Top Things to do in Miami in 2021

Miami, Florida is where you’ll find stunning beaches, warm weather, unique multicultural neighborhoods and lively arts and nightlife scenes.

It’s a city that has a rich history and culture that is unrivaled. You can only feel inspired by the untouched architecture of the 1930s and the romanticism of the soft sand beaches.

Planning a trip to Miami? Here are top 20 things to do in Miami in 2021.

1. Immerse in Cuban culture in Little Havana

Many people have said that Miami is as close as you can get to Cuba without leaving the United States.

Within Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, visitors should explore Calle Ocho, the center for Cuban life in Miami.

This area is vibrant with culture; home authentic Cuban restaurants and bakeries; trendy bars; charming boutiques and more.

Not to be missed in Little Havana are the cigar shops where you will find cigar masters rolling cigars just like their fathers and grandfathers taught them in Cuba.

Experience authentic Cuban fare including Cuban bread, cafecito (sweet Cuban espresso), stuffed croquetas, and more.

2. Relax in Florida’s largest urban park, Oleta River State Park

Just 30 minutes from downtown Miami, head to Oleta River State Park to escape the city without actually leaving.

Oleta is the largest urban park in the U.S. at over 1,000 acres. The park is open and friendly to all, whether you’re mountain biking or indulging in a leisurely walk.

3. Visit Coconut Grove, Miami’s original neighborhood

Just south of Miami and its beaches is Coconut Grove, which holds acres of green spaces amidst its laid-back atmosphere, gourmet restaurants, boutiques, galleries and more anchored at the bay.

You’ll notice the architecture and design of the Grove (as locals call it) is very bohemian and inspired by the relax feel of the Bahamas.

Artists like Madonna and Jimmy Buffet have lived in the Coconut Grove area, just to name a few stars, and inspires a feeling of luxury for any visitor.

One must-see attraction in Coconut Grove is the iconic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. See more below.

4. Stroll through the spectacular Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Experience the grandness of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens where you can enjoy 10 acres of spectacular Italian renaissance gardens and architecture.

Located in the Coconut Grove neighbourhood, Vizcaya was established in 1916 and still stands today as a National Historic Landmark.

After taking some photos of the beautiful estate, visit The Main House towhere you’ll find collections dating from the early 20th century.

Vizcaya has experienced financial hardship from the pandemic and support from visitors is much needed.

Visit their website for the most up-to-date information on hours and rates.

5. Put avocado wine to the test at Schnebly Winery

Visit Schnebly Winery which is the southernmost winery in the United States and known for their exotic tropical fruit wines.

The winery has the most gorgeous scenery you can imagine including grand palm trees; a bubbling, tiered fountain; natural coral waterfalls and more. It’s an amazing setting for you to enjoy a glass of wine.

While you are there, take a tour of the wine estate to understand their history and wine making process.

Schnebly’s also produces a very unique varietal – Sweet Avocado wine. It’s the first wine ever made from Avocados.

6. Embrace the epic art in an open air “Museum of the Streets”

Before the Wynwood Walls existed, the Wynwood neighborhood was truly a warehouse district with no windows and large blank walls beckoning for art to be placed on them.

In an effort to give the graffiti and street art community more exposure and regard as a legitimate art (which it is), the 25th-26th Street complexes of buildings turned into the Wynwood Walls.

World renowned artists have come from all over the world to contribute to the ever-growing Wynwood Walls project. Over 50 artists from 16 different countries have given their art to the Wynwood community.

The Wynnwood Walls are regarded one of the most Instagrammable spots in America due to the bright colors and unique depictions on the walls. Newer pieces have promoted statements of peace and justice.

With uncertain times, there is also art to be appreciated outside the Wynwood Walls. Termed Outside the Walls, these stunning murals cover sides of buildings and sometimes the entire building, creating breathtaking surprises in the Wynwood neighborhood.

Please visit the Wynwood Walls website to find out about their operating hours.

7. Go on a self-guided movie and tv location tour

FilMiami has created a FREE Online Movie & TV Map Tour guide featuring 80 of the most popular movie and television series that were shot on location in Miami-Dade Couty. The guide also offers information about each set location as well as film clips.

