Things to Do in Miami BESIDES Party

I have a love/hate relationship with Miami. There are things I LOVE about Miami and things I’m…not so crazy about. 

The list of things I’m not interested in is like this: partying, night clubs, pool parties with bottle service, barely there swimwear, trendy dinner reservations made months in advance with stiff cancellation policies. Unfortunately (for me), that’s a lot of Miami. Especially Miami Beach. 

But there’s more to Miami than just the party scene. And everytime I go back to Miami I find places and parts of the city that I REALLY like. But they’re not always the headliners in all the “XYZ things to do in Miami” lists you see on the internet. 

So if you’re like me and you’re not into the party scene, here’s a list I’ve put together of things to do in Miami BESIDES party:

Things to Do in Miami Besides Party

Art Deco Walking Tour

This is hands down at the very top of my “things to do in Miami” list. It’s actually one of my favorite things I’ve done anywhere. 

Miami Beach is famous for its heavy concentration of art deco style architecture (a style super popular during the 20s and 30s). There are 800+ buildings in its historic district in South Beach! 

But seeing them on your own just doesn’t cut it. I did a 2-hour walking tour with James Cubby from Art Deco Walking Tours and IT WAS INCREDIBLE. 

He covered the Miami night scene as a reporter in the 90s and in addition to being recognized as a leading expert on Miami Beach’s art deco history, he knows ALL the juicy stories of Miami Beach’s past. I’m talking the Mob days (he showed us the clues for how to find hidden illegal casinos during the depression and prohibition), Sinatra and the Rat Pack, the cocaine cowboys of the 70s and 80s, the party scene from the 90s, Versace’s famous manion (he actually went to a party there), Miami Vice, and everything that happened BEFORE Miami Beach became the international tourist destination that it is today. 

What does all of that have to do with the art deco architecture in Miami Beach? Well, it turns out…a lot. 

Miami Beach was pretty much built by the mob. With Prohibition in the US in the 1920s and 1930s, the Mob did big business smuggling liquor into the US from Cuba. Add in Miami’s location, its beautiful beaches, and a ton of illegal casinos and it made Miami Beach a natural attraction for those looking for a getaway with all of the vices. Basically, Miami Beach was Vegas before Vegas was Vegas. 

Miami Beach was pretty much wiped out by a hurricane in 1926. While the rest of the country was suffering from the great stock market collapse in 1929 and the resulting Great Depression, the Mob was still thriving (the Mob doesn’t keep their money in banks ; ) and was determined to rebuild Miami Beach. Wanting to show off their wealth and remake Miami Beach as a coveted destination among those who still had their fortunes, they rebuilt in the popular and modern architectural style of the time…art deco!

Miami Art Deco Tours usually offers at least two tours a day, but I would recommend the 10AM tour because it gets HOT, but there’s also an evening version that includes a cocktail tour that sounds fun fun fun. 

The tour is incredibly well structured and moves at a pretty good pace from building to building with several AC breaks to duck into different noteworthy lobbies or restaurants. 

Little Havana

You can’t go to Miami and not visit Little Havana. Over 1 million people of Cuban descent live in the Miami area so Cuban culture is everywhere, but it’s preserved and celebrated like no other in Little Havana. 

I recently did a walking tour with Little Havana Tours and I 100% recommend it, but even if you’re not up for a full organized tour, you’ve got to at least come and walk down the street. 

Unlike some cultural neighborhoods where it feels like there’s not much to see beyond restaurants if you don’t have connections (Chinatowns, Little Italys, etc.), Little Havana is super accessible for visitors. 

Calle Ocho is the main strip and it’s packed with things to see. The area is pretty safe and you shouldn’t feel out of place as a tourist. Actually, I recommend going earlier in the day as it gets pretty crowded in the afternoons (especially on the weekends). 

Here are a few things I did in Little Havana that I highly recommend: 

Have Lunch at Old’s Havana

According to our tour guide, THIS is the best spot to eat in Little Havana. Versailles has the reputation for being the best spot, but according to our tour guide, Versailles became popular because its central location made it a good meeting place to sit around and talk politics. 

But if you want the best FOOD, go to Old’s Havana (I mean really do both ; ) Old’s could not be more picturesque and the patio in the back is so cute. Mojitos fly off the bar here and we were blown away by the empanadas. Honestly everything we had was spectacular. We had some recommendations from our tour guide (she recommended the beef over the pork), but if the menu is overwhelming they’re more than happy to make suggestions. When we left lunch, the band was in full swing and there were a few people dancing on the sidewalk.

