5x What to do in Miami

Miami is a trendy city with a vibrant nightlife and beautiful white beaches. You can take fun day trips from Miami, but the city itself is also more than suitable for a stay of a few days. In addition, Miami is easily accessible from Amsterdam or other big cities in Europe: you can fly there directly in about 8-10 hours.

We didn't stay in Miami for very long ourselves because we were just passing through, but we did have enough time to visit a number of highlights. Below you will find the best things to do in Miami!

Walk along Ocean Drive and the Art Deco District

One of the nicest things to do in Miami is walk along Ocean Drive. This 1.5-kilometer-long street runs alongside a park where people exercise and stroll. Located in the southern part of Miami Beach, Ocean Drive is a lively spot with many people, food trucks and luxury cars that are eagerly shown off.

Additionally, you will find the famous Art Deco District here, where you can admire more than 800 historic buildings from the 1920s and 1930s. The pastel-colored buildings complete the whole picture.

Lunch at Casa Casuarina (Gianni Versace Mansion)

Gianni Versace's former villa is an iconic place to visit. The fashion designer was tragically murdered on the doorstep of his home and today the villa has been converted into a luxury hotel and restaurant.

The beautiful inner courtyard with a swimming pool now forms the backdrop for a special lunch experience. Here, you dine entirely in the signature, luxurious style of Versace.

We opted for a three-course lunch and everything tasted delicious. Definitely recommended during your visit to Miami!

Sunbathing on South Beach

South Beach (also known as SoBe) is located, as the name suggests, in the south of Miami Beach and borders Ocean Drive and the Art Deco District. The beach has become world-famous thanks to Baywatch and consequently attracts many visitors.

It is a wide, long beach with colorful lifeguard huts that are perfect for photos. But you can of course enjoy swimming and sunbathing here as well. An ideal spot for a relaxing day at the beach!

Search for alligators in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is located about an hour's drive from Miami. You can drive there yourself, but there are also many organizations that offer day tours from the city.

Once inside the park, you can take a tour in a typical airboat, speeding across the water in search of alligators. Such a ride lasts about 30 minutes. At the beginning, you travel at high speed (up to 60 km/h) to a quieter area. Bringing earplugs is highly recommended, as the boat engines make an incredible amount of noise.

After that, you sail slower, and the guide tells you all sorts of things about the nature and animals. We ended up seeing two alligators, which made the experience extra special.

Go on a cruise from Miami

Miami is not called the “Cruise Capital of the World” for nothing. Multiple cruise ships depart daily for destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico and even New York.

A cruise from Miami — especially a short trip to the Bahamas — is often much cheaper than a comparable cruise in Europe. Moreover, it is a relaxed way to discover multiple islands and we highly recommend!