Ahh, Miami! There’s no better spot to be than this city during the winter months, and with its beaches, art, and amazing eats, there’s plenty to explore. Whenever you visit for a day or a week, there’s something for everyone – from exploring the iconic Everglades and visiting exciting museums to indulging in some of Miami’s signature nightlife.
In this article, we’ll be taking you through some of Miami’s greatest attractions. Ranging from local favorites such as exploring the Everglades or taking a stroll along Ocean Drive to more adrenaline-pumping activities like half marathons or night hikes. We’ll also give you an insight into Miami’s famed food scene with mouth-watering delicacies like its world-class seafood and cuisine native to the Caribbean. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve included some majestic beaches perfect for much-needed relaxation on those particularly chilly days. So don your flip-flops and join us as we uncover all that have in Miami in winter!
Here are Activities Must do in Miami in Winter
1. Take a Trip to the Everglades
A trip to the Everglades is a must-do when it comes to undergoing the best of what Miami offers in winter. Located just south of Miami, the Everglades is a 1.5 million-acre wilderness wetland and home to some of the country’s most interesting and diverse wildlife. From American alligators and wading birds to Florida panthers and manatees – there’s something special around every corner waiting to be discovered.
The Everglades offers exciting activities, including airboat rides, fishing charters, guided kayak tours, and bird watching expeditions. And if you’re up for an adventure, trek through one of the many nature trails or go camping under the stars.
No matter how you choose to explore it, one thing is for sure: you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for this unique ecosystem!
2. Visit the Miami Art Museum
The Miami Art Museum is the perfect winter activity for visitors looking to taste the local culture. Home to thousands of works, it displays art from the Renaissance to modern and contemporary American works, as well as pieces collected from around the world. Spend a day wandering its air-conditioned galleries and exploring the unique collections and exhibitions. No matter you’re an art lover or just looking for something different to do on your city break, there’s plenty here to wow even the most discerning of visitors.
While you’re there, don’t miss out on ‘The Contemporary Project’, which highlights over 500 pieces of work by Miami’s leading modern artists. You’ll also have the chance to explore their research library and digital archive for more information about all aspects of art in Miami. Plus, when it comes time for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy delicious Mediterranean dishes at their in-house cafe – making it a complete day trip experience!
3. Attend the Miami International Boat Show
Are you into boats? The Miami International Boat Show will be a great event for you. It’s quite the spectacle—hundreds of boats from some of the biggest names in marine manufacturing are displayed yearly.
Where to find it
The Miami International Boat Show typically occurs at the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin in Miami, Florida. It’s a great location overlooking Biscayne Bay, with plenty of free onsite parking.
What’s there to do?
At the show, you can expect to find activities specifically tailored for whatever kind of boat enthusiast you may be. From custom superyachts to kayaks and dinghy boats, marine electronics, engines, and more—there’s something for everyone! Plenty of seminars are designed to educate even the novice boater about everything from engine maintenance to navigation safety.
If you want an experience, there’s nothing quite like a sea trial—it allows you to take a boat for a test drive before making your purchase decision. That helps assure that whatever boat you’re looking at will work out as expected!
For foodies, there are plenty of options too. The Boat Show offers a wide range of food vendors offering snacks and entrees for different palates. Plus, there are lots of fun photo opportunities scattered around the show so you can capture your experience in all its glory!
4. Explore the Night Garden
The Night Garden is one of Miami’s premier attractions, and it’s a great thing to do during winter. Set in the heart of Wynwood, this vibrant outdoor art exhibit features over 50 light installations. You can wander through the garden and take in the mesmerizing colors and beautiful sculptures as you explore.
At the Night Garden, you’ll be able to:
- Stroll along a winding path that features glimmering lights and colorful displays
- Get up close to see murals by some of Miami’s best street artists
- Enjoy delicious snacks and drinks from food trucks and vendors
- Be inspired by unique installations from local and international artists
- Take photos that capture all of the beauty of this outdoor space
You won’t miss exploring the Night Garden for its spectacular display of lights and eye-catching sculptures. It’s sure to be an enjoyable experience for everyone!
