The best things to do in Miami right now

What is it? A moving story set in 1929, during the waning days of the hand-rolled Cuban cigar industry in Ybor City, where a lector’s decision to read Anna Karenina to the employees during their work inspires disquieting real-life parallels to the great Russian novel.

Why go? Miami playwright Nilo Cruz’s poetic and sensual play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2003, and returns to the Magic City for this 20th-anniversary production.

What is it? The million-dollar horse race ($3 million, to be exact) returns to Gulfstream Park this January with more food, celebrities and high-caliber performances.

Why go? You don't have to be a horse enthusiast to enjoy a day at the races. Come for the celebrity sightings and atmosphere, which borders on South Beach nightclub thanks to a day party and live musical performances from Kygo and OneRepublic. 

Don't miss: Groot Hospitality restaurants Komodo, Papi Steak, Key Club and Gekkō pop up at Carousel Club for your enjoyment.

What is it? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden dedicates two full days to the beloved cocoa bean for this 16th annual event.

Why go? The main star of the show—if you couldn’t guess—is chocolate. Don’t miss your opportunity to taste samples from artisan chocolatiers, indulge in chocolate pairings with wine and spirits, sit in on lectures and participate in all sorts of sweet demonstrations.

What is it? Miami Design Preservation League's winter celebration of all things Art Deco. The theme for this 46th edition is "Art Deco Worldwide," in honor of the upcoming 16th World Congress on Art Deco, taking place from April 18 through 30 in South Florida. 

Why go? Relive all things Jazz Age at the annual festival, with free events and activities including the artisan and antiques marketplace, a classic car show, lectures, films, guided architectural tours and a variety of musical performances. 

What is it? Miami's premier performing arts center. 

Why go? The striking postmodern architecture alone makes it worth a visit. But the fact that it’s home to Zoetic Stage, the Florida Grand Opera and the Miami City Ballet, and occasionally hosts the New World Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra, doesn’t hurt either.

Don't miss: This month, the Arsht Center welcomes Disney's Aladdin as part of its Broadway Across America Series as well as the world premiere of American Rhapsody, a Zoetic Stage production.

What is it? This 72nd annual arts festival in support of South Florida’s first art museum, the Lowe, returns to the University of Miami’s campus.

Why go? Miami’s longest-running juried art festival encourages an appreciation of the arts across Miami and features over 150 outdoor fine-art exhibits, local vendors, a beer garden, live music and lots of food.

What is it? The bar that started it all. Without the Broken Shaker, we’d still be ordering vodka-sodas and flavoring our drinks with cranberry juice.

Why go? For the tropi-cool vibes you can only get hanging poolside at Miami’s OG cocktail bar. If you’re hanging in a group, try one of the epic punches—they’re seasonal and a boozy bang-for-your-buck. The rotating list of daily specials is great too if you’re not into sharing.

Don’t miss: The upstairs lounge above the adjacent 27 Restaurant is now its own nightlife enterprise called the Eagle Room. It’s hot, sweaty and will keep you dancing till late.

What is it? An IRL version of the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL. 

Why go? It's a 360-degree, immersive experience that weaves together hot dance performances, acrobatics, live music and cocktails, which you’ll want on deck as things heat up throughout the 90-minute production.

Don't miss: Organizers have built a souped-up venue complete with a lounge serving food and drink options pre- and post-show.

What is it? Urbanspace, producers of NYC’s largest holiday markets, is expanding nationally and landing right here in Miami with the Urbanspace Lincoln Road Holiday Market. Its first endeavor outside of the city will run from November 15 through February 15 (opening daily from 10am to 9pm), bringing more than 100 local and out-of-state vendors to the busy pedestrian strip in South Beach.

Why go? Miami’s will mirror a similar layout to New York’s with dozens of outdoor pop-up shops along Lincoln Road at the intersection of Washington Avenue. The outdoor marketplace will be a brightly lit, outdoor shopping extravaganza, featuring items across a long list of categories—from home goods and artisanal food products to toys, apparel and accessories.

Don't miss: In addition to retail, the holiday market plans to put on musical performances, art installations and Instagrammable photo displays throughout the season.

What is it? A massive 50,000-square-foot art space dedicated to the production of experiential mediums.

