When you cruise from Miami, you’ll have a vacation packed with fun in the sun before you even arrive at the dock. Be sure to arrive a day or two before your cruise so you can spend time in the city. In this spotlight you will find out 10 awesome things you need to do in Miami.

I’ll highlight the best free and cheap things to do before your cruise or fun things to do after a cruise in Miami, Florida.

Where is Miami located? Miami is located in the South-eastern section of the United States. It is in Miami Dade County and called “South Florida” by residents.

The city of Miami sits on the Atlantic coast and boasts some of the prettiest white sand beaches around. The City of Miami and Miami Beach are great home ports to extend your vacation before or after a cruise.

If you are wondering:

  • What are cheap or free activities to do in Miami before or after a cruise?
  • What are fun things to do before a cruise in Miami?
  • What are fun things to do near the Port of Miami?
  • Where are cool places to take photos in Miami before or after a cruise?
  • Where can I people watch before my cruise?
  • Does Miami Beach have good to parties?
  • Where can I shop  for cruise supplies before my Miami based cruise?
  • Where can I eat Latin food?
  • Where can I try Cuban food?
  • Where can I enjoy Venezuelan food before my Miami Cruise?
  • Where can I see old architecture in Miami?
  • Where can I learn to dance the Salsa in Miami before my cruise?
  • Can I see locations from my favorite TV shows past or present?
  • Where can I be romantic?
  • What is a quiet beach in Miami?
  • Where might I see a famous person?
  • Is there shops by the beach?
  • Are there any annual festivals in Miami?
  • How many cruise visitors per day come through the port?

Not to worry, I have answers for you!

  • Over 15,342 passengers are served each day,every day of the year.

That’s crazy. Don’t believe me? Check out the Port of Miami Webcam

How the new MSC Terminal should look

At least try cross a couple of the awesome things to do in Miami off your list while in town, even if only for a few hours.

Preview of the new cruise line Virgin Voyages

What airports do I fly into for a Miami cruise?

For cruises out of the Port of Miami you can choose to either fly into Miami International Airport or Ft Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. Determine which airport to fly into by which airline you would like to fly with and who has the best flight deals. FLL to PortMiami is 27 miles. MIA to PortMiami is 8.5 miles. Either airport can be used without trouble and transportation is easily available.

Do I need a car to get around Miami? Many of the places that I am listing below you can get to by walking.

A car is not really necessary and parking is expensive. If you are staying at hotels other than Brickell or South Beach, an Uber or Lyft are easy to hail and are plentiful.

If you are visiting after a cruise, you either will need a rental car to stash your luggage in, or stay at a nearby hotel and walk, Uber/ Lyft, Taxi, walk, or public transport from place to place. You can also try out hotels by day.

If you would like to try and get an estimate of potential fares for Uber,Lyft, or even Taxi check out Ride Guru

Keep this in mind, if you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages, make sure you are not driving!

Order your Lyft or Uber or possibly risk missing your cruise do to a DUI.

1. Must try foods

Wondering what are some must- try foods in Miami? Miami is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Anything Latin is popular here and Cuban food very plentiful.

If you are wondering where can I find great Latin food or love to eat like I do, than you will have no problem finding great food.

Any type of food that you can get at home can be found in Miami or Little Havana,but why not try some Latin food, especially Cuban food.

Venezuelan, Peruvian, and Haitian food are also readily available around Miami Beach.

Save the Mexican food for Mexico.

Casa Juan

Location: 5755 NW 7th St, Miami, FL 33126

Phone: +1 305- 265-7595

Open: Daily 6AM to 10PM

We didn’t know what to order, so our waitress suggested the Cuban sampler. It was very good. My favorite was the beef over the rice. They have a really nicely done mural on the dining room wall.

Cuban Sampler plate at Casa Juan Miami, FL
Cuban Sampler Platter Two croquettes, tamale, stuffed potatoes, fried pork chunks, and green plantains.

What are some popular foods that can be found in Cuban Restaurants? 

The Cuban Sandwich or Cubano is a must try food. The basic ingredients in a Cuban sandwich are spiced ham, pork, Swiss cheese, homemade pickles on Cuban bread.

Don’t worry. Not spicy.

There are many options to try a Cuban Sandwich in Miami.

I recommend you try The El Cubano or other tasty sandwich creations from Sanguich De Miami. 

Sanguich gets very good ratings on Google and is rated 4.7 with over (363) reviews on Google. Price range $11-$30.check for current specials and pricing.