Visit a Cigar Factory

We stopped at Havana Classic Cigar to watch a master cigar roller. Roberto has been doing this for decades and he sits near the window so people can come in and watch him roll the cigars. We learned a lot about Cuban cigars and cigar etiquette in general. I’m always pretty fascinated when I realize there’s a whole world that I know nothing about. If you come to this spot on your own and you take pictures or video, please leave something in the tip jar. Most tourists aren’t buying anything in the cigar shops and lounges (although I’m sure a lot do) so it’s a good way to support this art. 

Have Churros & Coffee

We stopped in Churromania for some churros and cafecita (tiny coffee). This is the spot where we learned about Cuban coffee. Coffee is such a big deal in Cuban culture and we learned all about the beans and roasting process as well as traditions. And the churros were amazing. 

Shop for Guayaberas & Panama Hats

We stopped in Guayabera for a little air conditioning break and to talk about traditional Cuban clothing. A Guayabera is a traditional white linen shirt that’s popular in Cuba. “Panama” hats are also popular because of the sun. Traditionally, they’re actually handmade linen in Ecuador, but when FDR wore the style when he sailed through the Panama canal, the name stuck. The shop has high end goods and also cheaper versions made in china. 

Do the “Rooster Walk”

This neighborhood art initiative started in 2002 and you’ll still find the colorful roosters all throughout Little Havana.

Check out the “Local” McDonalds

Seeing a McDonald’s right smack in the middle of Little Havana seems like a sign that the neighborhood has been invaded by corporate America, but it’s kind of a cool story. The franchise was actually opened by an immigrant family and so it’s considered a sign of prosperity. Also, the coffee that McDonald’s brews (ALL McDonald’s, not just the one in Little Havana) is actually Cuban coffee from Gavina Gourmet Coffee. The Gavina brothers moved from Spain to Cuba in 1860 and established one of the island’s finest coffee plantations. They fled Cuba in 1959 when Castro came to power and set up their operation in Southern California, but they kept their traditions. They became a supplier to local McDonald’s in the 1980s and were instrumental in helping McDonald’s establish their McCafe line in 2005 with premium roasted coffee from Cuba. 

Listen to Live Music at Ball & Chain

Considered by many to have the best live music in Miami, the Ball and Chain just recently reopened after a lengthy closure. They’re famous for their nightlife (umm, they have a midnight conga line??), but the open air club (with a full bar and restaurant) is the kind of place where you hear music spilling out all day long. Stop in for a drink and bite or just stand on the street and watch the dancers. 

Visit Domino Park

This has got to be one of the coolest Little Havana traditions. Domino Parks aren’t terribly uncommon in tight knit communities with older populations, but I’ve never seen one quite like this. You have to be a resident to play (it’s free) and as you have a regular partner, it’s used as a wellness center. If you don’t show up to play dominoes, someone will go to your home to do a wellness check. It’s a popular spot that the tourists want to see, but be respectful/low key when taking photos because it’s just their life. 

Have Ice Cream at Azucar

This place wasn’t mentioned on our tour even though we walked right by it, but I had seen it recommended a lot on “the blogs” and I’m never one to walk past ice cream. I tried the “Abuela Maria” (#1 best seller) which had guava chunks, cream cheese, and Maria cookies. 10/10 would recommend. 

Again, I can’t recommend this tour enough. 

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Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Built in 1915 by James Deering (of the International Harvester fame), this Italian-inspired villa turned museum is a primetime example of the “American Renaissance” when wealthy American businessmen built grand “country estates” in the European tradition. 

Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Hearst may be the first ones you think of, but Deering’s Vizcaya is STUNNING. 

I knew I was going to love this place before I even went (it’s right up my alley), but I was surprised how MUCH I loved this place. I’ve always loved historic homes and museums, but I was blown away by the Vizcaya. It felt more like poking around someone’s home (okay “estate”) than walking through a museum. 

Even if you aren’t a history superfan, you’re going to enjoy walking through this place. It’s called a “museum” but the house itself and all of the furnishings are what you’re there to see (not to mention the extensive gardens). It’s not a house that’s been transformed into art galleries…the house IS the art.  This place feels perfectly preserved like a step back in time.

It’s like Downton Abbey meets Marie Antoinette meets…I don’t know, something fabulous. The rooms are all done in different styles and time periods but it’s pretty spectacular. 

