Miami’s top 7 cultural experiences

Discover Miami’s unique cultural activities and attractions.

Edited by Taylor Cahan | October 10, 2025

Miami is loved for its beautiful beaches and lively culture

Miami pulses with creative energy, tropical beauty, and a culture that invites you to dive in. Go beyond the typical tourist attractions and discover what makes this vibrant city truly special. From bold murals and lush gardens to buzzing nightlife and pastel-hued architecture, the city's buzzy culture offers adventure at every turn. Learn more about the city's most memorable cultural experiences, so you can explore Miami like a local.

7 ways to explore Miami

Wynwood Walls

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Art Deco District

Tropical gardens

Brickell

Biscayne Bay

North Miami Beach

1. Explore Miami's vibrant street art at Wynwood Walls

Wynwood Walls is Miami's iconic outdoor street art museum in the vibrant Wynwood neighborhood, where massive murals by world-renowned artists transform warehouses into a living gallery. Wander through the Wynwood Art District to discover pop-up galleries, creative cafés, and ever-changing installations. On every second Saturday of the month, you can experience the nighttime Art Walk, a cultural festival featuring gourmet food trucks, live painting demonstrations, and local DJs (free entry, 5-10 pm). Staying at Hilton Miami Downtown puts you minutes from Wynwood and the contemporary Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. After exploring, unwind at the hotel's rooftop pool, savor diverse South Florida cuisine at the on-site Brisa Bistro, or recap your day over a craft cocktail at the 1601 Lounge.

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2. Step back in time at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a stunning Renaissance-style villa set on Biscayne Bay, surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil water views. Built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter home of industrialist James Deering, the home was equipped with several technological amenities that were advanced for its time, including generators, a water filtration system, and a central vacuum-cleaning system. Explore the 34 ornate rooms in the main house featuring original furnishings, art, and antiques, then wander the 10 acres (40,469 square meters) of gardens for a peaceful escape from the city's buzz. Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South is just minutes away, offering a variety of sleek guest rooms, a convenient fitness center, and a refreshing outdoor pool and patio — ideal for relaxing after a morning at Vizcaya.

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3. Soak up the sun and style in the Art Deco Historic District

The Art Deco Historic District in South Beach boasts the world's most extensive concentration of preserved 1920s and 1930s architecture, featuring pastel colors, geometric designs, and nautical ornamentation. Stroll the famous Ocean Drive to admire Miami’s own unique “Tropical Deco” style, visit the sidewalk cafés, and enjoy a lively mix of music and nightlife. Hilton Grand Vacations Club McAlpin Ocean Plaza Miami sits right on Ocean Drive, placing you steps from the sand and iconic neon lights. The Art Deco hotel’s spacious suites with full kitchens, rooftop terrace and whirlpool, and direct beach access make this a stylish home base for exploring South Beach.

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4. Discover an enchanting oasis at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a haven for nature lovers, offering a verdant escape with rare plants, a butterfly garden, and serene walking paths. Visit for early morning bird walks or any of their seasonal or weekend events. Book a stay at Hilton Miami Dadeland for a wellness and relaxation-focused vacation. Featuring a stunning outdoor pool and modern guest rooms with in-room fitness equipment, you can look forward to mornings among the palm trees and fresh, farm-to-table cuisine at Table 55.

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5. Experience Miami's nightlife in Brickell

Brickell comes alive after dark with upscale rooftop bars, live music, and global flavors. For a quintessential Miami night out, start with sunset cocktails at the Sugar rooftop bar, followed by a high-energy dinner at Gekko, a Japanese-inspired steakhouse and lounge. Finish the night with dancing at local favorite Blackbird Ordinary. Stay close at Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown for walkable access to all the nightlife hotspots. Modern rooms, free hot breakfast, and a rooftop pool create a welcoming retreat after a night out.

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6. Spy wildlife and paddle through Biscayne Bay

Biscayne Bay is a shallow, sparkling lagoon that's part of Biscayne National Park. The bay's gentle waters and city views make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts looking to kayak, snorkel, or join a boat tour to spot dolphins, manatees, and seabirds. After your adventure, decompress at DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay, which features a waterfront pool and several on-site dining options including the East Asia-inspired Tanka and family-friendly Primo's Kitchen Bar.

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7. Find your calm in North Miami Beach

North Miami Beach is less crowded than South Beach yet still renowned for its soft, white sands and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for sunrise beach yoga or leisurely walks along the shore. Stay right on the water in a high-rise balcony room at DoubleTree Resort & Spa by Hilton Hotel Ocean Point - North Miami Beach. After a morning stretch, enjoy a leisurely day soaking up the sun on the beach or beside the palm tree-lined pool.

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Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.