Sanguich De Miami

Location: 2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Phone: +1 305-539-0969

Hours: Thursday to Tuesday 10 AM-6 PM. Closed Wednesdays.

What are some popular foods that can be found in Cuban restaurants in Miami?   For lunch or dinner, try classic Cuban dishes such as arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), ropa vieja (shredded beef with stewed tomatoes, green peppers and onions), picadillo (ground beef),vaca frita (crispy fried beef),  or lechón asado (roasted pork).

If you find yourself in the Kendall neighborhood and want an authentic Cuban (sit down restaurant), check out La Carreta Restaurant.

Stop in and try the Vaca Frita.

I really enjoyed this dish and even enjoyed plantains.

This was my first time eating Cuban food. Everything we had was tasty. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.

Keep this in mind, only one employee spoke English, but the food was delicious and authentic.

La Carreta is very close the Total Wine and More store (Kendall).

La Carreta Restaurant

Location: 11740 SW 88th St, Miami, FL 33186.

Phone: +1 305-596-5973

Price rage $11-$30. Check for current pricing and hours.

Miami is a place to find all sorts of foods. Our our latest trip to Miami, we tried Venezuelan Fast Food.

We found this little joint in the Brickell area that is built around an old food truck called Don Glotón.

Don Gloton is a tiny hole in the wall that you might see mentioned on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives on the Food Network.

At Gloton, we ordered a variety of items. This one, the Glotona had everything on it.

Glotona 
Pork, chicken, & meat.
Toppings: tomato,onion,ham, cheese,eggs, potato sticks, sauces. French fries included. (Chuleta, pollo y carne. 
Ingredients: tomate, cebolla, jamón, queso, huevo, papitas, salsas, Incluyen Papas fritas.

This Venezuelan restaurant is located in a small strip mall. It’s just a small hole in the wall joint.

It could easily be missed if you didn’t know it was there.

You can easily walk from Brickell area hotels, or order to your hotel through the Grubhub app.

Don Glotón

Location: 426 SW 8th St #8, Miami, FL 33130 (+ 2 other locations)

Hours: Monday through Sunday 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: Food $6 to $15. Canned drinks $2-$5 check for updates and specials.

Both La Carrreta, Don Glotón were limited in English speaking. Our group used lots of pointing at pictures and attempting Spanish, but both Cuban and Venezuelan are very different the limited Spanish that I know.

The food at both of these food joints was very tasty.

The sauces at Don Glotón were all mayonnaise based, and I don’t think they were spicy like Mexican food we are used to.

Between the four of us, we sampled most of their menu. Lots of food for the price. Hot and fresh, prepared to order.

2. Romantic moments

Are there fun things for couples to do in Miami?One of the best things for couples to do in Miami is near the airport. This little area in Kendall has it all. Good food and an opportunity for some romance.

If you have someone you love, and want to plan a romantic moment, why not plan ahead and bring a padlock with you to this next spot, Love Lock Bridge.

Just like its name sake in Paris, love birds of all ages write their loved ones name along with their own to profess their undying love for one another.

You can be as fancy or as simple as you want. A Sharpie Marker will do in a pinch.

If you really want to make an impression, order one ahead of time online like at Etsy.

Walk hand and hand to the middle of the bridge. Don’t expect to find any open spots to lock your lock here.Just admire your fellow romantic hearts, then pull out your lock and together lock your hearts to the bridge. This is the sight of many romantic moments and even some marriage proposals.

This is a hot spot on Valentine’s Day and on the weekends.

Next stop, Where can I buy wine without another Uber ride?

The best place to pick up wine in Miami before a cruise is a short walk from the Love Lock Bridge.

While out eating your Cuban dinner,before going back to your hotel, pick up your wine for your cruise at the Total Wine and More store.

Total Wine has one of the largest selections of wine around.

Not sure what kind of wine you are looking for?

They have employees that are specialists in wine.

Total Wine and More

Location: 11960 Mills Dr, Miami, FL 33183 at the Palms at Town Country Shopping Center.

Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Pro Tip:

Make sure you buy a wine opener or cork screw, if purchasing wine, or remember to pack your own.

Can I get wine delivered to my hotel room in Miami?

Some Total Wine locations even deliver to your hotel. Check website or call location for details.

We keep a small wine opener packed in our cruise bag for safe keeping.

standing on the jetty from South Point Pier,Miami rocks, beach, people, sky scrapers city skyline
Standing on the jetty from South Point Pier,Miami, Florida

Are there any fun things for families to do in Miami before a cruise?