Why go? With so many so-called Instagrammable installations floating about, it’s hard to get excited about anything that bills itself as experiential or immersive—but that’s not Superblue Miami. Featuring brand new works by some of the art world’s most notable artists, the groundbreaking venture challenges perceptions, heightens the senses and generally wows with its thoughtfully curated exhibition. On view this season: works by Es Devlin, James Turrell and teamLab.

Don’t miss: TeamLab’s Massless Clouds Between Sculpture and Life is an add-on to the regular price of admission, but there’s no question you’ll want to experience it. The is space filled from floor to ceiling with giant floating clouds made out of foam and you’ll have a ball walking through it, playing in it and taking all the pictures. It’s Instagram gold.

What is it? Miami’s number one attraction is a surreal Italian Renaissance-style villa in the middle of lush, laid-back Coconut Grove. Its meticulously landscaped gardens, sprawling bayfront terrace and, well, the house itself, make up a total of 43 acres.

Why go? Vizcaya makes for the most fetching photo backdrop in the city (just ask the quinceañeras and brides roaming about) and its inimitable collection of European antiques and decorative works from the 16th to 19th centuries is truly breathtaking. Need to up your social game? Vizcaya is home to some of Miami’s most Instagrammable floors and staircases.

Don’t miss: Vizcaya’s event calendar is packed with free activities that are accessible year-round.

What is it? The city’s first and only outdoor museum dedicated to street art.

Why go? The decade-old cultural institution is the famed epicenter of the Wynwood Arts District, legitimizing graffiti art with a roster of more than 50 murals painted by renowned artists around the world—from Shepard Fairey and Kenny Scharf to Kelsey Montague. Vibrant in color, deep in meaning and large in scope, the groundbreaking Walls are the undisputed selfie capital of Miami and chances are you’ll recognize some of the murals from the profile pics in your Insta feed.

What is it? Spanning across a massive 250,000 square feet, the new Frost Science (an upgrade from its previous Coconut Grove location) occupies four buildings—the Aquarium, the Frost Planetarium and the North and West Wings—features year-round exhibits and is a delight for curious minds of all ages.

Why go? Frost Science is as state-of-the-art as it gets, featuring interactive opportunities, a 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream aquarium that houses all sorts of sea creatures and a planetarium dome that hosts monthly laser light shows.

Don’t miss: Laser evenings are back at Frost Science, featuring monthly laser light spectacles set to incredible soundtracks. The shows rotate often and include music by the likes of the Beatles, David Bowie, The Who and more.

What is it? Miami Beach’s biggest—and most famous—nightclub is back in business at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

Why go? Who needs Vegas when you’ve got LIV? Since reopening, the crown jewel of nightlife has pulled in more top-tier talent than ever before—not to mention the throngs of celebrities partying it up till dawn. It’s a tough door but well worth the effort.

Don’t miss: The latest name on LIV’s proverbial marquee. Whomever it is, it’s sure to be major.

What is it? New York sensation Rocky Lanes will serve as a sexy spiritual guide at Faena Theater's new high-tech cabaret that dares guests to peek behind the veil of the known to explore the divine matrices encoded within us all. 

Why go? Ultra-high-tech holographic architecture, interactive motion capture and body mapping converge with choreographed dancers, singers and musicians to explore themes of Futurism and seduction in this ethereal, high-energy production with a 1980s Latin-inspired soundtrack.

Don't miss: Small bites during the show, like the whipped burrata with roasted tomato confit or the Spicy Tuna Pillows, adorable little pita pockets stuffed with spicy ahi tuna, chives and lemon zest. 

What is it? Designed by iconic architectural guru Morris Lapidus in the 1950s, Lincoln Road Mall was once dubbed the “Fifth Avenue of the South,” though it’s now commonly referred to as “Lincoln.” Endless sidewalk cafés, lounges and cultural venues—such as the Colony Theatre—stretch along its length from Washington Avenue to Alton Road.

Why go? The Herzog & de Meuron–designed 1111 Lincoln Road is quite possibly the world’s most glamorous parking garage and houses upscale retail on the ground level. But there are more than several blocks of stores and boutiques to browse and shop for hours.

Don’t miss: Lincoln Road continues to expand its offerings with a growing list of pop-ups that stick around longer than expected—which is a good thing! Catch plant store Plant Daddy and Sol + Sorbet among other not-so-temporary shops while you can.

What is it? Authentic cuisine, cocktails and culture—this charming Cuban restaurant in Little Havana packs the neighborhood’s hallmarks into one inviting spot.

