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Sure, you could spend an entire Miami vacation just relaxing on the beach, people-watching, and sipping cold drinks.

But there’s so much to explore in the Magic City, you also could build an almost limitless list of fun things to do in Miami. In fact, you may have trouble narrowing it all down to a manageable itinerary of absolute must-sees — whether you’re visiting on your own, as a couple, or with friends or family.

You could have an amazing time just focusing on bucket-list items, like going to Little Havana or strolling the Miami Beach Boardwalk. Or you might use your time to take in Miami’s renowned architecture or to go shopping or history hunting.

The best answer may well be to mix it up and sample the sunny outdoors, the arts, plus some of the great food and nightlife. So here is a curated list of seasoned travelers’ tips and picks for the top things to do in Miami, Florida. Get ready for an amazing adventure.

Best Times to Go to Miami

Springtime is probably the best time to visit Miami — if you don’t mind the crowds — followed closely by December through February. The weather is typically warm, but you’ll avoid the heat and humidity.

You may find there’s a festival or two you’ll want to base your visit around. If you travel in March, for example, you can enjoy Carnaval Miami events, like the Calle Ocho Music Festival or Art on the Drive. And in December, the Art Basel international art fair comes to town.

Bad Times to Go to Miami

There really isn’t a wrong time to go to Miami. The beach is always there, after all. But if heat, humidity, rain, and the potential for hurricanes aren’t your thing, you may want to avoid summer travel to Miami or planning a vacation for the summer or early fall.

Average Cost of a Miami Vacation

The cost of a vacation in Miami can vary significantly, depending on how long you stay, when and where you stay, and how you get there. (And, of course, you might lower the price tag by using credit card miles or cash back.)

Travel sites generally put the average cost of a weeklong trip at about $1,200 to $2,450 for an individual and $2,300 to $4,600 for a couple. (If you’re traveling with your kids or traveling with pets, the cost could be significantly more.)

Here are just a few of the costs you may want to consider when budgeting for your trip (and when you’re figuring out how to make the most of your credit card rewards):

Getting There

Roundtrip airfare to Miami can average from $200 to $600 or more, based on where you’re flying from and when you’re traveling. (Don’t forget to look at how credit card travel insurance works, just in case your flight is canceled, your luggage gets lost, or some other mishap occurs.) Driving could end up costing about the same, or even more, if you have to stop at a hotel for a night or two.

Accommodations

If you’re willing to stay at a budget hotel or a hotel or rental that’s outside the more popular areas of the city, you may be able to save some serious money in this category. Otherwise, you can expect to pay about $150 to $700 or more (much more) per night for a mid-range to luxury hotel on your Miami trip.

Transportation

Though much of Miami is walkable, to conveniently get around to everything you want to see, you may want to rent a car. A mid-size SUV could cost about $21 to $66 per day, and a convertible can be about $65 per day.

Dining

The average spend per person for food in Miami can range from $30 to $100 per day. But your food bill may go up or down (just like at home) based on how often you dine out, the restaurants you choose, and whether you drink tap water or an excellent bottle of wine. A couple of street tacos or a fast-food meal, for example, could cost less than $10, while a meal in a nice restaurant like Joe’s Stone Crab might be $100 or more per person.

Sightseeing

There are many free things to do in Miami, and admission to most museums and other attractions generally costs $25 or less for an adult.

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10 Fun Must-Dos in Miami

There’s so much to do in and around Miami, it could be a challenge to squeeze it all into one week—or even two or three weeks. But if you go in with a plan having pre-selected some must-see destinations, you can improve the chances that you’ll get to your fair share of fun activities.

To help get you started, here’s a list of 10 cool things to do in Miami, compiled from dozens of travel sites, blogs, and “best of” lists, plus advice from savvy travelers.

1. Check Out the South Beach Scene

You’ve seen it in movies. You’ve read about it in books. When most people think about Miami, they probably picture the iconic South Beach area. There’s plenty there to explore, from the beautiful, expansive beach to the Art Deco buildings, trendy boutiques, and top-rated bars and restaurants. And the free South Beach Trolley loops around the neighborhood from 8 am to 11 pm seven days a week. It’s a popular area, so expect to find crowds, especially when the weather is at its best.

2. Take a Tour of Little Havana

You can book a bus tour or walking tour of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood to get the full story on its food and cultural diversity. Or you can settle in with a mojito at one of the excellent restaurants there, then wander over to watch a dominos or chess match at Domino Park at the corner of Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) and 15th Avenue.

