Miami is not a secret. The seventh-largest city in the United States, it is world-renowned for its sunny climate, glistening beaches, and glamorous and decadent lifestyle. But there is more to Miami than first meets the eye, and couples things to do abound.

Whether you are interested in delving into history, gazing at the lovely art deco architecture, indulging in delicious Cuban food, sinking into the international culture, experiencing the pulsing nightlife, or just simply sitting and enjoying the exquisite beaches, Miami’s points of interest provide something for every style and taste.

Miami at a Glance

• Area: 55.25 mi²
• Elevation: 6.562′
• Weather: Year-round tropical
• Population: 439,890 (2021)

Here are the 12 best couples things to do in Miami:

12 Museum of Illusions

This is a bit quirky, but if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day or to escape the midday heat, an hour here could be just the thing.

The museum consists of a series of unexpected colorful photo 3D backdrops with interactive elements and clever optical effects – some more than others.

It’s worth a few laughs – especially for us “older” individuals as we try to twist our bodies into the requisite positions for the photos.

11 Holocaust Memorial

Seemingly in direct contrast to the sometimes hedonistic image of Miami Beach, the Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation should not be missed when in the area.  Designed by Kenneth Treister and commissioned by a small group of holocaust survivors, the sculpture is very thought-provoking; take time out and pay respects to the victims of the Holocaust.

10 Bayside Marketplace

Overlooking the waterfront at the edge of Biscayne Bay is a two-story open-air building hosting over 150 boutique tourist shops, chain stores, cafes, restaurants, and a stage with live entertainment, Bayside Market place is the number one most -visited Miami attraction.

While a bit touristy, the bustling atmosphere, picturesque views of the harbor and bay, and daily live music make the Bayside Market a popular and fun venue for visitors and locals alike. Take a ride on Skyview Miami, a large Ferris wheel with panoramic views over Miami. From here, visitors can also hop on a Miami water taxi to the Miami Beach Marina or Key Biscayne.

Bayside Market is a commercial waterfront done right!

9 Art Deco District

With a hint of 1920s nostalgia, the 800 beautifully restored pastel-painted buildings in the Art Deco District have a lot to offer. The stunning neighborhood has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

With architecture that has been well-preserved through the decades, the vibrant neighborhood offers a glimpse into some of the best examples of Miami art and culture from the 1920s. But the area really comes to life after dark, with its festive neon signs and canopy-covered dining areas.

8 Coral Castle

Coral Castle is a quirky oolite limestone structure created by the Latvian-American eccentric Edward Leedskalnin. It is both a feast for the eyes with its mind-bending sculpture garden carved of massive coral rock, as well as a fabled love story about the man who created it, by himself, no less. The castle is a tribute, much like the Taj Mahal, to its creator’s long-lost love.

The castle is noted for legends that claim the 1100 tons of coral rock were carved single-handedly by Leedskalnin from 1923 to 1951 (28 years) using reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to move and carve the stones.

It is not actually known how Edward achieved this massive feat and this is partly the reason why so many visitors are attracted to the castle.

Over the many years of the magnificent castle’s existence, it has been compared to such famous structures as Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, because no one knows how Edward Leedskalnin (just 5 feet tall and 100 lbs.) built the castle and carved the statues on the property using only hand-made tools.

The castle is located about 50 minutes south of the city of Miami so it makes the perfect stop on a Miami to Key West road trip.

Coral Castle remains one of the world’s most mysterious accomplishments and is one of the coolest things to see in Miami!

7 Wynwood Walls

Once a collection of abandoned warehouse buildings, Wynwood has transformed into a compilation of outstanding graffiti and street art at its finest.

This unique neighborhood is a thriving outdoor artist area featuring a museum with huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe, but also with street art that spills throughout the entire neighborhood done by random but talented locals.

Wynwood Walls is a “Museum of the Streets,” representing a mix of great American and international talent whose art is featured on the magnificent murals in the outdoor museum as well as some stunning first-rate urban graffiti by talented locals throughout the neighborhood. It is said that the hip, happening district displays work from over 50 artists representing 16 different countries in their art.

6 Everglades

About 30 miles west of Miami, Everglades National park is a 1.5 million acre natural preserve of wetlands, mangroves, marshes, and saw grass prairies that hosts a diverse range of plant and animal species native to South Florida.

The most fun way to see the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site is on a propeller-powered airboat that can skim and seemingly hover over the surface of the water.

From the boat, visitors have a front-row seat to view the teaming wildlife up close-and-personal, from over 200,000 resident alligators, snakes, and manatees, to diverse bird species and leatherback turtles and even panthers.

