7 Fun Things to Do in Miami that Aren’t the Beach

Fairchild Tropical Gardens

Fairchild Tropical Gardens is a botanical oasis located within the lush residential neighborhood of Coral Gables, and exploring the garden is easily one of the top things to do in Miami.

Purchase a ticket to take a serene walk through the gardens and breathe easy as you’re take in the surrounding tropical greenery.

Tickets cost around $25 for adults and $12 for children for all-day access, although you only need about 3 hours to explore the whole garden. Fairchild is an extremely Instagrammable place so bring your camera, throw on cute (but walkable) clothes, and snap some special memories.

FYI dogs are only allowed at the garden on certain days of the week so make sure you check their calendar for dog-friendly days/times. Also, they generally host a variety of events, so check their calendar here to see if any of them pique your interest!

Oleta State Park

Oleta State Park is located in North Miami and is a place where people can go mountain bike, hike, kayak, picnic, fish, camp or just hang out at the beach. There’s really something for everyone here. They have rental options for certain activities onsite, for example, you do not need to bring your kayak or SUP, you can just rent the ones they have at the park. I have been kayaking with my pup and they even had dog life jackets available for rent.

Brewery Hop Around Wynwood

Before Wynwood became a fabulous tourist destination, it was a small warehouse district with just a few breweries and incredible street art. For the most part, the original breweries remain and continue to thrive. One of the best ways to explore Wynwood is by brewery hopping. I recommend making a stop at the following OG breweries, which are all within blocks of each other.

Also, when you visit Veza Sur Brewing, make sure you try “La Rubia” by Wynwood Brewing. Wynwood Brewing was one of the first breweries to pop up in Wynwood, but sadly, they recently closed their location in Wynwood, and now serve all of their original, staple beers at Veza Sur.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

If you want to scratch the itch of visiting both historical and tropical, I recommend visiting Vizcaya. It is 43 acres of land, garden, museum, and mangroves in the heart of the Coconut Grove neighborhood. Tour Vizcaya’s waterside Main House, which used to be the estate of James Deering. It completed construction in 1922 and became his winter home filled with 34 ornate rooms. Tickets are around $25 for adults, and you’ll probably spend a couple of hours at Vizcaya if you are just touring the grounds. You can purchase tickets online or in person.

Lots of people go to Vizcaya to commemorate special occasions, as well. For locals, it’s a top photography destination backdrop for quinceañeras, proposals, and even wedding events.

Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science was erected within the last couple of years. It’s an all-in-one museum in the sense that it has an aquarium, a museum, and a planetarium. Informally known as “The Frost Museum”, expect to encounter an active exhibition when you arrive. There is always a fun, kid-friendly exhibit going on, which really makes you feel like you’re getting the bang for your buck.

Culture Walk Around Little Havana

Take a stroll through the Little Havana neighborhood for some colorful Miami vibes with a hint of history. You’ll feel fully immersed in the Cuban influence within this neighborhood. I recommend remaining on the main road in Little Havana, known as “Calle Ocho” (8th Street in Spanish). Stop in at the small business shops and slow down for some Cuban coffee and pastries. My favorite Cuban restaurant for that is El Pub Restaurant, which I dive much deeper into in my post on the best Miami Cuban coffee shops.

Later, walk into the 40-year-old Domino Park where you can observe local Cubans and Miami natives fully immersed in their game. The park is visitor-friendly with convenient observation benches, and photogenic murals paying homage to the Cuban heritage.

Before you head out, swing by Azúcar Ice Cream Company for a taste of Miami ice cream flavors like Guava and Mantecado. This is one of the best places to grab ice cream in Miami. Check out my post on the best ice cream shops in Miami for a full list.

Lastly, in the evening time, pass by the iconic nightclub Ball & Chain for some salsa dancing and Miami nightlife vibes.

Shop at Aventura Mall

Aventura, which is Spanish for “adventure”, is one of the most bustling malls in South Florida. It honestly has something for everyone including a movie theatre, most major luxury retailers, a weekend indoor farmer’s market, and lots of big-name department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom.

The mall also has a huge assortment of restaurants from local favorites like Pubbelly Sushi to classics like The Cheesecake Factory.

It’s also very kid friendly with indoor and outdoor playgrounds. The outdoor one even had a huge tunnel slide! I suggest you carve out a day and hang out, eat, and/or shop at Aventura Mall. You’ll find plenty of adventure to keep you entertained! Even if you don’t buy anything it’s free and just as entertaining to walk around at. Believe me, I’ve done it plenty of times, haha.

In conclusion, Miami offers a plethora of enjoyable activities beyond the beach. From exploring the vibrant street art in Wynwood to indulging in delicious Cuban cuisine in Little Havana, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic city. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or unique shopping opportunities, Miami has you covered. So next time you visit Miami, consider stepping away from the shoreline and discovering the many other fun-filled attractions this city has to offer.