3. Check Out the Wynwood Arts District

Another top thing to do in Miami: You can take in the street art for free in the super-cool Wynwood Arts District. Then, for more cutting-edge art, buy a ticket to see the Wynwood Walls outdoor museum. Artists from around the world have covered the museum’s abandoned warehouse walls with graffiti and street art. The district is also home to several art galleries, a variety of well-reviewed restaurants, and chic, high-end shopping. thewynwoodwalls.com/

4. Do Some Time-Traveling at HistoryMiami

HistoryMiami is celebrating 80 years of providing access to archives and artifacts that bring South Florida’s stories to life. You can visit the museum’s permanent and rotating exhibitions to get a true feel for the area’s history and heritage, and its evolution. historymiami.org

5. Linger at the Lush Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

If you’re a fan of flowers, butterflies, and all things green, a trip to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a must. Its horticultural collections include tropical fruit trees, orchids, palms, and Florida native plants; and while you’re there, you can wander over to the Wings of the Tropics exhibit to see hundreds of spectacular butterflies fluttering about. The museum hosts several family-friendly festivals and other events throughout the year, including the mouth-watering Bacon & BBQ Classic in June. fairchildgarden.org/

Recommended: How Families Can Afford to Travel

6. Miami Beach Boardwalk

The scenic Miami Beach Boardwalk (sometimes referred to as the South Beach Boardwalk) is a favorite with tourists and locals alike. The pathway starts at the southern point of South Beach and stretches seven miles along the ocean to the Surfside border in North Beach. Or you can venture off the boardwalk onto Lincoln Road and explore the popular shopping district there.

You also may want to build a visit to New World Center into your itinerary and take in a movie or concert from the lawn of SoundScape Park. miamibeachboardwalk.com and nws.edu/events-tickets/wallcast-concerts-and-park-events

7. Go Birding in Barnacle Historic State Park

If you’re ready for something a little outside the city, you might want to take a drive over to Coconut Grove and visit The Barnacle Historic State Park. The park’s location and landscaping attract herons, pelicans, kingfishers, and other shorebirds. While there, you also can take a guided tour of the Munroe House Museum, located on the shore of Biscayne Bay, to get an idea of what life was like for pioneer and sailor Ralph Middleton Munroe in the late-1800s. Picnics are allowed on the lawn, and events are scheduled throughout the year at the museum and park. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/barnacle-historic-state-park

8. Enjoy Miami’s Exhilarating Nightlife

Miami has a little bit of everything when you’re ready to head out at night, from comedy, improv, and karaoke clubs to nightclubs with rooftop lounges, live music, and dancing, to neighborhood pubs where you can sample a microbrew and watch the ballgame on a big screen. Keep in mind that if you’re heading to a nightclub, there will likely be a dress code that just says no to flip-flops, ball caps, tank tops, and shorts.

9. Tour the Art Deco District

If you’re an architecture buff or just like to look at cool old buildings, you may want to spend some time in Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. You can take a guided or self-guided walking tour of the district’s lovingly restored buildings. Then learn more about Miami Beach’s Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern design styles at the Art Deco Museum and Welcome Center. miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/art-deco-historic-district

10. Take a Walk on the Wild Side at the Shark Valley Loop

The 15.4-mile Shark Valley Loop Trail is one of the highlights of the vast Everglades National Park and worth the trip if you’re up for a bit of a drive. (It’s about 30 miles west of the city.) You can hike or bike the trail to get a close-up look at Florida’s wild side, or you can take a two-hour guided tram tour from the Shark Valley Visitors Center. nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/shark-valley-tamiami.htm

Insider Tips

Now that you know some of the best things to do in Miami, consider these insider tips that might help improve your trip, including:

A Little Bit About Location

To make your trip to Miami more manageable, you may want to keep your sightseeing priorities in mind when choosing your accommodations. You’ll likely save money on hotels or rentals outside the city or farther from the beach. However, traffic in the area can be challenging, and you could spend a large part of your visit just trying to get to the attractions you hope to see. If your homebase is closer in, you can take advantage of the walkability in many popular tourist areas.

Make the Most of the Fresh Seafood

If you love seafood, you’ll love dining in Miami, where you can get your favorite fish sandwich, fish tacos, scallops, shrimp, stone crab claws, clams, and lobster just about anywhere and at any time of day.

Your choices will range from cutting-edge food trucks to elegant eateries, with menu items at all price points. For a special night out, consider Joe’s Stone Crab in South Beach, which is famous for both its food and the service. Joe’s is best known for its stone crab claws and another Florida favorite: Key lime pie.

Plan How You’ll Pay

It can be a good idea to bring cash, your debit card, and a couple of different credit cards to pay for various things during your trip to Miami. You also may want to bring at least one travel credit card so you can get rewarded for qualifying purchases.

