Top 14 Activities in North Miami, Florida

A few minutes from downtown Miami and Miami Beach, North Miami is a strategically located suburb offering a diverse range of activities.

The area’s prominent cultural institution is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), which presents thought-provoking exhibitions and engages the community with programs such as a monthly jazz concert.

I have dedicated considerable time to exploring North Miami’s natural beauty, whether kayaking through the mangroves at Oleta River State Park or walking through the subtropical forest along Arch Creek, which boasts an intriguing Native American history.

This article will explore various activities available in North Miami, subsequently expanding to highlight some of Miami’s renowned landmarks.

1. The Ancient Spanish Monastery

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Reputed as the largest and most costly jigsaw puzzle globally, this monument in North Miami Beach has an extraordinary history that stretches across the Atlantic Ocean and nearly 1,000 years into the past.

Originally built in the early 12th century, these Romanesque and Gothic cloisters were functionally maintained as part of a monastery for centuries.

Fast forward to the 1920s, when American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst purchased the structure, disassembled it, transported it to its current Florida site, and reassembled it.

There is a wealth of history to uncover, so a visit to this unique Florida treasure for a few hours is highly recommended.

The picturesque gardens might be the most captivating aspect of the Ancient Spanish Monastery for me. It was enlightening to learn that the staff utilize only natural pesticides, ensuring no environmental harm from runoff into the canal.

2. Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA)

This award-winning art museum, established in 1981, has significantly elevated North Miami’s cultural profile. The museum complex, developed in the mid-1990s, includes a plaza adorned with outdoor sculpture installations.

MOCA has hosted both solo and collective exhibitions for notable figures in contemporary art, including Tracey Emin, Bill Viola, and Edouard Duval-Carrié.

During my last visit, an exhibition showcased the impactful work of Polish artist Maryan, whose sculpture, painting, and drawing reflected his personal experiences during the Holocaust.

Mark your calendars for the Jazz at MOCA series, featuring a remarkable lineup of performances on the last Friday of each month at 8:00 PM.

3. Oleta River State Park

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The Oleta River serves as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature aficionados, and amateur photographers.

Oleta River State Park attracts significant crowds, especially during peak times. Unlike many other parks, it restricts admission once its capacity is reached.

Unquestionably, the stunning wilderness and diverse recreational activities available, such as swimming, kayaking, biking, and paddleboarding, contribute to its popularity.

Personally, I can conceive of no better way to spend a day than paddling through the mangroves in this park. The Oleta River Center provides essential gear, including bikes for the extensive network of wilderness trails.

For details on upcoming guided experiences, including paddleboard yoga, please refer to the center’s website.

4. Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park

Arch Creek gracefully flows through North Miami, gently making its way from the Everglades to Biscayne Bay.

One of the parks situated along its banks is this 22-acre subtropical haven. With its lush vegetation and charming glades, I felt as though I had escaped the city while within Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park.

Along the paved trails, you will encounter an inspiring monument dedicated to South Florida’s LGBTQ+ community, which was established in 2017.

Additionally, within the park resides MM Equestrian Farm, a private venture featuring horse stables, a petting farm, and a pony ride service, where my child joyfully interacted with the barnyard animals.

5. Haulover Park

For those seeking to experience the sensation of sand beneath their toes and the wind in their hair, Haulover Park, located just a few minutes east of North Miami, is an ideal choice.

Here, you will discover 1.5 miles of soft white sand accompanied by gentle Atlantic waves and clear aquamarine waters.

If you venture further north, you will find a clothing-optional beach known to be the largest of its kind in the United States, stretching half a mile.

The park is also well-appointed with amenities, including picnic areas, ample green spaces for kite flying, a kite shop, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a dog park.

Personally, I consider Haulover Park to be at its peak on Tuesdays when it hosts an enticing array of food trucks as part of a weekly event held year-round.

6. Arch Creek Park

This small park located beside the creek bearing its name emphasizes both Native American and natural history.

In fact, Arch Creek received its name from a natural limestone bridge that spanned the creek until its collapse in 1973.

A replica of this bridge can be viewed at the park, which also offers insights into a landscape that held significance for the Tequesta tribe, which inhabited the area until the 1500s.

Arch Creek Park serves as a lovely retreat to nature, ideal for hiking among live oaks and gumbo limbo trees, where one might glimpse an egret or kingfisher.

What I appreciated most about the park is the nature center, housed in a quaint cabin and featuring fascinating artifacts related to the Tequesta tribe and the early European settlers.

7. Explore Miami Beach’s Art Deco Scene

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With its pleasant climate, fashionable clientele, and exclusive establishments featuring dining and shopping, Miami Beach presents a vibrant blend complemented by one of America’s most picturesque cityscapes.

