Top 15 Attractions in South Miami, FL

Situated adjacent to the affluent neighborhoods of Pinecrest and Coral Gables, South Miami was established as a city in 1927. During this period, the University of Miami (UM) campus was also emerging in close proximity.

South Miami features a vibrant downtown area, accessible via a Metrorail station and hosts a significant arts festival every February. The vicinity of Biscayne Bay is enriched with expansive parks and botanical gardens.

Notably, two nationally recognized gardens are located within five minutes of South Miami, both are essential stops for visitors. In addition, the University of Miami’s offerings in sports, culture, and entertainment will be highlighted throughout this article.

1. The University of Miami

The University of Miami’s history is significantly intertwined with that of South Miami, located directly to the east of the city. 

Established in 1925, the campus warrants a visit, and here we will explore prominent attractions such as the Lowe Art Museum and the Watsco Center.

For live performing arts, the Ring Theater has served as a training ground for actors like Sylvester Stallone and Ray Liotta. Cinema enthusiasts are drawn to the Bill Gosford Cinema, a nonprofit arthouse theater featuring a 70-square-foot screen.

Visitors can take a tranquil stroll through the Gifford Arboretum or head towards the iconic U-Statue located at Foote University Green.

Additionally, the Kislak Center deserves mention. This center houses the university’s special collections and archives and hosts fascinating exhibitions, showcasing items such as a letter from Christopher Columbus and a millennia-old Olmec cup.

2. Dadeland Mall

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A brief drive down US 1 leads to this expansive shopping center, established more than 60 years ago. Dadeland Mall has undergone numerous expansions and renovations since its inception.

Currently, it boasts over 160 tenants, including the recent addition of the AC Hotel Miami Dadeland during my visit.

The shopping scene features high-end brands such as Guess, Apple, Tesla, Armani Exchange, L’Occitane, Boss, and Michael Kors. However, shoppers will also find a diverse array of mid-market options including Gap, Macy’s, JCPenney, and American Eagle, among others. 

Regarding dining, Dadeland Mall offers a wide range of options from fast food to exquisite cuisine, including Shake Shack, The Cheesecake Factory, Aoki Teppanyaki, Popeyes, and numerous others.

3. Downtown SoMi

Located within a triangular area bordered by US 1 to the west and intersected by Sunrise Drive, South Miami’s historic downtown merits exploration.

One of the most appealing features of Downtown SoMi is its dining landscape, which offers a rich array of international cuisines within just a few blocks. 

All participating establishments are locally owned, encompassing various culinary styles including salad bowls, Portuguese, Japanese, tapas, Cuban, Peruvian, breakfast items, pasta, bubble tea, Persian, and much more.

Shopping opportunities abound with a combination of independent retailers and chic boutiques alongside home design stores. Visiting during February for the renowned Rotary Arts Festival, dating back to the early 1980s, is highly recommended.

4. The Shops at Sunset Place

Opened in the 1990s, this sizable lifestyle center is adjacent to South Miami’s historic downtown. Given the rising popularity of outdoor malls, there is considerable potential for The Shops at Sunset Place.

Nonetheless, during my visit, several storefronts were vacant, and the complex had recently been sold at a considerable loss by Simon Property Group. 

It features a variety of dining options alongside a small selection of retail, including a Barnes & Noble outlet, and also houses South Miami’s movie theater, a large 24-screen AMC multiplex with a premium IMAX auditorium.

5. Lowe Art Museum

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This esteemed university art museum on the UM campus was established in 1950 and boasts an impressive collection showcased across 14 rooms.  

Exhibits include artifacts from ancient cultures, Asian art, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, Indigenous American pottery, as well as contemporary glass and ceramics. 

Moreover, the museum features a significant collection of contemporary sculptures displayed throughout the campus.

During my visit, I also encountered an engaging exhibition featuring Cuban contemporary artist Sandra Ramos. The display titled “Entropydoscopes” was composed of lightboxes with kaleidoscopic videos, stirring nostalgia.

6. The Watsco Center

UM’s men’s and women’s basketball teams play their home games in this 7,972-seat arena, which was inaugurated in 2004.

Both programs are competitive, frequently participating in the NCAA tournaments, and several players have progressed to the NBA. During the year I compiled this article, the women’s team reached the Elite Eight while the men’s team advanced to the Final Four. 

The venue also serves as a prominent concert space, hosting performances by artists such as DaBaby, Drake, Green Day, and Coldplay. Additional offerings include family shows, educational lectures, conventions, and various university-related events. 

The Watsco Center has also been a site of political significance, hosting presidential and Republican primary debates in 2004 and 2016.

7. South Miami Rotary Arts Festival

Each February, South Miami hosts its premier annual event, an arts festival located in the heart of the historic downtown. At the time of writing, the South Miami Rotary Arts Festival was preparing for its 40th edition.

This festival provides free admission and is a multifaceted celebration of the arts, featuring works from over 120 artists displayed along Sunset Drive. Various categories, from ceramics to digital art, ensure that attendees will discover something distinctive.