The Takeaway

Miami is a super-popular destination for a variety of very good reasons: Great weather, gorgeous beaches, amazing architecture and attractions, as well as terrific food and drink. If you decide to travel there, there are plenty of incredible sights to see, or you can have fun just lounging by the sea or a pool. That’s part of what makes Miami such a great destination for solo voyagers, couples, friends, and families to visit.

Whether you want to travel more or get a better ROI for your travel dollar, SoFi can help. SoFi Travel is a new service exclusively for SoFi members that lets you budget, plan, and book your next trip in a convenient one-stop shop. SoFi takes the guessing game out of how much you can afford for that honeymoon, family vacation, or quick getaway — and we help you save too.

FAQ

Is it helpful to know some Spanish when vacationing in Miami?

You won’t need to take a language course to get around Miami successfully, but knowing a few popular phrases could be useful, including hola (hello), gracias (thank you), ¿Cómo estás? (How are you?), and ¿Dónde está? (Where is it?).

What are the best things to do in Miami Beach on a rainy day?

Although much of Miami is built around South Florida’s beautiful weather, there are also plenty of museums and galleries to visit if it’s raining or too hot and humid.

What are some things to do in Miami for couples?

Walking the beaches and enjoying the nightlife in Miami are about as romantic as it gets. A visit to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (vizcaya.org/) will provide lush grounds and gardens to explore and plenty of photo opportunities too.

Photo credit: iStock/Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography

¹See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.

**Terms, and conditions apply: This SoFi member benefit is provided by Expedia, not by SoFi or its affiliates. SoFi may be compensated by the benefit provider. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions, please review the benefit provider's terms: Travel Services Terms & Conditions.
The SoFi Travel Portal is operated by Expedia. To learn more about Expedia, click https://www.expediagroup.com/home/default.aspx.

When you use your SoFi Credit Card to make a purchase on the SoFi Travel Portal, you will earn a number of SoFi Member Rewards points equal to 3% of the total amount you spend on the SoFi Travel Portal. Members can save up to 10% or more on eligible bookings.

No one wants to get sick while on vacation, but sometimes, the unexpected happens. Not only can falling ill on your vacation throw a major wrench in your travel plans, it can be stressful and scary, especially if you’re in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language and medical facilities may not be what you are used to back home.

The best thing you can do before you leave is to prepare in case you do get sick on vacation. Knowing what items and information to bring with you, where you can seek a doctor’s care, and how you might pay for unforeseen medical expenses can help provide peace of mind.

Read on to learn:

•   What illnesses are going around these days

•   Important items to bring with you in case you get sick on your trip

•   Where to turn for help and medical care if you fall ill

•   Self-care tips you can use if you experience sickness on vacation.

What’s Going Around These Days

Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, you’ll want to know what illnesses are circulating in your destination so you can protect yourself. For example, one of these precautions may be making sure you get the appropriate vaccinations or that your usual shots are completely up to date. That can help prevent you from getting sick on vacation, because who wants to spend their week at the Outer Banks or Oahu coughing and sneezing?

Currently, there are some illnesses currently going around that all travelers should be aware of:

•   COVID-19. Though we may not be hearing about coronavirus in the news every day, it’s still circulating around the world. According to the World Health Organization, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continues to evolve and circulate.

•   Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV). This common respiratory virus, which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, has been on the rise in the U.S. for over a year. In some cases, RSV can cause serious lung infections, which is particularly dangerous for infants, older adults, and people with serious medical issues.

•   Norovirus. The very contagious norovirus causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Talk about ruining a vacation! Cases have increased in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. this year. You can catch norovirus from eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by touching a contaminated surface like a light switch or doorknob and then touching your mouth with unwashed hands. This germ has been known to circulate on cruise ships.

•   Polio. There are some global destinations where polio is circulating, including Canada, Israel, and the U.K. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that, before embarking on international travel, people should be up to date on their polio vaccines. They also advise that adults in the U.S. who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.

•   Strep A. If you’re traveling with children or teens, you’ll want to know about Strep A, a very contagious infection in the throat or tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep A most commonly causes strep throat but can also cause skin infections and scarlet fever, among other more severe infections. According to the CDC, cases of Strep A have increased among children in the U.S. A rise in Step A cases has also been reported since late last year in Australia and some European countries.

Why You May Get Sick on Vacation

Have you ever wondered, “Why do I get sick on vacation?” There are some very good reasons why you may start to feel under the weather or contract some type of sickness while traveling.

•   As mentioned above, if you travel to a destination where a certain illness is circulating, you might pick it up.

•   The fatigue and jet lag you may experience while traveling can potentially impact your ability to fight off various germs. According to the Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep can also affect your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick.

