Best things to do in Miami

Just as its name suggests, Bayside Marketplace wraps along the banks of the Biscayne Bay. Attracting nearly 15 million visitors each year, the waterfront complex features restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. You can explore dozens of stores selling everything from housewares and clothes to electronics and cosmetics. Enjoy some air-conditioned shopping, or a meal at one of the popular eateries. Choose from big-name restaurants offering outdoor seating with marina views, or drop by one of the smaller bars, known for live music and signature cocktails.

A taste of Europe in Miami, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens once served as the home of businessman James Deering. Begun in 1910, with architecture and gardens modeled on the Mediterranean Revival style, the estate was Deering's winter residence from 1916 until his death in 1925. Today, the museum and gardens attract visitors who are drawn by the villa's collection of antique furniture, tapestries, paintings, and decorative arts. The seaside gardens brim with fountains, sculptures, gazebos, trails, and pools. The estate frequently hosts dignitaries from around the world. Check online for thematic tours and upcoming special events.

Wynwood Walls was established in 2009 by the legendary placemaker and visionary Tony Goldman as an outdoor museum of international street art. Since the first year's program – featuring Kenny Scharf, Futura, Os Gemeos, Swoon, Shepard Fairey, and other renowned innovators in street art, Wynwood Walls has become a phenomenon, spurring the creation of murals throughout the Wynwood district. It is now one of the best venues in the world to see the work of leading street artists.

In 2010, the adjacent Wynwood Doors, with 176 feet of roll-up storefront gates was added. Each subsequent year, a selection of international artists – that range from old school graffiti artists to young artists responsible for the newest work being created today – have created artwork for the Wynwood Walls. In 2012, Wynwood Walls celebrated Art Basel with a series of events dedicated to the vision of Tony Goldman who passed that September. Since that time, the project has been curated by Tony's daughter, Goldman Properties CEO Jessica Goldman Srebnick.

The world-class murals and the spirit of the project attracts thousands of people to Wynwood Walls each year and it has become a popular site for musical concerts, poetry readings, film and video screenings and special events. Miami’s now world renowned open air “museum of the streets” continues to attract visitors from around the world and currently encompasses more than 40 dazzling, cutting-edge murals created by respected street artists from Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States.

Wynwood Walls is located on NW Second Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets and is free and open to the public. For hours and more information please visit www.thewynwoodwalls.com.

At Dolphin Mall, you can enjoy over 240 retail outlets selling name brands and designer labels. One of the state’s largest shopping complexes, the outdoor mall also features dozens of eateries, cafes, and a 19-screen cinema. Peruse the sale rack for your favorite designer brands at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, or treat yourself to dinner and a movie at the CineBistro. Take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service from many of the hotel chains in the area.

See Miami's sandy coastline on a guided speedboat tour with a professional pilot knowledgeable about the area's history and culture. Gliding near the shores of South Beach, you will have a chance to marvel at Miami skyline, observe the Art Deco houses lining the seaside, and even catch a glimpse of some lavish celebrity homes. Some tours have snorkeling and kayaking gear available for rent--a great bonus to an already exciting activity. As attractive for families as these 30-to-90-minute tours might be, some of them are not suitable for children under the age of three.

Interact with tropical birds, see a tiger show, or visit the Everglades Habitat to further explore Florida's ecosystems at Jungle Island. Such famous guests as Winston Churchill and President Jimmy Carter have visited this zoo, which originally opened in 1936 as Parrot Jungle. In addition to animal shows and exhibitions, the park also provides visitors with opportunities for live animal encounters at its petting zoo. A few of the zoo's most popular attractions are its Parrot Bowl, which hosts the Winged Wonders bird show, and a 408 kg (400 lb) liger (combination lion and tiger).

Florida’s oldest zoological garden, Zoo Miami is home to over 2,000 animals across more than 100 exhibits. An air-conditioned monorail takes a loop around the zoo and is a comfortable and convenient way to get around the site, providing an aerial view of some exhibits. There are four main areas of the zoo: Asia, Africa, Amazon and beyond, and Australia. Those who want to experience animals up close can brush an Indian rhinoceros or feed a giraffe for an additional fee. For more information about the zoo and its animals, take a narrated tram ride or guided tour.

Get away from the city hustle and bustle at Matheson Hammock Park, a spacious green area known for its artificial atoll pool. Established in 1930, the 255 hectare (630 acre) urban park remains an ideal spot for swimming, family picnics, or a relaxing walk among tropical trees. Have a barbecue, try your hand at windsurfing, or go fishing and enjoy scenic waterside views. Amenities include restaurants, picnic pavilions, and a boating school.

The Barnacle Historic State Park is a 5acre Florida State Park in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida at 3485 Main Highway.Built in 1891, it is the oldest house in its original location in Miami-Dade County. The Barnacle was the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove’s founders, as well as founder and Commodore of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. He was also a leading designer of sailing yachts. The Florida Park Service acquired the remaining 5acre of Munroe's original 40acre homesite from his descendants in 1973.The Barnacle Historic State Park is served by the Miami Metrorail at the Douglas Road and the Coconut Grove stations.HistoryRalph Middleton Munroe first visited South Florida in 1877 while on vacation from New York City. On his second trip he brought his wife who suffered from tuberculosis. Unfortunately, the cure failed and she died. Her body is buried in Coconut Grove. He returned several times to the area and in 1887 decided to settle in the Bay.Ralph Munroe purchased 40acre of bayfront land in 1886 for $400 in addition to one of his sailboats, the Kingfish, valued at an additional $400. His boathouse was built in 1887 and he lived on its upper floor until his main house was completed in 1891. The house, a one-story structure, was raised off the ground on wood pilings. Its central room is octagonal in shape and Munroe called his home "The Barnacle," presumably because it resembled one. It remained a bungalow until 1908 when more space was needed for his growing family. The whole structure was lifted and a new first story inserted below. In 1912 a library was built adjacent to the house. The Barnacle survived the disastrous 1926 hurricane and Hurricane Andrew in 1992 with only minimal damage.

Explore the magical world of underwater creatures at the Miami Seaquarium. Located on the beautiful island of Virginia Key, the 15 hectare (38 ace) aquarium offers an up close look at sea life with eight different animal shows and dozens of interactive, hands-on marine exhibits. Make a splash with some of the sea’s most playful animals by swimming with dolphins or pay a visit to the beloved Lolita, the world’s oldest captive orca, by attending a live whale show. Kids will love cooling off in the mini-waterpark and feeding the sea lions and seals. Make sure to arrive early to ensure space at each of the animal shows.