15 Unique Things to do in Miami, Florida | 2023 Travel Guide

Miami is a vibrant and trendy destination in Florida, renowned as a popular holiday hot spot not just in North America but worldwide. The coastal city is located in southeastern Florida and is known for its stunning beaches, diverse culture, and lively atmosphere. Miami has much to be proud of, from the buzzing neighbourhoods like South Beach and Wynwood to the cultural hubs of Little Havana and Overtown, each corner of Miami has something to offer. 

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There is no shortage of fun things to do in Miami, no matter your interests. 

Miami has been a stopover destination on our travels for many years, but it was only recently that we finally got a chance to slow down and spend some time discovering what the city has to offer. 

As sustainable travelers, we always approach visiting destinations from a slightly different angle. We opt to stay at sustainable hotels, look for restaurants with plant-forward or farm-to-table focus, choose to spend lots of time outdoors, go off the beaten path to check out lesser-known attractions and always chose to explore with a local guide. Our time in Miami was no exception. 

In just 5 days, we dove into the city’s rich cultural scene, explored its diverse culinary landscape, spent time in the crystal clear waters of Biscayne National Park and even got a chance to visit the Everglades. 

Today, we want to share our top Miami experiences and activities with you in our version of a Miami Travel Guide – for the conscious traveler. So let’s dive in!

miami beach, unique things to do in miami
Miami Beach, Florida
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Areas of Miami

Downtown Miami/Brickell Area

Downtown Miami is a major commercial, cultural, and financial hub and one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods in the city. It’s home to the city’s dazzling high rises that offer spectacular views of Biscayne Bay. 

While the area acts primarily as a business hub for Miami, it still has a number of attractions for visitors. Head here if you want to spend a day exploring the museums, like the Miami Children’s Museum and performance arts centres, catch a basketball game at the Kaseya Center (formerly the American Airlines Arena), the home of the Miami Heat, or if you want to experience some fine dining establishments and nightlife hotspots.

USA Florida Miami 0099
Downtown Miami skyline is dominated by high rises

Coconut Grove

Located directly south of downtown/Brickell Centre, Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighbourhood and arguably the most beautiful. The district is very lush, with the streets lined with a canopy of mature trees, including oaks, banyans, and royal palm trees. 

The area is home to lots of parks and green spaces and has a unique, bohemian character that sets it apart from other neighbourhoods. Trendy bars, open-air restaurants, and independent coffee shops line the bayfront, and if you time your visit well, you’ll get to watch a regatta from Peacock Park.

Historic Overtown

Located just northwest of the Downtown/Brickell area, Overtown has deep historical roots, dating back to the late 1800s, before Miami was incorporated. This thriving community was established by Black railroad and construction workers before the 20th century, and the district grew over time. 

Today, Overtown remains an essential cultural hub for Miami’s Black community. The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex is a wonderful venue that houses art and a restored theatre that showcased legendary performers like Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Little Havana

Located west of downtown, Little Havana is the heart of Miami’s Cuban community. At the centre of this neighbourhood is Calle Ocho (8th Street), a famous street lined with restaurants, bars, cigar shops, art galleries and music venues. 

This district is home to the famous Máximo Gómez Park (also known as Domino Park), where locals gather to chat over a game of dominos. Little Havana is a popular destination for food tours and a great spot to immerse yourself in Cuban history and take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Cuba.

Wynwood

This creative and cultural hub of Miami is located north of the downtown area and is full of unique restaurants, bars, and shops. Wynwood is also known for its showcases of international contemporary art, either in the district’s many galleries or in vibrant murals throughout the neighbourhood.

Here, you’ll find craft breweries, independent boutiques, and casual bars with outdoor spaces for games or people-watching.

wynwood, unique things to do in miami

Coral Gables

Located just a few miles southwest of downtown, Coral Gables is famous for its beautiful avenues lined with historic Mediterranean Revival architecture, parks, and fountains. 

This neighbourhood is home to the tropical wonderland known as the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the Venetian Pool, a historic public swimming pool, and the pedestrian-only Giralda Plaza promenade, where you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, and some of the best international cuisine.

USA Florida Miami Venetian Pool 0141
Venetian Pool from above.

Miami Beach

This world-famous municipality includes South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach. Miami Beach is located on barrier and man-made islands just off the coast and is accessible from the mainland by way of four different bridges. Miami Beach is not just a party area but a neighbourhood home to many art galleries, museums, and cultural events. 