While the house is phenomenal, most people are even more drawn to the gardens. The grounds of the estate are easy to get lost in and feel so luxurious. 

Vizcaya is open Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays) at 9:30AM with the last entry at 4:30PM. The house closes at 5PM and the gardens close at 5:30PM. 

If you can, I would recommend going on a weekday and early in the day if possible. I went on a Saturday afternoon and the house was actually fine to tour, but the gardens felt really packed with people doing photoshoots (actual professional photoshoots and influencers taking millions of photos on their phones). 

Tickets are $25/adult (13+), $10/child (6-12), and children 5 and under are free. Admission is free for veterans and active duty service members (with ID) and persons with an ADA protected disability. 

Tickets are sold in advance online and when I visited (November 2021) they were not selling tickets onsight. So get them in advance otherwise you’ll be standing around at the entrance on your phone trying to do it. 

There’s a free audio tour you can do through the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens app (available in the app store) and there’s also two guided tours offered daily. The tours are an additional $5/person and offered at 11:30 and 12:30. There’s the “Living in 1920s Miami” tour and the “Designing the Dream” tour which is more architecture focused. Next time I’m in Miami I’d really like to come back to take one of the tours. 

Buy your tickets in advance here

Miami Beach & Lifeguard Towers

In most beach towns/destinations, the beach is the main event, but in Miami it kind of seems like a sideshow. But I have to say…the actual beach in Miami was a lot prettier than I expected it to be! There was quite a bit of seaweed when I was there and not really many shells, but overall the sand and the water were nice. 

By far the prettiest stretch of beach I saw was at South Pointe Park. Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever seen water so blue in Florida. Don’t miss walking the pier out over the water and you can even see the cruise ships in the distance. 

I will admit…I had very low expectations about the beach because I’m used to the beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast and panhandle and the Atlantic certainly doesn’t compare, but Miami Beach does have its charms…

My two favorite parts of the beach ended up being with iconic lifeguard towers and the beachwalk. 

The paved beach path runs all the way from South Pointe Park at the very tip of the island up to Bal Harbor on the north end which is roughly 10 miles. As someone who loves to walk, I loved being able to use the beach walk to go north and south instead of being out on the city sidewalk. 

Also, the lifeguard shacks!!! Seeing all of the different ones quickly became one of my favorite things to do. There’s a shack every few blocks and pretty much every single one is unique (there seemed to be 4-6 different architectural styles and then a lot of color variations). The hours are posted 9:30AM-6:30PM so if you want to climb the steps and get a picture in one, you’ve got plenty of time before or after the crew shows up. 

Joe’s Stone Crab

If there’s only one “must eat” restaurant in the Miami area then this is surely it. 

Joe’s has been in business (and owned by the same family) for well over 100 years making it a Miami institution. Famous for their stone crab, this place serves up good food without a lot of pretense. In a city where so much is “trendy” “hot” and “of the moment,” this place is old school. 

They don’t take reservations and during the winter the wait can be 2-4 hours. They seat 300-600 people at a time depending on the season so the key is to go early. Their special includes the famous stone crab claws, three sides, and a slice of key lime pie. We also had the lobster mac and cheese and it was PHENOMENAL. And next time I go back, I’m definitely trying the fried chicken. 

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount USA Car Rental. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. I started using their sister company (Discount Hawaii Car Rental) on my Hawaii trips almost 10 years ago and now I use their main site for all of my other trips. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Wynwood

This trendy neighborhood in mainland Miami is famous for its “walls.” The Wynwood Walls is an outdoor “urban graffiti art museum.” I actually only figured this out after I arrived. If you read any number of “things to do in Miami” articles or posts, they all mention the Wynwood Walls, but I don’t feel like many say exactly what it is. 

I (inaccurately) assumed it was a part of the city with a high concentration of street art that you could walk around and look at. While it is outdoors, it’s actually a walled off exhibit that requires a ticket for entry. 

I’m certainly not opposed to supporting artists (and I do consider this an art), but since I was just passing through Wynwood after another activity nearby, I didn’t end up actually buying a ticket and going through the museum. And I’d be curious to know how many people end up doing the same thing. 

It’s a little odd because the “museum” is in the middle of the neighborhood of Wynwood which is COVERED with street art. Literally every building within blocks is covered with murals. There is something to see absolutely everywhere you look. 

