Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Downtown Miami

Summary of Activities:

Miami, situated in Florida, boasts a breathtaking downtown area. Downtown Miami features an Atlantic Ocean waterfront adorned with marinas and both natural and artificial offshore islands, accompanied by architecturally striking high-rise towers and occasional palm trees.

Although Downtown Miami is the city’s oldest section and its recognized historical core, it remains anything but outdated or antiquated. This area has adeptly adapted to modern times, evolving into a culturally vibrant neighborhood abundant with theaters, museums, galleries, event venues, and an impressive variety of world-class bars and restaurants.

Regardless of your interests—be it watersports, boat excursions, or exploring art exhibitions—you will find ample opportunities in Downtown Miami. Below are fifteen exceptional activities to engage in during your visit to Miami as you prepare for your journey. You will not be disappointed.

1. Boat Cruise

Whether in the morning, afternoon, or as the sun sets, embarking on a boat cruise in Downtown Miami promises a delightful experience. Depart from the Downtown docks and cruise across Biscayne Bay or venture into the Atlantic for captivating panoramic views of the Downtown Miami skyline.

Select from a variety of options, including four-hour party boats featuring drinks and DJs, cruises that incorporate paddle boarding and kayaking, more leisurely excursions with stops for snorkeling and swimming, and relaxing sailings that offer champagne at sunset.

One cruise is likely to entice you back for more due to the sheer enjoyment of being on the water in Downtown Miami.

2. HistoryMiami Museum

To delve into the rich history of Miami, from the initial native settlers to the Spanish conquistadors and contemporary times, a visit to the HistoryMiami Museum is essential.

Located in the Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza on 1st Street, this museum spans over seventy thousand square feet of exhibition space.

The museum’s collections feature more than 1.5 million photographic images dating from the late 1880s, in addition to historical maps, postcards, and manuscripts. With nearly forty thousand artifacts on display—including antique furniture, boats, musical instruments, and aviation-related items—visitors are sure to find the exhibits captivating.

3. Bayside Marketplace

For a delightful shopping and dining experience, visit the Bayside Marketplace. This shopping center, located on Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami, overlooks a waterfront adorned with palm trees and a marina filled with boats.

The vibrant two-story marketplace hosts a variety of prominent shops and boutiques, offering everything from designer sneakers to souvenirs. For a refreshing cocktail or iced coffee, the open-air 305 Daiquiri Bar and Dragon’s Breath provide enjoyable options. Additionally, for fine dining, The Knife offers excellent Argentinian steak, while Tradewinds serves up quality grilled fish.

With so much to see and do at the Bayside Marketplace, you may want to allocate an entire day to fully experience its offerings.

4. Hobie Island Beach Park

For a refreshing getaway, head to Hobie Island Beach Park. Although it may not be the best spot for sunbathing, it provides an excellent vantage point for observing windsurfers in action.

If you’re interested in participating, you can rent boards directly on the beach. For those who prefer to relax, there are umbrellas and chairs available for rent.

This location is ideal for a leisurely outing while capturing stunning photos of Downtown’s skyline across the bay.

5. Miami Seaplane Skyline Tour

Cross the Rickenbacker Causeway from Downtown Miami toward Virginia Key and board a seaplane for an exhilarating thirty-minute flight along the coastline.

Experience the unique sensation of taking off from the water and soaring through the air as the plane glides past Coconut Grove and circles back around Dodge Island.

There is no more spectacular way to view the Downtown Miami skyline than from such a vantage point. It is truly memorable.

6. CVI.CHE 105

Culinary delights in Downtown Miami showcase a rich Hispanic influence, a result of the migration of individuals from countries like Cuba and Peru to the area.

It is essential to savor some of this exquisite cuisine while in Downtown Miami. One of the highly recommended venues is CVI.CHE 105, located on NE 3rd Avenue. This modern and inviting restaurant serves both traditional Peruvian dishes and those inspired by Inca culinary heritage.

Be sure to try their mixed ceviche—a delightful assortment of raw seafood cured with lime juice and complemented with fresh cilantro—or their pan-roasted Corvina paired with crabmeat.

You may find it challenging to choose from the menu at CVI.CHE 105, as each option is simply delectable.

7. Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The remarkable structure of the Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is situated within Downtown Miami’s Museum Park. This museum encompasses four distinct buildings, one of which is spherical, all set amidst expansive lawns and facing the bay.