5. Participate in the South Beach Wine and Food Festival
One of Miami’s must-do activities during winter is the once-a-year South Beach Wine and Food Festival — a celebration of the world’s greatest chefs, winemakers, and spirits producers. This year, the fest will be carried from February 24th to the 28th, and you can expect a series of grand tastings, cooking classes, celebrity chef dinners, seminars, and more.
The South Beach Wine and Food Festival won’t disappoint! Fill your plate with delicious food from some of Miami’s top restaurants, learn about wine pairing and food pairing philosophies, and enjoy amazing live music performances by renowned bands and DJs — it’s all happening at this amazing event! Plus, attend intimate dinners with celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, Masaharu Morimoto, and many more. For those who are looking to fully engage themselves in the experience, several VIP packages will give you exclusive access to all aspects of the festival.
So come down to the South Beach Wine and Food Festival this winter — there’s something for everyone!
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6. Capture a Photo at Iconic Ocean Drive
One must-do activity when you visit Miami is a trip to the iconic Ocean Drive. Located in South Beach, Ocean Drive is the heart of Miami’s art deco district and is enclosed by some of the most iconic buildings in the city. Whether walking, biking, or driving down Ocean Drive, it’s always worth it to stop and snap a photo.
One thing that makes this particular area so special is its vivid colors. From aqua blue to bright pink, you’ll find buildings embellished with various colors that make for the perfect Instagram photo backdrop. Your feed will thank you!
In addition to the buildings that line Ocean Drive, the well-known Lummus Park runs parallel between stunning South Beach and iconic Collins Avenue for two-and-a-half miles. Here, people flock from around the world to catch a glimpse of palm trees swaying against a backdrop of azure water as they go for morning runs or take in the view.
When it comes time to grab some lunch after your photo-taking tour, there is an abundance of options like The Clevelander Bar & Grill, with its outdoor seating area right on top of the beach, or News Cafe, with its prime location on 8th Street and Ocean Drive which offers some of the most mouthwatering dishes such as seafood paella, traditional Cuban sandwiches, and guava French toast.
If you’re looking for a memorable experience in Miami this winter – look no further than spending an afternoon taking photos at Ocean Drive!
7. Enjoy Art Deco Weekend
If you’re looking for something special to do in Miami during the winter, then you won’t want to miss Art Deco Weekend, held in February! It’s an event that celebrates all things Art Deco. As a bonus, it’s free and open to the public. You can soak up the city’s unique architecture and history and have a weekend of entertainment and activities, including lectures, films, architecture tours, and more.
The event gives you an insight into the golden age of Miami Beach: think vintage cars on Ocean Drive and cool art galleries showcasing works by some of Miami’s most talented artists. Plus, plenty of places serve great food and drinks so you can refuel after a long day exploring South Beach.
To top it off, there are nightly parties with live music so you can dance the night away. This is a big chance to mingle with locals, check out some vintage fashion shows, and enjoy the electric atmosphere that makes Miami so special. So don’t miss it – be sure to add Art Deco Weekend to your list of must-do winter activities!
8. Go on a Nite Hike Adventure
Want an adventure? How about a Nite Hike on one of the most iconic trails in Miami: the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park? Located just southwest of downtown Miami, this historic park has grass-covered dunes, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and plenty of wildlife.
Since it’s nighttime, you can take advantage of lower temperatures and sky-lit up with stars. The hike takes place along a two-mile path through rustling sawgrass and around Biscayne Bay. Along the way, a park ranger will share stories about the area’s earliest days and tell you about hidden secrets like Indian burial grounds — all illuminated by the light of your headlamp!
If you would rather take a stroll instead, that works too! You can also explore some of the park’s other activities, like camping or fishing. Whichever route you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure in this wild beauty of nature!
9. Visit Key Biscayne
This small island hugging the coast is home to some of Miami”s most protected natural areas. Take a kayak tour, explore the mangroves, see Key Biscayne Lighthouse from afar, or go snorkeling and hunt for tropical fish in offshore coral reefs.