So while a lot of people say come to wee the Wynwood Walls, I say come to see just the neighborhood in general. There are a lot of shops and restaurants. 

Don’t miss Zak the Baker (I had a DIVINE salmon bacon egg and cheese sandwich) and Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop (the red velvet nutella cake was AMAZING). 

Also, because I practically live in beach coverups, I think a stop at Pitusa is a must. 

Bike to the Cape Florida Lighthouse

Key Biscayne is probably the most cycling friendly part of Miami. Starting at the Rickenbacker Causeway, there’s almost 9 uninterrupted miles of bike lanes and trails that take you all the way to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. 

Now, I’ll level with you. I am not a professional cyclist. I’m not even the most comfortable casual bike rider, but Key Biscayne is a great place to get out for a bike ride no matter your comfort level, and I think biking to the lighthouse at the very end of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a must do in the Miami area. 

You can rent bikes on the island at Key Cycling (or pick up a quick bike rental from Citi Bike) OR you can rent bikes inside the state park from the official vendor. It’s $10/hour and $15/90 minutes. They also have quad bikes (surrey bikes) available if you have small children. 

The trail through the state park is really pretty and lush and has some great spots to stop and take a break. Once you get close to the southern end of the park, it opens up to the bay and there’s a great spot where you can stop to see Stiltsville. 

Stiltsville was started in the 1930s and by the 1950s and 1960s there were as many as 30 of these stilt dwellings out in Biscayne Bay. They were a popular hangout spot among boaters, fishermen, partiers, and somewhat notable Florida residents. Only 7 structures survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and they’re now part of Biscayne National Park. Besides being out on a boat, this is one of the best vantage points you’ll find. There’s even a pair of long distance binoculars set up here. 

When you leave this spot, the rest of the road to the lighthouse is gravel, but it’s still an easy ride. 

When you reach the lighthouse, there’s a bike rack where you can lock up your bike (they don’t want people riding bikes past the gates). 

The Lightkeepers Cottage has been well restored and preserved.

If you arrive at the Lighthouse on bike, be sure to walk all the way up to it and down the palm tree lined pathway that leads from the parking lot (if you’re coming by car) to the lighthouse. It’s the best vantage point to take in the whole thing. 

The lighthouse is open for tours Thursday-Monday at 10AM and 1PM and it’s the only way you’ll be able to see inside. Even if you’re not able to make it for a tour, it’s still worth seeing. 

While you’re on the island, you should also stop by Crandon Beach Park. It’s an old coconut plantation so there are palm trees absolutely everywhere and it’s divine. 

Everglades National Park

ALLIGATORS! Spread out over 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park is definitely a gem in the National Park system. This uniquely Florida ecosystem is an adventure seeker’s paradise…canoeing, hiking, kayaking, biking, camping – you name it and you can do it in the Everglades! 

Hike the Anhinga Trail to spot birds, alligators and turtles. Stop at the ponds along the way to try and catch a glimpse of the elusive flamingo! If you want less action but still want the full nature experience, try the 2-hour Shark Valley Tram ride led by a knowledgeable naturalist.

Venetian Pool

Originally a rock quarry in the 1920s, the Venetian Pool is the only swimming pool to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. With waterfalls, cave-like grottos, bridges and freshwater that comes from an underground aquifer, it’s a pretty cool spot! Bring the whole family to experience this fun one-of-a-kind spot. Take some food and water with you because although there is a snack bar on site, they tend to run out around midday. 

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

How many museums can boast having both an aquarium and a planetarium in the lineup? Not many, but the Frost Museum of Science does. If you’ve got the kids in tow, this is probably the top place you’ve got to take them. With six levels of science to explore, you’ll need an entire day to experience it all. Interactive exhibits, touch pools with manta rays, and a state-of-the-art planetarium with an 8K visual system – this place has it all. 

Biscayne National Park

With 95% of Biscayne National Park being underwater, the best way to get around this National Park is by boat. Charter one or bring your own, but out in the water is where you want to be to explore this park to the fullest. Go snorkelling, scuba diving if you’re certified, swimming and of course, fish for some lobster. Visit Boca Chita Key island and it’s historic lighthouse, or Elliott Key for some picnic and camping spots. If you’re a National Park enthusiast, don’t forget to get your National Park Passport stamped at the visitor’s center. 

