You can explore Miami when planning your trip through a range of distinct interests: a nature walk, Afro-Caribbean culture, museums covering subjects from South Florida’s history to space projections, as well as beaches and mountain biking trails all offer different experiences. When choosing where to stay, you can first consider whether culture, art, time outdoors or a particular type of event is your main focus. The places below offer specific, distinct options to help you decide.
Parks and time outdoors
Miami’s municipal parks and recreation system includes more than 150 parks covering a total area of over 1,400 acres. At Simpson Park, a free, publicly accessible walking trail about half a mile long winds through a hardwood hammock, with a crushed-shell surface. Its approximate length, named surface and landscape give this walk a distinct character. Virginia Key has beaches and mountain biking trails. These offer different ways to spend your free time: walk through a hardwood hammock, relax at the beach or go for a mountain bike ride.
Culture, history and distinctive places
The Little Haiti Cultural Complex gives visitors an insight into Afro-Caribbean culture. Its mission is to showcase and preserve Afro-Caribbean cultures. Another connection to Haitian culture is the Caribbean Marketplace, also known as “Mache Ayisyen”: architect Charles Pawley designed it as a modern recreation of Port-au-Prince’s Iron Market. Authentic Haitian artwork and crafts are sold there; vendors and merchandise may vary. The two places have different focuses: the Cultural Complex is devoted to Afro-Caribbean culture, while the Marketplace also offers art and crafts for sale.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is in the northern part of Coconut Grove in Miami, overlooking Biscayne Bay. It was James Deering’s winter estate, built in 1916. Its historical association distinguishes Vizcaya from the cultural offerings centered on Afro-Caribbean themes. A 30-minute tour is offered at historic Vizcaya Village during the weekly farmers market. If you want to fit this specific time commitment into your plans, check the schedule before your trip.
Museums: from South Florida’s history to space
The HistoryMiami Museum is located in downtown Miami and is a Smithsonian Affiliate. Its permanent exhibition, “Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida,” covers 10,000 years of South Florida history. It offers a long-term perspective on the region’s history; the exhibition’s presentation may change.
The Pérez Art Museum Miami’s collection includes nearly 3,000 works of art, with a selection displayed in eight galleries. The selection on view and its presentation may change. Frost Science, by contrast, focuses on natural science and space: its three-level aquarium presents South Florida’s significant aquatic ecosystems from the surface to the depths. The Frost Planetarium has 250 seats, 8K projection with 16 million colors, surround sound and a large dome screen for visual journeys into space. Facilities and programs may change.
The Miami Children’s Museum offers hands-on activities, immersive learning experiences and inclusive environments for visitors of all ages and with different abilities. Exhibition and program details may change. The museums’ themes are easy to distinguish: South Florida history, art, aquatic ecosystems, space and hands-on learning experiences each appeal to different interests.
Planning for events and tours
During Viernes Culturales (“Cultural Fridays”), visitors can enjoy outdoor dining on Calle Ocho. Since this is a recurring event, it’s worth checking dates and programming before your trip. Another specific time commitment is the tour at historic Vizcaya Village: it lasts 30 minutes and takes place during the weekly farmers market. Check event dates if you want to fit the tour into your stay.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: West Miami, Palmetto Estates, Virginia Gardens, Key Biscayne, Homestead, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Ives Estates.
For the broader travel overview: Miami-Dade.
