Everglades National Park swamp. Photo courtesy of Hein Mück.

While Miami has much to offer visitors, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Luckily, there are many worthwhile destinations accessible from Miami. To help you plan the perfect Miami day trip, here are some suggestions.

Everglades National Park

Located about an hour away, Everglades National Park is a worthwhile Miami day trip. The 1.5 million acre (610,484 hectares) national park is dedicated to protecting fragile ecosystems and the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Here you’ll find the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere, over 30 threatened or protected species and an array of options for wildlife viewing, environmental education and outdoor recreation. Bird watchers will enjoy photographing the 350 species of birds, some of which include the white ibis, snowy egret, yellow-crowned night heron, ruby-throated hummingbird and black vulture. Moreover, taking a nature walk with a certified naturalist guide can help you learn about the more than 1,000 species of plants in the park. A few of the many other Everglades National Park experiences include canoeing through mangroves, hiking through wetlands, fishing for snapper and trout, front- and backcountry camping, geocaching, taking in a live alligator show and taking an airboat through the park. To make the most of your day trip you may want to book a great Everglades National Park day trips from Miami.

Key West

Key West can be the perfect Miami day trip, as it’s located only three hours away and is a city island known for its beautiful beaches, water sports and historic sites. Immerse yourself in nature at one of the many parks and preserves, like the Key West Nature Preserve, Fort Zachary Taylor and the McCoy Indigenous Park. Additionally, Key West is known for its vibrant underwater world, so taking a snorkeling, diving or glass bottom boat trip is a must when visiting. That being said, there are great indoor attractions in the destination as well. While the Shipwreck Museum provides education on the area’s shipwreck history as well as aerial views from its observation tower, the Custom House Museum presents two floors of history, art and culture.

Becauses Key West is a bit far, it can be worth it to book a tour to maximize your day. For instance, a Key West Sail and Snorkel Trip from Miami will allow you ride across 32 islands, explore top Key West city attractions, enjoy a scenic cruise and snorkel coral reef abundant with marine life. Additionally, a Key West Day Trip from Miami is a flexible tour that transports you to and from Key West and allows you to have the experiences you want, some of which can include strolling the city, snorkeling coral reef, seeing fish on a glass bottom boat, parasailing, enjoying a train ride around the Old Town and more.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, located only 30 minutes away, is another great Miami day trip. Known for its beaches, historic riverfront and vibrant art and culture scene, Fort Lauderdale provides an array of experiences for the day traveler. Stroll down Las Olas Boulevard, filled with world-class museums, boutiques, art galleries, bars and al fresco dining options. Also make a stop at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, a historic plantation-style home showcasing old world architecture; paintings and mural art; wildlife like parrots, Costa Rican squirrel monkeys, manatees and gopher tortoises; an array of themed gardens; and five distinct ecosystems with naturally-growing vegetation. Of course, no trip to Fort Lauderdale would be complete without spending time in the outdoors in the city’s many parks and beaches, some of which include the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Las Olas Beach and Sawgrass Recreation Park.

-Jessica Festa

Best Day Trips From Miami from Miami Things to Do

Miami Children’s Museum. Photo courtesy of Smart Destinations.

For those looking for a fun family experience, the Miami Children’s Museum offers entertainment through interactive exhibits and playing pretend. Located on Watson Island in Miami, Florida, the museum features 56,500 square feet of space for kids – both young and old – to “play together, learn, imagine and create.”

Start with some of the hands-on exhibits and permanent collections. Children can spend time playing doctor in the Health & Wellness Center, helping animals in Pet Central or dressing up as a fireman/firewoman and being a hero in the Safety Zone. Some other possibilities include picking up groceries at the Supermarket, exploring the world underwater in The Sea and Me and Ocean Odyssey, steering a boat aboard the Cruise Ship, climbing a two-story sand castle in the Castle of Dreams and learning how to build using a cranes, bulldozers and wheel barrels at Seth’s Construction Zone. Each of the 14 themed rooms creates a space where children can learn about the world through fun.

Along with engaging a child’s creativity through play, the museum also allows kids to use their creativity to make things. Their Artist In Residence program gives visitors the opportunity to meet with a professional artist to not only talk to them about what they do and how they create their pieces, but also work with them. Moreover, the All About Art gallery allows visitors to use different tools to create their very own works of art. When your family needs some fresh air, take them outside to enjoy the Everglades Park playground.

The Miami Children’s Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 10am to 6pm. Admission is $16 for out-of-state visitors, $12 for Florida residents, $8 for Miami residents and free for children under one year, members and military personnel.

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Miami tours and things to do, Miami attractions, and Miami travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Miami for a customized tour!

