Best Things to Do in Miami

Intensely moving, this memorial created by artist-architect Kenneth Treister honors victims and offers solace to survivors of the horrors of the Holocaust of the Jewish people in Europe. Included in its design are an arbor that depicts the history of the Holocaust in black granite and a tunnel that opens up to "The Sculpture of Love and Anguish." This enormous bronze arm, with its base of writhing human forms, is variously interpreted as a symbol of despair or hope. The memorial also encompasses a reflecting pool and walls inscribed with the names of thousands of victims. The overall effect is visually and emotionally stunning.

Those who grew up in Miami in the 80s and 90s have fond memories of field trips and visits to the old Miami Science Museum. But these days, we're more than thrilled to take the next generation to visit the newer iteration: The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Located in the heart of downtown Miami, this 250,000-square-foot museum features a variety of experiences and exhibitions dedicated to science and innovation. Ocean lovers will be thrilled by the multi-level Aquarium, each level dedicated to different habitats and a variety of aquatic creatures from mahi-mahi and mangroves, to coral reefs and jellyfish, and beyond. The 250-seat Planetarium is the perfect place to see the planets, stars, and galaxies in a whole new way. And what science museum would be complete without a few dinosaurs? Visitors will love learning all about Pterosaurs—"the flying reptilian creatures that once roamed the earth—"in the current Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs exhibit, the largest exhibition of its kind in the States (open through September).

Constructed in 1916 for industrialist James Deering, this Italianate palace is often referred to as the Hearst Castle of the East. Intended to appear centuries-old at completion, it is absolutely rife with architectural detail and elaborate accents. In fact, more than a thousand artisans took five-plus years to complete the ornate flourishes. Deering was fascinated by 16th-century art and architecture, and most of his fine collection remains on display within the mansion. The beautifully landscaped grounds aptly complement the building, whose name remembers the Basque term for a raised site. Built on the bay, you'll also appreciate beautiful views of the water while touring the estate.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami first opened to the public in 1996. The facility has 23,000 square feet of exhibition space, and houses more than 400 permanent installations from artists such as Larry Rivers, Claes Oldenburg, and Jasper Johns. With eight to ten changing exhibits annually, even more artists are represented. Special programs on offer include a jazz concert series on the last Friday of every month, workshops for kids and adults, lectures and discussions with artists like Frank Stella, video and film screenings, and classical music concerts. The Museum Shop is open during regular museum hours.

If you're looking for an immersive and progressive experience in the Magic City, you've found it at Artechouse. Located right on Collins Avenue, you wouldn't really know what to expect when first walking up to the white building. But once you step inside, you'll be mesmerized by the exhibitions that blend art with science and technology in wholly innovative ways. Through videos, light displays, and other forms of installations, there's never a dull moment (and always an Instagrammable one). This permanent SoBe fixture features rotating exhibitions—"the current one is Aṣẹ: Afro Frequencies, which celebrates the Black experience on a social, historical, and cultural level. Check it out through

Part of the Everglades National Park, the Shark Valley Visitor Center is located in the center of an expansive river of grass, punctuated only by a 15-mile asphalt trail. Visitors can opt to take the tram tour, bike or walk. There are no fences here, and full-grown alligators often sunbathe in the middle of the trail. Key deer can be seen bobbing around, as can snakes, turtles and native Florida birds. At the midway point, a water tower can be easily climbed and the silence and sheer beauty found at the top is absolutely astounding. Alligator calls echo as a slight breeze blows over the grass. This is the place to really see the Everglades as it is meant to be seen - untouched and pristine.

The only US zoo set in a subtropical climate, ZooMiami mesmerizes visitors with remarkable, open air exhibits and exotic creatures from around the world. Favorite animals among zoo-goers include clouded leopards, Komodo dragons, ring-tailed lemurs and tree kangaroos. They get ample competition from standard wildlife like giraffes, lions, meerkats, koalas, gorillas and colorful birds. When the heat starts to take its toll, Dr. Wilde's World provides a rainforest-themed, air-conditioned refuge for hands-on fun, or you can always just hop on the monorail and get a bird's eye view of the whole park. A petting zoo and wildlife shows also keep kids engaged, plus a fun splash zone and even swan and duck boat rides.

Allapattah has changed and grown in recent years with new restaurants, shops, and more moving into the neighborhood. One of the latest additions is Superblue--a 50,000 square foot installation space that's dedicated to experimental art. Opened this past Spring, Superblue is home to some of the most awe-inspiring, large-scale works of art that will delight all your senses. Lose yourself (and your pandemic worries) underneath kinetic sculptures, step into dream-like rooms filled with bubbles, view imaginative, interactive videos and more at this one-of-a-kind art hub. Whether you're seeking a whimsical new kind of date night, an exciting outings with friends, some solo time to take in some culture, or a fun-filled family adventure, everyone will find something to love at Superblue.

Because South Beach is such a broad description, and because the varying beaches here go on for miles, we thought we'd narrow it down. Lummus Park, the area of the beach located along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th Street, is the all-encompassing South Beach experience. This is the strip of sand that is always the most crowded, which makes for excellent people watching. There is a mini playground before the entrance to the beach for children ages two through 5, but they may be just as happy splashing on the shore. With Brazilian bikinis and fluorescent tans as far as the eye can see, adults will likely tire their necks from spinning around doing a double take at colorful locals. Once you've soaked up all of the sun you can possibly fit into one day, the strip of restaurants and bars lining Ocean Drive are close at hand.

Biscayne National Park, the largest marine park in the National Park System, offers a reprieve from the heavy crowds that you find at most other area attractions. That's because this hidden treasure is mostly underwater (the majority (95%) of its over 170,000 acres). On the land that remains above water, you have the option of camping, picnicking, and walking along nature trails. Or head to the underwater portion for unbeatable snorkeling or scuba diving tours. Sunset cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and canoe tours are just some of the boat trips available.