Why go? It’s rare to find a place that ticks off all the boxes of a proper touristic experience and also captures the attention of locals. James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein is behind the stellar menu, featuring favorites like the irresistible jamón serrano croquettes, hand-cut steak empanadas and risotto-style arroz con pollo. While decorated cantinero Julio Cabrera mixes up all kinds of cocktails

Don’t miss: The house band playing Trova-style music nightly. Let the sounds of Cuban son sweep you away!

What is it? Everything you like about a hotel—think fun lobby, hip coffee counter, cool bar dotted with beautiful people—minus the rooms.

Why go? Play all day and go home to your very own bed at night. It’s the sweetest deal if you ask us. Freehold Miami has areas to get work done and take meetings, booths to meet friends for a cocktail when business turns to pleasure and a large outdoor area serving a full menu of drinks and bites from day to night. If hotel hangs at places like the Ace and the Standard are your nightlife vibe, you’ll have found a home at Freehold Miami.

Don’t miss: Everything is half-off at the bar during happy hour. Stop in on weekdays for $7 ’tinis and spring for a half-off pizza to nosh on while you sip.

What is it? One of South Florida’s natural jewels, this 83-acre garden, named after renowned botanist and Miami resident David Fairchild, is filled with tropical splendor: a lush rainforest with a stream, sunken garden, dramatic vistas, an enormous vine pergola and a museum of plant exploration.

Why go? It’s about the easiest, most scenic place to socially distance right now. And there are plenty of shady corners that provide respite from the summer heat.

Don’t miss: Fairchild Garden's monthly programming offers activities for kids, pets and adults. Be sure to check the calendar for the latest schedule.

What is it? Find a slice of old-world Europe right in the middle of South Beach. Española Way is a charming, pedestrian strip lined with shops, restaurants and cozy, bilevel hotels that transport you to far-flung places.

Why go? Much larger Lincoln Road may have overshadowed it at one point, but the bustling tourist corridor is attracting more locals than ever before with its sidewalk eateries and free outdoor programming. Experience Paris’ café culture at enduring favorite A La Folie Café, serving up hard-to-find French classics. Drink your way down the tree-lined street’s mix of open-air bars and restaurants, stopping to take in the live music and unique people-watching, and get away from Miami without the need to go very far.

Don’t miss: One of lockdown’s best home chefs, Ben Murray, just opened his Vietnamese sandwich shop, Benh Mi, and there's a fried chicken banh mi you'll want to try ASAP. 

What is it? At the tip of serene, secluded Key Biscayne is this 400-acre state park with beach access, picnic tables, bike trails, and watersport rentals.

Why go? A great place for families with accessible parking close to the sand, Bill Baggs is home to South Florida’s only lighthouse. Take the kids and let them climb the 109 steps to the top of the lookout.

Don’t miss: Boater’s Grill is one of Miami’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away at a far corner of the park, the waterfront spot provides free docking for small vessels and serves moderately priced breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What is it? Don and Mera Rubell’s eponymous museum houses nearly 7,200 works by more than 1,000 contemporary artists. From Basquiat and Warhol to Koons, the whos-who of 20th-century artists is well represented.

Why go? It’s a former warehouse the couple turned into a sprawling exhibition space after outgrowing their Wynwood gallery of more than 26 years. With 53,000 square feet to play with, the Rubells have room to exhibit as well as engage the community via school partnerships and curatorial training programs.

Don’t miss: Dig into elevated tapas at Leku, the onsite Basque restaurant that’s every bit as enchanting as the contemporary art collection you just witnessed.

What is it? Built by James Deering’s similarly well-off brother Charles as his own sophisticated winter estate, the vast property encompasses several buildings, a mangrove boardwalk and a significant archeological discovery. 

Why go? Outdoorsy types will appreciate the guided nature walks and birding opportunities. Plus, the estate boasts a fossil pit of 50,000-year-old animal bones and 10,000-year-old human remains; the latter are Paleo-Indians.

Don’t miss: As the weather cools, Deering ups its programming, including this month's Historic Holidays Evening Stroll, which takes visitors on a tour of the estate's glamorous decor by some of South Florida’s top interior designers, led by Designer in Residence Alfredo Brito.

What is it? What began in 1964 as a small, private collection of contemporary art is now an internationally recognized institution with hundreds of pieces within its multiple halls. The 1930s Art Deco building also has meeting areas and classrooms for family-friendly programming, though some of that is on hold for now.

