Top 10 Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Miami, Florida

Miami may be known best for its beaches, but did you know that Miami is also a major arts, entertainment, cultural and financial center? Miami's also an important Port of Call and the Sunshine State's leading cruise capital. Miami is prized for its international trade and commerce. Miami's diverse population and cultural centers give this city its urban, eclectic chic. Along with spectacular views and attractions galore, it's no wonder why this colorful South Florida city attracts the number of visitors it does each year.

Miami: A City of Neighborhoods and Communities

Before you begin your tour of "Magic City," you need to become accustomed to how Miami is situated. Miami is divided into several sections, including North, South, West and Downtown. Downtown Miami finds itself front and center as the heart of the city, but is actually located on the city's eastern side. East of Downtown, across Biscayne Bay is lovely South Beach. Miami's also a city of Causeways and each one takes you on another adventure.

Miami: The Place to Be

Most people who visit Miami do the usual things, like tour the art museums or spend the day on South Beach. But, there's so much more to Magic City than the usual tourist attractions. Yes, indeed, shop downtown galleries for original artwork and more. Visit Little Havana for a lively arts, music and cultural scene and nightlife. Check out the waterfront for deep sea fishing and more. That's right: the sky's the limit in beautiful Miami, Florida where every street and neighborhood is unique and has an important story to tell.

What else can do on your next visit to Miami? Check out these Top 10 Unique and Unusual Things to Do in Miami, Florida. Sure to make your trip to the Magic City and the Sunshine State a memorable one, indeed.

1. Miami Metro Zoo
www.miamimetrozoo.com
1 Zoo Boulevard
12400 SW 152 Street
Miami, Florida 33177
Telephone: (305) 251-0400

Keep it wild! Don't forget to visit the Miami Metro Zoo. What's in store for you? Plenty. Over 100 exhibits. 740 total acres and more than 3 miles of walkways. More than 2,000 animals, representing over 500 species. Over 40 endangered species. More than 70 species of birds in the Wings of Asia Aviary. 10,000 - 15,000 Italian honey bees exhibited in Dr. Wilde's World. More than 1000 species of trees, palms and other plants, including hundreds of orchids. Incredibly lush, the Zoo spotlights more than 2,000 animals and more than 1,200 plants, making it a unique destination on your South Florida tour.

2. Historical Museum of Southern Florida
www.hmsf.org
101 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
Telephone: (305) 375-1492

Check out South Florida's premier cultural institution that celebrates Miami's history as the unique crossroads of the Americas. The Historical Museum's collections connect to the the history, cultures, folklife and archeology of South Florida and the Caribbean area

3. Haulover Beach and Park
www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/haulover_park.asp
10800 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida
Telephone: (305) 944-3040

Okay, you're off to the beaches. But, where do you go? Check out Haulover Beach and Park, a full service beach with all amenities. A mile and a half of the most gorgeous swim and surf beaches. Pristine sand and dunes. Awesome concessions for beach goers. Glorious, glowing sunsets. What more do you want from Miami Beach?
4. Cape Florida Lighthouse
www.key-biscayne.com/capeflorida
Cape Florida State Recreation
1200 Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
Telephone: (305) 361-5811

Cape Florida Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Florida. Established in 1825, this lighthouse landmark sits atop the closest point of land to the Gulf Stream and alerts seagoing vessels to Florida's treacherous reefs. Packed with history and more, a visit to Miami just wouldn't be the same without a quick stop to the Cape Florida Lighthouse.

5. Everglades National Park
www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, Florida 33034-6733
Telephone: (305) 242-7700

No visit to Miami would be complete without a visit to the legendary Everglades National Park. With miles of biking paths and more, Everglades National Park has something for everyone in your family. From guided tours to nature trails, a trip to this federal parkland will give you something to talk about on your return from the Sunshine State.

6. Hialeah Park
www.hialeahparkracing.com
2200 East 4th Avenue
Hialeah, Florida 33011
Telephone: (305) 885-8000

Looking for some action? Look no farther than Hialeah Park, one of horse racing's oldest and most historic tracks. Built in 1925 as a resort facility, the park was designed with European influences in mind. The park also plays host to a lake with several islands inhabited by large flocks of pink flamingos. Don't miss this unique attraction on your next visit to Miami.

7. Miami Museum of Science
www.miamisci.org
Miami Science Museum
3280 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
Telephone: (305) 646-4200

Check out Miami's Museum of Science for a super cool destination for everyone in the family. With its planetarium, exhibits, wildlife center and more, what else would you expect from this unique destination?

8. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area
www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/default.cfm
1200 S. Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
Telephone: (305) 361-5811

Looking for some fun on your next visit to Miami? Check out Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area. Lots to do and see, including sand, surf, fishing, hiking and nature trails. 18 picnic pavilions with picnic tables, children's playground areas. Historic lighthouse offers guided tours and so much more.

9. Crandon Park Beach
www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/crandon_beach.asp
4000 Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, Florida
Telephone: (305) 361-7373

Here's one family amusement center that features a cool roller rink, splash fountain, and beachfront playground. Multiple picnic areas with tables and grills. Nature center and nature trails, bicycle and walking paths, mangrove boardwalk. Guided tram tour of preserve. Cabana rentals available. Full-service marina with bait & tackle shop, boat ramps and more. If golf and tennis are your thing, check out Crandon.

10. Haitian Art Factory
www.haitianartfactory.com
835 NE 79 Street
Miami, Florida 33138
Telephone: (305) 758-6939

Nestled between Little Haiti and Miami Beach, Haitian Art Factory celebrates all things Haiti. From paintings and sculptures to prints and more, you'll thrill to the kind of arts experience offered by this little art shop. The source for Haitian and Carribean Art in beautiful, Miami.

Miami, Florida: A Design Capital and More

Looking for more on your next visit to Miami? Looking for something cutting edge and unique? Check out the Miami Design District and AD013 Studio which offers great exhibits, classes, workshops, rentals and more.

Miami Design District is AD013 Studio
www.ad013studio.com
329 NE 59 Terrace Miami , Florida 33137 Telephone: (305) 640-8758

Adjacent to the super cool Miami Design District is AD013 Studio, an all-encompassing photography and videography sanctuary featuring some of the finest resources for creative minds around. The Studio consists of top of the line equipment, cutting edge software and instructors who are here to help. Classes, workshops and more. Want to try your hand at creating something uniquely South Floridian? Rent the studio and see what you come up with. A must-see on your stop to magical Miami.

RESOURCES

City of Miami
www.miamigov.com

Miami & South Florida
www.miami.com

Greater Miami and the Beaches
www.miamiandbeaches.com

Visit Florida - Miami
www.visitflorida.com/Miami