Your quick guide to making the most out of Miami

Miami welcomes 14 million visitors every year and is a haven for beach-lovers, art aficionados, fans of vintage design and architecture, and those that thrive on a unique cultural mix unique to this fair city. I’ve whittled down the best things to do in Miami to the very best ones, sparing you hours of online research and ensuring you have the time of your life in this magical city. So, without further ado, here’s your quick guide to making the most out of your time in Miami.

1. Outdoor Movie night at Soundscape Park

Every year from October through May, Soundscape Park hosts free movies every Wednesday evening. This is a great community event where you can sit back, relax on the lawn of the park under the stars and palm trees, and watch the giant movie projected on the wall of the New World Symphony Hall.

2. Sports in Flamingo Park

Flamingo Park is in the center of South Beach and includes all kinds of sports complexes including basketball courts, a baseball field, a soccer field, running tracks, tennis courts, a football field, racquetball courts, and even a swimming pool. This tip will come in particularly handy for those that are planning on spending a longer period in Miami – studying English, for example.

3. Beach Fitness

One of the most unique ways to enjoy Miami is to head out to the exercise areas dotting the beach (they’re called Fitness Zones). I can’t think of a more fun and fabulous setting to improve your strength and cardio.

4. Excursion to Everglades National Park

One of the most unique landscapes in the US is found in the Florida Everglades. This area provides a habitat for lots of endangered species and is a great opportunity to learn about the state’s history, see some alligators, and take an airboat ride. And it’s not far from Miami.

5. Miami Marlins Baseball Game

Watching baseball has been a beloved activity for much of the country for decades (it’s known as ‘America’s pastime, after all). In Miami you’re as well placed as anywhere to watch this famous sport at Marlins Park.

6. Concerts

Famous artists almost always make a stop in Miami. Keep an eye on tour and ticket sellers – or let us do the work if you’re studying with us – and make sure you buy your tickets as soon as possible.

7. Sunset Island Paddle Tour

One of the coolest ways to enjoy Miami is by kayak. This island paddle tour takes you through the bay of Miami Beach and includes a stop at a small private island for snacks and photos!

8. Outlet mall shopping

Miami has some of the best outlet malls in the world and it’s worth heading out to either Dolphin Mall or Sawgrass Mall for some heavily discounted shopping – and an all-American mall experience.

9. Wynwood

Wynwood is one of the trendiest areas in Miami and worth it for the intricate graffiti in Wynwood Walls, as well as the awesome art galleries nearby. There are also plenty of unique shops and delicious restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else, and great spots for nightlife.

10. Biscayne National Park

One of the only National Parks in the United States that is primarily underwater, Biscayne National Park is a great spot for diving and snorkeling due to the coral reefs and shipwrecks found there. The park stretches across much of the Florida Keys and Key Biscayne itself, only a 20 minute drive from Miami Beach.

11. Sunset at South Point Park

South Point is one of the most beautiful parks in South Beach. This is a lovely place to take sunset photos, watch the Cruise Ships depart from Miami Harbor, and take a walk down South Point Pier.

12. Shopping on Lincoln Road

Lincoln Road has been one of the most popular streets in South Beach for over 50 years. Often referred to as the “City Center” of South Beach, this is a great place for shopping and dining, or visiting the Farmer’s Market on Sundays.

13. Little Havana

Miami has a lot of Cuban flare and Little Havana is one of the best places to explore the diversity that defines this city. This area is a perfect spot to try some authentic Cuban cuisine, learn to salsa dance, and experience a new culture, especially during the Cultural Friday Festivals which are hosted once per month.