The neighbourhood’s main attractions include its beaches, Lincoln Road Mall, Art Deco Historic District, with its collection of iconic pastel-coloured buildings dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, and of course, a few museums like The Bass or The Wolfsonian, and a number of incredible hotels and resorts.

welcome to miami beach

Best Time to Visit Miami

Miami is fun any time of year, but there are a few things to consider when planning your visit. 

Winter (December to February): Winter is Miami’s busiest tourist season and for a good reason. Average air temperatures range from 65°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C), while water temperature hovers around 73°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C), making it an ideal time to explore the city and enjoy the water. However, accommodation prices tend to be higher, and crowds can be significant, especially during the holiday season. 

Spring (March to May): Spring is another popular time to visit Miami when the weather becomes warmer and more pleasant. Average air temperatures range from 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C), and the water temperature rises to about 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C). Spring break brings in a younger crowd, leading to higher hotel rates and busier beaches. The overall atmosphere is lively, with various events and festivals taking place.

Summer (June to August):  Summer in Miami can be hot and humid, with average air temperatures ranging from 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C) and water temperatures reaching 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C). It’s mildly uncomfortable but not completely unbearable. It’s an excellent time to find deals on accommodations and experience a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds. Plan your outdoor activities in the morning and spend your afternoons enjoying drinks by the pool!

Fall (September to November): Fall in Miami offers milder weather, with average air temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) and water temperatures ranging from 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C). Fall can be a challenging time to visit Miami as the risk of hurricanes during this time of the year is high, particularly in September and October. Crowds start to increase around Thanksgiving. 

USA Florida Miami 1 Hotel South Beach 0066

How to get to/around Miami 

By plane

Miami International Airport is located about 25 minutes northwest of downtown and is South Florida’s largest airport. The airport makes it pretty easy for visitors to get to the downtown area or Miami Beach, offering shuttles to car rental agencies, Metrorail, Tri-Rail, and the bus terminal.

USA Florida Miami plane 03813

By train

Miami’s Metrorail system runs along a 25-mile track that provides service to the airport, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, and other neighbourhoods. The cost of a single-trip mobile pass is $2.25 USD. Day or week passes are also available.

By car

There are over a dozen car rental agencies at the Miami International Airport car rental centre, which you can reach with the MIA Mover. Be sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time, especially if you are planning your trip during the peak season. 

We recommend using one of the rental car aggregators, like Discover Cars, to find the best deals on cars across all rental agencies. 

If you want to keep the environmental impact of your trip low and save on gas while cruising around Miami, we highly recommend renting an electric car. 

We rented one during our recent visit and paid around $35/day for our Tesla Model 3 – an incredible price for any vehicle, let alone a Tesla. Charging cost us a fraction of what we would have spent on gas, and Tesla Superchargers and Destination Chargers were easily available throughout the Miami area. At the end of the day, for us, it was the environmental impact benefit that sealed the deal!

USA Florida Miami 0097

Sustainable Travel in Miami 

Miami-Dade County has recently launched the Plastic Free 305 Program, an initiative to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastics in local businesses, especially hotels and restaurants.

While the county has taken measures towards sustainable tourism, there are things to look out for as a visitor if traveling sustainably is top of mind for you (and we really hope it is!).

Choose a sustainable hotel, opt to eat at restaurants that prioritize farm-to-table sourcing and feature seasonal produce in their menus. Take cultural tours and food tours led by local tour guides. Spend time outdoors, get out and see wildlife in the wild and avoid animal-in-captivity encounters. More on all of that and more of our top recommendations for more unique things to do in Miami below!

USA Florida Miami 1 Hotel South Beach room 03391

10 Best Unique Things to Do in Miami, Florida

Start in Miami Beach

There is a lot to do in this part of Miami, so we recommend staying in Miami Beach for at least 2 nights (or more), so you can have a few days to explore this area. 

Before we get into some more unique things to do in Miami, we have to cover a few must-dos…because no Miami itinerary would be complete without visiting these popular spots. 

1. Soak up the Sun on South Beach

The most famous of the Miami Beach districts, this neighbourhood spreads from South Pointe Park north to 23rd Street. From the mainland, you can reach South Beach by way of the Venetian Causeway or MacArthur Causeway. 

The beach is the neighbourhood’s biggest attraction and is the most iconic and well-known beach in Miami Beach. It stretches from 1st Street to 23rd Street and offers wide sandy shores, clear blue waters, and a fun atmosphere. The best way to enjoy the beach is to stay at one of the beachfront resorts (more on that at the end of the article) and enjoy free use of their lounge chairs and umbrellas. 

