Miami Attractions

Miami is one of the most fascinating cities in the country with its miles of sandy beaches, fabulous weather, beautiful people and stylish Art Deco architecture. It's no wonder it's referred to as the magic city. It also has great shopping, wonderful restaurants and a nightlife that won't quit. You'll never run out of things to do while in Miami or places to visit. Take advantage of all that Miami has to offer and you'll have an unforgettable vacation. If you're not sure where to start, read on for the top ten attractions in Miami.

The Beaches: Crandon Park Beach in Key Biscayne, 85th Street Beach, Lummus Park Beach, Haulover Beach

Miami is a winter refuge for northerners that are stuck in cold weather, and many come here specifically to bask in its warm sun and swim in its clear waters. Here you will find many gorgeous beaches that attract tourists from all over the world year-round. Check out Crandon Park Beach in Key Biscayne, 85th Street Beach or Lummus Park Beach, or the famed Haulover beach where clothing is optional.

The South Beach area

The South Beach area is practically a synonym of Miami and one rarely talks of one without mentioning the other. South Beach not only has great beaches, but also some of the best restaurants, nightclubs and shopping in Miami. Be sure to explore the Art Deco district while you're here, go shopping on Lincoln Road and have lunch at the News Café in Ocean Drive for the ultimate people-watching experience.

Fairchild Garden

Miami is known for its beautiful tropical gardens. While in Miami you should take a tour of the largest tropical botanical garden in the continental United States, the Fairchild Garden. Here you will discover an 83 acres tropical paradise with beautiful ponds and hundreds of tropical plants, flowers and trees.

Holocaust Memorial

One of Miami's most touching landmarks has got to be the Holocaust Memorial. Be sure to visit Kenneth Triester's moving Sculpture of Love & Anguish, the reflecting pool, and the tributes to the millions of Jews who lost their lives during the holocaust inside the center.

The Seaquarium

If you've ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, then you should visit one of Miami's prime attractions, the Seaquarium. Here there are dolphin interactive activities that are fun for the whole family, and very educational programs that teach you everything you need to know about dolphins, the blue whale and other marine life. Enjoy 26 aquariums, animal shows, and exotic birds.

Biscayne National Park

A wonderful place to spend a few hours is at the Biscayne National Park, where you can take a tour on a glass bottom boat to discover the park's incredible underwater coral reefs and exotic fishes, and over 10,000 years of pirate history and shipwrecks. You can also go diving, snorkeling, and boating to discover the park's diverse marine life.

American Airlines Arena

If you want a change of pace while in Miami, you should head over to the American Airlines Arena which hosts many sporting events, most notably NBA Miami Heat games, the hottest concerts in town featuring today's biggest artists, and other huge events. The arena itself is spectacular with two huge LED screens on the outside, and many places to eat and drink like Bongos.

Venetian Pool in Coral Gables

Another cool attraction to check out while in Miami is the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. This beautiful pool contains 820,000 gallons of fresh spring water and was sculpted in 1923. It has themed architecture depicting an Italian village and vintage photos. This pool attracts over 100,000 visitors a year and is a popular public swimming pool for local residents with its unique natural design and splashing waterfalls.

The Freedom Tower in Miami

The Freedom Tower in Miami is one of the city's most beloved attractions. It was completed in 1926 in a Mediterranean Revival style, and originally served as the headquarters for the Miami News. Today it is a memorial to Cuban immigrants who fled their homeland in the 1960s.

Biltmore Hotel

While in Coral Gables, be sure to visit the historic Biltmore Hotel, which has been hosting stars, politicians, and celebrities since the 1920s. This unique hotel has 150 acres of lush tropical gardens, including Miami's most prominent golf course. It has a unique architecture and is a replica of Seville's Giralda Tower, and also has the biggest pool in the continental United States. This hotel is a landmark in itself with has a rich history which began from its days as an Army hospital. Take advantage of the free tours offered three times a day to explore this historic Miami landmark.