Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Miami Beach, FL

  • Published 2022/11/03

Miami Beach is a coastal city within Miami-Dade County, Florida.

It is situated between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The city’s first settlers were the Tequesta and Seminole Indians.

It used to be a mangrove swamp but was later incorporated into a city in 1915.

As per the U.S. Census Bureau, Miami Beach is composed of 7.0 square miles of land and 11.7 square miles of water.

The population in the city reached 82,890 in the same year, as per the census bureau.

Miami Beach is highly popular for its luxury resorts, but there is so much more that this place has to offer.

People from all around the world dream of spending vacations in its elegant hotels, experiencing its nightlife, visiting its museums, tasting its delicious food, and shopping in its designer shops and boutiques.

While you plan your next vacation getaway alone or with your favorite travel buddies, it is best to have a glimpse of what exciting and fun adventures await you in this city.

So take a look at the best things to do in Miami Beach, Florida.

Spend the Afternoon at South Pointe Park

Pathway at South Pointe Park

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South Pointe Park is a perfect relaxation spot on Washington Ave.

This 17-acre urban park offers majestic views of the South Beach shoreline.

If you want to breathe fresh air and spend quality time with friends and family, South Pointe Park is for you.

South Pointe Park has direct access to the beach, walking trails, and picnic and barbeque areas.

Pier at South Pointe Park

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If you ever feel hungry, cafes and restaurants are just a few footsteps away from this park.

You may bring a book while relaxing in one of South Pointe Park’s benches shaded by towering palm trees.

Your kids will also have a great time here as it has motion-activated splash zones with water canons and mini water playgrounds.

Aerial view of South Pointe Park

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See Fascinating Contemporary Artworks at The Bass

Exterior of The Bass

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The Bass is a historic art deco space located on Collins Ave.

It was founded in 1963 and opened in 1964.

It is the city’s contemporary art museum promoting the connection between international contemporary art and Miami Beach’s diverse population.

The Bass maintains an education program for its visitors who seek lifelong learning about the various arts.

Grounds of The Bass

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Among the art collections you’ll see are paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

You may also enroll your kids in this museum’s art camps, where they’ll be taught how to hone their creativity.

Talks and workshops for adults are also available here at The Bass.

Take a Walk at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Entrance gate of Miami Beach Botanical Garden

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Miami Beach Botanical Garden can be easily located at Convention Ctr Dr.

This 2.6-acre urban garden was founded in 1962.

This tropical oasis houses a nursery and propagation center.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden will let you experience seeing native plants, flowers, philodendrons, and succulents in the garden.

Fish in Miami Beach Botanical Garden's pond

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You should check out their palm, orchids, and Japanese gardens.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden also has a wildlife garden where many migratory birds usually stop.

Observe birds of prey such as hawks, egrets, herons, and American redstarts here.

You may also shop for garden seeds, gardening tools, jewelry, and other gift ideas for garden enthusiasts in Miami Beach Botanical Garden’s botanical boutique.

Tall trees at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

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Be Captivated with Arts and Technology at ARTECHOUSE Miami

ARTECHOUSE Miami is located on Collins Ave.

It first started operations in 2015.

The ARTECHOUSE Studio established ARTECHOUSE Miami with design elements from Yuya Takeda.

It is the country’s first-ever innovative art destination that showcases the intersection of science, art, and technology.

A visit here at ARTECHOUSE Miami is like stepping into the future because of its interactive and mind-boggling exhibits.

This is a premier destination for people interested in technology-driven art.

Enjoy Sunbathing at Lummus Park

Bicycle ride at Lummus Park

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A trip to Miami Beach is not complete without visiting Lummus Park.

Lummus Park is a 74-acre urban park located on Ocean Dr.

Its proximity to the beach makes it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching.

Muscle beach at Lummus Park

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You can also rent a bike and stroll around the area while enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze.

Lummus Park also has two outdoor gym areas.

This spacious park is also a favorite go-to spot for runners, cyclists, walkers, and people who want to spend the day in the sunshine.

Aerial view of Lummus Park

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Book a Tour at Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

Daytime view of the Holocaust Memorial

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Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach is an essential memorial establishment located on Meridian Ave.

Holocaust survivors built it in 1985 to preserve the memory of six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis.

Architect Kenneth Treister designed the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach in 1990.

Here, you’ll find a memorial wall where the names of the Holocaust victims were engraved.

Closeup view of the Holocaust Memorial

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A self-guided tour here at Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach usually takes one to two hours.

Groups or classes interested in visiting the place need to book a reservation.

Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach is a popular educational tour destination as it educates students and adults about this tragic event in world history.

Sculptures at the Holocaust Memorial

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Bring Your Furry Friend to North Beach Oceanside Park

Aerial view of North Beach Oceanside Park

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North Beach Oceanside Park on Collins Ave. is one of the biggest public parks in Miami Beach.

Your furry friends will have a great time in this park’s two large pet-friendly areas.

Locate this park in the northern part of the park

Designated areas for small and big dogs are available if you have pets with you.

North Beach Oceanside Park also has pet-friendly restaurants where you can bring your dogs, given that they’re on leashes.

There is also an outdoor fitness area, pavilions with barbeque grills, water fountains, and benches ideally situated in shady and cool spots.

North Beach Oceanside Park, from its name itself, is also near the ocean, so you may also bring your beach towel and sunscreen and do some sunbathing.

