The best things to do in Miami for locals and tourists

What is it? The Balloon Museum's globe-trotting "Pop Air" exhibition has landed at Mana Wynwood, an entire immersive environment dedicated to inflatable art, with large-scale works from contemporary artists working at the intersection of art, design, and technology.

Why go? This is not a stand-and-observe situation. You're meant to wander, touch, and interact — through a geometric inflatable labyrinth that shifts your sense of space, a suspended sphere installation that responds to movement, a room where balloons swirl in controlled tornadoes, and a massive LED-lit butterfly you can power yourself by swinging. It's already done Rome, Paris, New York, and LA, and Wynwood's cavernous Mana space gives these installations more room than they've had anywhere.

Don't miss: The luminous projection-filled ecosystem by Hyperstudio.Open through September 27th, Mon–Thu 1–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm. Tickets from $41 weekdays, $49 weekends.

What is it? Miami's independent bookstore scene has quietly boomed over the last few years, with new shops, new concepts, and new neighborhoods joining legacy institutions to make the city one of the more interesting places to browse for books in the South.

Why go? The range runs from Books & Books — anchoring Coral Gables since 1982 — to a romance-only shop, a bilingual Argentine import, and a mobile bookstore that rolls up to wine bars. There's something for every kind of reader; here's where to find them. 

Don't miss: Chapter and Coast, Miami's only mobile bookstore — a one-woman operation that pops up at local bars and events rather than waiting for you to find her. Follow along on Instagram to catch the next stop.

What is it? Built in 1924 from a coral rock quarry in the heart of Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool is the only public swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places: 820,000 gallons of fresh spring water, refilled daily, surrounded by waterfalls, cave-like grottos, and Mediterranean Revival architecture.

Why go? Because it's hot and this is one of the most beautiful places to cool off in all of South Florida. The water stays around 77 degrees, the setting is genuinely stunning, and it feels nothing like a public pool. It feels like somewhere you stumbled into by accident and immediately want to keep to yourself.

Don't miss: The grottos behind the waterfall — go early on a weekday before the crowds arrive, buy your tickets online in advance, and claim your spot before capacity cuts you off. Tickets from $22 for non-residents of Coral Gables; open Tue–Fri from 11am, weekends from 10am.

What is it? Miami's jazz scene is more alive than most people realize, scattered across neighborhoods and formats, from polished hotel lounges to no-frills downtown bars, and now a new intimate salon on Miracle Mile.

Why go? Because Miami is more than reggaeton and EDM. The Betsy Hotel's Piano Bar on Ocean Drive is Miami Beach's longest-running live music series. It's free seven nights a week with a rotating cast of performers running the range from traditional to Latin to experimental. In Gale South Beach's basement, Medium Cool runs jazz Wednesday through Sunday from 7–10pm before the DJs take over, with happy hour until 9. Downtown, The Corner's Tuesday night jazz series is the opposite of polished. Bands set up alongside wood-paneled walls with no real separation from the crowd and play two sets starting around 10pm. And we're just scratching the surface here. 

Don't miss: The Burrow, the new members-driven cultural salon on Coral Gables' Miracle Mile that just opened this spring. It operates on a hybrid model — some events are members-only, others are ticketed and open to the public — and books the kind of talent (Grammy-winning Cuban drummer Calixto Oviedo has already played here) that makes you feel like you found something. Check theburrow.club for upcoming shows.

What is it? A Miami Beach institution since 1913 — the restaurant that essentially invented the stone crab as a dining event. Joe's serves its iconic claws chilled with mustard sauce from October through May, and the wait for a table has been a rite of passage for generations of locals and visitors alike.

Why go? Because stone crab season is finite (ends May 1), and Joe's does it better than anyone. The claws are cracked and served cold, the mustard sauce is the right amount of sharp, and the key lime pie is non-negotiable. It's one of those places that has earned every bit of its reputation without trying to.

Time Out tip: Skip the wait entirely and order takeout. Grab your claws, your mustard sauce and a slice of key lime pie, then walk five minutes down the road to South Pointe Park and find a spot on the lawn as the sun goes down over the water. It's as good a table than anything inside.

What is it? Miami sits at the top of the Florida Reef Tract, the third-largest barrier reef in the world, making it one of the most accessible diving destinations in North America. Within a short boat ride of shore you'll find natural reefs, shallow wrecks and some genuinely strange man-made sites — all in warm, clear water year-round.