Alternatively, public access points to South Beach can be found every few blocks along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and the side streets between 1st Street and 23rd Street.

South Beach, Miami Beach
South Beach, Miami

2. Cruise Down Ocean Drive

This iconic Miami road stretches for approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometres) along the eastern coast of Miami Beach. The northern end of Ocean Drive begins at 15th Street and continues southward until it reaches 5th Street. The drive gives you that iconic Miami Beach vibe and is a must-do for any first-time visitor. Roll down your windows, admire the Art Deco buildings along the way and take in the sights and sounds of the area. 

Once you’ve had a chance to drive along Ocean Drive, hop out of the car and enjoy the street on foot. It’s lined with restaurants, hotels, bars, cafes, and boutique shops, making it one of the most vibrant and popular areas in Miami Beach for both daytime and nightlife activities. 

Ok, maybe this is not one of the most unique things to do in Miami, but we really loved this area during our visit and kept taking detours just to take Ocean Drive again and again… that says something, right? 

On the road in Miami Beach
On the road in Miami Beach

3. Visit the Art Deco Historic District

Located in Miami Beach between 5th Street and 23rd Street, the Art Deco Historic District has over 800 buildings and structures constructed in the eclectic architectural styles seen through the 1920s through 1940s. 

Take note of the iconic hotels and mansions as you walk along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue or join a guided walking tour to learn more about the history and preservation of this protected district.

Art Deco design on Miami Beach
Art Deco design on Miami Beach

4. Check out Lincoln Road Mall

Take a stroll along Lincoln Road to browse shops, take in some live music and watch street performers. The Lincoln Road Mall is a pedestrian street featuring a mix of high-end shopping, dining options, art galleries, and entertainment.

When you’ve had your share of shops, head a few blocks south to Española Way, a corridor lined with Mediterranean Revival architecture dating back to the 1920s.

Lincoln Road Mall, Miami, Florida. USA

4. Visit South of 5th 

The very southern tip of the island, known as South of 5th, (or SoFi), is a much trendier and more upscale neighbourhood within Miami Beach. This area is home to luxury condominiums and waterfront homes, a number of upscale restaurants with waterfront dining, as well as upscale lounges, rooftop bars, and trendy nightclubs. 

Plus, the beaches here tend to be less crowded and more secluded. And South Pointe Park, a green space with panoramic views of the South Beach shore, downtown Miami skyline, and Fisher Island, offers direct access to the beach.

We felt the upscale vibe as soon as we arrived in the neighbourhood, everything here just seemed a bit nicer. The “valet parking only” signs in front of every restaurant and hotel served as a constant reminder. 

It’s worth a visit, even just for a meal at one of the restaurants (some recommendations later in the article) or a drink at one of the rooftop bars. 

5. Explore Downtown Miami

In addition to being an international finance hub, downtown Miami has a vibrant arts scene that has been thriving and expanding over the past decade. Today, there are over 30 arts and culture organizations and more than 40 artists’ studios in the downtown district alone. 

World-class museums like Pérez Art Museum, Frost Science and History Miami Museum are located in downtown Miami, and you can also see a wide range of art in pedestrian areas like the Miami Riverwalk and Bayfront Park.

For those who love street art, there is a self-guided tour that features murals by local and globally renowned artists. A great access point to the museums is Maurice A. Ferré Park, a 21-acre pedestrian area in downtown Miami. Formerly known as Museum Park, this area is home to the longest waterfront bay walk in Miami.

USA Florida Miami 0097

6. Visit Julia & Henry’s Food Hall 

Not into art? No worries, because the newly opened seven-floor food hall, Julia and Henry’s, is a downtown Miami destination of its own. We learned about this cool food hall from a local, and although we weren’t able to squeeze in a visit there during our trip, we wanted to share this awesome new discovery with you anyway. 

The food hall is housed in a historic landmark building and features some of the original Art Deco architecture and historically significant components. The hall features some 20+ food vendors, ranging from casual dining outposts to upscale seated restaurants, plus multiple bars, including a natural wine bar, craft beer market, and cocktail venues. Julia & Henry’s is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

7. Admire Art in Wynwood 

Wynwood has got to be one of our favourite spots in Miami. This vibrant and artistic neighbourhood has undergone significant gentrification over the past few decades, transforming from an industrial and low-income area to a trendy artistic area with a thriving cultural scene.

Wynwood is home to a lot of street art, galleries, hip bars, eclectic shops, restaurants, and just general creative energy. It’s worth spending an afternoon here to admire street art, to pop into some shops, and have a drink at one of the bars. 