Family Fun at the Miami Children’s Museum from Miami Things to Do

Fendi showroom in the Miami Design District. Photo courtesy of Averette.

Those looking for an interesting experience in Miami, Florida, may want to head to the Miami Design District. While once an area of low-rise warehouses victim to urban decay, local Craig Robins of Dacra as well as L Real Estate recognized the neighborhood’s potential and spearheaded a campaign to convert these buildings into vibrant galleries, upscale boutiques and innovative restaurants. Today, the Miami Design District is a hub of culture and creativity focused on fashion, architecture, design and cuisine.

When you walk down the street, you’ll feel an almost palpable buzz in the air from the mix of artisanal spaces and big-name brands like Cartier, Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton. You’ll also notice new spaces being constructed, as the neighborhood’s offerings continue to grow. It helps that an eclectic mix of neighborhoods border the district. While the artsy Wynwood sits directly to the south, the culturally-rich Little Haiti and the historic Buena Vista are to the north. Meanwhile, the upscale Upper East Side to the east influences the Design District with its affluent tastes. It’s safe to say you can easily spend an entire day wandering the neighborhood.

So with over 130 venues to browse, where do you start? For those interested in art, you’ll find something for every taste. While Karen Dunn Photography showcases the difficult-to-capture essence of women through fine art photography, Art Fusion Gallery presents the work of 30 emerging artists each quarter from an array of disciplines. As for design, check out Inside Out 2 for innovative modern and elegant outdoor furniture, as well as the multi-level Luminaire Lab, an “experimental and investigative playground” for cutting-edge design. And if you’re in the mood to go shopping, you’ll be immersed in luxury and high-end labels.

The Miami Design District is also home to a variety of restaurants. While Harry’s Pizzeria serves homemade snacks, refreshing beers, old-world wines and pizza from a wood-burning oven, Orange Cafe Art is a gallery and eatery in one. Additionally, the cozy 1950s-style Buena Vista Bistro offers French and International dishes while Crumb on Parchment features rustic, country ambiance as well as fresh gourmet sandwiches made by James Beard Award-winning Chef, Michelle Bernstein.

Make sure to check out the free monthly Art & Design Night held every 2nd Saturday from 7pm to 10pm. During the event, galleries and design spaces invite patrons in for music, drinks and art. Moreover, daily events can be found throughout the neighborhood, from solo artist showcases to Hermes silk scarf exhibitions to presentations of innovative architecture for dogs.

If you’re driving, parking on the street can be an issue as the Miami Design District gains popularity; however, you’ll find valet parking options throughout the district which costs $3 for the day.

-Jessica Festa

Exploring the Miami Design District from Miami Things to Do

Miami Holocaust Memorial. Photo courtesy of ksaraf.

For those traveling to Miami, one site not to be missed is the Miami Holocaust Memorial. A permanent remembrance of the Holocaust’s six million victims, the memorial was a project of the Holocaust Memorial Committee, a small group of Holocaust survivors. Located at Meridian Avenue and Dade Boulevard, the memorial took four years to complete and opened to the public in February 1990 to not only commemorate the victims, but provide comfort to the survivors and educate the masses through photographic and textual facts.

The main focal point of the sculpture is the “Sculpture of Love and Anguish,” a commanding 42-foot outstretched hand made of Jerusalem stone reaching toward the sky. If you look at the hand, you’ll notice an identification number similar to the one the Nazis gave to their victims. Moreover, the arm is a dramatic composition featuring detailed sculptures depicting humans showing emotions of adoration and affliction. It is a reminder of the torment and desperation those who were persecuted by the Nazis went through. Around it sits a tranquil reflecting pool adorned with lily pads and the reflection of the sky.

You’ll also notice the “Arbor of History,” black granite walls where you’ll find the history of the Holocaust with maps and pictures, as well as a Memorial Wall with the names of the victims. Emotional music, vibrant flowers, a sculpture garden and Anne Frank quotes add to the emotional experience. Additionally, Holocaust survivors act as docents to help provide a deeper understanding. To get to this main area you’ll walk through a tunnel which displays information and photos from the Holocaust. As you walk the ceiling becomes lower as to create a feeling of yourself receding.

Along with seeing the Miami Holocaust Memorial, there are opportunities to take part in lectures, seminars and programs put on by the Holocaust Memorial Committee. Those who visit the Miami Holocaust Memorial will undoubtedly leave with a heavy heart and a more grounded perspective on life.

The memorial is free to view and is open everyday from 9am until sunset.

-Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Miami tours and things to do, Miami attractions, and Miami travel recommendations, or book a private guide in Miami for a customized tour!

A Moving Experience at the Miami Holocaust Memorial from Miami Things to Do

Family at the beach. Photo courtesy of Max Topchii via Shutterstock.

