iStock International

Miami: Things To Do

Sure there's some pretty interesting and even cultural stuff to do out here in Miami, but it's really all about "the scene" – by day, sun and sand amid scantily-clad, hard-bodied rollerbladers and volleyballers; by night, dining and partying amid a mix of the rich, famous, and fabulous (leavened by a good smattering of none of the above). In recent years, a number of seasonal events have sprung up or been cooked up to raise SoBe's profile even further in various areas, from cuisine (February's South Beach Wine and Food Festival) to music (the Winter Music Conference) to art (Art Basel).

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Bass Museum This museum shows off its impressive permanent collection of 15th-century art, including works by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. There are also world-class rotating exhibits (past programs have featured work by superstars like Annie Leibovitz). 2121 Park Ave.; 305-673-7530; www.bassmuseum.org
culture | art

Charter a Yacht Renting a yacht is an unforgettable way to experience the flashy Miami Vice lifestyle, if only for a day. Channel Don Johnson as you slip into a pair of docksiders and light a cigar on the deck of your private chartered yacht. Take the helm as captain or hire a full service crew to navigate the turquoise Biscayne Bay while you kick back and relax, cold beverage of choice in hand. Downtown; 401 Biscayne Blvd., Bayside Marketplace & Marina; 305-223-3488; www.miamicharters.com
smart splurge | outdoors | water sports | boating

Coral Castle The Coral Castle consists of turrets, fountains, a rocking chair, even a revolving nine-ton door you can push open with a finger – all built out of coral over a 28-year period using nothing but hand tools. 28655 S. Dixie Hwy.; 305-248-6345; www.coralcastle.com
family | culture

Miami Seaquarium Recognize the building? It was the backdrop for the movie Flipper. Dolphins, manatees, sea lions, and Lolita the killer whale, entertain the whole family; kids love feeding the seals. Key Biscayne; 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy.; 305-361-5705; www.miamiseaquarium.com
family | wildlife

Salsa Mia Before diving into the South Beach club scene, dress to impress and learn the swift foot-work of salsa dancing. Classes meet at 8:15pm in the Yuca Lounge, a second-floor dance spot two blocks from the beach. The two-hour class gives you plenty of time to practice your moves before a night on the town South Beach; 501 Lincoln Rd.; 305-987-3033; www.salsamia.com
nightlife | dancing

The Wolfsonian This quirky museum houses design, furniture, and artwork relating to 20th- and late-19th-century social movements in the U.S. and Europe. The 1927 Mediterranean Revival building is a sight in itself. 1001 Washington Ave.; 305-531-1001; www.wolfsonian.fiu.edu
family | architecture | culture | art

Venetian Pool Everyone from model types to families come to splash in this romantic swimming hole which was dug out from coral rock in the '20s and surrounded by Mediterranean-style walls, turrets, and bridges. 2701 De Soto Blvd.; 305-460-5357; www.venetianpool.com
family | outdoors | swimming

Visit an animal park Find feathered friends like Cockatoos and African Queens out in force at this elaborate island animal park, as well as critters like orangutans, crocodiles, giant snakes, and land tortoises. Watson Island; Jungle Island, 1111 Jungle Island Trail; 305-400-7000; www.parrotjungle.com
family | wildlife

Vizcaya Business mogul James Deering's early 20th-century take on a grand, Italianate, renaissance palazzo draws brides, debutantes, and tourists for photo ops in its lush formal gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay. 3251 S. Miami Ave.; 305-250-9133; www.vizcayamuseum.org
family | architecture | culture | history

Related Articles

QuickSearch

Compare Rates

Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon Calendar Icon
«Return to Previous Page