8. Go on a gastronomic adventure

The local cuisine in Miami is a melding of various cultures and influences.

There are plenty of opportunities to sample world-class restaurants in Miami that will leave your belly full and heart happy.

Check out my roundup of Best Miami Restaurants 2021 over on my food blog.

I cover new-to-discover restaurants to the classics, taking you through the whole city’s food scene.

9. Go shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall

One of the coolest places to shop in Miami is Lincoln Road Mall.

Located a few blocks off the beach (between West Avenue and Washington Avenue), Lincoln Road Mall is a mile long, pedestrian-only promenade that is known for its eclectic mix of national retail chains and funky boutiques showcasing local designers, jewelry and other one-of-a-kind items.

Shopping can work up an appetite and Lincoln Mall has plenty of food choices for the hungry shopper. There you can also try some casual or chef-driven restaurants as well as authentic Cuban specialties.

10. Experience the sleek, modern feel of the Miami Design District

The Miami Design District is a must-see for art, design and fashion lovers.

You really do feel transported from the old school, traditional feel of Miami’s 1930s architecture and into somewhere way more modern, sleek and forward thinking.

This open-air, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood promotes wellness and entertainment across the community through art, fitness, shopping and dining.

For art buffs, the Miami Design District has created a directory of all of the unique art galleries and museums you can visit in the area.

Find out about their upcoming events in their calendar including public art tours, sample sales and more.

11. Get curious at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Did you know the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is also a state-of-the-art planetarium and cutting edge aquarium?

You can learn about outer space exploration, the biology of the human body and mind, and the deep sea all in one day (and that’s covering a lot of ground).

The museum’s permanent exhibitions are dedicated to South Florida’s biodiversity, the physics of light, aviation, human biology and more.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a large, sprawling, facility of which a significant portion of which is open-air and outdoors.

12. Stay in an eco-friendly Miami hotel

Miami has a unique and delicate ecosystem, and there are several green friendly hotels that help support the local environment.

Green hotels in Miami are either recognized by the Florida Green Lodging Program or are LEED certified. These eco-conscious hotels strive for waste reduction; reuse & recycling; water conservation; energy efficiency and more.

Here are some recommendations for eco-friendly hotels in Miami:

• 1 Hotel South Beach (see reviews)
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell/Downtown (see reviews)
• Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club (see reviews)
• Miami Beach EDITION (see reviews)
• The Palms Hotel & Spa (see reviews)
• Circa 39 (see reviews)
• The Standard Spa, Miami Beach (see reviews)

13. Go off the beaten path at the Everglades Safari Park

An hour’s drive south of Miami is the Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in America.

One way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique ecosystem is through airboat tour with one of Everglades Safari Park’s expert guides.

The unforgettable journey will have gliding through pristine waters and zipping past wildlife unique to the Everglades.

You will also get to experience a wildlife nature show featuring alligators, crocodiles and other exotic creatures.

To make this a full day excursion, there is the Picnic Time Restaurant, where you can grab a bite to eat while looking out of the stunning Everglades in all of its natural beauty.

14. Support Black-owned businesses in Miami

Standing behind black-owned businesses can make a difference now more than ever. From artisans, retail, restaurants, wellness and more, here are a few resources showcasing Black-owned businesses in Miami:

• Culture Crusaders: A Guide to Black-Owned Businesses
• Yelp Miami: Black-Owned Businesses in Miami
• Miami Herald: Eat like a local at Miami-Dade’s Black-owned restaurants

15. Restore your energy at the Tierra Santa Healing House

Housed on the third floor of the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, the Tierra Santa Healing House feels like a sanctuary tucked away in paradise.

It is one of the largest hammams present on the east coast – otherwise known as a Turkish bath, a steam bath healing method based in the Muslim culture.

All of their skin treatments are hand blended with ingredients rooted in ancient healing arts and practices.

Explore more of their spa packages here and prepare yourself for the ultimate treat in Miami.