Photo Courtesy of Daniel X. O’Neil
Oct 13
Things to do in Miami, Florida (Part Two)
Things to do in Miami
Miami, Florida is filled to the gills with fun activities for people of all ages. For that reason, the folks at Dharma decided to whip up this two-part article to bring our guests a convenient listing of things to do to in Miami to choose from during their corporate housing stay. The headings double as links to pages with more information about the individual things to do in Miami.
Tours
Beaches, everglades, cities, and businesses, everywhere you look, there are places packed with things to do and sights to see. With so many things to do in Miami, it is easy to feel lost, so a tour might be a good place to start. Here are some tours to start you off: Everglades River of Grass Adventures, Miami Culinary Tours, and Big Bus Tours.
Everglades River of Grass Adventures
Tours let the public in on the Everglades, one of Miami’s more prominent attractions. Everglades River of Grass Adventures, a popular local company that does private tours, takes their visitors into the wetland and marshes of the Everglades. Alligators, birds, turtles, oh, my! These tours are full of cool sights, learning, and fun in the sun, making them a Miami attraction worth experiencing.
Miami Culinary Tours
Miami is a cultural hotspot. Different cultures means different people, and different people usually means lots of different foods. Miami Culinary Tours are for all the visiting food-lovers and adventurers out there who want a unconventional thing to do in Miami that covers historical and culinary experience about dishes from all over. This tour is a fun for parties of all sizes. From our time in caves, people have bonded while talking over food and that trend can be seen even to this day. Take this opportunity to meet new people and learn something about food over delicious entrées.
Big Bus Tours
Miami Culinary Tours
Miami is a cultural hotspot. Different cultures means different people, and different people usually means lots of different foods. Miami Culinary Tours are for all the visiting food-lovers and adventurers out there who want a unconventional thing to do in Miami that covers historical and culinary experience about dishes from all over. This tour is a fun for parties of all sizes. From our time in caves, people have bonded while talking over food and that trend can be seen even to this day. Take this opportunity to meet new people and learn something about food over delicious entrées.
Big Bus Tours
The Big Bus Tours are the most comprehensive tours of Miami attractions. For Miami newcomers, this would be the best way to get a snapshot of the area. The Big Bus Tours allow you to jump on and off as many times as you would like and includes a complimentary walking tour of Little Havana. If you’re having trouble finding things to do in Miami, don’t know where to start, or want to experience Miami in a different way, then take one of these tours and discover more of the attractions Miami has to offer.
Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens
For those of you in need of nature in a city, Miami happens to incorporate more nature into its city than other larger, mostly gray cities like New York. Zoos, the Everglades, and botanical gardens are just a few of the things to do in Miami for people who need more than cars and buildings in their life. Botanical gardens offer a sanctuary for people in need of a green fix. So if life in the city starts to give you an itch, consider adding a visit to some of these green attractions of Miami to your list of things to do.
Pinecrest Gardens
Pinecrest Gardens is a family friendly botanical garden. The gardens are landscaped with naturally occurring features such as sinkholes and streams, and are filled with over 1,000 different types of plants. The Gardens also have playgrounds, a petting zoo, picnic areas and facilities for movies, plays, concerts, and lectures. Admission is $5 for most, seniors 65+ pay $3, and military enter free with their IDs. With activities that appeal to everyone, in a family or not, The Pinecrest Gardens make for a cute weekend adventure.
The Kampong
The Kampong botanical garden, located in Southwest Coconut Grove, is a nice place to visit for those looking for an experience with exotic fruits and fragrant, flowering trees. The Kampong is rich in history, both as a property and a botanical garden. Prices vary and depend on whether you choose the guided tour or self-guided tour. This particular garden, with species studied by scientists for a variety of purposes, is only a 17-minute drive from Dharma Home Suites in Miami. Taking in the smells and sights of a garden serves as a good way to unwind after a long day.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are a must-see for Dharma corporate housing guests looking for things to do in Miami. In fact, it is a must-see for any travelling visitor, and even the residents of Miami, looking for something to do. As a National Historic Landmark, the impressive Italian Renaissance-styled Vizcaya was originally created for homing Deering Havester company founder, James Deering. Following Deering’s passing the home was converted to a museum. Famous visitors to the villa include Pope John Paul II and Ronald Reagan. There is a café and shop on site. Various tours are available to explore the house and grounds.
Museums
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are a must-see for Dharma corporate housing guests looking for things to do in Miami. In fact, it is a must-see for any travelling visitor, and even the residents of Miami, looking for something to do. As a National Historic Landmark, the impressive Italian Renaissance-styled Vizcaya was originally created for homing Deering Havester company founder, James Deering. Following Deering’s passing the home was converted to a museum. Famous visitors to the villa include Pope John Paul II and Ronald Reagan. There is a café and shop on site. Various tours are available to explore the house and grounds.
Museums
The older the city is, the richer its history, and Miami is no exception. Museums riddle the town, offering multiple chances for glimpses into Miami’s past. History also appears in the works, seen in certain places such as the Wynwood Walls and Wynwood Doors. Museums are a testament to history, and home to expression and education. These museums are some of Miami’s greatest attractions.
