Thanks to its proximity to the Caribbean and excellent weather, Miami is not only one of the top vacation destinations in the USA but also in the world. And there are many attractions and activities in the city itself!
Florida’s 2nd most populous city is one of the largest capacity ports in the world. Many ocean liners depart from Miami’s port, as the Caribbean islands can be explored from here in just a few days.
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Miami attractions
Miami Beach
Naturally, this is the area that attracts tourists. On this artificial north-south island strip, you’ll find skyscrapers, numerous bars, shops, and of course, white sandy beaches!
The island is typically divided into North, Mid, and South Beach. The classic area seen in films is basically South Beach, which refers to the southern part of the island.
In the southern section, the famous Ocean Drive runs parallel to the beach. On the other side of the palm-lined road, you’ll find numerous cafés.
Art Deco District
The world’s largest Art Deco district is located in the southern part of Miami Beach. The buildings, constructed in the early 20th century, evoke the old era in their main features, giving a true American atmosphere. Nearly a thousand buildings of different colors can be seen!
The porches and staircases are lined with ship railings, glass bricks are used as room dividers, and the floors are shiny. The buildings were constructed according to the Art Deco style typical of the 1920s-1930s, characterized by vibrant colors, simple lines, and Hollywood glamour.
Miami Seaquarium
In the oldest and largest marine aquarium park in the USA, you can watch various shows. The biggest attraction is the trained killer whale show.
There are also seal and dolphin shows, and you can even swim with the dolphins. It’s also possible to dive into the tropical fish tank.
All information can be found here!
Jungle Island
This interactive park is located on Watson Island. It’s home to nearly 3,000 animal, bird, and plant species with animal petting areas and trails.
At the center of the park is the Jungle Theater, where you can meet animals from all over the world. The park is home to numerous trained parrots, reptiles, penguins, and flamingos.
Shows are held every day, and you can even participate in animal feeding.
All information can be found here!
Miami Children’s Museum
In this museum created for children, kids can try out the exhibited items. The museum will be particularly interesting for those under 10 years old.
The appearance and size are impressive even from the outside. Inside, each room is arranged differently, showcasing various technologies for children to see.
All information can be found here!
Little Havana
As the name suggests, it’s primarily inhabited by people of Cuban origin, but South Americans also live here in large numbers. Its main street is Calle Ocho; walking along it gives you a taste of the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
Besides its colorful streetscape, there are numerous cafés, restaurants, Latin clubs, and dance clubs. And of course, perhaps the best Cuban cigars in the country can be found here!
On the last Friday of each month, a huge cultural fair is held, attracting not only locals but tourists as well.
Zoo Miami
You can see more than 3,000 animals in a vast area, which is also very child-friendly. It’s not close to downtown, so it’s worth dedicating a full day to it.
Several exhibits can be viewed on foot, from a boat on the water, or on an elevated railway above the enclosures. Definitely use the latter; it’s a great experience to view the animals from above.
However, it’s not just the animals worth paying attention to. In the USA’s only zoo located in a subtropical area, there are numerous tropical plants.
All information can be found here!
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Millionaire businessman James Deering had this villa built in the early 20th century. Beautiful parks, sculptures, grottos, and lakes can be seen, and the mansion now functions as a museum.
Deering wanted a house that resembled a 16th-century Italian villa. It has 34 rooms featuring beautiful antique furniture and artifacts.
The museum also houses a historical exhibition about the city’s past and displays various gardening and farming tools.
All information can be found here!
Bayside Marketplace
This waterfront shopping area is located in the downtown area. The location itself creates a good atmosphere.
It has more than 150 stores! It’s a bustling place, home to Hard Rock Café, and boat excursions also depart from here.
Wynwood Walls
One of Miami’s most exciting and colorful districts, which has become world-famous as a center for street art and contemporary graffiti.
Located in the Wynwood neighborhood, it functions as an open-air museum where you can admire the works of the world’s most famous street artists. It opened in 2009 on the initiative of urban developer Tony Goldman, with the aim of revitalizing the previously neglected industrial area.
The artwork on the walls is constantly changed and updated. Among the exhibited works are abstract compositions, hyperrealistic portraits, paintings carrying social messages, as well as humorous or provocative creations.
Key Biscayne
This island is located southeast of the city. If you visit the Seaquarium, definitely make a detour here!
And what makes the island famous? Well, this is Pongo Pongo Island, which was made popular by the Terence Hill-Bud Spencer movie „Who Finds a Friend Finds a Treasure”!
The filming location itself was in the southern part, in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Of course, the place has changed over a few decades, but it’s definitely worth coming for the white sand, coconuts on the ground, and palm trees!
At the southern end of the island is one of the oldest lighthouses in the USA.
Coral Castle
This structure stands at the edge of the city, built by Edward Leedskalnin over about 30 years. Its specialty is that it was made from coral and huge stones for his fiancée (although there was ultimately no wedding).
To this day, even architects don’t understand how he managed to create it all since he worked alone. He had to move more than 1,000 tons (!) of stone.
There’s also a museum on the site where you can see the tools used for construction.
All information can be found here!
Miami weather: when is the best time to visit?
Miami has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, drier winters. The proximity of the Caribbean and the influence of the Gulf of Mexico significantly affect the city’s weather.
Spring (March-May):
Spring in Miami is pleasant and gradually gets warmer. The average temperature ranges between 68-82°F (20-28°C), and the amount of precipitation is relatively low. The humidity is manageable, making this period ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits.
The spring months are popular among tourists, especially during spring break when many American college students and families visit the city.
Summer (June-September):
Summer in Miami is extremely hot and humid, with frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The average temperature ranges between 81-91°F (27-33°C), but due to the high humidity, the heat index often rises above 95-104°F (35-40°C).
This period is also hurricane season, primarily in August and September, when tropical storms and hurricanes can hit the area. Despite this, beach swimming is most pleasant during this time, as the sea temperature can reach 84-86°F (29-30°C).
Fall (October-November):
Fall is one of the most pleasant seasons in Miami. The weather gradually becomes milder, with average temperatures between 73-84°F (23-29°C), and humidity also decreases compared to the summer months.
Hurricane season still continues in October, but moving toward November, the chances of serious storms diminish. Beach weather is still excellent, and with the beginning of the tourist season, beaches and attractions become crowded again.
Winter (December-February):
Winter in Miami is mild and relatively dry, with average temperatures between 61-77°F (16-25°C). This period is considered the dry season, when the amount of precipitation is minimal. Days are usually sunny and pleasantly warm, while evenings can be cooler, especially when northern cold fronts arrive.
Winter in Miami is also the peak season, when many tourists escape here from colder climate areas.
Best time to travel
The most ideal period to visit Miami is late fall (November), winter, and early spring (December-April), when the weather is pleasant, humidity is lower, and hurricane risk is minimal. During this period, the temperature is perfect for both beach activities and exploring the city. Those who want to avoid crowds can also choose the late spring period (May), when there are fewer tourists, but the weather is still favorable.