Don’t Miss Wynwood Walls 

Established in 2009 by visionary developer Tony Goldman, this open-air gallery features wall murals created by artists from all over the world. It is widely known as one of the most prominent and influential street art destinations not just in Miami but in the world and has been instrumental in promoting street art culture and community engagement in Miami

Inside Wynwood Walls, you’ll find large-scale murals, art installations and rotating street art exhibitions from internationally acclaimed artists. During our visit, we also saw a really cool interactive experience allowing visitors to try their hand at graffiti with the guidance of one of the in-house artists.

wynwood wall art, unique things to do in miami
At the coolest mural at Wynwood Walls

8. Go Thrift Shopping

There are lots of eclectic shops in Wynwood, but one of the best things to do here is to go thrift shopping.  Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique is one such shop, and proceeds benefit homeless shelters in and around Miami. Another Wynwood area thrift store with a great cause is Out of the Closet. This thrift store donates 96% of its proceeds to AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV prevention and treatment services.

Thrift shopping here is not like digging through your older sister’s hand-me-downs, this is where you’ll find stylish finds, one-of-a-kind-gems, and true designer steals. It’s treasure hunting on steroids and is a great way to support circular fashion and move towards a more sustainable fashion mindset.

9. Go Snorkelling in Biscayne National Park

Ok. Now that we’ve covered the more common activities, it’s time to get to some more unique things to do in Miami. And visiting Biscayne National Park is definitely one of them.

Given its size of almost 173,000 acres and its prominence, Biscayne National Park should be on everyone’s Miami to-do list. Yet surprisingly, it remains a bit of a hidden gem of a destination. 

Located about an hour south of downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park is renowned for its biodiversity and opportunities for water activities. The park consists of mangrove hammocks, Biscayne Bay’s lagoon waters, coral limestone keys, and the third-largest offshore reef in the world.

At the bottom of the ocean in Biscayne National Park
At the bottom of the ocean in Biscayne National Park
Snorkeling at the ship wreck in Biscayne National Park
Snorkeling at the shipwreck in Biscayne National Park

The enormous reef, known as the Florida Reef, is a great destination for snorkelers and is popular with scuba divers as well. The reef is home to a wide variety of colourful sea life like rainbow parrotfish, angelfish, and anemones.

We joined a full-day snorkelling tour with Biscayne National Park Institute and had an opportunity to snorkel in the reef, mangrove, and historic shipwreck sites within the marine sanctuary. The visibility along the reef was great, and while the fish diversity was somewhat limited during our visit (summer is not great for snorkeling here), we still enjoyed a day out on the boat. Snorkelling around the shipwreck was definitely a highlight!

10. Take an Airboat Tour in the Everglades

We didn’t think that visiting the Florida Everglades National Park was something you could do as a day trip from Miami and were happy to be proven wrong. This expansive subtropical wetland spans approximately 1.5 million acres (6,070 square kilometres) and encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including sawgrass prairies, freshwater sloughs, cypress swamps, mangrove forests, and estuarine areas. 

The area is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, including alligators, crocodiles, manatees, Florida panthers, and various species of birds.

One of the best ways to explore the Everglades is by airboat tour. These flat-bottomed, fan-propelled boats easily navigate the shallow waters allowing you to glide along the water without disturbing the aquatic life beneath. 

There are lots of airboat tour providers in the Greater Everglades Area, but we choose to join a tour with Cypress, an indigenous guide and environmentalist from the local Miccosukee Tribe and the co-founder of the nonprofit Love the Everglades Movement. 

Cypress partners with the local airboat tour operator, Tigertail’s Airboat Tours, to offer more than just a regular tour in the Everglades. With a unique knowledge of the Miccosukee ways and historical ties to the region, Cypress shared not only insights about the ecosystem and wildlife of the Everglades but also told stories about his family’s traditions and teachings. 

This tour was definitely a highlight of our visit and one of the most unique things to do in Miami. We highly recommend adding it to your Miami itinerary!

On an airboat tour in the Everglades
On an airboat tour in the Everglades

USA Florida Miami Everglades dragonfly 03668

the everglades, unique things to do in miami

10. Explore Oleta River State Park

Want more time outdoors? Located in North Miami Beach, Oleta River State Park is Florida’s largest urban park and a haven for bikers, paddlers, fishers, and swimmers. The park covers approximately 1,043 acres and features miles of trails for biking and SUP trips through mangrove forests.

