The Ranking of 21 Awesome Miami Bucket List Activities
Updated: January 3, 2026
There are so many incredible things you can do in Miami. Beyond the city’s legendary beaches, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can take advantage any time of the year, and Miami’s absolutely overflowing with incredible food, culture and history.
Which means whether you’re planning a first-time trip to to the city or you’ve visited before, you probably already have plenty of fun activities on your Miami bucket list.
I definitely do.
I’ve lived in Miami for nearly 10 years, and the activities you’ll find below are my own personal recommendations for awesome bucket list activities in the Magic City. Thankfully, I’ve managed to do most of the things you’ll see listed below, but some of the activities like swimming in the Venetian Pool and climbing the lighthouse on Key Biscayne I haven’t had a chance to experience yet.
But if you’re planning a trip to Miami and are looking for some truly unique things to do here either as a solo travel or someone vacationing with family, here are 21 bucket list activities you have to try for yourself.
1. Take a selfie at the Wynwood Walls.
Visiting the Wynwood Walls are one of the most popular things to do on a Miami vacation, and it’s one of my favorites, too. These gorgeous murals span across what used to be one of the city’s sketchier industrial districts. But now, it’s filled with Instagrammable spaces where vacationers can snap the perfect photo.
Like a Local: General admission tickets to the official Wynwood Walls cost $12 for adults. However, if you’re looking for free things to do in Miami, you can wander around the neighborhood and see tons of beautiful murals at no cost.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $12 for adults, $5 for kids aged 6-17, $10 for adults 65+, other discounts available | Hours of Operation: Daily, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Location: 2516 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33127
2. Walk on the Miami Beach Boardwalk.
No Miami bucket list is complete without heading to the beach, and it’s easily one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami. But if you’re like me and don’t necessarily like lounging on the sand, you can snag beautiful views of the Atlantic while walking along the Miami Beach Boardwalk. And if you’d rather explore on wheels, there are plenty of Citi bike rental stations located nearby.
Learn More: Website | Cost: FREE | Hours of Operation: Daily, dawn – dusk | Location: East of Collins Avenue on Miami Beach, stretching through North, Mid and South Beach
3. Visit South Beach.
South Beach is one of the best places to visit in Miami for free, so it’s definitely worth a spot on your bucket list. While the neighborhood can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. Take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of the Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive, window shop on the pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road or connect with nature in the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. And if you’re looking for a calmer place to lounge on the sand, here are some of the top quiet beaches in Miami.
Learn More: Website | Cost: FREE | Hours of Operation: Daily | Location: South Beach, Miami Beach, FL
4. Kayak through Oleta.
If you’re searching for things to do in Miami for teens or young adults, head up to Oleta River State Park. Whenever I’m craving a day in nature, I come here to kayak through the winding waterways or strike out on foot and explore the winding trails in Florida’s largest urban park. From renting kayaks to camping in one of the rustic onsite cabins, there’s plenty to do here to entertain adventure enthusiasts of any age.
Like a Local: If you plan on visiting, make sure you pack your bug spray — especially if you come after a rainstorm!
Learn More: Website | Cost: $6 per vehicle (or $4 if you’re coming alone) | Hours of Operation: Daily, 8:00 a.m. – sundown| Location: 3400 N.E. 163rd St., North Miami Beach, FL 33160
5. Explore Everglades National Park.
Alligators are synonymous with South Florida, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t include an airboat tour through the nearby swamps on this Miami bucket list checklist. If you head out west past Little Havana and Tamiami on SW 8th St., you’ll eventually run into the start of the Everglades National Park. Exploring the area is one of the top things to do in Miami for a day, and most airboat tour tickets come with demonstrations before or after so you can learn about the local wildlife on your trip. While the entrance to the Everglades isn’t located in the center of the city, you can easily drive here on a weekend trip to Miami.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $20-$35 | Hours of Operation: Various | Location: Shark Valley Visitor Center, 36000 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33194
6. Watch a domino game in Little Havana.
Thanks to its famous Calle Ocho (8th St.) and distinctly Cuban flair, Little Havana is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Miami proper. Head to Domino Park to watch some of the most intense games you’ve ever seen — but don’t forget to look down as you make your way over there. The sidewalk is where you’ll find the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, which celebrates celebrities like Celia Cruz, Thalía and more.
Like a Local: If you’re craving a sweet treat while in the neighborhood, stop by the unmissable Azucar ice cream shop across the street.