The city’s four historic districts are graced with stunning architecture representative of Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles.

Art Deco stands out as the most emblematic style, particularly along the iconic facades lining South Beach, primarily originating during the movement’s peak in the 1920s and 1930s.

To enhance my knowledge, I participated in one of the walking tours organized by the Miami Design Preservation League. Spanning 90 minutes, the tour provided access to several Art Deco lobbies.

8. The Miami Children’s Museum

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During the summer months, the combination of high temperatures and humidity can make outdoor activities in South Florida quite challenging.

If traveling with young children, it is advisable to have several indoor activity options available.

Situated on a small island between Miami and South Beach, the Miami Children’s Museum is filled with interactive exhibits and activities focusing on science, art, culture, and the natural world.

My children enjoyed role-playing various professions, such as police officers, firefighters, construction workers, and veterinarians.

While the admission and parking may not be the most economical in the area, families typically find the experiences offered to be worth the investment.

9. Miami Botanical Garden

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Small yet captivating, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden spans two and a half acres in the heart of Miami Beach.

This sanctuary was officially established in 1962, following the vision of forward-thinking city planners who identified a gap in the cultural offerings of the city.

Prior to its founding, the land was predominantly agricultural, known for avocado and mango groves.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2011 when the site underwent a complete rehabilitation. Today, the garden features a diverse array of native Florida plants, including palms and orchids.

I was particularly impressed by the abundance of wildlife present, including koi, turtles, and lizards thriving in this tropical environment.

The garden also offers a variety of wellness programs, such as yoga sessions, to complement its breathtaking grounds and distinctive plant collections.

10. Wynwood Walls

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Among the most distinctive and celebrated art destinations in the area, Wynwood Walls is a former industrial district transformed into an outdoor gallery since 2009.

This regeneration initiative has earned a global reputation for its vibrant, large-scale murals crafted by artists from local, regional, and international backgrounds.

Take your time to explore, as you will encounter innovative artwork from over 100 artists representing more than 20 countries.

I appreciate how these creative pieces seem to come alive, and you can visit the shop to acquire prints, fashion items, and more, taking a piece of the experience home with you.

You may easily spend an entire day here, with a variety of trendy galleries, restaurants, and shops located within the eclectic Wynwood neighborhood.

11. Yellow Green Farmers Market

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Nearby in Hollywood, you can explore one of the finest farmers’ markets in the region. The Yellow Green Farmers Market stands among the largest in South Florida, featuring 600 vendor booths within a spacious former industrial complex.

The variety available is extensive, encompassing seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, meats, flowers, arts and crafts, as well as wellness products.

On a typical day, over 200 vendors offer prepared food and beverages; during my last visit, I relished ceviche, delightful oysters, and fresh coconut milk.

The market operates year-round on Saturdays and Sundays from morning until late afternoon, providing an excellent opportunity to support local farmers and entrepreneurs.

12. Hollywood Hot Glass

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For those seeking a unique and creative experience, a visit to Hollywood Hot Glass Studio in Hollywood, Florida, presents the perfect opportunity.

Those unfamiliar with glassblowing and the transformation of molten glass into stunning items such as vases, bowls, and lamps will find it a remarkable spectacle.

This process demands extreme heat, strong lungs, and abundant creativity. The studio showcases an extensive gallery filled with exquisite items crafted by artisans on site.

What I found most appealing about Hollywood Hot Glass is the chance for visitors to participate in the process.

The Hot Glass Class is the studio’s workshop program, allowing you to choose a project that interests you on their website.

13. Dezerland Action Park

When compiling this list, I noted that this expansive indoor entertainment venue, established by the flamboyant real estate developer Michael Dezer, had recently undergone renovations.

Dezerland Action Park features a diverse array of attractions within a vast 250,000-square-foot facility. Activities include an arcade boasting over 200 games, a ropes course, a climbing wall, bumper cars, roller skating, a karting track, a virtual reality park, and a trampoline park.

If you’re searching for an activity on a rainy day, this venue is an excellent choice. My personal favorites include the large arcade, which features 80+ machines, and the karting track.

14. Greynolds Park Golf Course

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Located on West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach, Greynolds Golf Course may not attract the attention of the PGA Tour or Masters anytime soon, yet this contributes to its charm.

Featuring just nine holes covering slightly over 3,000 yards, the par-36 course is frequently overlooked by dedicated golfers.

What appeals to me is the affordable pricing and lack of congestion, especially given its location.

Greynolds Golf Course, established in the mid-1960s, provides all the standard amenities such as electric carts, a pro shop, and even club rentals for visitors without their own clubs.

Additionally, single-rider handicapped golf carts are available upon request prior to arrival.