Top Things to Do in Miami Beach
Iconic, legendary and always vibrant, Miami Beach offers a smorgasbord of things to do.
You can experience blockbuster clubs that include the The Palace, where mimosas and drag queens take center stage at the club’s famous drag show brunch; tour the Historic Art Deco District to see over 800 stunning architectural landmarks from the 1920s; or crack open some fresh claws at Joe's Stone Crab, heralded as the best anywhere, anytime.
Parks, beaches, museums, hotels and spas all compete for well-deserved attention.
Dance the night away with the beautiful people at the ultra-modern, high-energy LIV nightclub inside the Fontainebleau Hotel and Nightlife Complex.
- Fontainebleau Hotel
Nightlife, Bars and Clubs
It’s no secret that the nights in Miami Beach are even more sizzling hot than the days. Here are some favorite haunts and under-the-radar gems.
Every queen needs a palace, and this one’s a dandy. You can start the celebration early with mimosas and drag queens at The Palace’s famous drag show brunch-- an out-of-control spectacle in the best possible way—explore the rooftop bar, indulge in notorious nightlife, or just throw back the drinks and let go.
Sip an eye-opening Irish coffee or Bloody Mary at Mac's Club Deuce, billed as Miami’s oldest bar and quirkiest dive. Playboy, Anthony Bourdain, and a slew of other celebrities have sung the praises of this local legend. This rustic classic opens their doors at 8 a.m. every day of the week and doesn’t stop the celebrations until the next morning at 5 a.m.
Dance the night away with the beautiful people at the ultra-modern, high-energy LIV nightclub inside the Fontainebleau Hotel and Nightlife Complex. Inside, you’ll find four full-service bars, and if you want to spoil yourself you can reserve a banquet spot or a private skybox. This is where legends and personalities come for both their shows and the after party, so keep your eye out for stars on the stage and off it.
Puff on an intricate hookah with Lincoln Road as a backdrop from D’vine Hookah Lounge, a first of its kind for Miami Beach. It features over 65 flavors to try while you kick back in their plush and modern lounge. More than that, they offer a full-service bar and a menu of exotic foods that will make the experience just… well, divine.
Check out more nightlife from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Tour Miami Beach’s epic, Historic Art Deco District by foot or bike to wonder over 800 stunning architectural landmarks from the 1920s and beyond. - Patrick Farrell
Art and Culture
With colorful galleries, iconic art fairs and perched-on-the-edge-of-your-seat performing arts, Miami Beach is a mecca for art and culture lovers.
Tour Miami Beach’s epic, Historic Art Deco District by foot or bike to wonder over 800 stunning architectural landmarks from the 1920s and beyond. You can walk yourself through the history or take a narrated tour and hear the mesmerizing stories behind the first contemporary neighborhood to be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
Attend an outdoor audiovisual “wallcast” while listening to the New World Symphony at New World Center’s SoundScape Park, where the classic sounds of a full orchestra are combined with cutting edge audio and visual technologies to provide a free, mind-blowing concert experience. Make sure you bring something to sit on so you can relax and enjoy the music.
Willie Nelson! The White Stripes! Check out a concert or comedy show at The Fillmore at Jackie Gleason Theater, a historic landmark that’s been showcasing staggering talent since the 50s, including James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Otis Redding, Cream, and everyone else who was or is somebody. Renovated in 2007, the quality, variety and sheer number of shows held at the Fillmore is monumental. Yes, you need to go.
Bring your wild side, a sense of humor, and possibly a date to experience the Wilzig Erotic Art Museum, filled with paintings, sculptures, pop culture props and miscellany. More than just a collection of inappropriate materials, this museum features spectacular artwork, some dating back to thousands of years ago and from all corners of the world.
Buy a colorful, one-of-a-kind print, sculpture, tote bag, dish or puzzle wearing the artwork of Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto. Inspired by Matisse and Picasso, this cheery artist uses vibrant colors that exude happiness in a reflection of his optimistic view of the world. You can find his work in his Britto store in Miami International Airport, or in art stores all around Miami Beach.
Grab a coffee and snack and watch only the best indie flicks at the headquarters of the Miami Beach Film Society. Part of the Art Deco District, this cinema features a screening room, an art gallery, a bookstore, and a café to service all of your hipster needs.
Support the arts and check out sumptuous exhibits at Oolite Arts, which showcases over 1,000 visual artists, both budding and established. Oolite garners high praise as a trailblazer in the South Florida contemporary cultural scene and as a creative learning center.
And there’s more!
Check out more area art and culture from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau..
A platter of Joe's Stone Crabs - Emeril's Florida
Miami Beach Restaurants
A legend for its daring Latin and Caribbean flavors, trendy restaurants anchored by celebrity chefs, and tremendous food festivals, Miami Beach invites you to explore its culinary scene one table at a time.
Crack open some fresh claws at Joe's Stone Crab. They’ve been around for over 100 years now, starting out before Miami Beach was a city. They were also the first to serve the delicacy that is the Florida Stone Crab, and they’ve been the best at cooking them ever since. If crab isn’t your thing, they’ve got a bit of everything, from their renowned fried chicken to their famous key lime pie. You’ll likely have to wait for a table but it’ll be worth it.
It’s easy to imagine you’re at the famous Brazilian Carnivale when you sit down for dinner and a show at Mango's Tropical Café. Expect lively reggae music, salsa dancing, and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. On a special night, you might catch some belly dancing or an ultra-modern hip hop show.
Order a croque monsieur and a salad with house specialty vinaigrette at La Sandwicherie, a small sandwich bar that packs a punch with its authentic French food and fresh smoothies. It’s not fancy, but this dive is regarded by many foodies as the best sandwich shop in all of Florida.
Cool down with kosher Key lime sorbet or rich cappuccino chip ice cream, made fresh daily with premium juices, candies, chocolate, butterfat and creative ingredients at The Frieze. This small ice cream shop is nestled in the artistic district of Miami Beach, making it the perfect spot to refuel on your stroll around town.
Indulge in a decadent raspberry chocolate mousse cake or streusel apple pie from Icebox Café, a restaurant in South Beach known for using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms in South Florida. The salads are memorable as well.
Dress up, sip fine champagne with your toes in the sand, and enjoy the Sunday brunch of your life at Nikki Beach. Their flagship location in South Beach features a fresh crepe and Belgian waffle station, farm fresh eggs and sushi, all in a beautiful beach club setting.
Here are more area eateries from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.