Downtown Miami Florida

Things to do in Downtown Miami Florida

• Discover Spanish Monasteries In Downtown Miami

  There’s a whole world of history just waiting to be discovered. The city is home to the Ancient Spanish Monastery, which is one of the oldest buildings in the Western World, an abundance of Art Deco architecture and even a freshwater spring that you can swim in. For a taste of the city’s natural wonders, make sure to visit one of its picturesque historical parks.

  

• Downtown Miami's Renowned Art Galleries

  Home to a thriving art scene, there are over 70 galleries in Wynwood alone. Downtown Miami may not be able to lay claim to such a feat, but it’s an up and coming area for art and culture.

  Gallery Diet

  If you are thinking of visiting Wynwood then this gallery is a must. Founded and directed by Nina Johnson-Milewski, the collection covers a variety of mediums, though there’s a clear focus on design and sculptures.

  Fredric Snitzer Gallery

  This eponymous space was opened in 1970, making it one of Miami’s longest standing galleries. It plays host to an impressive roster of resident artists, including Alice Aycock, Maria Martinez-Canas and Hernan Bas.

  Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

  Learn about the city’s rich history and the numerous communities that call Miami home at this modern museum.

  Miami City Ballet

  The Miami City Ballet was formed in 1985. Since then, it has established a repertoire of almost 100 ballets, ranging from classical to contemporary shows. The company comprises of over 50 dancers, all who have performed in the ballet’s national and international tours. When they’re not globe-trotting, the dancers can normally be found at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown.

  IFÉ-ILÉ

  The ethos of this not-for-profit is to promote Afro-Cuban culture. For more than 10 years, the company has promoted cross-cultural relations through music, dance performances, lectures and their very own festival, which is held annually in the late summer at the Little Haiti Cultural Arts Center.

  

• See Downtown Miami By Water

  Island Queen Cruises

  Take to the waters aboard an Island Queen boat and experience Millionaire’s Row and the Miami Skyline from an entirely new perspective. There are numerous sightseeing tours to choose from – the tricky bit is deciding what you’d like to see most.

  

• Downtown Detox

  Skanda Yoga Studio

  Realign your body and connect with your breathing at Skanda Yoga Studio. There’s a multitude of classes to choose from, catering for all levels and covering a range of yoga styles. Popular classes include Ken von Roenn II’s vinyasa style yoga, which combines elements of the Mayan calendar with alignment-based movements.

  Exhale Mind Body Spa

  On the 16th floor of the EPIC Hotel, you’ll find the path to serenity at this lovely spa. There are a range of tension-releasing treatments to choose from, as well as a full programme of classes to keep you active before lounging by the pool.

  The Sacred Space

  A beautiful haven in the busy city, The Sacred Space plays host to a gourmet vegan restaurant, yoga classes, meditation, wellness workshops and even lectures. Here you can spend a few hours or even a whole day relaxing and getting in touch with your inner peace.

  

• Downtown Miami, Get Outdoors

  Jungle Island

  Straddling the boundary between South Beach and Downtown, Jungle Island houses some of the world’s rarest animals. Residents include Pinky, a cockatoo with a penchant for high-wire bicycle riding, the world’s only tame cassowary, Mama Cass and even a liger named Vulcan who weighs an incredible 900lbs.

  

• Staying Active In Downtown Miami

  Melreese Golf Course

  In 1997, the Melreese Golf Course underwent $3.9m worth of renovations, transforming this 135-acre course into a golfer’s paradise. It boasts an 18-hole, par 71 course as well as a 12-acre driving range. Around the course you’ll find five lakes, nine waste bunkers, 97 sand bunkers and a cypress wetland.

  Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club

  This prestigious course in Miami Lakes has undergone a recent renovation and now course combines classic features with modern luxuries. After a tiring and hopefully successful day on the fairways and greens, retire to the site’s steakhouse for a high-class meal.

  Lock & Load Miami

  The aptly named Lock & Load is a state-of-the-art shooting range where you’ll find a wide range of firearms to handle in a safe environment, under the strict supervision of trained professionals. The collection of guns includes over 25 fully automatic machine guns as well as some which are quite rare.

  

• Downtown Dining

  Whether you’re looking for a lavish feast or an authentic taste of Downtown Miami with cuisine prepared by homegrown talent, there’s an abundance of choice when it comes to the city’s dining scene. Each neighbourhood has its own personality and cuisine, so you can try something new every night of your stay simply by exploring a different part of the city.

  Zuma

  This critically acclaimed restaurant draws a crowd every night of the week, with visitors vying for a table to witness the stunning panoramas of Downtown and the Miami River while sampling a veritable feast. The menu showcases Japanese cuisine at its finest, complemented by an exquisite sake selection.

  Garcia’s Seafood Grill & Fish Market

  Established in 1966 by Cuban exiles, this waterfront restaurant has become a Miami institution. Saunter down to this laidback eatery and recline in the sun before tucking into your meal. The menu changes in line with the catch of the day, so you can rest assured your meal will be amazingly fresh.

  Rusty Pelican

  Sip cocktails while admiring the Miami skyline and sample delights including fresh shellfish, a selection of tapas and a drinks menu that caters for wine lovers and beer fans alike.

  

• Downtown's Markets & Malls

  You’d be hard-pressed to find a greater place to shop than Miami. There are malls to suit every budget and style, with many open-air malls that allow you to soak up the sun as you stroll from shop to shop.

  Aventura Mall

  Peruse the quaint boutiques and impressive tech stores or head to a restaurant in one of Miami’s most upmarket shopping malls. Over 300 retailers and a 24-screen IMAX cinema are housed within Aventura Mall, making this one of the five highest-grossing malls in the entire US.

  Dolphin Mall

  If you’re looking for designer brands without the designer price tag, Dolphin Mall is the place for you. It’s the city’s biggest outlet shopping centre and contains over 240 stores, 30 eateries, a cinema and a bowling alley. With so much to explore, Dolphin Mall is somewhere you can spend the whole day and still want to see more.

  Mary Brickell Village

  Brickell’s shopping and entertainment district has become popular with the professional crowd due to its many trendy bars and restaurants that intersperse the shops. In addition to its bustling nightlife, this district is a great place to explore in the daytime thanks to its selection of shoe shops, clothing boutiques, massage parlours and homeware stores.