Why go? The Bass’s permanent collections, as well as its traveling exhibitions, comprise art people actually want to see—and Instagram (the real reason we go to museums these days, right?). Think large-scale works made up of found objects that probe us and a site-specific work of LED signs that make you feel at home.

Don’t miss: Spend some time on the lawn exploring the museum’s public art, including Jim Drain’s chess table, Ugo Rondinone’s unmissable Miami Mountain and Najja Moon’s monument to motherhood, Your momma’s voice in the back of your head, which debuted this past spring.

What is it? A throwback to Florida’s fruit stands of old, Robert is Here started in 1959 when the shop’s namesake, then six, began selling his family’s cucumbers from a roadside table. It has since grown into an emporium of exotic fruit and vegetables—and a huge tourist attraction.

Why go? A lovely farm setting, a bevy of exotic fruit—which you can ask to be whipped into a fresh milk shake—and an adorable petting zoo make this worthy of the trek down (way) south.

Don’t miss: Beyond sourcing nearly every type of fruit available, Robert is Here stocks “Grandma’s Kitchen,” its small general store, with local honey, artisanal bread and other yummy, Miami-made treats. 

What is it? A stunning rooftop bar that sits atop East, Miami, rewarding those who venture up with 360-views of the city and Asian-themed cocktails. It’s a bougie crowd, so dress accordingly.

Why go? While a rooftop bar on the mainland might not instantly seem like an essential thing to do in the city, Sugar is deserving of its spot on the list. At 40 floors, it’s the tallest bar in Miami and its secluded, storybook garden setting is like none other.

Don’t miss: Come before the crowds to catch an absolutely stunning sunset over the Miami skyline. Stick around for the lively after-dinner crowd, or bop around Downtown after wetting your beak to find less pricy drinking options.

What is it? This massive national park spans 1.5 million acres of wetlands. See alligators, cranes, turtles, manatees and even panthers roam their native habitat freely.

Why go? There’s no place in the world like it, and it’s within driving distance of downtown Miami. With three separate entrances, visitors can explore on foot, on a bicycle and via boat.

Don’t miss: Have you ever zipped to marshes on an airboat? It’s the most exhilarating way to see the Everglades, and now’s your chance.

What is it? This self-proclaimed “most famous Cuban restaurant in the world” is arguably more popular than its palatial namesake in France. The Little Havana institution is the unofficial meeting place for the city’s Cuban community, who crowd the cafecito window 24/7 sipping on Cuban coffee.

Why go? Toasted Cuban sandwiches, piping-hot Cuban coffee served in thimble-sized cups, authentic Cuban pastelitos made the exact same way for 40-plus years, yummy arroz con pollo...shall we go on?

Don’t miss: Versaille’s adjacent bakery (it all connects inside) doubles as a charming dessert shop selling mini flans and key lime pies as well as Cuban-inspired ice cream. Get your meal to-go or take advantage of the large tents in the parking lot, offering loads of socially distant outdoor dining.

What is it? The former Decorators’ Row has expanded into a hub for vanguard architecture, fashion and art. There are several multilevel, open-air shopping complexes like Palm Court and Paradise Plaza where to shop for luxury fashion labels including Emilio Pucci and Giorgio Armani. 

Why go? If your pockets aren’t deep enough for the shops, there’s always the neighborhood’s growing number of galleries, a slew of public art and free museums, such as the ICA.

Don’t miss: The food! From Michelin-starred Cote and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon to hometown darling Itamae, some of the best meals in Miami are within walking distance.

What is it? The city’s premier wildlife center is home to thousands of animals, from reptiles to mammals to birds. The sprawling facility spans across 750 acres and is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida.

Why go? Due to the zoo’s sub-tropical temps, species native to Australia, Africa and other warm climates comfortably reside here. Forget a safari—Zoo Miami is where you’ll safely spot zebras, giraffes and lions. 

Don’t miss: Hop on a Safari Cycle (with room for up to six riders) and see it all without tiring yourself out.

What is it? Miami’s 24/7 ultraclub is a playground for celebrities and hard-partying locals alike.

Why go? If you’re in the mood for going all out, E11even has you covered with a full nightlife experience—think dancers, bottle service and tons of big-name musical performances. 

Don’t miss: The people-watching. Sit back and take it all in.