While Miami gets a lot of hype for being a wild party destination, the city actually has much to offer families, especially in terms of beaches. Matheson Hammock Park Beach is a tranquil beach with clean bathrooms, calm waters, featuring a man-made lagoon fed by the Biscayne Bay which is also safe for little ones. Located at 9610 Old Cutler Road, it has a secluded location and low-key vibe that is optimal for parents wanting to keep a watchful eye on their kids. Additionally, nature trails provide an additional scenic adventure, as do kite-boarding opportunities and a sailing and power boat school. When the clan gets hungry, a full-service snack bar and restaurant is located right in the park.

Running along Collins Avenue you’ll find 85th Street Beach, an excellent swimming beach with soft white sand, lifeguards on duty and accessible bathrooms. Additionally, it’s away from the condos, hotels and crowds for a more natural experience.

Cape Florida Lighthouse. Photo courtesy of miamism.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, located at the end of Key Biscayne, offers over a mile of white sand, crystal waters, the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse and scenic nature trails. After swimming, sand-castle building and sun-bathing, families can take a tour of the lighthouse and climb to the top for aerial beach views. Fishing and hiking are also popular activities at this beach, and perfect for families who want to bond in the outdoors.

Kids love to collect shells, and Bal Harbour Beach is littered with colorful and interesting shells. Located at Collins Avenue at 96th Street, the palm-lined beach stretches for a mile with soft white sand and azure waters. At the northern end of the beach your family can fish from the jetty. Here you’ll find plenty of shade and a jogging path lining the beach.

Jessica Festa

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Miami tours and things to do, Miami attractions, and Miami travel recommendations, or book a private guide in Miami for a customized tour!

Miami’s Best Beaches for Families from Miami Things to Do

Ocean Drive in Miami. Photo credit: minds-eye via Flickr.

If you’re looking for classic Art Deco buildings, al fresco dining and beautiful weather, Ocean Drive is the first place you should head on your trip to Miami. It’s a bit pricey, but when all the neon colors are lit up at night and the city becomes even livelier, it’s worth it—even to just walk around and soak up the energy of Miami Beach.

With the sandy beach on one side and bars and restaurants on the other, you’ll soon see why Ocean Drive is such a hub of activity. The palm trees, swimsuit-clad pedestrians and famous architecture are reminiscent of Scarface or The Birdcage (both of which included shots of the famous thoroughfare).

Landmarks to look out for include the Versace mansion, the Carlyle Hotel, and the Clevelander club. The Art Deco Welcome Center (at 10th Street) has walking tours that will take you around to see the hundreds of Art Deco buildings that were built in the 30s and 40s.

Remember that it’s not uncommon for clubs to charge a cover to get in, and many have dress codes. Those that don’t, well—expect to wait awhile to get inside! Ocean Drive extends from South Pointe Park up to 15th Street.

-Natalie Grant

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Cruising Ocean Drive from Miami Things to Do

Viscaya Garden Courtyard

Getting to explore inside elegant mansions from previous generations is an activity that satisfies both the museum-lover and the romantic. Miami has its own enviable premises, a National Historic Landmark called the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens—carved from Florida limestone and built in 1916 by James Deering as a winter home.

The Italian Renaissance-inspired villa has 34 rooms, 50 acres of landscaped gardens, and a scenic breakwater on Biscayne Bay. President Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II and the royal family of Spain are all on the list of previous visitors. It was the setting for summits like Clinton’s First Summit of the Americas as well as the creation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas.

Deering collected centuries’ worth of antiquities. There are also grand staircases, fountains, a gazebo, and (currently) a collection of orchids just north of the main house.

Vizcaya is open from 9:30am–4:30pm every day except Tuesdays, and guided tours (and 90-minute audio tours) are available if desired. Whether it’s architecture, horticulture, or design that catches your fancy, you won’t want to miss this unique window into the age of lavish parties (even today, it’s a popular place for weddings). 174,000 visitors a year can’t be wrong!

-Natalie Grant

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Miami tours and things to do, Miami attractions, and Miami travel recommendations, or book a private guide in Miami for a customized tour!

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens from Miami Things to Do

Leaving the Port of Miami. Photo credit: Jacrews7 via Flickr.

If you’re itching to hop back on a cruise, or even to have your very first cruise experience, look no further than Miami, Florida and the famous PortMiami—the Cruise Capital of the World!

Cruise lines include Carnival, Disney, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Regent, and many others; you’ll find itineraries with a variety of lengths headed to destinations like the Caribbean, South America, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas (and more). PortMiami is between Miami Beach and the downtown area. If driving, you can park at PortMiami for $20/night and take the free shuttle to your cruise terminal.