Perez Art Museum

Take a day trip to the Jorge M. Pérez Art Museum of Miami-Dade County to immerse yourself in its collection of modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. With so many vistas scattered through the premises, you’ll find the architecture of the museum to be as much of an attraction as the art itself. Great views out across Biscayne Bay from the property.

Deering Estate

Built during the same time as his famous brother’s villa Vizcaya, Charles Deering’s Estate is a more understated show of grandeur, but a show of grandeur all the same. The main building on the premises is called the Stone House and it boasts architectural elements derived from Charles’ properties in Spain. The Deering Estate offers visitors marvellous, sweeping views of the Biscayne Bay; a chance to explore its famous grounds which house an ancient fossil pit containing decades old animal and human bones; as well as fun nature activities like walking the mangrove boardwalk, and pre-booked canoe and kayak trips. 

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Whether you’ve got a green thumb or you’re just looking for the best backdrops for your Instagram photos, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is where you need to be! Walk and explore the gardens, exhibits, museum, laboratory and learning Center yourself or catch a free, narrated tram tour. It’s lush and tropical and between the butterflies, exotic birds, palms, and fruit trees, you’ll probably feel like you’ve entered another world. 

Zoo Miami

Ever dreamed about feeding a giraffe? What about a one-horned Indian rhino, camel or giant tortoise? At Zoo Miami, you can do all that and more! Take a walk around or catch the monorail to see as many of the upwards of 3000 animals at the zoo. You’ll see Komodo dragons, meerkats, lions, kangaroos, gorillas and clouded leopards, just to name a few. Take the kids for some hands-on fun at the rainforest-themed, air-conditioned Dr. Wilde’s World; visit the petting zoo and don’t even think about missing the splash pad! Miami Zoo is one of the best family friendly spots in the Miami area. 

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Neighborhoods to Explore

My favorite parts of Miami are its neighborhoods. Some are big tourism destinations like South Beach and Little Havana, and others are a little more quiet. But you never really know a city, until you spend some time in its neighborhoods. 

Coconut Grove: With a history that goes back three centuries, Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighborhood. Today it’s one of the hippest and most vibrant communities in Miami. Whenever I ask locals where the best places to go are, they always say “The Grove.” Spots to check out include: CocoWalk, the shopping complex, the Vizcaya estate, the 5-acre Barnacle State Park, and Peacock Park. For food visit the popular Cuban-fusion restaurant, Ariete, and the classic oldie but goodie Greenstreet Cafe. 

Coral Gables: Developed in the 1920s in Mediterranean Revival style, the pedestrian-friendly historic downtown area in Coral Gables is known for its gorgeous boulevards and historic locations. Must visit destinations are the Venetian Pool and the world-famous Biltmore Hotel. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Caffè Italiano are also worth a stop. Catch the vintage-style trolley to make getting around more fun! 

Key Biscayne: Key Biscayne looks so dreamy that I’ve already booked a trip for later this year. I love that it seems to have a “Florida Keys” vibe but is actually just south of Miami Beach and only about 20 minutes from the airport. 

Miami Design District: If you’re one with a flair for art, design and the finer things in life, Miami Design District will be a must-visit for you. Spread out over 18 square blocks, this international destination for edgy art, architecture, trendy fashion and fine dining seems like the place to be in Miami. 

Brickell: Located in the heart of downtown Miami, Brickell is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city.  Everything you’d expect from a large city’s downtown, but of course with some Miami flair. It’s a millennial paradise…everyone has a dog, no one has a kid. 

Wynwood: Famous for its “walls,” Wynwood is best known for its murals and street art, but the restaurant and shopping scene is noteworthy too. It’s kind of hipster and artsy, but pretty laid back. It’s got a different vibe than a lot of Miami.

Want to Read More Posts about Florida? I’ve got plenty!

Check out these destinations: Miami (Things to Do Besides Party & Where to Stay) // Key Biscayne // Sanibel & Captiva // Longboat Key & Anna Maria Island // Marco Island // 30a // St Augustine // Amelia Island // St Pete Beach // St Petersburg // Fort Myers // Dunedin // Crystal River & Weeki Wachee Springs // Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island State Parks // Tarpon Springs // Matlacha & Pine Island // Apalachicola

Trying to narrow it down? Siesta Key vs Anna Maria Island // St Pete Beach vs Clearwater Beach // Sanibel vs Marco Island // Destin vs Panama City Beach // Destin vs 30a // Key Biscayne vs South Beach // Seaside vs Rosemary Beach 

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