To get there, you’ll have to cross Rickenbacker Causeway, one of Miami’s oldest bridges linking downtown to Key Biscayne. Stop halfway across and admire the view – if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins jumping in the water! Once you arrive at Key Biscayne, pick from its many restaurants offering traditional Cuban dishes, seafood specialties, and more. If you’re hungry, don’t miss out on Charlie’s diner for its old-fashioned style brunch favorites.
No matter what you choose to do at Key Biscayne, grab your camera – there are plenty of photo opportunities here!
10. Catch the Coconut Grove Art Festival
One fun activity that you won’t want to miss this winter is the Coconut Grove Art Festival. You’ll enjoy upscale and unique art, fine crafts, and tons of great entertainment in an idyllic setting right by the water!
Enjoy Local Art
This festival has it all: wood carving, photography, jewelry making, oil and acrylic painting – you name it! Whether you’re looking for something to decorate your home or want something fun to browse through, Coconut Grove will surely have something for everyone.
Great Entertainment
Not only can you purchase quality art pieces from local creators, but there’s also lots of great entertainment for everyone in the family. From lively musicians to delicious food vendors, plenty of fun activities occur throughout the festival.
Relax By The Water
Aside from checking out the art and listening to music, you can soak up the sun by strolling along Biscayne Bay. You’ll get stunning views of the city skyline that will take your breath away! Make sure you bring your camera along to capture some amazing pictures while exploring the area.
The Coconut Grove Art Festival is a must-do this winter if you’re visiting Miami. So make sure you plan your trip accordingly to avoid missing out!
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11. Compete in the Miami Half Marathon
The Miami Half Marathon is a yearly event in January and offers participants the unique chance to take in all the sites of Miami’s vibrant cityscape. You’ll be running along Biscayne Bay, past Art Deco architecture, and under the warmth of a Miami sun.
Race Day Details
The Miami Half Marathon takes place in early January and starts with a bang: it opens with the national anthem played by a live band! You can choose between either the half marathon or the relay leg. The race is USATF certified and has plenty of aid stations for quick breaks along your run.
Safety Protocols
Athletes’ safety is taken very seriously during this event; medical team members are stationed at every water stop, and organizers urge runners not to start if they feel unwell. A steady pace is also encouraged, so no one has to worry about rushing too hard or falling behind.
Swag Bag
Participants will be rewarded with some awesome swag for completing the race: A virtual goodie bag, an exclusive t-shirt, complimentary beer at select locations (21+ only!), and discounts on lodging for any out-of-towners who want to make a weekend out of it—now that’s what we call a reward!
12. Relax at One of Miami’s Beaches
When it comes to Miami, one of the most iconic and relaxing activities you can do is hit the beach! After all, Miami is in the Sunshine State with over 663 miles of coastline. Spend a day relaxing in the warm sunshine, basking in the balmy waves, and watching dolphins play in the surf.
Miami’s beaches are perfect for all kinds of activities, from people-watching on the sand to taking an outdoor yoga class. You can also soak up some culture by participating in various beach festivals like Miami Beach Gay Pride or Art Basel. Of course, you can spend an afternoon playing a game of beach volleyball or enjoying a refreshing swim.
Food-wise, you’ll be spoiled for choice at Miami’s beaches. You’ll find everything from hot dogs and hamburgers to tacos and crepes being served by local vendors — be sure to check out some of the tropical fruit smoothies too! If it’s drinking you’re looking for, there’s no shortage of bars and restaurants on the sand serving up refreshing cocktails and cold beers.
The best part? It doesn’t matter which beach you go to—whether it’s South Beach, Miami Beach, or Haulover Beach Park—you know you’ll have an enjoyable time soaking up some vitamin sea!
Conclusion
From the Everglades’ lush wetlands to the vibrant cultural events, there’s plenty to enjoy in Miami this winter! Experience the great outdoors in the iconic Miami Art Museum, or participate in special events like the South Beach Wine and Food Fest and the Miami Half Marathon. Snap a selfie with the iconic Ocean Drive and explore the historic Art Deco architecture, visit the marine life at Key Biscayne, and then relax in the sun on one of Miami’s beautiful beaches. No matter what you’re looking for, Miami offers various activities and experiences to make your winter trip one to remember!
