Exploring Miami: Exciting Things To Do Near The Airport

Miami Airport is a great place to be stuck with a long layover. The city is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its unique culinary scene. From Cuban bakeries to Peruvian ceviche spots and Japanese-Peruvian sushi joints, there's a lot to tantalise your taste buds.

If you're looking for attractions near Miami Airport, you could visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Little Havana, Zoo Miami, or the Wynwood Walls street art museum. Or, if you're looking to relax, head to South Beach or explore the Art Deco District.

There are also plenty of shopping opportunities near the airport, from the Dolphin Mall to the Bayside Marketplace. And, of course, you can always just stay in the airport and enjoy the art exhibitions, dining and shopping there.

Explore the Wynwood Walls street art museum

Wynwood Walls is an outdoor street art museum located in the heart of Miami's Wynwood Art District, which is famous for its world-class street art. Since its opening in 2009, Wynwood Walls has become a "must-see" destination in Miami, attracting over 3,000,000 visitors per year. The museum features over 35 hand-sprayed murals and two street art galleries, showcasing the works of renowned graffiti artists such as Os Gemeos.

What to Expect

The Wynwood Walls offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to admire the diverse and engaging collection of murals and street art. In addition to the outdoor gallery, there are also indoor exhibits, providing a glimpse into various artistic styles and stories. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs at the gift shop and explore the surrounding Art District, which is filled with art galleries and attractions like the Original Selfie Museum.

Tours

There are various tours available, offering a more informative and guided experience of the Wynwood Walls and the surrounding area:

• Wynwood Walls “Inside the Walls” Official Tour
• Wynwood Food and Art Walking Tour
• Wynwood Street Art Tour
• Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Small-Group Tour
• Wynwood Food & Art Tour by Miami Culinary Tours

Practical Information

Address: 2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127-4306

Hours:

• Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 7 PM
• Fri – Sun: 10 AM – 7 PM

Admission: $12 for adults, $8 for military personnel

Visit Little Havana for Cuban culture

Little Havana is a vibrant neighbourhood in Miami, just 13-16 minutes from the airport, where you can immerse yourself in Cuban and Latin American culture. The area is filled with the sounds of Latin music, the scent of Cuban cuisine, and a strong sense of community rooted in its cultural heritage. Here are some suggestions for things to do in Little Havana:

Food and Drink

Sample authentic Cuban coffee and cuisine at a local cafe. You can also take a food tour to explore the culinary delights of the area.

Dancing

Get your salsa on by taking a salsa dancing lesson or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere as you stroll through the neighbourhood.

Shopping

Browse the unique shops and boutiques, including the Little Havana Store, which offers a range of apparel and accessories with Latin American and Cuban influences. You can also find hand-rolled cigars, a popular product of the area.

Sports

If you're a sports fan, head to Marlins Park (now known as LoanDepot Park), which is about a 2-mile walk from Little Havana. This baseball park is home to the Miami Marlins and is located on the former site of the Miami Orange Bowl.

Nearby Attractions

Little Havana is also conveniently located near other attractions such as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a historic Italian Renaissance-style villa with lush gardens and fountains, and the American Airlines Arena, a sports and entertainment venue along Biscayne Bay.

Take a boat tour of Biscayne Bay

If you're looking for a fun and informative activity near Miami Airport, a boat tour of Biscayne Bay is a great option! Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip:

Booking and Location:

Booking in advance is essential for this popular tour. Reservations can be made online or over the phone, and you'll need to arrive at least 40 minutes before the departure time to redeem your boarding pass. The exact departure location will be provided at the time of booking, but it's usually from Downtown Miami or Bayside Marketplace.

What to Expect:

The Biscayne Bay boat tour offers a unique perspective on Miami, its celebrity residents, and its stunning architecture. During the 90-minute cruise, you'll glide past lavish homes, beautiful beachfront properties, and the dazzling Downtown Miami skyline.

• Fisher Island: A unique place with one of the highest per capita incomes in the US, known for its coconut palms and mangroves.
• Star Island: A man-made island home to celebrities like Sean "Diddy" Combs. Keep an eye out for the former home of Al Capone.
• Venetian Islands: These islands are dotted with extravagant mansions and lush South Florida flora.
• Millionaire's Row: Homes of the rich and famous, including Shaquille O'Neal, Gloria Estefan, and Julio Iglesias.
• Flagler Monument Island: A hidden gem tucked away between Miami and Miami Beach.
• Brickell District: Miami's financial district.

Onboard Experience:

The tour boats are typically double-deckers, offering both open-air upper decks for enjoying the ocean breeze and lower-deck salons with air conditioning. Light snacks, cocktails, and soft drinks are available for purchase from the onboard bar. The tour guide will provide fascinating insights and stories about the history and celebrity pop culture of Miami, in both English and Spanish.

So, whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just curious about how the celebrities live, a boat tour of Biscayne Bay is a perfect way to explore Miami from the water. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture those celebrity mansions and breathtaking views!

