There are so many things to do in Miami that many visitors do not even know where to begin! While nearly every spot in Miami can provide a unique, memorable vacation experience, here are a few of the best things to do in Miami!
Visit museums
Miami is home to many interesting and unique museums. One museum that every visitor should see is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, once called the 'Hearst Castle of the East.' This 1916 villa, built for James Deering by 1,000 artisans over a period of five years, is full of antiques, ancient artworks and original furnishings. Visitors get to see an early telephone switchboard as well as some of the first residential elevators and fire sprinklers. After enjoying the richness of the inside of the home, be sure to wander through the lush, green gardens outside. A second unique museum in Miami is the Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium. With over 140 hands-on exhibits, plus demonstrations, a Wildlife Center, and astronomy and laser shows, visitors of all ages will walk away having had a great time and having learned something new. Also among Miami's repertoire of fascinating museums is the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum, serving as an educational center as well as a memorial tribute to the 7,000 American police officers who have died in the line of duty. Visitors can participate in a range of activities, including 'locking' themselves into a simulated jail cell, seeing the authentic police car from the movie Blade Runner and examining the guillotine and electric chair on display.
Adventure and entertainment
As if Miami's museums aren't enough fun and education for an entire vacation, Miami also has plenty of opportunities for guided tours and entertaining attractions. Bay Escape Tour takes visitors on a one-hour cruise past Millionaire's Row and the Venetian Islands. The Heritage Miami II Topsail Schooner offers a two-hour ride aboard the city's only tall ship, offering views of the Villa Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, the city skyline and many island homes. Another excellent tour company is Miami Nice Excursion Travel & Service. Offering tours of any place in the Miami area that visitors want to see, Miami Nice takes visitors to such places as the Everglades, the Seaquarium and Key West. One particularly good tour is the City Tour, allowing a good overview of the entire city, which is especially invaluable for first time visitors. A few great Miami hot spots for entertainment include the 33,000-square-foot Game Works, the 6-story IMAX Theater and Venetian Pool, which is fed by underground artesian wells.
Miami's neighborhoods and locales
Miami is full of small, unique neighborhoods, each with a different flair and personality. One such locale is Little Havana, 10 square blocks just southwest of downtown Miami. This distinctly Cuban neighborhood does not specifically cater to tourists, but is instead a true view into life in an authentic Cuban village. Along Little Havana's main thoroughfare, Calle Ocho, there are shops, cafes, record stores, pharmacies, clothing stores, and interestingly, a plethora of bridal shops. Another Miami locale that can't be missed is Miami Beach, four miles west of the city and attached by a series of jetties. With plenty of beach access as well as clubs and bars and the famous Art Deco Historic District, Miami Beach has something to appeal to every visitor. Be sure to visit The Promenade along the western edge of the beach, as well as the Holocaust Survivors Memorial in the middle of town.
When most people think of Miami as a travel destination, they tend to imagine the warm sun, white-sand beaches and beautiful water. While Miami certainly has its share of beautiful oceanfront property, this is one city that delights visitors with its variety of things to do!