11. Visit Venetian Pool in Coral Gables

Inspired by the Mediterranean Revival architecture characteristic of Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool is a former rock quarry turned swimming pool in 1924. 

The pool draws fresh water from artesian wells and is lined with limestone waterfalls and caves. It’s a popular spot to cool down on a hot day and a great spot to visit for the whole family. Admission is $21 USD per day, and there is an onsite cafe that offers pizza and snacks.

Take note that the Venetian Pool does close down if thunder or lightning is in the forecast or if a storm is passing through the area. We learned the hard way!

venetian pool from above, unique things to do in miami

12. Take a Tour of Little Havana

Visiting Little Havana is a must-do when in Miami. You can either go on a leisurely, self-guided walking tour, taking your time to stroll through the district and see the shops, art, and historic sites.

But if you want a more unique way to experience the area, we recommend joining a culinary tour with Miami Culinary Tours

We had a blast exploring Little Havana with our guide, Ariel, a native Cuban who’s called Little Havana his home for the last decade. Ariel took us on a fascinating tour of the area, introducing us to the best local restaurants, bars and shops and helping us sample the best mojitos, the most delicious Cuban sandwich and a few other Cuban specialties.

In Little Havana, Miami
In Little Havana, Miami

13. Dine at Plant Based restaurants

With such a varied food scene, Miami really does have something for everyone. But if there is one dietary preference that really shines in Miami, it’s plant-based. We were shocked to see how many great vegan and plant-based restaurants there are in Miami. For those who follow a plant-based diet – it’s a haven! 

And even if you aren’t vegan (we are not, although we do like to stick to a more plant-forward diet), we highly recommend trying one or more vegan restaurants in Miami. The flavours, the colours, and the abundance of options here are fantastic. You can find vegan restaurants with influences from Cuba, the Caribbean, South America, and so many other regions. We only tried a few during our time in Miami, but they are definitely worth a mention!

Planta

Located in the South Beach district, Planta serves 100% plant-based dishes created with locally sourced, seasonal produce. Many ingredients are sourced from the restaurant’s own rooftop garden! Focused on sustainability, Planta is paperless and focuses on reduced-waste operations, having eliminated paper checks and single-use plastics. Their dishes are unique and innovative, featuring interesting substitutions for traditional meat and fish-forward dishes. 

We really loved their chick’n fried mushrooms, which tasted more like fried calamari, and their Pad Thai Slaw made with kelp noodles, a vegan and low-carb dish with incredible flavours!

Menus vary at each location, so if you are a vegan lover, plan to visit both their SoFi location as well as Planta Queen in Coconut Grove. 

At Planta, Miami
At Planta, Miami

Pura Vida Miami

Pura Vida Miami fantastic plant-forward restaurant chain has locations in Miami Beach, South Miami, and downtown Brickell City Centre. Pura Vida is involved in several sustainability efforts, including beach cleanups and composting leftovers to create nutrient soil for local farmers. 

This casual restaurant offers breakfast, pastries, fresh salads, and healthy bowls. While Pura Vida isn’t entirely plant-based, there are lots of vegan options on the menu. The dishes are colourful and elaborate, featuring creative salads, bowls and other specialties. It’s a great spot to eat in or take out and is perfect for lunch!

Eating the rainbow at Pura Vida, Miami
Eating the rainbow at Pura Vida, Miami

Love Life Cafe

Situated in the Wynwood neighbourhood, Love Life Cafe is famous for its veggie burgers and fresh bowls. The menu is 100% plant-based and focused on superfoods, with a wide variety of options like pizza, vegan sushi, and handhelds like burritos. They also boast the best vegan burger in America. Yes, we tried it and yes, it was worth the hype! This spot is perfect for breakfast or lunch and is a great stop while exploring the Wynwood area.

Other Options

There are tons of other vegan restaurants that we didn’t get a chance to try during our visit. We’ve had our eyes set on SoBe Vegan, Full Bloom VeganPlnthouse and Plant Theory Creative Cuisine in Miami Beach and Manna Life Food in Downtown Miami. 

We’ll save these for our next visit, and will be sure to report back!

14. Spend an Afternoon at a Rooftop Pool

A sunset session at a rooftop bar is a given in Miami, but we recommend taking that a step further and spending a few hours at a rooftop pool. Here are two that we really enjoyed.