Why go? The Neptune Memorial Reef is the standout, a one-of-a-kind underwater cemetery three miles off Miami Beach, designed to resemble the Lost City of Atlantis, with archways, Romanesque columns and benches all blanketed in coral growth at 40 feet. For reef diving, Emerald Reef just east of Key Biscayne is one of the most beautiful patch reefs in the area, shallow enough for snorkelers and divers alike. And then there's REEFLINE, Miami Beach's ambitious new underwater sculpture park and hybrid coral reef, conceived by cultural placemaker Ximena Caminos with a master plan by OMA. The first installation, Concrete Coral by artist Leandro Erlich, consists of 22 life-sized concrete cars arranged in a surreal traffic jam 20 feet below the surface, already being colonized by fish and seeded with thousands of corals. It's only the beginning of what will eventually span the full seven-mile length of Miami Beach.

Time Out tip: Most dive operators run two-tank morning trips that get you back by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day for the beach. Squalo Divers and Diver's Paradise Miami are two of the most consistently recommended shops for guided reef and wreck trips.

What is it? After sell-out runs in Paris, Rome, and Milan, From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce&Gabbana arrives in Miami, offering a rare look inside the creative universe of designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

Why go? The fully immersive experience traces how their ideas move from inspiration to execution—all by hand. Curated by Florence Müller and produced by IMG, the show brings together more than 300 Alta Moda pieces, set within immersive installations and shown alongside works by contemporary artists, celebrating the artisanry, excess, and exuberance of Italian aesthetics. 

Time Out tip: Give yourself plenty of time to experience the collections, spanning more than a dozen rooms. From Sicily to Milan, from history to pop culture, the exhibition makes it clear: this isn't just fashion. It’s culture, memory, and a lot of very skilled hands.

What is it? With a collection spanning Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, Frank Stella and Ana Mendieta, plus a rotating slate of high-caliber traveling exhibitions, Pérez Art Museum Miami is one of the city's essential cultural institutions — and one of its most beautifully situated, perched on Biscayne Bay in Museum Park.

Why go? The current exhibition Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture includes over 100 works across painting, sculpture, photography, video and historic memorabilia examining how sport has shaped personal expression and collective memory. Originally organized by SFMOMA, the Miami presentation is expanded with works from PAMM's permanent collection, timed perfectly against a year when the Miami Open, Formula 1 and the FIFA World Cup all come to town. 

Time Out tip: On Thursday evenings, the waterfront terrace comes alive with Thursdays at PAMM  free live music, happy hour at Verde and gallery access until 9pm, making it one of the better free nights out in the city. Admission to the museum is free all day on First Thursdays and Second Saturdays, with art-making activities for families from 11am to 3pm.

What is it? This is Miami's premier performing arts center, and December marks the start of its busiest season, with a new Broadway in Miami series kicking off on December 2.

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 the Cleveland Orchestra, doesn’t hurt either. 

Don't miss: Arrive to your show early for a meal (or just drinks and apps if you're short on time) at Teatro, the Arsht's recently debuted on-site restaurant that's high on drama (and Latin American-inspired flavors).

What is it? When it comes to dining on the water, Miami has a bit of everything: Lively dockside dives, glamorous Mediterranean-inspired lounges and wellness-focused options abound—not to mention storied hotspots where celebrities (both legit and aspiring) arrive via yacht.

Why go? From seafood towers and $1 oysters to dog-friendly decks where piña coladas flow like water, Miami has that and more. If you’re not seizing every opportunity to indulge at one of Miami’s many waterfront restaurants, you’re doing something wrong. Tap through to peruse our full guide to Miami's best waterfront dining right now.

Don't miss: A chill sesh at Gramps Getaway, our 2024 pick for the best new bar in Miami and a recent addition to our guide to the best restaurants in Miami.

What is it? Frost Science is an aquatic-driven museum that occupies four buildings—the Aquarium, the Frost Planetarium and the North and West Wings— and features year-round exhibits and is a delight for curious minds of all ages.

Why go? The museum is as state-of-the-art as it gets, featuring interactive exhibits, 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: The three-level Aquarium, which takes you from the sun-drenched surface of South Florida's ecosystems all the way down to the Deep, where hammerhead sharks and devil rays cruise overhead through the museum's iconic 31-foot oculus lens.

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.

