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Welcome to Miami: What to Do in the Cruise Capital!

Top Things to Do in the Cruise Capital

Welcome to Miami, a hub of sunshine, salsa & sea breezes! Nestled along the south-eastern tip of Florida, Miami holds the prestigious title of the "Cruise Capital of the World," serving as the embarkation point for countless voyages across the Caribbean and beyond!

Whether you're seeking relaxation on pristine sands, exploring eclectic neighbourhoods, or savouring culinary delights, Miami promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, don your shades, and get ready to soak up the sunshine as I dive into the best things to do in Miami…

Meet the writer

Meet the writer

Hi, I’m Lucy, and I work in LoveitBookit’s Product & Marketing Department. I have worked for LoveitBookit since 2018, starting out as Cruise TV’s in-house writer. I am a lover of travel, good food, music, theatre, self-care & beauty. I fell in love with cruising after realising it’s the best of those things, all in one place! Join me as I highlight my top 10 things to do in Miami, having recently returned from an American adventure!

1. Be wowed by Wynwood Walls

Walking through Wynwood feels like stepping into a vibrant, living art gallery! Each mural tells a story, and the energy of the neighbourhood is palpable. I loved immersing myself in the creativity of the renowned street artists and aspiring painters while exploring the colourful avenues and tucking into tasty street food along the way!

Located in the heart of Wynwood, the Official Wynwood Walls Street Art Museum showcases the top global and local graffiti artists’ work, whilst educating and celebrating the art movement’s rich history. I even had a go at spraying my own design on a wall.

2. Enter seafood heaven at Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant

Indulging in a meal at Joe's Stone Crab is an iconic Miami foodie experience! From the moment I stepped into the classic establishment, I knew I was in for a treat as every single table was taken! All diners donned a novel paper bib and an army of tuxedo-wearing waiters danced between the tables.

The fresh seafood, especially the legendary stone crab claws with Joe’s famous mustard sauce, exceeded my expectations. Did you know the stone crab can regenerate its claws three to four times? Florida law forbids the landing of whole stone crabs meaning Fishermen are allowed to take claws at least 2.75" inches long and are required to return stone crabs safely to the water.

3. Marvel at the mansions on a Millionaire's Row Cruise

Cruising along Millionaire's Row felt like a glimpse into another world. The opulent mansions, celebrity homes, and luxurious yachts lining the waterfront left me in awe. It's also a fantastic way to see downtown Miami’s skyline from a different perspective and indulge in a bit of celebrity spotting.

We cruised past the beautiful abodes of David and Victoria Beckham, DJ Khaled, Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O’Neal and many more homes of the rich and famous! The journey also takes you past the docked cruise ships in the Port of Miami and Fisher Island, so there’s plenty of sight-seeing to do!

4. Soak up the sunshine in South Beach

South Beach is the epitome of Miami's vibrant beach culture. Lounging on the soft sand, soaking up the sun, and people-watching along Ocean Drive made for a perfect day of relaxation!

South Beach is one of three neighbourhoods in Miami Beach and is definitely the most famous of the trio, home to sandy strands, swaying palms and bronzed bodies roller-skating along the seafront. If you’re a film buff, you may also recognise the resort of Fontainebleau Miami Beach that was featured in “Scarface” (1983) and “The Bodyguard” (1992).

5. Look out for your favourite Lifeguard Tower

Exploring the iconic lifeguard huts along the beach was a fun and unique way to experience South Beach. Each tower has its own personality and design, reflecting Miami's eclectic vibe. It's a great way to add a bit of adventure to a day at the beach as you hunt for your favourite shape and colour combination!

In 1992, when Hurricane Andrew destroyed the previous towers, the City of Miami made the decision to redesign them as future icons of the city! With that, the classic style was swapped out for vibrant colours and quirky shapes designed by architect William Lane, followed by others commissioned by local businesses.

6. Shop for souvenirs at Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace offers a bustling mix of open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment right on the waterfront in Downtown Miami. Strolling along the promenade, browsing the shops, and enjoying live music made for a memorable afternoon out. Plus, the lively atmosphere and beautiful views of the bay made it a highlight of my trip!

After enjoying a bite to eat and finding the perfect Miami souvenir, you can admire the giant Banyan Tree, hunt out the spots that were used as a backdrop in the Miami Vice TV series and even have a ride on the mighty Observation Wheel, that offers unparalleled views of Biscayne Bay.

7. Visit Little Havana for a taste of Cuban culture

Stepping into Little Havana felt like stepping into another country! The vibrant streets, the smell of Cuban coffee, and the rhythmic sounds of salsa music instantly transported me to Cuba. The neighbourhood is centred around Calle Ocho, a lively street lined with Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, rum bars, and cigar shops. 

Sampling authentic Cuban cuisine and watching locals play dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park was a cultural experience like no other. In 2017, Little Havana was declared a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Trust is leading the movement to save and preserve America’s historic sites and build stronger communities.

8. Swat up at the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum

Exploring the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum was a fascinating journey through science, art, and nature! From the immersive exhibits in the aquarium to the stunning views from the rooftop garden, there was something for everyone to enjoy. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to learn and be inspired.

Spread over 250,000 square feet, the museum offers six floors of exhibits that cover topics like the world’s oceans, the Everglades, the solar system, and more. Riveting live shows, animals, hands-on interactives, and cutting-edge technology are all part of the adventure ahead. 

9. Explore the quirky Art Deco Historic District

Walking through the Art Deco District felt like stepping back in time to Miami's glamorous past. The pastel-coloured buildings, intricate designs, and neon signs create a unique and enchanting atmosphere. 

The district is located between 5th Street and 23rd Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. Signature design elements of the genre, include bright and pastel colours, neon lighting, curved edges, round porthole windows, terrazzo floors and more.

10. Cycle to South Pointe Park & watch the cruises depart

Cycling along Ocean Drive to South Pointe Park was a refreshing way to take in Miami's stunning coastline! The scenic route perfectly captures the beauty and energy of Miami Beach and watching the cruise ships depart from the port, gave me a burst of wanderlust and excitement. 

Cycling, rollerblading, and skateboarding is the preferred way to travel along the beachfront trail! "Miami Beachwalk," runs for the entire length of Miami Beach, about 8-miles fully paved. At South Pointe Park, you can enjoy a picnic and watch as leisure, cruise, and cargo ships pass through Governor's Cut to the ocean.

Non-stop memory-making in Miami

Off to Miami for a pre-cruise stay? Or perhaps calling upon its beautiful shores for a day? From its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant energy to its rich history and diverse culinary scene, Miami truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, there's always something new to discover in this bustling metropolis!

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