What to Do Near Miami Cruise Port: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Miami is a vibrant and exciting city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for sun-soaked beaches, world-class shopping, or exciting nightlife, you’ll find it all in Miami. And if you’re a cruise passenger, you’re in luck! Miami’s cruise port is located right in the heart of the action, so you can easily explore all that the city has to offer.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the best things to do near Miami’s cruise port:

  • Visit South Beach: South Beach is one of Miami’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. With its beautiful beaches, trendy restaurants, and lively nightlife, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and have some fun.
  • Explore Wynwood Walls: Wynwood Walls is a must-see for art lovers. This outdoor street art museum features a wide variety of murals from local and international artists.
  • Take a walk through the Miami Design District: The Miami Design District is a great place to see some of the latest and greatest in architecture, fashion, and design. With its unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
  • Catch a game at Marlins Park: Marlins Park is home to the Miami Marlins baseball team. It’s a beautiful stadium with a great view of the city skyline.
  • Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a beautiful estate that was once the winter home of a wealthy industrialist. It’s now a museum that’s open to the public.

These are just a few of the many things to do near Miami’s cruise port. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable time in this exciting city.

Activity Cost Description
Visit the Miami Seaquarium $39.99 for adults, $29.99 for children See dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals up close.
Take a walk or bike ride on the Venetian Causeway Free Enjoy stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.
Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens $25 for adults, $17 for children Explore a beautiful Italian Renaissance-style villa and its lush gardens.
Take a boat tour of Biscayne Bay $30-$40 per person Get a different perspective on Miami’s skyline and see some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Visit the Everglades National Park $30 per car Explore one of the largest subtropical wilderness areas in the United States.

Miami is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, a cultural experience, or a thrilling adventure, you’ll find it in Miami. And if you’re visiting by cruise ship, you’ll be in the perfect position to explore all that the city has to offer.

This guide will help you plan your stay in Miami, with suggestions for things to do in both Miami Beach and Downtown Miami. We’ll also include tips on how to get around the city and where to stay.

Things to Do in Miami Beach

Miami Beach is a popular tourist destination for a reason. With its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and world-class restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Miami Beach. Here are a few of the top things to do in Miami Beach:

  • Visit the beach. Miami Beach is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or playing beach volleyball. You can also rent a boat or go parasailing.
  • Take a walk or bike ride on Ocean Drive. Ocean Drive is one of the most iconic streets in Miami Beach. Lined with Art Deco hotels and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to take a stroll or a bike ride.
  • Visit the Art Deco District. The Art Deco District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most beautiful Art Deco buildings in the world. Take a walking tour or simply explore the area on your own.
  • See a show at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a luxurious hotel and casino that also hosts a variety of shows and concerts. See a Broadway show, a comedy act, or a musical at this iconic venue.
  • Take a boat trip to Key Biscayne. Key Biscayne is a beautiful island located just a short boat ride from Miami Beach. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or fishing. You can also visit the Crandon Park Zoo or the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

Things to Do in Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city center. With its skyscrapers, museums, and parks, there’s plenty to see and do in Downtown Miami. Here are a few of the top things to do in Downtown Miami:

  • Visit the Prez Art Museum Miami. The Prez Art Museum Miami is a world-class art museum that houses a collection of over 30,000 works of art. The museum is located in the heart of Downtown Miami and is a must-see for art lovers.
  • Take a walk or bike ride on the Brickell Key Promenade. The Brickell Key Promenade is a beautiful waterfront walkway that offers stunning views of the Miami skyline. It’s the perfect place to take a walk or a bike ride and enjoy the fresh air.
  • Visit the Miami Seaquarium. The Miami Seaquarium is a world-renowned marine park that is home to a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, whales, and sharks. Learn about marine life and see some of the most amazing creatures up close.
  • See a show at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class performing arts venue that hosts a variety of shows and concerts. See a Broadway show, a symphony orchestra, or a ballet at this iconic venue.
  • Take a ferry to Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful city located just a short ferry ride from Downtown Miami. Spend the day shopping, dining, or exploring the city’s many beaches.

Getting Around Miami

The best way to get around Miami is by public transportation. The Metrorail and Metromover are two efficient and affordable ways to get around the city. You can also use Uber or Lyft to get around. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, you may want to consider renting a car.

Where to Stay in Miami

There are a variety of great hotels and resorts in Miami. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Miami Beach is a luxurious hotel located on Ocean Drive. The hotel offers stunning views of the beach and the city skyline.
  • The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a glamorous hotel and casino that is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
  • The Miami Beach EDITION is a modern hotel that is located in the heart of South Beach. The hotel offers stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline.
  • The Confidencia is a boutique hotel that is located in the Design District. The hotel offers a unique and stylish experience.
  • The Setai Miami Beach is a luxurious hotel that is

3. Things to Do in Little Havana

Little Havana is a vibrant neighborhood in Miami that is home to a large Cuban population. The neighborhood is known for its colorful buildings, delicious Cuban food, and lively street life. There are many things to do in Little Havana, including:

  • Visit the Cuban Museum of Arts & Culture. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Cuba. It features exhibits on Cuban art, music, and history.
  • Take a walk or bike ride down Calle Ocho. Calle Ocho is the main street in Little Havana. It is lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It is a great place to people-watch and experience the vibrant culture of Little Havana.
  • Have a Cuban coffee and pastry at Versailles. Versailles is a popular Cuban restaurant in Little Havana. It is known for its delicious Cuban coffee and pastries. It is a great place to start your day in Little Havana.
  • See a baseball game at Marlins Park. Marlins Park is home to the Miami Marlins baseball team. It is located just outside of Little Havana. It is a great place to catch a game and enjoy the beautiful views of the city.
  • Take a trip to the Everglades. The Everglades is a large wetland area located just south of Miami. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and birds. It is a great place to go for a hike or a boat trip.

