Miami, Florida is known for its pristine sandy beaches, warm sunny weather, and excellent shopping and dining options. But many people do not really think much about the museums, galleries, and memorials when making their Miami vacation plans. Everyone is too busy packing for the beach to think about culture.
Miami has one of the most diverse populations in the United States with its many nationalities, which lends to its variety of cultural and other attractions. From the Wynwood Walls to Little Havana, there is a lot to discover. Find the nearest Miami suitcase storage facility to leave your backpacks and shopping bags for safekeeping and have fun.
Museums in Miami, FL
The Bass
The Bass Museum is well-known for its eclectic art including the Art Outside exhibit that boasts the 42-foot Miami Mountain of five neon-colored boulders outside the museum. Inside, you can find works from the 1400s to the present as well as textiles and tapestries dating back to the 7th century.
History Miami Museum
Founded in 1940, the Miami History Museum is the second oldest in southern Florida. The permanent collection includes over a million photos, manuscripts, and prints as well as over 37,000 artifacts dating back to the 1100s. They also have a special archaeology collection and a Seminole Indian section separate from the rest.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Located in a 1914 mansion, you can see some of Miami’s most whimsical collections surrounded by a 10-acre garden and a shore of mangroves. Take a walk through the collection of art and antique furniture as you marvel at the beautiful architecture. Don’t miss the Vizcaya Village across the street.
The Museum of Graffiti – Wynwood Walls
The first of its kind, the Museum of Graffiti is part of Wynwood Walls, which is an outdoor museum of over 35 murals and sculptures by world-renown artists. Inside the museum, you will see different exhibits all the time because they rotate. But they are all dedicated to the art of graffiti.
Hot Spots
Miami Walk of Fame
The Miami Walk of Fame may not be as famous as the one in Hollywood, but it is impressive anyway. Located in Bayside Marketplace, the walk dedicates stars to hometown celebrities of music, sports, TV, and movies. Some of these include Kevin James, Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, and Channing Tatum.
Little Havana
This neighborhood is a must-see for everyone whether you want to shop, eat, or just go sightseeing. Some of the most popular attractions here include the Padilla Cigar Factory, Marlins Park, Tower Theater, Bay of Pigs Museum, Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts, and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park.
Skyviews Miami Wheel
See Miami from 200 feet above the ground on the Miami Wheel. Each of the 42 air-conditioned pods is completely enclosed and gives you a 15-minute ride you will never forget. The VIP pod has a glass floor and leather seats. This is the perfect place for some of the most amazing selfies you will ever get!
Miami Beach Boardwalk
Starting at Nikki Beach, the Miami Beach Boardwalk takes you 40 blocks along the Atlantic Ocean. You can stop at many places along the boardwalk like the Jewish Museum of Florida, and the Wolfsonian Museum. Visit the shops for some unique souvenirs, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries.
Miami’s Parks
Maurice A. Ferre Park
The park used to be called Museum Park because of the three museums housed there. The Pérez Art Museum has over 1,800 works to see from artists like Baldessari, Flavin, and Eliasson. The Museum of Science boasts hundreds of hands-on exhibits and a huge aquarium. And the Miami Science Barge is a floating laboratory.
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park features 32 acres of greenery and a small sandy beach. It also features the well-known Bayside Marketplace where you can shop and eat. Get some selfies at the tropical rock garden and waterfall, fountain, or light tower. The park is lined with palm trees and benches for sitting and enjoying the view.
Hobie Beach Park
Also known as Windsurfer Beach, this park is right on Key Biscayne, which is known for its great windsurfing spots. Rent a board and get out on the water or just stick your toes in the sand and watch. The beach is also good for snorkeling and swimming and there are concession stands for food and drinks.
South Point Park
On the tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park is a favorite with locals and visitors. The large beach, shaded benches, and beautiful scenery will relax you or you can take a walk on the 450-foot pier. Jutting out over the ocean, the pier is the perfect spot to see the skyline, cruise ships, and Fisher Island.
Other Outdoor Fun in Miami
Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami started in 1948 when two bears, a goat, and three monkeys were traded for vehicle repairs from an animal roadshow traveling through town. Today it is the only tropical zoo in America and has over 3,000 animals in 100 exhibits on 750 acres. The five main areas featured are Florida, Asia, Africa, Amazon, and Australia.
Jungle Island
Opened in 1936, Jungle Island was once Parrot Jungle where they have over a thousand birds from condors to parrots. But that’s not all. They also have reptiles and primates, a waterslide, ziplines, and a Nerf stadium. Bring your camera to get amazing pics like a parrot riding a bike and a 900-pound liger.
Gator Park
You can’t leave Florida without seeing at least one gator. Go to Gator Park where you will see dozens as well as snakes, turtles, and other critters. Located on the edge of the Everglades, you can watch gator wrestling and take a safari through the hammock. You can even ride through the glades on an airboat.
Monkey Jungle
After seeing all the birds and gators, come see the cuddly little monkeys and giant gorillas in Monkey Jungle. It is 30 acres of primates in their element while you are the ones behind the fence. Their motto is, “Where humans are caged, and the monkeys run wild.” The monkeys love it and so will you. While you are in Miami, be sure to visit some of the fantastic eateries. Try Crust for some of the best pizza in Florida or CVI.CHE 105 for mouthwatering fresh seafood. Mister 01 is a great place to grab a bite if you are vegan and Steak Brasil Churrascaria has the finest steaks in the city.