•   You can also get sick on vacation from eating foods or drinking water that may be contaminated. Doing so can result in traveler’s diarrhea and other serious conditions such as E. Coli and Hepatitis A.

•   You might dine on unfamiliar food that’s spicy or cooked differently than you are used to. This can cause gastrointestinal distress.

•   The risk of injuries may go up while you’re vacationing. Being unaware of your surroundings, engaging in higher levels of physical activity, or driving an unfamiliar rental car can all lead to accidents.

Things to Do Before You Leave

Besides the usual pre-vacation chores, such as packing and booking a dog or cat sitter (unless you’re traveling with your pets), you’ll want to add some items to your to-do list. Before you head off on your getaway, consider taking these steps to ensure you’ll have a healthier trip:

•   Check in with your doctor. Make sure you’re up to date with all of your vaccines and you get any mandatory immunizations if you’re visiting a country that requires them. If you have underlying health conditions, discuss with your doctor and get any necessary clearance from them that it’s okay to travel. Are you traveling with kids? Do the same with the pediatrician.

•   Contact your health insurance company. If you’re traveling abroad, find out if your plan covers any medical expenses you may incur in another country.

•   Look into getting traveler’s insurance. ​​This type of insurance protects travelers against any financial losses occurring during their trip. It can even protect you before you travel, for instance if you have an emergency, such as getting seriously ill.

You can find traveler’s insurance through individual companies, travel agents, and insurance comparison sites, but you may also be able to get it through your credit card. Many cards offer credit card travel insurance, often for free, to cover any medical expenses or trip mishaps such as lost luggage or an unexpected trip cancellation. Check with your credit card company to find out if it’s offered and what it covers.

Some travel credit cards and airline credit cards offer different types of travel insurance. This can wind up being a valuable aspect of credit card rewards.

•   Be prepared financially. Besides making sure you’ve got your credit cards, it’s a good idea to sock some money away in a travel fund account. You may need access to extra cash via your debit card if you end up with unexpected healthcare costs. Or you might need to stay an extra night at your hotel, be it in Baltimore or Boca, if you are too sick to travel.

•   Leave your medical information with loved ones. In case of an emergency, it’s a good idea for friends or family to have all your crucial medical information. Make a list of the medications you take, your doctors’ contact information, allergies you may have, your blood type, your health insurance details, and any other pertinent information such as specific health conditions you have.

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What to Pack in Case You Get Sick

Having certain necessities and creature comforts in your suitcase can keep your vacation from becoming miserable if you get sick. Here are things to bring with you to offer relief, peace of mind, and save you a trip to the pharmacy or a doctor while you’re away:

•   Medications: The last thing you want to do is leave behind your prescription medications. Be sure you pack them in your carry-on or purse instead of your checked luggage in case it gets lost. Double-check you’ve got enough to last throughout at least the duration of your trip.

It’s also a good idea to include some basic over-the-counter remedies too, including pain relievers, cold and flu medication, antacids, motion-sickness pills, antihistamines, and antidiarrheal and anti-nausea drugs.

Be aware that many countries have restrictions on what medications you can bring in through customs. The U.S. Department of State recommends visiting the International Travel Country Information page. There, you can find the contact information for your destination’s embassy or consulate and visit their website to learn what drugs or supplies may be prohibited.

•   Heating pad: Easy to pack in your baggage, a heating pad can ease cramps or sore muscles.

•   Medical supplies: In case of emergency, make sure you pack important medical items such as a medical alert bracelet or necklace, contact lenses or glasses, inhalers, EpiPens, diabetes testing equipment, and insulin supplies.

•   Hand sanitizer and/or antibacterial wipes.

•   Face masks: Experts say non-surgical N95s and KN95s offer the best protection. Have an ample supply of face masks on hand to wear on flights and in any other crowded environments, especially in places where COVID-19 rates are still high.

•   Water purifying or disinfecting tablets: These tablets can be used to kill harmful microorganisms in water. You can also opt for buying bottled water.

•   First-aid kit: Create your own with antibacterial or antifungal ointments, 1% hydrocortisone cream, a digital thermometer, bandages or adhesives, aloe gel for sunburns, insect bite anti-itch cream, and an antiseptic wound cleaner.

•   Health insurance information and other documentation: The CDC recommends having the following paperwork with you while you’re on vacation: copies of your passport, travel documents, all prescriptions, health insurance card, proof of any required vaccinations or shots, and a contact card. Your contact card should list phone numbers, email addresses, and street addresses of family members and other people designated as emergency contacts back home.