Shop at Bayside Marketplace

Located in the heart of downtown Miami, Bayside Marketplace is an iconic shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. With over 120 shops and restaurants, it offers a diverse array of options for everyone. Whether you're a bargain hunter or a fashion enthusiast, Bayside has something for you.

Retail Therapy

The marketplace boasts a variety of trendy fashion boutiques and specialty shops. For women, there are 23 boutiques, including well-known brands like Gap, Guess, and Victoria's Secret. Men and children are also catered to with a wide selection of apparel. Footlocker, Crocs, and Claire's are among the many shoe and accessory stores. You can also find top sports brands, perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and games.

Bayside also houses exotic shops like Bayside Cigars, Caribbean Life, and It's Sugar. You can find smokeable gifts, Caribbean specialties, colourful candy, and virtual reality glasses. Sakura Reflexology Spa is the perfect treat after a long day of shopping, offering relaxing massages.

Culinary Delights

With 37 restaurants, Bayside Marketplace caters to a range of tastes and preferences. Enjoy international and local cuisine with scenic views of Biscayne Bay. Indulge in seafood at Bubba Gump and Brawy Seafood, Greek specialties at the Gyro House, and steaks at Los Ranchos. For Italian fare, Pucci's Pizza is a popular choice. Five Guys is famous for its burgers, while sports fans can catch live games at Hooters. Chilis Bar & Grill offers Mexican flavours, and Bavaria Haus Beerhall serves German beer.

You can also relax in charming cafes, enjoy ice cream or smoothies, or sip cocktails at the Daiquiri Bar.

Entertainment and Adventures

Bayside is not just about shopping and dining; it's also a hub for entertainment and adventures. The marketplace has its own marina, offering boat trips to exciting destinations. Hop-on-Hop-off buses stop here, providing a convenient way to explore Miami. Bicycle tours by Bike & Roll Miami are another fun option to stay active while sightseeing.

Boat tour companies like Bayside Boat Tours and Island Queen Cruises offer glimpses of celebrity mansions, Fisher Island, and the iconic Art Deco district. You can also opt for Everglades tours or party cruises. For fishing enthusiasts, Blue Water Fishing is a great choice, and Boat Rental Miami lets you captain your own vessel.

Events and Attractions

Bayside Marketplace comes alive with events and attractions throughout the year. Every weekend, Artist's Square features local artists and handcrafted jewellery. The Farmer's Market on Sundays offers regional produce and fresh juices. Live concerts ranging from classic rock to Latin American music create a vibrant atmosphere.

On special occasions like July 4 and New Year's Eve, the marketplace hosts family-friendly festivals with fireworks, games, and activities. Halloween is a treat for little ones with candy and face painting. During December, 50 Christmas-themed boats sail through Biscayne Bay, providing a unique spectacle.

Practical Information

Bayside Marketplace is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday from 10 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm. Parking is available on-site for a fee, or you can take the free Metromover for a unique view of the city and bay.

So whether you're a shopper, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Bayside Marketplace has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination when in Miami.

Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a beautiful place to explore. It is a historic Italian Renaissance-style villa/estate surrounded by lush gardens, gorgeous fountains, and views of Biscayne Bay. Built in 1916 as a winter retreat, this lavish villa is a tribute to the Italian Renaissance. The museum contains much of the original furnishings and artwork.

Getting There

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located at 3251 S Miami Ave Miami, Florida 33129, and it is about a 23-24 minutes drive from Miami Airport. You can also take the orange train to get there or use the monorail from Miami Central.

Opening Hours

Vizcaya is open Wednesday through Monday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets are $22 per person. You can purchase tickets on the day of your visit or online in advance.

What to See and Do

The site consists of the Main House and the gardens.

The Main House

The Main House is a 45,225-square-foot villa with 70-plus rooms, 34 of which are open to the public and overflow with treasures dating back to the 15th century.

As you enter, you will notice sleek marble floors and stained glass doors in the Tea Room. The Breakfast Room features a unique motif combining Chinese ceramics with Neapolitan seascapes. The Cathay Room offers a glimpse into the lavish accommodations enjoyed by movie stars such as Lillian Gish.

The Gardens

The Formal Gardens span 10 acres and resemble the layout of France's Versailles, with low, trimmed shrubs, thick columns, lush mazes, and classical statues. The gardens also embrace their tropical surroundings, featuring palms, rare orchids, and Cuban limestone.

Other highlights of the gardens include:

• The Mound: A massive topiary-lined corridor leading to The Casino pavilion, which offers aerial views of the gardens.
• The Fountain Garden: A fountain imported from Sutri, Italy.
• The David A. Klein Orchidarium: A wide variety of orchids, including Vandas and Cymbidiums.
• The Yacht Landing and Swimming Pool: A refreshing spot for Deering's guests after a long day on the bay.

Special Events

Vizcaya hosts a variety of special events, including art exhibitions, workshops, performances, and film screenings. Check their website for the latest information.

Dining and Shopping

The museum has a cafe and a gift shop. However, there are no brochures or guides provided on-site, and some visitors have noted that the gift shop could be better organised, with items clearly priced.

Frequently asked questions