Visit Another Dimension at the Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions is a quirky and colorful museum in Lincoln Rd.

This place is Instagram-worthy, and you’ll surely love its backdrops filled with interactive elements and clever optical effects.

Museum of Illusions’ 40 3D illusions inspired by current events, cartoons, movies, and more will make you question reality!

Moreover, this is the only place where you’ll get the chance to fly into a magic carpet, walk on the edge of a skyscraper, and even cross a lava bridge.

If you want to create fun memories with your loved ones, visit the Museum of Illusions.

With Surprised with Unique Displays at World Erotic Art Museum

Building sign of World Erotic Art Museum

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World Erotic Art Museum, or WEAM, is a unique display center on Washington Ave.

Inside, you’ll be surprised by an extensive collection of erotic art from different parts of the country.

It is home to private antique and contemporary art collections that tell a tale of Florida’s rich culture, lifestyle, and art history.

Entrance to the World Erotic Art Museum

Cullen328, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Erotic yet artistically crafted sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and art objects are what you’ll get to see inside.

There are more than 20 rooms for you to visit and roam around in this 12,000 square feet museum.

Lay eyes on the erotic art collections of the late Naomi Wilzig as well in WEAM.

Revisit History at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

Front view of Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

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Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU comprises two historic buildings on Washington Ave.

These buildings were once synagogues for the city’s first Jewish congregation.

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU was built in 1995 and is dedicated to preserving the Jewish history in Florida.

There are over 100,000 arts and culture displays inside to capture your attention and make your interest in history grow more.

View of Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU from the side

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Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU features historical photographs, microfilms, slides, and negatives showing the life of Jewish people in Florida.

Peruse videotapes, transcripts, sound recordings, documents, newspapers, and other paper materials here.

Moreover, the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU also houses Jewish textiles, religious objects, books, and artworks.

Play Golf with Friends at Miami Beach Golf Club

View of the Miami Beach Golf Club flag

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Miami Beach Golf Club is an 18-hole golf club in Alton Rd.

It was founded in 1923.

Miami Beach Golf Club has a length of 6,813 yards with 131 slopes.

This gold club is a top choice for players because it’s just a few minutes from South Beach and Miami’s top-notched hotels and restaurants.

Welcome sign of Miami Beach Golf Club

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There are also several beautifully and strategically positioned lakes in Miami Beach Golf Club that enhance the overall charm of the golf club course.

After a challenging game with friends or family, you may check out Miami Beach Golf Club’s restaurant, which offers savory and satisfying meals.

A Pro Shop where you can buy merchandise and outfit for your game is also available.

Line up golf carts at Miami Beach Golf Club

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Jam to Your Favorite Music at Miami Beach Bandshell

Miami Beach Bandshell is a music events place located on Collins Ave.

It is being run by the Rhythm Foundation, devoted to bringing world-class music to the State.

Here, you can enjoy live music performances of different genres.

Music festivals are also hosted here, so bring your friends and have a good and unforgettable night here at Miami Beach Bandshell.

Don’t worry about bringing your own food and drinks; fully-stocked bars and food vendors await you inside.

Miami Beach Bandshell is family-friendly as well.

Immense Yourself in Spanish Culture at Española Way

Night scene at Española Way

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Española Way is a historic spot situated between 14th and 15th street.

It stretches from Washington Ave. up to the western part o Drexel Ave.

This picturesque Spanish-inspired village will make you feel as if you’re in a different country surrounded by a different culture.

Buildings at Española Way

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Española Way also exudes renaissance vibes, perfect if you want to take a quick break from the beach and sand.

Both locals and tourists flock to this festive area for its wide variety of shops and restaurants offering Spanish goods and items.

Daytime view of Española Way

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Go Fishing at Haulover Park Beach

A man sitting on a bench with a fishing rod at Haulover Park Beach

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Haulover Park Beach is situated on Collins Ave.

You may spend the day fishing in its designated marina and fishing areas.

This 1.5-mile beach is known for its blue waters and soft white sand.

Aside from fishing, this is also a good picnic spot where you can enjoy the views of the ocean waves crashing.

The waters of Haulover Park Beach

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Haulover Park Beach is also one of the city’s clothing-optional beaches, so you won’t have to worry if you ever forget to bring your beach outfit.

Every family member can also enjoy this place as it has wheelchairs for rent and pedestrian tunnels.

The nine-hole golf course and tennis courts of Haulover Park Beach are also open for a more sports-centered adventure.

Aerial view of Haulover Park Beach

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Order Fresh Seafood at Nikki Beach

Night scene at Nikki Beach

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Nikki Beach is an upscale resort on Ocean Dr.

This is where you can find the most mouth-watering and world-class seafood, salads, sushi rolls, and rotisserie chicken.

Nikki Beach implements a strict dress code to maintain the posh and classy atmosphere of the area.

This beach club is also dotted with tiki bars, relaxing chairs, and torches that are aesthetically pleasing, especially at night.

Nikki Beach’s fabulous views, delectable food, and refreshing cocktails are like no other!

Final Thoughts

Miami Beach is truly a famous and dream destination for people from across the globe.

It has even become Florida’s one of the most well-known cities.

This place is worth all the long flights and travel as you’ll, without a doubt, fall in love with its ocean views and mesmerizing sunsets.

Experience all this place offers and spread the word about how lovely this city is.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and try out all these best things to do in Miami Beach, Florida.

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