Time Out tip: 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? Miami’s number one attraction (at least on Trip Advisor) 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 is home to some of Miami’s most Instagrammable floors and staircases and makes for the most fetching photo backdrop in the city (just ask the quinceañeras and brides roaming about). Its inimitable collection of European antiques and decorative works from the 16th to 19th centuries is truly breathtaking. 

Don't miss: The Vizcaya Village Farmers Market, a free, rain-or-shine gathering of Miami makers each Sunday from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Explore Vizcaya’s historic farm and village while browsing fresh delicacies, hand-crafted goods, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, vegan products and more.

What is it? Don and Mera Rubell’s eponymous museum houses over 7,700 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: The Jon & Vinny's residency inside the museum's indoor-outdoor restaurant space. It's the first Miami location of the celebrated L.A. restaurant group, bringing pizza, pasta and soft serve in a relaxed garden atmosphere.

What is it? Not all beaches are created equal. That becomes abundantly clear when you live near one of the world’s best and then try leaving. In Miami, it’s actually hard to find a beach you won’t like. Still, we all have our favorites, and different occasions call for different beaches. Yes, we have that many. From sunbathing meccas to shady spots for picnicking, we've compiled our picks for the best beaches in Miami.

Why go? Looking to chill in nature? Perhaps try a beach on Key Biscayne. Wanna strip down to your birthday suit? Haulover (the nude section) is your destination. Ready to party? We probably don’t have to tell you which beach is best for that. Tap through for our full guide to the best beaches in Miami.

What is it? Our 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 you can shop luxury fashion labels including Emilio Pucci and Giorgio Armani. 

Why go? There's always something happening at the District. 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 admission to the district's main art museum, the ICA.

Don’t miss: The food! From Michelin-starred Cote Miami and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon to Mother Wolf, Elastika and Sushi Yasu Tanaka, some of the best meals in Miami are within walking distance here. There are also free guided tours of the neighborhood's impressive public art collection every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

What is it? America’s only full-time orchestral academy, the New World Symphony grooms graduates from conservatories for careers in the symphony and other high-profile posts. Concerts range from classical to experimental, and the quality is high: guest teachers have included Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman and past guest conductors have included Sir Neville Marriner and Paavo Järvi. Founder Michael Tilson Thomas of the San Francisco Symphony often lends a hand too.

Why go? Since 2011, the symphony’s home has been a Frank Gehry-designed showstopper in SoundScape Park, where they regularly hold free, outdoor WALLCAST concerts and movie screenings. 

Don't miss: The SoundScape Cinema Series is back for another season of free, open-air film screenings on the NWS lawn. Check the full schedule and don't forget to pack a blanket for a picnic under the stars.

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, earning La Trova the No. 13 spot on the America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 awards.

Don’t miss: The house band playing Trova-style music nightly. After they pack up their instruments, head back to La Trova’s 80s-themed 305 Bar, where DJs spin from midnight to 2am on Friday and Saturday.

What is it? Dubbed “Miami’s original neighborhood,” Coconut Grove is an eclectic waterfront enclave with a rich history as the oldest continually inhabited neighborhood in the city. Beyond its recent real estate boom, Coconut Grove is a pretty little neighborhood with some of Miami’s most beautiful architecture and pockets that are full of character.

Why go? One of our favorite neighborhoods in the city, Coconut Grove ranked number 29 on Time Out’s list of the 51 coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2022. It was the only Florida neighborhood to make the list.

Don't miss: Catch the sunset at Monty’s, a lively dockside raw bar with strong tiki drinks and picturesque views of the marina. For dinner, Ariete (New American with Cuban flavors and French techniques) and Los Félix (Mexican) both earned nods in the Miami Michelin Guide.

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: A pre-game at Giselle, the club's extravagant rooftop restaurant. Just sit back and take it all in.

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: Breezy rooftop cocktails above it all at the laidback-chic Esmé Miami Beach hotel, which recently kicked off a live jazz series on Sunday evenings. 

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 —but that’s not Superblue Miami, one of the city's best immersive experiences. Featuring brand-new works by some of the art world’s most creative installation artists like Devlin, James Turrell and teamLab, the groundbreaking venture challenges perceptions, heightens the senses and generally wows.

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: The bronze wildlife sculptures by internationally acclaimed duo Gillie and Marc, currently installed along the promenade through July — including a 40-foot-long piece featuring 12 endangered animals alongside the artists' signature characters, Dogman and Rabbitwoman. 