Self-Care If You Start Feeling Sick

In the event you begin to feel sick on your vacation, be honest with how you’re feeling. It can be tempting to try to ignore what’s going on so you don’t disrupt your trip, but you may only make things worse.

If your symptoms feel relatively mild, such as having the sniffles, sneezing, or mild indigestion, there’s probably no reason to rush to seek medical care. Hopefully, you’ve packed basic OTC meds and can treat your symptoms.

However, if you fall seriously ill or sustain an injury, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Find a local doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital to get checked out. Talk to your hotel’s concierge to see if there’s a doctor on-site or one that makes house calls for guests. If you’re on a cruise, rest assured all major cruise lines typically have a ship’s medical center, staffed by credentialed doctors and nurses.

Tips on How to Deal If You Get Sick Overseas

Becoming ill while you’re visiting another country can be challenging. There may be language barriers and depending on your location, limited access to medical care. You may also feel unsure of the quality of healthcare you’ll get.

Here’s some ways you can deal with illness if you’re in a foreign country:

•   Seek medical care if you need it. It can be tempting to go without seeing a doctor because you’re afraid of the cost or you’re unsure of the country’s medical system. However, if you’re very sick or injured, you may not have a choice. Airlines have the right to refuse sick passengers so it’s best to get treatment before you go home.

•   Get in touch with your insurance company. Find out if they cover emergencies abroad, and see if they can refer you to a local healthcare provider.

•   Reach out to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They can give you a list of providers and medical facilities in the area, help you find medical assistance if you’re seriously ill, inform your loved ones back home, and help transfer funds to you. The number 888-407-4747 can help you connect with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate while abroad.

•   Visit a public or government-run hospital if you’re worried about cost. Depending on which country you visit, medical care at public or government-run hospitals for tourists may be low-cost or, in rare cases, free, compared to a private one.

•   Search for a global clinic. The International Society of Travel Medicine provides online locations for clinics in more than 90 countries. These clinics offer counseling and medicines to help protect people while traveling internationally.

As mentioned earlier, you can also ask hotel management if there’s a doctor who makes house-calls. Don’t forget the power of networking either. Know anyone who lives in your destination country, or do you have a friend who does? Ask for personal recommendations. Your Airbnb host, if you have one, may also be able to offer help and suggest reputable doctors in the area.

Recommended: Guide to Saving Money on Hotels for Your Next Vacation

The Takeaway

Getting injured or sick during vacation is the last thing anyone wants. But if it does happen, preparation is key and can save you a significant amount of worry and stress. Knowing what to pack, where to seek medical help, and how to take care of yourself if illness strikes gives you a roadmap for what to do if your holiday takes an unhealthy turn.

SoFi Travel is a new service offered exclusively to SoFi members. Earn 2x rewards when booking with your SoFi Mastercard or debit card. Then apply those rewards to your next trip when you book through our travel portal. SoFi makes planning a getaway fast, easy, and convenient — perfect for people on the move.

FAQ

How do I make sure I don’t get sick on vacation?

There are many ways you can avoid coming down with something while you’re away. Get adequate rest and sleep in the weeks and days before your trip, wash your hands frequently, and steer clear of other sick people whenever possible. Travel with any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications you may need, such as pain relievers or antihistamines.

Is it normal to get sick on vacation?

Getting sick isn’t uncommon. The stress of traveling along with jet lag can impact your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off some infections or viruses. Eating or drinking contaminated food and water can also cause you to get sick. Traveling in close quarters such as on a plane or a train, where there may be other ill people, can boost the chances you can catch something by touching a contaminated surface or just breathing the air.

If I’m sick before I leave, should I cancel my vacation?

You’ll definitely want to talk to your doctor before you make any decisions. But many health experts advise rescheduling or delaying your trip if you’re sick, especially if you’ve got a fever. While it might seem minor, even having a common cold may be a reason to rethink your vacation. Why? Flying can exacerbate symptoms of respiratory illnesses. Being sick can also endanger other passengers around you. You should absolutely not travel if you have tested positive for COVID-19, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Photo credit: iStock/AntonioGuillem

¹See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.

**Terms, and conditions apply: This SoFi member benefit is provided by Expedia, not by SoFi or its affiliates. SoFi may be compensated by the benefit provider. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions, please review the benefit provider's terms: Travel Services Terms & Conditions.
The SoFi Travel Portal is operated by Expedia. To learn more about Expedia, click https://www.expediagroup.com/home/default.aspx.

When you use your SoFi Credit Card to make a purchase on the SoFi Travel Portal, you will earn a number of SoFi Member Rewards points equal to 3% of the total amount you spend on the SoFi Travel Portal. Members can save up to 10% or more on eligible bookings.