Things To Do in Miami

We offer a range of experiences in Miami – from airboat rides on the Everglades to guided walking tours. Take a look at what’s on offer, and see what takes your fancy. View experiences >

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to Renaissance Italy when you step inside this lavish mansion. In fact, that’s exactly what millionaire James Deering was aiming for. He was so obsessed with the idea of living in an authentic Italian villa that he hired 1,100 workers and craftsmen – some from Europe – to build his dream house. Inside, it’s filled with antiques and priceless art, while the gardens are dressed with statues, fountains and lakes.

Waterfalls. Caves. Italian-style bridges. Towers. The Venetian pool in Coral Gables offers a one-of-a-kind swimming experience. The pool was originally carved out of a coral rock quarry, but it was transformed into a themed lagoon in 1924. And the pool’s beautifully-crafted setting has even earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. You can take a dip in the huge pool, which is filled with fresh water from an underground spring. Or claim a spot on the sandy beach and marvel at the lush Mediterranean landscaping and architecture.

Back in the Eighties, Lincoln Road was a hipster hangout, made up of arty studios and galleries. These days, it’s Miami’s answer to Fifth Avenue in New York. The mile-long, pedestrian-friendly promenade houses the likes of Macy’s, Guess and Victoria’s Secret. Plus, high street favourites like Zara and H&M also call this place home.

Sunbathing on Miami’s textbook-tropical sands is a big pastime here. But a lot of tourists aren’t aware of what lies beneath the waves. Snorkelers and divers can take trips out to the third-largest barrier reef in the world – and the only in North America. Biscayne National Park is a particularly popular spot, with plenty of shallow-water reefs and shipwrecks to explore. Emerald Reef, for instance, is known for its young fish, elkhorn coral and spectacular sea fans.

Most know South Beach for its busy bars and eateries, but it’s also a fascinating architectural hub. That’s because it lays claim to a collection of over 800 Art Deco buildings. You can take it all in on a walking tour – they start from the Welcome Centre on Ocean Drive. Highlights include the Colony Theatre and futuristic-looking The Plymouth Hotel.

If you love wildlife, this is the trip for you. This huge wild wetland has been recognised as one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. And it’s only an hour’s drive from Miami. For an adrenaline-filled adventure, make sure to book an airboat tour. You’ll skim across the wide-open swamps and pass through twisting mangrove tunnels as your guide tracks down the native residents. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, manatees and racoons – they’re just some of the creatures you can get up close to.

With over 30% of Miami’s population hailing from Cuba, it’s hardly any surprise they’ve got their own district. The signs are all in Spanish, and the streets hum with salsa and merengue music. Stroll down Calle Ocho – the main road – and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the real Havana. Coffee stalls and food markets rub shoulders with art galleries and nostalgia shops. It also happens to be one of the best places to grab a bite. Tuck into a traditional Cuban sandwich with pork, mustard and pickles, or try vaca frita – shredded beef served with black beans and rice.

In ancient Egypt, it took thousands of workers decades to build the Great Pyramid of Giza. Over in Miami, this sculpture garden – made up of 1,000 tons of coral rock – was constructed single-handedly by one man, Edward Leedskalnin, between 1923 and 1951. Within the walls, you’ll see coral blocks carved to resemble the moon, Jupiter and a rocking chair. To this day, it’s still a mystery how Leedskalnin managed to quarry, cut and lift the rocks, but a tour will fill you in on the wonderland’s incredible story.