1 Hotel South Beach

Located at the north end of the South Beach district, 1 Hotel South Beach is located right on the oceanfront and features four different pools. The best views can be had from the rooftop pool, located on the 18th floor of the hotel. The pool is open from 9 am until sundown and shared the rooftop with WATR, an on-site Peruvian-Japanese restaurant, a perfect spot for sunset drinks and dinner. It’s hip, it’s happening and it’s lively. The pool area and the restaurant itself are adults-only, which definitely help it maintain that upscale vibe.

1 Hotel South Beach, Miami
At the rooftop pool at 1 Hotel South Beach

Kimpton Angler’s Hotel

Just steps from the Art Deco Historic District, this hotel features an expansive rooftop pool and sundeck that offers panoramic views of South Beach, the Miami skyline, and Biscayne Bay. 

The on-site restaurant, Seawell Fish N’ Oyster and the newly opened Minnow Bar help to complete the day-to-night transition. The bar offers a great selection of cocktails, particularly its herb-infused gin cocktails and sour beer selection. While the restaurant serves locally-sourced seafood in a selection of raw bar dishes and platters. Don’t miss their featured dish – whole fried grouper – big enough to share and too delicious to pass up!

kimpton angler's hotel, unique things to do in miami
Minnow Bar, Kimpton Angler’s Hotel

Where to Stay in Miami

With so many beautiful neighbourhoods and plenty of fantastic hotels, it can be difficult to decide where to stay during your visit to Miami. 

There are convenient beachfront resorts in Miami Beach, fashionable Art Deco hotels in South Beach, state-of-the-art high rises in the downtown area, and charming historic accommodations in Coral Gables. But for us, it was all about South Beach!

1 Hotel South Beach 

Situated on the South Beach shoreline, 1 Hotel South Beach is a stunning ultra-sustainable hotel in Miami Beach. We’ll go as far as to say it’s one of the best hotels to stay in Miami and definitely one of our favourites. 

The hotel was designed with locally sourced and repurposed materials, features zero single-use plastics, and is even in the running for Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Pool in the USA 10 Best Awards for 2023.

The hotel has 425 guest rooms with a variety of features and the option of Miami skyline or ocean views. All rooms feature sustainably sourced bedding, filtered water taps, Nespresso machines, and yoga mats for guests to use.

Onsite amenities include four pools (including a beautiful rooftop pool), state-of-the-art Bamford Wellness Spa, and several restaurants. Rooftop restaurant and bar WATR features Peruvian-influenced Japanese cuisine prepared with local, responsibly sourced ingredients and unique cocktails that you can’t find anywhere else. This hotel is a dream! 

room in 1 hotel

Recycle everything, 1 Hotel South Beach
Recycle everything!

The Palms Hotel Miami

Located in the heart of Miami Beach, The Palms Hotel & Spa is another great option for sustainable travelers. The hotel has won several awards and accolades, including Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Award, Beyond Green’s Planet Earth’s Most Sustainable Hotels, and several more. The Palms has a number of great eco-friendly initiatives, like the elimination of single-use plastics, the use of low-flow showers and sinks, and water-saving toilets.

The spa-inspired rooms feature rain showers, feature luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel’s tropical garden, or the iconic Miami skyline. BeeKind toiletries are available in all rooms, a natural brand that supports honey bee and sustainable pollination research at UC Davis.

Amenities include a pool and beach area where hotel guests have exclusive access to sun lounges, umbrellas, and beach cabanas. Award-Winning restaurant Essensia works with local farmers and suppliers to provide healthy, gourmet dishes and premium cocktails created with organic ingredients. The onsite Aveda lifestyle spa offers premium treatments and services that use botanical products. If you visit Miami during Miami Spa Months (July 1 – August 31), the spa offers special pricing for treatments, discounted valet parking, and other perks. 

the palms hotel shoreline

USA Florida Miami beach palms 03494
The Palms of Miami Beach

We hope you enjoyed our suggestions and recommendations of some fun things to do in Miami and found at least a few of them to be unique. We hope you’ll follow our lead in looking for more sustainable and responsible ways to explore Miami, to seek out new and different experiences and ways to make a positive impact on this vibrant community! 

Miami, you are a gem! We’ll be back again soon! 

 

Disclaimer: Our visit to Miami was organized courtesy of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor Bureau, but as always, all opinions expressed in this article are our own.

1 thought on “15 Unique Things to do in Miami, Florida | 2023 Travel Guide”

  1. Thank you for sharing this amazing article about Miami! I really enjoyed reading about your experiences and tips for visiting this vibrant and diverse city. Your photos are stunning and capture the essence of Miami very well. I can’t wait to see more of your travel stories and recommendations! Keep up the good work!

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