Many people who travel to the Sunshine State wonder about the different things to do in Miami. Whether you plan on spending a week or a month in the Magic City, you won’t have to look far to find the best things to do in Miami.
In this post, we’re going to highlight some of the top things to do in Miami Beach. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the knowledge you’ll need to enjoy the ultimate Florida vacation.
Keep reading to get started and learn more.
Things to Do in Miami: 5 Exciting Activities
1. Sign up for a Swimming Pigs Tour
Many people looking for the top things to do in Miami Florida don’t realize that the Bahamas are right off the coast of the state. Their proximity makes a day trip to the archipelago a can’t-miss excursion.
While you can find plenty of boat tours, we recommend skipping the boat and flying by plane instead, on the Miami to Bahamas Day Trip. Doing so saves you time and lets you reach the Exumas, one of the prettiest parts of the country.

If you’re looking for things to do in Miami Beach, you can’t go wrong with a day trip to Pig Beach.
Once you’re there, you’ll get to see far more than just beautiful beaches (although the region has plenty of those). Expect also to see:
- The Swimming Pigs on Big Major Cay
- Nurse Sharks on Compass Cay
- Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
- Underwater caves at Thunderball Grotto
- And much more!
2. Visit the Beaches
Of course, when you’re looking for the best things to do in Miami Beach, you need to make time for the beach itself. Luckily, you have all sorts of lovely sandy expanses to choose from.
Miami has a reputation for being an upbeat party city. And while this is certainly true in certain areas, like South Beach, you can also find quieter areas and beaches as well. These are ideal for families or anyone looking for a laidback vacation. Coral Gables and Key Biscayne, for example, are two family-friendly areas you might want to consider.
Regardless of whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, plan on spending a good chunk of time at Miami’s beautiful beaches.

South Beach and Ocean Drive are some of the most colorful parts of the city.
3. Explore Downtown
Even if you don’t consider yourself a city person, downtown Miami is still worth exploring. When you’re looking for the top things to do in Miami, you can’t always find exciting things to do there.

Some of the top things to do in Miami take place downtown.
From upscale restaurants and shopping to museums and more, downtown Miami has everything you need to enjoy a cosmopolitan vacation. It also offers a fantastic and central location, which makes it easy to use to springboard to other nearby areas.
Given its location and all that it has to offer, many people visiting Miami end up staying downtown. If you’re looking for upscale accommodations and don’t mind paying a bit to get them, you’ll find it to be a fantastic area to stay.
4. Spend an Afternoon at Bayside Marketplace
While there’s a lot to see in downtown Miami, one part of the area you’ll really want to take the time to explore is Bayside Marketplace. You can think of it as one of the hubs of the city. It also offers many of the top things to do in Miami Beach.
The marketplace houses dozens of stores selling everything from jewelry to sporting supplies. You’ll also find all sorts of restaurants and eateries offering Mexican, Italian, seafood, and everything in between.

Make time for Bayside, as it’s another one of the best things to do in Miami.
At certain points of the year, Bayside Marketplace also offers different events. These can be a fun way to learn more about the city and are always another one of the top things to do in Miami Florida.
5. Visit the Vizcaya Museum
Another can’t-miss destination in Miami is Vizcaya Museum. Located in Biscayne Bay, it’s a historic site that’s well worth a visit.

Lush gardens and beautiful architecture make the Vizcaya Museum a must-visit site.
Built at the start of the 20th century, the estate used to be the villa of James Deering, a successful businessman. Today, you’ll find it to be an architectural masterpiece, exhibiting Tuscan Italian Renaissance and Veneto elements.
In addition to the gorgeous building itself, the estate, in general, is also other-worldly. Spread across dozens of acres, you won’t be sad if you get lost in the native woodlands. Nor will you be upset if you find that you’ve lost your way in the Italian Renaissance Gardens. Keep your camera on hand at all times!
Things to Do in Miami Florida: Enjoy the Top Activities
It’s not hard to find fun and exciting things to do in Miami Florida. From beaches to city life and shopping, you can craft a vacation that allows you to see and enjoy just about anything.
If you’re looking to take your vacation to the next level, sign up for a Pig Island tour in the Bahamas. While it may have you leaving the city for an afternoon, it’s still one of the best things to do in Miami beach.
Sign up for a Florida to Bahamas day trip today!