The spherical structure features a two hundred fifty-seat planetarium equipped with cutting-edge technology, a 360-degree viewing experience, and tilting capabilities that simulate the sensation of flying through space.

Within the Batchelor Foundation Gallery, attendees can explore the history of flight, from prehistoric times to contemporary space missions. The left wing of the museum highlights the accomplishments and life of DaVinci, while the MeLab provides insight into the interplay between our minds and bodies.

8. Jet Ski

Experience the excitement of Biscayne Bay on a Yamaha VS Deluxe jet ski. Available near the Bayside Marketplace at the Bayside Marina on Pier 5, don your life jacket and gear up for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Once you are escorted to the designated riding zone, relish the opportunity to spend sixty thrilling minutes accelerating across the bay and creating a spectacular wake behind you. The Downtown Miami skyline will fade into a blur as you skim over the water.

9. Pérez Art Museum

The Pérez Art Museum, situated in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park, is a three-story structure embraced by water and enhanced by beautifully landscaped gardens.

Hosting contemporary and experiential art, the museum itself is an architectural gem. Elevated on a platform, its expansive verandas provide over one hundred twenty thousand square feet of exhibition space.

Alongside remarkable works from prestigious artists such as Picasso, the PAMM’s exquisite location also serves as a fantastic event venue. Noteworthy events include monthly live music nights called Poplife Social, commencing with drinks during happy hour, making this museum an essential addition to your visit list.

10. The Shops At Mary Brickell Village

The Shops At Mary Brickell Village span two blocks, serving as a vibrant shopping mall and entertainment hub on South Miami Avenue within the Brickell neighborhood of Downtown Miami.

This area is renowned for its lively and sophisticated ambiance, making it a desirable destination for shopping and dining in Downtown Miami. It features prominent brand-name shops, bars, cafes with outdoor seating, and restaurants offering a diverse culinary selection.

If you enjoy socializing and being among the in-crowd, Mary Brickell Village is the place to be.

11. Historic Virginia Keys Beach Park

Travel across the Rickenbacker Causeway to the Historic Virginia Keys Beach Park. While still within Downtown Miami, this location will transport you to another realm.

At the park, enjoy leisurely strolls along coastal nature trails, meander on the boardwalk, or unwind on the mile-long beach adorned with palm trees, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Caribbean paradise.

This site is one of the most romantic and picturesque in Downtown Miami, particularly for watching the sunrise.

12. Bloom Skybar

The Bloom Skybar is an ultra-modern and colorfully decorated rooftop venue located at the Langford Hotel on 1st Street, representing Downtown Miami’s only sky bar.

Indulge in high-end cocktails, such as Mimosas garnished with floating flowers, or relish a Miami Mule while watching the skyline transform as the sun descends. The venue offers lively weekend nights with resident DJs, brunches on Sundays, and daily happy hours.

The evening vistas of Downtown Miami from the Bloom Skybar are unparalleled.

13. BigBus Miami

Navigate Downtown Miami via the hop-on-hop-off double-decker BigBus. This is a delightful method for experiencing the sights of Downtown.

Opt for city route number three, which takes you past the Freedom Tower, Museum Park, and loops back by the HistoryMiami Museum before diverting to Coconut Grove.

With buses operating at forty-minute intervals, you can disembark, visit an attraction, and re-board at your convenience.

14. Flamingo Theater Bar

The Flamingo Theater Bar features a luxurious VIP experience at the Four Ambassadors Hotel on Brickell Bay Drive in Downtown Miami.

The nostalgic décor, along with studded leather sound booths and pink flocked wallpaper behind the bar, infuses the venue with a 1970s vibe.

The theater hosts intimate performances from top comedians and popular Latin artists.

15. Virginia Key Outdoor Center

Visit the Virginia Key Outdoor Center for an array of exhilarating outdoor activities. Here, you can engage in hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and cycling.

The center offers classes in paddle yoga and invites participants for full moon or sunset paddles, suitable for beginners. Additionally, if your visit falls between June and October, do not miss the Bioluminescent Paddle, where you can glide through water illuminated by glowing plankton.

For those preferring terrestrial activities, explore the nature trails, embark on a dune or beach walk, or enjoy birdwatching on the coastal Hammock trail. The diversity of experiences at the center mirrors the vibrant nature of Downtown Miami itself. Enjoy your time!