5 Fairchild Botanical Gardens

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, in Coral Gables, is an 83-acre botanic garden with extensive collections of rare tropical plants including palms, flowering trees and bushes, lush rainforests, marshes, and butterfly habitats.

Created in 1938 by Dr. David Fairchild, an international plant explorer, it is considered the #1 Botanic Garden in the United States and is overflowing with colorful sights, delightful aromas, and wildlife sounds.

4 Ancient Spanish Monastery

Buy this medieval dress here!

Dubbed “the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history” by Time Magazine in 1953, the Ancient Spanish Monastery was completed in the 12^th century in Sacramenia, Spain, making the medieval monastery older than anything else in the New World except for the ancient ruins of the Mayas, Incas, Aztecs and Native Americans.

Buy this medieval dress here!

The structures consist of over 35,000 stones, some of which weigh a ton and a half, which were dissembled by William Randolph Hearst, who bought the cloisters and outbuildings in 1925 and had them transported piece-by-piece to a warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. The stones were eventually reassembled in Northern Miami, where the monastery stands today.

The medieval abbey and grounds are simply stunning and exceeded our expectations! It’s one of the prettiest places in southern Florida!

3 Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

But for couples looking for a romantic site, you just can’t beat the aesthetic luxury of the Vizcaya mansion and gardens. Mediterranean-style was built between 1914 and 1922 and is one of Miami’s greatest treasures.

Previously known as Villa Vizcaya, the former winter residency of businessman James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune enjoys a stunning view over Biscayne Bay.

Vizcaya is set on 28 acres, and has 34 rooms, with a to-die-for view of Biscayne Bay. The Italian Renaissance-style villa was built by over 1000 craftsmen brought from Europe to maintain architectural authenticity.  The idyllic villa is filled with lavish period European furniture and an impressive art collection reaching from the 15th to the 19th century and surrounded by a stunning courtyard, fountains, pools, and flower gardens.

2 Little Havana

If you’re looking for a unique cultural scene in Miami, look no further than the fun and festive neighborhood of Little Havana! Miami’s vibrant Cuban heart is centered around Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), a dynamic cultural thoroughfare lined with Latin-inspired restaurants, cigar shops, rum bars, cafes, bakeries, art galleries, and music venues.

Here’s what you MUST try while in Little Havana:

• Cigars are all the rage, and I bought the biggest one I could find…and did smoke (part of) it!
• Cuban coffee, aka cafecito, is a type of espresso originating in Cuba that has been sweetened with demerara, a raw type of brown sugar sugar, during brewing. The silky smooth brew is made with dark roasted finely ground coffee beans.
• Azucar Ice Cream Company is known for artisanal ice cream and sorbet with tropical flavors. Yum!
• Stroll along streets with brightly painted bins, statues, and murals.
• Dance to the lively Latin music that wafts throughout the area.
• See if you recognize anyone on the Hollywood-style walk of fame.
• Watch the domino games at Domino Park.

Cubans put Miami on the map in the 1960s when refugees flooded out of their homeland and began inhabiting Miami.

After immersing in Cuban culture, head just outside of the hub to family-owned Versailles “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant.” The famous Cuban gem began life back in 1971 as an unpretentious café but boasts having the most authentic Cuban cuisine in the world.

I have to admit, my traditional Cuban sandwich made with incredible flaky toasted Cuban bread was the best I’ve ever had (including having visited Cuba). Visitors can also try their delicious flan, vaca frita (shredded flank steak) or lechon asado (roast pork), picadillo (hash made with ground pork ), and plátanos maduros (fried, sweet plantains).

1 Miami Beach

When you mention Miami chances, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the world-class beaches along the Miami Beach barrier island, so we’re putting beaches as number one.

Whether you prefer the glitz and glam of famous South Beach framed by pastel art deco buildings or favor some of the less crowded beaches in north Miami, couples things to do in Miami must include the soft white sands, turquoise waves lapping the shore, and classic colorful lifeguard towers scattered along the coast.

South Beach is a perfect place to walk for couples. Across from the beachfront are a plethora of restaurants – but be informed, everything here is very expensive.

If you want to get away from the crowds try checking out Haulover Beach, Surfside Beach, or Bal Harbour Beach – all north of South Beach.

Featuring Kary Kern photography.

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Disclosure:  Miami & Miami Beaches Tourism provided the author with some complimentary experiences during her stay, but as always, the opinions, reviews, and experiences are her own.

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About the Author

Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.

She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the new few months.

Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.