Wynwood Walls and Wynwood Doors
What do you do with empty and abandoned warehouses? Adventurous Tony Goldman decided to convert the unused warehouses into havens of art and expression by opening it up to street artists. The walls are covered with countless pieces by many artists. Tony’s dream was for art to be accessibly displayed to the public, and not merely hidden in the peripheries; thanks to his efforts, his dream is now a reality. Stop by to witness history-in-the-making at this unusual museum and maybe find your own inspiration with this unique thing to do in Miami.
Miami Children’s Museum
Are you a proud parent visiting Miami? Do you have your children with you? Fret not visiting families, Miami has countless activities for everyone to experience. The Miami Children’s Museum might be a good bet for the children. This museum boasts being one of the top ten largest children museums in the country. It not only houses a museum with a multitude of interactive exhibits, but also contains a preschool, charter school, 200-seat auditorium, and an educational gift shop. While enjoying a vacation or handling a business trip, make time to take your small ones with this family oriented Miami attraction.
Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science
Another notable attraction is the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, located on the Vizcaya property. Much like the Miami Children’s Museum, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science was founded to inspire learning in Miami’s youth. The museum has expanded on multiple occasions thanks to consistent community interest and support. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science houses not only exhibits, but also a wildlife center, a camp, and even a planetarium, making this museum an educational, yet fun thing for families to see in Miami.
Theatre
Theatre
Some would say that there is something about live theatre that draws you in more than a cinema ever could. Maybe it’s easier to connect to the characters seeing them live, or maybe it’s the recognition of the blood, sweat, and tears put into the making of every production by so many groups of specialists. Whatever the reason, live theatre ought to be experienced at least once by everyone. Miami, with its’ many things to do and attractions to see, can help you check that off the list with one of its many theatres or live production groups.
Olympia Theatre
The Olympia Theatre at the Gusman Center is said to be Miami’s crown jewel. Despite multiple restorations, the Olympia still holds it’s 1920’s charm with a painted starlit ceiling and balcony seating. Olympia Theatre has been graced by famous music celebrities such as Elvis Presley. Even now, the theatre still puts on events ranging from concerts, plays, and more.
Florida Grand Opera
The Florida Grand Opera Company is the seventh oldest opera in the USA. Founded in 1941, the Florida Grand Opera Company rapid growth allowed them to put on a number of performances in various locations. With humble beginnings in a high school auditorium, the Florida Grand Opera now hosts productions at the Adrienne Arsht Center and Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Miami Theatre Center
The Miami Theatre Center has professional performances and ways to nurture new talent. Next to the actual theatre is a black-box theatre, where amateur actors can sign up to showcase their work in the hopes of becoming potential actors through the center. The founder, Stephanie Ansin, both creates plays and makes adaptations of others. This is a great, live-performance venue choice for visitors with children.
Clubs
Miami Theatre Center
The Miami Theatre Center has professional performances and ways to nurture new talent. Next to the actual theatre is a black-box theatre, where amateur actors can sign up to showcase their work in the hopes of becoming potential actors through the center. The founder, Stephanie Ansin, both creates plays and makes adaptations of others. This is a great, live-performance venue choice for visitors with children.
Clubs
Sometimes all you want to do at the end of a long work week is to go a little wild and have some fun. Miami makes it easy to have a crazy weekend with clubs peppering the streets, showcasing its’ spicy nightlife scene. Here is a brief list of some fun things to do at night in Miami.
Twist
The LGBT presence has always been fairly strong in Miami. Considered one of the best general clubs in the city, Club Twist is a popular gay nightclub. Their motto, “Never a cover, always a groove” highlights the club personality well as they welcome everyone of any orientation.
Wood Tavern
Things to do in Miami Wood Tavern
Miami bars are all over the place and cater to any mood and setting. If you’re the type who enjoys hanging out and relaxing with a nice draft, then the Wood Tavern is the place for you. The bar makes sure to welcome everyone, meaning there’s always a new set of characters to meet in this comfy and affordable setting.
Last Call Pub Crawls
The Last Call Pub Crawls is an event that tours people through multiple bars in certain areas. This exciting, night adventure in Miami gives visitors the opportunity to hit up a variety of bars, meet new people, and mingle with locals, all while saving money from discounted drinks. A ticket ensures a free drink from each bar along with discounted priced drinks. This really is an excellent choice for visitors looking to explore the city, make friends, and have fun.
Liv
Liv brings world famous DJ’s to pump up their crowd for a hyped night experience. Lights line the ceiling, VIP tables surround the dance floor, and skyboxes provide a bird’s eye view of all the action; a perfect place for partiers of all ages.
Club Fifty
Last but not least on our list of things to do in Miami is Club Fifty. For those who party till the sun comes up, Club Fifty is the place to be. This club is on top of the Viceroy Luxury Hotel. This spot is more of a lounge where you can enjoy well-known DJ’s, a cocktail, and the sunrise. Club Fifty is an excellent location to visit to start or end the night before or after the more energetic clubs.
From everyone at Dharma Home Suites, we hope this article helped you to find something you’d be interested in doing during your stay in Miami. Thanks for reading.