4. Things to Do in South Beach

South Beach is a popular tourist destination in Miami. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful beaches, trendy restaurants, and lively nightlife. There are many things to do in South Beach, including:

  • Visit the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach. This museum is dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. It features exhibits on the history of the Holocaust and the stories of survivors.
  • Take a walk or bike ride on South Beach Boardwalk. The South Beach Boardwalk is a popular spot for walking, biking, and rollerblading. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline.
  • Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. This botanical garden is home to a variety of plants, including tropical flowers, trees, and shrubs. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
  • See a show at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. The Fillmore Miami Beach is a concert venue that hosts a variety of shows, including music, comedy, and theater. It is a great place to see your favorite artist perform live.
  • Take a day trip to Key West. Key West is a small island located just off the coast of Florida. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and clear waters. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.

    What are the best things to do near Miami Cruise Port?

  • Visit the [Vizcaya Museum and Gardens](https://vizcayamuseumandgardens.org/). This beautiful estate was once the winter home of industrialist James Deering. It’s now a museum that’s open to the public, and it’s a great place to learn about Miami’s history and culture.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along [South Beach](https://www.southbeach.com/). This iconic beachfront neighborhood is home to some of Miami’s best restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It’s also a great place to people-watch and soak up the sun.
  • Visit [Jungle Island](https://jungleisland.com/). This wildlife park is home to a variety of animals, including monkeys, tigers, and snakes. It’s a great place to learn about the natural world and see some amazing creatures up close.
  • Go for a swim or sunbathe at [Miami Beach](https://www.miamibeach.com/). This world-famous beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the warm weather.
  • Take a boat trip to [Key Biscayne](https://www.keybiscayne.com/). This beautiful island is located just a short distance from Miami. It’s a great place to go for a swim, snorkel, or fishing.

What are the best restaurants near Miami Cruise Port?

  • The Rusty Pelican ($$$$) is a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the Miami skyline.
  • Joe’s Stone Crab ($$$) is a famous restaurant that specializes in stone crabs.
  • The Capital Grille ($$$) is a steak house with a modern and elegant atmosphere.
  • Babu Ji ($$$) is a Indian restaurant that serves delicious curries and tandoori dishes.
  • Coyo Taco ($$$) is a Mexican restaurant that serves tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

What are the best hotels near Miami Cruise Port?

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Miami Beach ($$$$) is a luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the ocean.
  • The Setai Miami Beach ($$$$) is a stylish hotel with a spa and a rooftop restaurant.
  • The Miami Beach EDITION ($$$$) is a modern hotel with a rooftop pool and a nightclub.
  • The Confidante Miami Beach ($$$) is a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and a pool.
  • The Shelborne South Beach ($$$) is a historic hotel with a pool and a spa.

What are the best things to do for free near Miami Cruise Port?

  • Visit [Bayfront Park](https://www.bayfrontparkmiami.com/). This beautiful park is located right next to the cruise port. It’s a great place to relax, go for a walk, or have a picnic.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along [Ocean Drive](https://www.oceandrivemiami.com/). This iconic street is lined with art deco buildings and shops. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the Miami atmosphere.
  • Visit [The Venetian Pool](https://www.miamibeach.gov/parks/venice-pool/). This historic swimming pool is located in a beautiful tropical setting. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day.
  • Go for a swim or sunbathe at [South Beach](https://www.southbeach.com/). This world-famous beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the warm weather.
  • Visit [Jungle Island](https://jungleisland.com/). This wildlife park is home to a variety of animals, including monkeys, tigers, and snakes. It’s a great place to learn about the natural world and see some amazing creatures up close.

    Miami is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting city break, Miami has something for everyone. And if you’re arriving by cruise ship, you’re in luck! There are plenty of things to do within walking distance of the cruise port.

Here are a few of our top recommendations:

  • Visit South Beach: This is the heart of Miami Beach, and it’s home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Ocean Drive, the Art Deco District, and Lummus Park.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along the Venetian Causeway: This scenic route winds through the heart of Miami Beach, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Visit the Miami Seaquarium: This world-renowned aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles.
  • Explore Little Havana: This vibrant neighborhood is home to a large Cuban-American population, and it’s a great place to experience Cuban culture and cuisine.
  • Catch a show at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts: This state-of-the-art performing arts center hosts a variety of shows, from Broadway musicals to classical concerts.

These are just a few of the many things to do near the Miami cruise port. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable time in Miami.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.