Vacations in Miami should include outdoor activities to enjoy the Florida sunshine and greenery.
But what do you do when it's simply sweltering outside or the rain won't quit? Take this as an excuse to head inside and enjoy these top indoor activities in Miami to keep the vacation vibes going strong.
3 Tips for Enjoying Indoor Activities in Miami
Arrive Prepared
We recommend that you read the weather forecast and pack an array of items so you'll be prepared for everything. Don't know what to bring or what to watch out for? Tripster's planning guide has you covered.
Purchase Tickets Early
Don't wait until the day of to purchase tickets to attractions and events because they may be sold out or more expensive at the door. Plan to buy in advance online or via phone to skip the lines and extra fees.
Avoid Crowds
As Miami is incredibly popular for tourists around the world, plan accordingly. Try to visit during off times like spring rather than its peak visiting season (winter). Also, you'll save money on hotels and flights and have a better chance at soaking up the sunshine before hurricane season.
Top Indoor Destinations
Jimmy Baikovicius / Flickr
1) Big Bus Tours
When the weather won't cooperate during your vacation, you can still tour the city through Big Bus Tours Miami! With four different options, including a night tour option, you can explore the top destinations in Magic City safely and conveniently. The hop-on, hop-off feature enables guests to get on and off the bus at over 20 top spots with a choice of two day routes and an evening route. These routes cover uptown, downtown, and beachside attractions and tickets last one to two days depending on your preference. Furthermore, each bus tour guide provides insightful commentary on the city, available in six languages.
Whether you're looking forward to Little Havana, the Art Deco district, or South Beach, you can see it all with Big Bus Tours.
Smart Destinations /Flickr
2) Science & History Museums
Museum of Science
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science features indoor and outdoor exhibits in an expansive space in Maurice A. Ferré Park. The museum hosts an impressive aquarium, planetarium, hands-on activities such as the Design Lab, exhibits on the human microbiome, and much more. A unique and fun experience for all ages, you don't want to miss out even if the weather is on your side.
Miami Children’s Museum
Miami Children's Museum presents interactive exhibits, special programs, and educational tools to the local community. As a nonprofit institution, the museum welcomes guests of all ages and abilities to play, learn, and create. Kids can explore multisensory rooms, experiment with the six elements of color, travel down slides, test abilities in an obstacle course, and more. Moreover, the museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day, and tickets cost $15 for Florida residents and $22 for out-of-state residents.
American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora
The American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora highlights Cuban and Cuban-American history, culture, and innovations by Cuban exiles and their descendants. The museum hosts exhibitions and programs to detail the Cuban Diaspora through the work of artists, historians, and more. Located near Little Havana, visitors can experience authentic Cuban culture by touring The Cuban.
Phillip Pessar / Flickr
3) Art Museums & Galleries
The Bass Museum of Art
The Bass Museum of Art celebrates the diverse culture of the city through its permanent and temporary contemporary art exhibits. Featuring art from around the world, the museum also contains original collection pieces that span genres and time periods. Further, the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission prices vary by age (but the highest price is only $10 for adults).
de La Cruz Collection
The de La Cruz Collection showcases postmodern and contemporary art from around the world in a beautiful 30,000 square foot space. Free to the public, the collection includes paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Other notable art museums include:
Phillip Pessar / Flickr
4) Theater Performances
American Airlines Arena
From Disney on Ice performances to watching the Miami Heat dominate the basketball court, The American Airlines Arena presents a wide variety of shows and sports events to keep the family entertained. Further, guests can see top performers such as Ariana Grande or Marc Anthony light up the arena.
Olympia Theater
As a performing arts center, the historic Olympia Theater hosts comedic, musical, and theatrical events. Guests can see top names such as Tom Segura, Eric Andre, drag queens from Ru Paul's Drag Race, and more!
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
The Adrienne Arsht Center offers tickets to see top theater, concert, and musical performances such as Hamilton, Fiddler on the Roof, Cirque Mei, and more. With an array of genres to choose from, the performing arts center hosts premium events at this stunning downtown theater. Moreover, the center also houses a cafe and bookstore.
Tom Schaefer / Wikimedia Commons
5) Freedom Tower
Built in 1925 to house The Miami News, the Freedom Tower was modeled after the Giralda Cathedral Bell Tower in Seville, Spain. Further, the Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College operated as a reception center for Cuban refugees from 1962 to 1974 during the Cold War. Deemed as the "Ellis Island of the South", the tower stands as a significant piece of Cuban history and liberation. Guests can explore the building's history through its permanent exhibits: "The Cuban Exile Experience & Cultural Legacy Gallery" and "The Exile Experience: Journey to Freedom". Featuring collections of photographs, stories, and installations, visitors can stroll through the steps of Cuban exiles and learn more about their struggle for freedom.
6) Catch a Roller Derby Match
Miami's Vice City Roller Derby presents the city's first and only women's roller derby league. If you're looking for thrills, a roller derby match will have you cheering for this intense contact sport at the Miami Springs Recreation Center. Depending on the day, guests can enjoy local food trucks, raffles, craft beer, and more! Note that prices vary by age and residency.
U3144362 / Wikimedia Commons
7) Breweries
With more than a dozen breweries in Miami, you can't go wrong spending the day sipping craft beers indoors with friends when the rain strikes.
Miami Brewing Company
The Miami Brewing Company includes over 20 craft beers on tap and a 10,000 square foot tap room, so there is plenty of room to hang out and play some pool. From porters to blonde ales, the company features a variety of beers to choose from to satisfy your taste buds. Additionally, guests can order bites such as pizza, sliders, tacos, and flatbreads.
Veza Sur
Exhibiting Latin American influences, Veza Sur offers craft lagers, IPAs, Sours, and more to bring guests a fusion of flavors and sharp crispness on hot days. In addition, guests can order Chino Peruvian street fare from Chī-Fa. Sample dishes such as udon noodles, anticuchos with charred corn and queso fresco, or papaya with Thai chili and peanuts.
More noteworthy breweries:
8) Indoor Sports
Urban Soccer Five
Soccer fanatics can join daily pick up games at Urban Soccer Five. No sun? No problem. This indoor activity enables guests to burn some calories and have fun on one of its six fields. The fields are comprised of different sizes and turf texture for teams to play on, and solo players can join teams. Games last one hour and cost $10 per player.
X-Treme Rock Climbing
Seasoned rock climbers and beginners to the sport can expect a thrilling day at X-Treme Rock Climbing. Guest can boulder, meaning you can climb rock problems with no harness (don't worry--it's safe), or you can climb top-rope with partners or the auto-belay system. Further, the gym offers climbing as well as yoga classes.
Extreme Axe
Learn how to throw an axe like a pro at Extreme Axe. Test your skills to see if you can hit the targets. You can book a session or walk-in, and kids ages 10 and up can participate as well! Admission is $35 for adults and $25 for kids.
Which of These Indoor Activities in Miami Will You Try First?
With so much to do in Miami, you're set whether the weather brings you rain or shine. What's at the top of your trip itinerary?