Learn More: Website | Cost: FREE | Hours of Operation: Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Location: 1444 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33135
7. Learn about Haitian culture in Little Haiti.
As a Miami resident, I consider Little Haiti to be one of the most underrated neighborhoods in the city. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex is home to shops, restaurants and art exhibits,and the neighborhood itself is filled with murals and restaurants that make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. If you want a feel for true Miami culture without the crowds, head here.
Learn More: Website | Cost: FREE | Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, varies | Location: Little Haiti Cultural Complex 212-260 NE 59th Ter., Miami, FL 33137
8. Go shopping on Lincoln Road.
Lincoln Road is a pedestrian-friendly street that runs almost the entire width of South Beach, so it’s hard to miss if you’re already on the beach. This walkway is lined with plenty of restaurants, stores and coffee shops, so it’s always a good time to visit.
Like a Local: On Sundays, Lincoln Road overflows with an antiques and farmers market. If you’re looking for good deals on local flavors or unique finds, this is the best day to go.
Learn More: Website | Cost: FREE | Hours of Operation: Open 24/7 to walk around, store hours vary | Location: Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33139
9. Explore the Design District
Amiri. Balenciaga. Givenchy. These are just some of the stores you’ll find lining the modern-looking streets of the Miami Design District. While you can easily set out on your own and explore the area, you can also usually find free walking tours to take you around the neighborhood to explore with a local guide.
Learn More: Website | Cost: FREE (unless you buy something, of course!) | Hours of Operation: Open 24/7 to walk around, store hours vary | Location: 140 NE 39th St., Miami, FL 33137
10. Attend a Heat game
The Miami Heat is one of the city’s most popular sports teams, and you can easily catch one of their basketball games when you’re in the city. The events are held in the Kaseya Center arena located Downtown. I haven’t been to a Heat game in years, but when I went, it was really fun (and I got a free t-shirt I’m wearing as a type this!)
Like a Local: Until 2023, the Kaseya Center was called the American Airlines Arena. You might hear locals refer to it as both. I definitely still call it by its former name.
Learn More: Website | Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on seat selection | Hours of Operation: Hours vary, depending on the game | Location: Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
11. See beautiful homes on a cruise around Biscayne Bay
I avoided taking this scenic Miami home sightseeing cruise until 2025 because the concept of sailing by people’s private homes just to ogle at them felt strange to me. But it’s actually a fun tour and not nearly as invasive as I thought it would be. The ride around Biscayne Bay is very beautiful, and once you leave Bayside Marketplace, you’ll see massive homes like those belonging to Antonio Banderas and the Estefans before heading back Downtown.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $30 per person | Hours of Operation: Varies | Location: Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
12. Spend an afternoon at Vizcaya
To me, Vizcaya Museums & Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Miami. I usually visit with friends or my godkids, but coming here could also be one of the most romantic things to do in Miami for couples. Learn about the mansion’s cheeky history or wander among the Italian-inspired gardens and get lost in the luxurious history of old Miami for an afternoon with your loved ones.
Like a Local: If you’re visiting a friend in Miami who has a Dade County library card, you can visit Vizcaya for free with the Museum Pass. Otherwise, you might be able to get discounted entry by attending an O Miami event or something similar on the grounds. That’s how I usually visit.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger | Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Monday, 9:30 a.m. – last admission at 4:30 p.m. | Location: 3251 S Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129
13. Visit the Frost Science Museum
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Miami with kids, the Frost Science Museum doesn’t disappoint. I’ve hosted field trips here and have taken my godsons to the museum on multiple occasions, and we always find something new and fun to do. It’s located down next to the Kaseya Center, and the museum is multiple stories tall and has a planetarium and multi-level aquarium inside. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits inside for children of all ages.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $29.95+ for adults, $24.95+ for children 4-11, free for children 3 and younger | Hours of Operation: Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Location: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
14. Enjoy Soul Food in Liberty City
If you have a Miami food bucket list, you probably have some Soul food staples you want to try. And one of the best places to find food that’s delicious and reasonably priced, you’ve got to go to Liberty City. Formerly known as Model City, this Historically Black neighborhood is home to craving-worthy Rasta pasta at Theo’s, flavorful wings at Lemon Pepper and some of the heartiest (and tastiest) breakfast foods I’ve ever had from iKrave.
