Things to do in Miami

Wynwood

The former garment district is now the place to go for Miami’s art scene. It’s home to the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum dedicated to the murals and graffiti of locally renowned artists, but it doesn’t stop there. Around every turn you can find eye-popping murals decorating some 50 city blocks here. Wynwood was originally the home of Caribbean immigrants, and it is the place to go for island cooking as well as newer additions including James Beard Award–nominated chefs.

Coconut Grove

Miami’s oldest neighborhood is also the most loved by locals. Time slows down in the Grove as you linger over a Cuban coffee at a low-key cafe, stretch out for some yoga on the marina, or hit funky and fun boutiques. The bayfront community’s bohemian vibe is punctuated by the shotgun-style homes that line its streets, and lush public parks.

MiMo District

You’ll know you’ve arrived in this historic district once you see the iconic 35-foot Coppertone Girl sign. In recent years, locals and developers have come together to revitalize the mid-century modern architecture along Biscayne Boulevard. It is also where you’ll find many in-the-know locals dining out: MiMo is the spot for the city’s up-and-coming chefs.

When it comes to the foods that define Miami, it’s not the South Beach diet. That is unless you’re talking Italian comfort food in Sunset Harbour, Middle Eastern fried chicken, or sushi paired with Japanese whiskey, for a few examples of this eclectic food scene.

In other words, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly one neighborhood, or one cuisine. And that’s a wonderful challenge to take on as you eat your way through SoFi (aka South of Fifth), Little Havana (food tours are a great way to hit the best spots), and Brickell (which could be one of the best food neighborhoods in Miami), among other districts and neighborhoods. Hey, there’s always kayaking and paddleboarding in the morning, if you need the exercise.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Located on the island of Key Biscayne, this park is home to an outdoor lover’s paradise of swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking, among other recreational activities. Don’t miss the Cape Florida Light, the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami, or the park’s section of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Trail.

Miami Beach

It’s famous for a reason: the art deco architecture is a reason to go all by itself (that and it makes the perfect backdrop for a personal photo shoot). It’s also the ideal place to visit for activities on the water, whether you go out for a boat tour, rent a Jet Ski, or just lounge on the sandy beach.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

While you can head indoors of this 70-room estate to admire European decorative art and furnishings that date back to the 15th century, the grounds of this villa are a sight to behold with its formal gardens inspired by the Italian Renaissance sitting against the land’s native jungle forest.