Whether you’re arriving a few days before your cruise begins, spending some time here after you’ve disembarked, or just hopping off for a quick stop, there are loads of attractions and activities in Miami to suit any taste or style. Definitely don’t miss the Art Deco Historic District or the stylish South Beach. Do some shopping on Lincoln Road, or take the kids to the Miami Children’s Museum. For something a little different, visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Some cruisers (rightfully) get a little uncomfortable with the effect cruising has on the environment, but know that PortMiami strives to be a sustainable port by using recycled materials, reducing water consumption, and following other practices that help protect the surrounding ecosystems of Biscayne Bay.

Lastly, here are some general cruising tips: make sure you have cash on hand to tip cruise staff, pack lots of sunblock, arrive with plenty of time to board (consider staying a night in Miami just in case your flight gets bumped), and, of course, ensure your passport is up to date!

-Natalie Grant

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Miami tours and things to do, Miami attractions, and Miami travel recommendations, or book a private guide in Miami for a customized tour!

Cruising from Miami’s Port from Miami Things to Do

Kiss My Grits Brunch at the festival. Photo credit: Bob Brown via Flickr.

The 12th Annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival will take place in Miami‘s South Beach from Feb. 21–24, 2013. The best chefs and wine producers from all over the world gather every year for this culinary extravaganza hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU). Over 60,000 people attended the festival last year, which saw over 250 wineries and spirit producers and almost 50 individual events.

TV personalities to appear this year include Emmy Award-winning hosts, like Giada De Laurentiis (Everyday Italian) and Paula Deen (Paula’s Home Cooking and Paula’s Best Dishes), Top Chef judges, Next Iron Chef winners, top restaurant proprietors, Country music star and cookbook author Trisha Yearwood, and other household names like Rachael Ray.

Seminars include Does the Glass Make a Difference (in reference to beer), Taste Wine Like a Master Sommelier, Baking Out Loud, Stocking and Tending Your Home Bar, and other lifestyle seminars.

Of course, what would a food and wine festival be without some tasty dining events, like House of Mandela, with Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe and granddaughter Tukwini and their House of Mandela wine pairings. There’s also Italian in Paradise hosted by the aforementioned Giada De Laurentiis, Carnivorous Dinner hosted by Michael Symon, and Nobu’s Vegetarian Dinner prepared by Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as numerous other dishes and tastings.

You can buy tickets for individual events, or you can purchase packages, such as the Wine Lover’s Weekend Pass or the Sunday Funday Pass—each pass includes tickets to a specified set of events. Dinners average about $250 a ticket, seminars are around $85 or $150, and most of the Grand Tasting events are $225 or $275. Purchase tickets ahead of time online, because these events do sell out quickly!

-Natalie Grant

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Miami tours and things to do, Miami attractions, and Miami travel recommendations, or book a private guide in Miami for a customized tour!

South Beach Food and Wine Festival from Miami Things to Do

Fireworks over Miami. Photo credit: Luis Arroyave via Flickr.

A city infamous for setting party trends throughout the year, Miami has some crazy New Year’s Eve events you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re going to be in this part of Florida for a celebratory transition to 2013, here are some ideas of where to go and what to do—just don’t forget to pack some classy attire!

The annual King Mango Strut parade in Coconut Grove is actually on Sunday, Dec. 30 (not New Year’s Eve) and starts at 2pm. It’s a carefree, slightly twisted, tongue-in-cheek type of comedy, as you’ll soon realize, but it’s unlike any parade you’ve seen. It begins with a Little Miss Mango Pageant (ages 5–12); the After-Strut Party has entertainment, music, and dancing in Commodore Plaza.

Miami Beach has fireworks, which you can watch from the beach along Ocean Drive; another great fireworks location is Bayfront Park, which is right downtown. Get there early to get a good spot!

For a night of all-inclusive drinks and food, join the Big Night Miami New Year’s Eve Gala. Tickets start at about $75, with VIP tickets at $125 adding exclusive area access and upgraded (top-shelf) drinks. For clubs, get a $100 ticket ($50 for females) to Opium Hard Rock on Seminole Way, which has an open bar all night long from 9pm–5am, or a $95 ticket to Mokai on 23rd Street, which has a premium open bar from 9pm–1am.

The Venetian Carnival New Year’s Eve on Nikki Beach is well worth the $50 general admission ticket price (but it goes up quickly). If you can scrap together for a VIP ticket, you get to lounge on one of their day beds or cabanas while you party; either way, watching the fireworks right there from the beach is a pretty stellar way to ring in the New Year.

-Natalie Grant

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Miami tours and things to do, Miami attractions, and Miami travel recommendations, or book a private guide in Miami for a customized tour!

New Year’s Eve in Miami from Miami Things to Do