What is it? The NYC-imported Museum of Sex is part historical archive, part R-rated amusement park where adults can immerse themselves in all kinds of provocative experiences. Expect to encounter first-generation vibrators and archival news articles espousing the virtues of birth control pills alongside large-scale paintings of robots and humans engaged in highly graphic sex acts. The museum’s titillating temporary collection comprises thousands of works of art, photography, clothing and costumes, technological inventions and all manner of naughty historical ephemera.

Why go? The real show-stopper is “Super Funland: Journey Into the Erotic Carnival”—a permanent exhibition filled with NSFW, amusement park-style games. Without spoiling too much: there’s a stripper simulation for your pole-dancing ambitions, a sexy mermaid show, a booby bounce house and a spinning saucer ride where the last one to get tea-bagged wins. It’s playful, raunchy and sneakily insightful, offering a look at how sexuality has been represented across eras and cultures.

Time Out tip: There’s also a bar serving campy cocktails for when you need a break between romps, and a gift shop stocked with all the saucy souvenirs you didn’t know you needed.

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. Plus, The Cleat is just steps away for a sunset cocktail with your toes in the sand.

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.

What is it? More than 800 buildings from the 1930s and early ’40s survive in the city’s historic Deco District, between 5th Street to the south and Dade Boulevard to the north. 

Why go? Amazingly, these buildings were almost destroyed by developers in the early 1970s. Their survival is due to a handful of activists who, in 1976, founded the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL). With their help, a number of the best Miami hotels, and even some South Beach clubs, have maintained their beautiful façades and historical designation.

Don't miss: A few of our favorite Art Deco buildings, including the Celino Hotel, the Carlyle and the historic Miami Beach U.S. Post Office. 

What is it? Yes, Miami can be over-the-top bougie. But there’s also plenty to experience here on the cheap, like a day sunbathing on one of Miami’s famous beaches or scouring for treasures at the best thrift shops in Miami. For the latter, peruse our full guide to the best flea markets in Miami.

Why go? If it’s time to give your wallet a little break or the thrill of a great bargain just gets you off, look no further. We’ve hunted down all of Miami’s best flea markets so you can get your fill of guilt-free shopping.

What is it? It’s young, but South Florida does have a past and a quirky and fascinating one at that. Tracing the history of the region, from early Indians to rafting Cubans, HistoryMiami succeeds in educating while entertaining.

Why go? The exhibits on the wreckers of Key West and Henry Flagler both merit an extended look, as does the section on photographer Ralph Middleton Munroe.

Time Out tip: Every second Saturday of the month, the museum offers free admission from 10am to 5pm, with family-friendly activities hosted from 11am to 4pm.

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. Reservations are definitely recommended. Looking for more rooftop action? Check our recently updated guide to Miami's best rooftop bars.

What is it? Built by James Deering’s similarly well-off brother Charles, the vast property served as his winter escape and 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: Aside from guided tours, Deering hosts a variety of nature and art-inspired events, from sunrise photography and plein air painting sessions to moonlit kayaking and bird walks around the property. Check their calendar for the full lineup.

What is it? A live music venue and cultural space in Little River that is possibly the best place to find refreshing, new, global and up-and-coming artists in town. 

Why go? This is where you go when you want to come as you are and just dance—not to EDM, not to reggaeton (OK, sometimes to both)—but to refreshing sounds like Afro-Caribbean funk, Brazilian disco, salsa, boogaloo or electro cumbia. 

Don't miss: Santigold kicks things off in May, French Montana takes the stage in June, and Cat Power closes out the summer in July. 

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 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. 

What is it? Club Space is Miami's legendary all-night venue in Downtown, a former warehouse that has spent 25-plus years hosting marathon electronic music sessions under a retractable roof on its open-air Terrace. It holds a 24-hour liquor license and regularly keeps the party going from late night through dawn and well into the following afternoon.

Why go? There's a specific Miami rite of passage that happens on the Terrace at Space when the sky starts shifting from black to purple to orange, the crowd is still deep in it, and the DJ hasn't skipped a beat. It doesn't happen at every club, and it doesn't happen everywhere in the world. The Terrace was built for exactly this moment, and it delivers every time.

Time Out tip: Don't arrive before 2am. Check the calendar for who's playing the Terrace rather than the Ground floor below, and plan to spend the next day doing nothing entirely.