The event is complemented by an international food court offering diverse culinary options, along with a live jazz stage that enhances the festive atmosphere.

8. Tropical Park

This beloved public park, located just beyond South Miami’s western limits, was formerly a racetrack from 1931 until the 1970s.

Horses continue to have a presence at the park with an esteemed equestrian center hosting numerous events throughout the year. 

The park is equipped with a variety of amenities including nature trails, fitness zones, basketball courts, playgrounds, racquetball courts, and tennis courts.

I find that Friday evenings are particularly enjoyable at Tropical Park due to the weekly food truck festival, which features children’s activities and a splendid range of food options, from shawarma and tacos to hamburgers, pizza, and sweet delights.

9. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

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Prior to my arrival in South Florida, I was unfamiliar with David Fairchild (1869-1954), a renowned botanist and plant explorer who made a lasting contribution to American agriculture.

He is credited with introducing approximately 200,000 exotic plant varieties to the United States, including bamboos, soybeans, mangos, and nectarines.

In 1938, his affluent associates established this magnificent botanical garden in his honor. Apart from its focus on research and conservation, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is a true gem.

Specialties include a wide range of orchids, palms, cycads, and bromeliads, along with numerous ginger cultivars and the world’s most extensive collection of tropical bamboo (125 species). 

For enhanced enjoyment and exploration, visitors can opt for the tram tour, while children can find delight in the butterfly house.

10. The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden

Touring the diverse botanical gardens in South Miami could fill an entire holiday itinerary. Another excellent garden, located by the bayfront just east of the city, awaits discovery.

This garden served as Fairchild’s private estate from 1916 until his passing. Its appeal lies in the fact that he cultivated many of the plants he collected during his journeys.

Among the current collections are various species of bamboo, palms, and flowering trees valued in the perfume industry. Furthermore, the garden is home to over 60 mango cultivars and more than 20 avocado varieties. 

The Fairchild-Sweeney House (1928), located on the premises, hosted notable figures such as Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

11. The Barnacle Historic State Park

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A mere ten minutes from South Miami lies the oldest preserved residence in South Florida. Constructed in 1891, this was the home of Ralph Munroe (1851-1933), a founder of nearby Coconut Grove.

At The Barnacle Historic State Park, I discovered a glimpse of a bygone era along the bayfront, complemented by the landscape Munroe preserved, which consists of lush hardwood forests.

Aside from a beautifully preserved house, the area boasts majestic old-growth trees lining Munroe’s original buggy trail. A noteworthy aspect of the park includes two full-sized replicas of his yachts, the Egret and the Flying Proa.

12. Dante Fascell Park

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Located at the intersection of SW 57th Avenue and SW 88th Street in the southern part of the city, Dante Fascell Park stands as one of South Miami’s largest green spaces.

Dante Fascell Park features an array of recreational facilities, including basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, alongside a safe playground for children.

However, the park’s most distinguished feature is its passive area, which features a unique sculpture garden donated to South Miami by its sister city, Medellín, Colombia.

This garden is adjacent to a spacious open area, enhancing the beauty of the park with mature trees and picnic tables.

13. Matheson Hammock Park

Enclosing part of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a unique public bayfront park. The western side, across Old Cutler Road, is home to a stunning collection of live oaks, while the eastern waterfront area attracts the most visitors.

This region features a man-made atoll pool surrounded by palm trees and replenished by ocean waters. The currents are absent in these shallow waters, making them ideal for children. Notably, the nearby coral rock structures were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Additionally, this section of Biscayne Bay provides excellent opportunities for activities such as kayaking (with rentals available) and kite-boarding. Both novice and experienced boarders can seek guidance from the Adventure Sports Kiteboarding School & Kayak Rental.

14. Old Cutler Trail

Approximately a mile east of South Miami, Ingraham Park offers access to an impressive trail that runs through a series of elegant bayfront neighborhoods.

The paved Old Cutler Trail follows the historical roads of its namesake, which deviates from the area’s grid layout. This pathway is much older, having been constructed along a coral ridge that early farmers used as a wagon trail.

Among the many enjoyable aspects of the trail are the verdant surroundings. For much of the route, the path is canopied by grand live oaks, banyan trees, and ficus, as it meanders past some truly opulent residences.

Moreover, the trail serves as a means to reach numerous attractive bayfront spots, including the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden near South Miami and the Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay.

15. Doug Barnes Park

Located nearby in Miami proper, Doug Barnes Park exists within a vibrant urban area, yet it is an unexpected serene retreat, offering 65 acres dedicated to nature and recreational amenities.

The park’s main attraction is a 25-meter swimming pool, which had recently reopened following an extensive renovation during my visit. 

At the southern end, an attractive lake is bordered by paved walking trails. To the north, there exists a 15-acre natural area where Miami EcoAdventures provides various nature-oriented programs, including guided walks and children’s camps.