of NE 2nd Avenue and 35th Street , the Carnival parade continues on its downtown route to Bicentennial Park along the beautiful Biscayne Bay. Costumed steel drum and mas bands join soca performances and a list of DJ’s to keep the music pumping and the atmosphere alive. Enjoy the Miami Carnival’s Caribbean food and drink options and shop craft boutiques for memorable keepsakes.
The Deering Estate
For a slice of Miami’s past, head to 16701 SW 72nd Avenue in the village of Palmetto Bay for a tour of the Deering Estate. The Deering Estate is currently an educational facility offering programs for both adults and children. The historical buildings at the Deering Estate date back to 1896 and 1922 and are a nice compliment to the natural beauty of the grounds. Escape the city for a bit at this relaxing estate adorned with swaying palms, sounds of the splashing Biscayne Bay waters and a fine array of native birds. Tour the estate’s edifices, explore the Environmental Center museum or take an informative canoe trip. The Deering Estate offers varying tours and its facilities are ideal for your next special event or Florida wedding.
Miami Seaquarium
A staple among Miami Florida tourist attractions since 1955, the Miami Seaquarium is an ideal place where families and all kinds of animal lovers can enjoy an outdoor aquarium experience that is afforded by the city’s tropical climate. The Miami Seaquarium is located between downtown Miami and Key Biscayne at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway. Enjoy outdoor marine shows with dolphins and killer whales featured among the various sea creatures. Take in other exhibits centered around seals, sea lions, sea turtles and manatees. You’ll want to spend at least half the day here and be sure to catch a trained dolphin show , as well as a trainer presentation and feeding. Check ahead with the Seaquarium for detailed show schedules.
Metro-Dade Cultural Center
A focal point for the arts among the attractions in Miami, the Metro-Dade Cultural Center is set on 3 acres in the heart of downtown and consists of the Main Public Library, the Historical Museum of Southern Florida and the Miami Art Museum. The Miami Art Museum houses international contemporary works with a focus on the Americas. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and from Noon- 5 p.m. on the weekend. For under $10 you can gain access to both the Art Museum and the Historical Museum. You will also find art displays housed in the Public Library, in addition to over 4 million holdings.