What is it? An afternoon spent wandering the isles of Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods sounds fun, but nothing beats a dewy Saturday morning picking through organic produce and testing out kitchen-made salt scrubs as the Florida sun warms your shoulders. We’ve rounded up the best farmer’s markets in Miami, from year-round staples to options with air conditioning, too. 

Why go? For nearly every neighborhood in Miami, there is a farmers’ market, and nothing says “I support local” like giving small farms and mom-and-pop businesses the chance to peddle their homegrown and homemade goods. Oftentimes, you’ll find the produce is fresher (and cheaper) than grocery stores, and packing a picnic blanket to lay out on after a shopping trip makes for a fabulous family or dog-friendly afternoon.

Don't miss: Free yoga under the banyan trees on Saturday mornings at Legion Park.

What is it? The only garden of its kind in the US: a 37-acre park exhibiting more than 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, nuts and exotic edibles. An old schoolhouse and coral rock building recall South Florida’s pioneer life, while the charming gift shop sells spices, jams and jellies, unusual seeds and aromatic teas, plus cookbooks on tropical fruits and vegetables.

Why go? The park is also the site of recurring events like an annual orchid festival, blues concerts and a summer fruit festival where you can really stock up. 

What is it? Miami street art legend Jona Cerwinske flips the script on failure in Dog Ate My Homework, his new solo show opening on June 7th at the Museum of Graffiti.

Why go? Instrumental in Wynwood's genesis as a street art mecca, Cerwinske brings his signature black-and-white, super-detailed aesthetic to a playful and immersive show that reimagines classic classroom excuses as bold, satirical masterpieces. Curated by Alan Ket, the show merges street culture and contemporary art while exploring blame, creativity and the beauty of imperfection.

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, bicycle and via boat.

Don’t miss: A sunrise in the everglades by booking a room at Flamingo Lodge, the only hotel inside Everglades National Park.

What is it? What do tourists like more than exploring South Beach, scarfing down Cuban sandwiches or basking on the best Miami beaches? Of course, it’s shopping in a Miami outlet mall. Vaguely lost-looking visitors shuffle through the perennially bottlenecked corridors of these bargain emporiums, loading up their empty suitcases with just about every sale item imaginable—from clothes to housewares to accessories.  Occasionally, it’s locals who begrudgingly schlep across highways and massive parking lots and dodge swarms of sale shoppers all in the name of a good deal. 

Why go? Are outlet malls in Miami pleasant? If you can avoid going on a weekend, they can be. Will they save you loads of money? Always, so we visit them anyway. Click through to get primed on the best discount shopping Miami has to offer.

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? 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? The weather might be warming up, but spring is a great time to visit Fairchild; the flora is in full bloom and the mild weather just beckons you to explore every inch of this sprawling tropical wonderland. 

Don't miss: Fairchild channels Miami's Southern side with Sip & Stroll: Boots & Blooms, a night for the Magic City's country music lovers, on Saturday, October 4th from 6 to 9:30pm

What is it? Contrary to what any rap or reggaeton music video might have you believe, life’s not all about flexing on a megayacht around here. In Miami, we get down with watercraft in all their forms. On the beach, in the bay and dotting the canal and river-crossed landscapes in between, you can find rental options aplenty spanning everything from pontoons and Miami boat tours to those delightfully zippy jet skis. 

Why go? Because it's hot, and zipping around on the water sounds like a really fun way to cool down. On the jet ski front, we’ve vetted some primo locales for zooming through Miami’s glistening waters, as well as go-to companies for ensuring the rental process goes smoothly.

Time Out tip: When your next Miami jet ski adventure calls, we’ve scouted out who to turn to and where to go for an amazing time on the water, plus tips on pricing, tours and more. 

What is it? Built in the mid-1100s near Segovia, Spain, this monastery was occupied by Cistercian monks for 700 years before it was converted to a granary and stable. In 1924, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst purchased the cloisters and outbuildings and had the structure dismantled and shipped to the United States. Hearst ran out of money, and the stones remained in a Brooklyn warehouse for 26 years before finally being purchased and reassembled in Miami at a cost of $1.5 million.

Why go? Today, this Romanesque structure is an anomalous oasis in a noisy area. Things to look out for include a life-size statue of the Spanish king Alfonso VII (the monastery was originally constructed to commemorate one of his victories over the Moors) and a couple of attractive round stained-glass windows.

Time Out tip: The monastery is a favorite spot for weddings – so much so that it’s often closed to the public, especially on Sundays; call in advance before setting out.