Like a Local: A lot of the smaller spots in Liberty City might not deliver with major apps like UberEats or DoorDash, so be ready to pick up your food in person. You won’t regret it.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $20-35 per plate, with lunch specials | Hours of Operation: Daily, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. | Location: World Famous Theo’s Seafood and Pasta, 2230 NW 62nd St., Miami, FL 33147
15. Explore Historic Overtown
As the name implies, there’s a lot of history in Historic Overtown. Now, this walkable neighborhood is home to spots that celebrate Miami’s African American history, like the Historic Lyric Theater and the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum. It’s also where you can find places that should definitely be on your Miami restaurant bucket list, like Red Rooster and Jackson Soul Food.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors aged 65+ and students, free for children 6 and younger | Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Location: Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum, 480 NW 11th St., Miami, FL 33136
16. Tour the Historic Hampton House
Situated in Brownsville, the Historic Hampton House is another museum that commemorates an important aspect of Black culture in Miami. This house is one of the country’s few remaining Green Book hotels from the Jim Crow, which means African American travelers knew they could stay here without facing discrimination. Now, visitors of any race or ethnicity can come here and tour the hotel while learning about past and present Black culture in Miami. The interior is gorgeous, and you can see the different rooms during your time here. I love visiting, and this is a super underrated thing to do in Miami.
Like a Local: This hotel once welcomed figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. When you tour the Hampton House, you can see photographs of some of its most famous visitors enjoying the onsite bar and pool.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $25 per person | Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Location: 4240 NW 27th Ave., Miami, FL 33142
17. Swim in the Venetian Pool
I’ve lived in South Florida for almost a decade, and visiting the Venetian Pool is one thing that remains at the top of my Miami bucket list. The crystal-clear waters, grotto and Mediterranean-inspired architecture easily make this one of the prettiest public pools in Dade County. The pool was closed for a good portion of 2025, but it recently reopened in the fall — which means now is a great time to go!
Learn More: Website | Cost: $22 for adults (non-residents of Coral Gables), $17 for children 3-17 (non-residents of Coral Gables)| Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Location: 2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134
18. Wander through Fairchild Tropic Botanical Garden
The Fairchild hosts some of the best things to do in Miami for adults and children, depending on when you go and the programming available. I visited here once, and I really enjoyed walking through the serene, expansive park. Here, you can find plenty of outdoor spaces to wander through, as well as a greenhouse, butterfly garden and an arboretum.
Like a Local: If you want to visit the Fairchild but don’t want to pay a full price for admission, try and visit on a day when they’re having a special event or discount.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors, $11.95 for children 3-11, free for children 2 and younger | Hours of Operation: Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Location: Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, FL 33156
19. Catch a Marlins game on a themed night
It’s super easy to find discounted Marlins game tickets at LoanDepot Park, and throughout the summer, they often have themed nights. The first game I went to was an Italian-American heritage event, and I got a cute souvenir shirt to take home with me. Since then, they’ve had other themed nights like Barbie, Harry Potter and back to school.
Learn More: Website | Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on seat selection | Hours of Operation: Hours vary, depending on the game | Location: LoanDepot Park, 501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125
20. Sample local flavors at Fruit & Spice Park
I visited the Fruit & Spice Park one spring afternoon while on a staycation in Homestead, and it’s easily become one of my favorite parks in all of Miami-Dade County. If you ever need a city break and want to spend your day roaming along the park’s tree-lined paths, this is the place to do it. They also have some of the prettiest lily pads I’ve ever seen here.
Like a Local: The Fruit & Spice Park is more than just a fun place to walk. You can actually sample some of the fruit that comes straight from the park. If it falls on the ground, you’re welcome to eat it — so long as you can personally identify it as edible. Be careful, though, because there are some poisonous plants in the park.
Learn More: Website | Cost: $15.00 for adults, $8.00 for children 6-11, free for children 5 and younger, free for disabled veterans | Hours of Operation: Daily, 10:00 a.m. – last admission at 4:00 p.m. | Location: 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead, FL 33031
21. Climb the lighthouse on Key Biscayne
Ah, the lighthouse.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse sits at the bottom of Key Biscayne, and it’s the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County. You can find it in Bill Baggs State Park, a beautiful place that’s worth visiting by itself, thanks to the sweeping water views, a cozy beach and an easy walking trail that loops around the southernmost part of the key.
While I’ve been to Bill Baggs before, I visited on a day when the lighthouse was closed. I’ve heard the views from the top are incredible, so I definitely want to go back and see them for myself. If you visit before I do, let me know how you like it!
Learn More: Website | Cost: Free with park entry, ($8 per vehicle) | Hours of Operation: Thursday – Monday, with tours at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. | Location: Cape Florida Lighthouse, 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149