3. Stop by a Beach or two

The Miami are has over 35 miles of beach front that runs South Beach north to Sunny Isles, then around Key Biscayne and includes pristine islands dotting the Atlantic.

If you are looking to people watch or just catch some rays, stop by South Beach.  This is the place to spot rich,famous, and those who want to be seen.

A beautiful stretch of white sandy beach is the highlight as well as many shops and places to eat.

You never know if you might see someone rich and famous walking along the beach or a movie or television show being filmed right there.

One of my favorite shows from the past, Burn Notice (2007) , was filmed right in South Beach and in several episodes you find the main characters at Ocean Drive taking care of business.

Miami Vice (1980’s) is another classic television show filmed in the area.  One of my favorite movies Marley and Me (2008) was also filmed in Miami and the characters go to a Cuban restaurant in the Bayside Market Place.

CSI Miami is another show that is still on tv that might help you get familiar with scenes on the show.

We spent several hours walking around South Beach and Ocean Drive this last trip.

Great people watching, food, and scenery. You can even watch the other cruise ships leave around 4 PM. Best spot for cruise ship watching is at South Point Peer.

Location:When staying at a hotel in Miami, take an Uber or Lyft and have your destination be the Haagen-Dazs ice cream shop (40 South Pointe Drive) as your destination. This will put you in a great spot near the pier and within walking distance to shops and food.

Cost:$Free

All over South Beach you will find open air restaurants for eating most every type of food.

Drinks are plentiful, but enquirer about costs of those huge drinks before you get the bill.

You don’t want a surprise when you get the check!

For those that want a quieter beach feel, head on over to the lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

Just a short distance from downtown Miami you can find bike rentals, hiking, and camping.

Stopping at beaches are one of the great things you need to do in Miami, and there are not shortage of them!

Open 8 AM to sundown 365 days per year.

Cost: $8 per vehicle.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Location: 1200 South Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne FL 33149

4. Calle Ocho Little Havana        

Latin culture is plentiful in Miami. If you want to experience the culture of the real Miami, you must take a stroll down Calle Ocho.

Calle Ocho (pronounced kye-yay oh-cho) means “eighth street” in Spanish and is the single largest celebration of Latino culture in the United States. Eighth Street is the most popular street in “Little Havana” and is Miami’s center of Cuban culture.

America’s Story

Here you will find Little Havana and what it must have been like in Old Miami.

You might feel like you have traveled back in a time, when you go from modern high rises to old time art deco style buildings.

Have your camera ready as this area is a photographer’s paradise.

Authentic Cuban coffee shops,open air markets selling fresh fruit and juices, and even shops rolling Cuban Cigars are found nearby.

What kinds of free activities for singles are in Miami?

5. Listen to Free Music at Bayside Market

Singles and couples will find many free activities around the Miami area. Concerts are offered each night at the Bayside Market Marina Stage.

Many varieties of Latin themed music are offered and changes nightly. Many tours can also be hired from the market area.

Cost: $Free

Where: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL (Brickell area) check for updates prior.

Check out a virtual tour of Bayside Marketplace

If you arrive in Miami in March, make sure to check out the Calle Ocho Music Festival (Festival de la Calle Ocho).

The world’s largest block party

Calle Ocho Miami 2016

This street festival takes place in the Little Havana neighborhood and spans 20 blocks. Finding local  food and culture is always a great thing to do in Miami.

You can check out the bands that will be playing and activities are available.

Family friendly.

Many awesome opportunities for local culture; singing, dancing, and eating.

Cost: $Free.

Things to do in LIttle Havana Travel Guide

6. Havana Paseo de las Estrellas (Walk of the Stars)

Not far from Domino Park, you can find the Walk of the Stars. Just like the Hollywood Walk of Fame in California, but featuring influential Latin stars, directors, and musicians.  Taking a selfie  in front of  your favorite star is one of the awesome things can do in Miami.

If you are here during the last Friday of the month, be sure to check out Cultural Fridays.

On Calle Ocho from Avenue 13 to Avenue 17, you will find live events, food and history. Art galleries are open late and dance parties line the street.

Calle Ocho

Location: SW 8th St, Miami

Cost: $Free

7. Try your luck at dominoes

In Little Havana, Maximo Gomez Park, better known as Domino park, you can learn to play dominoes or challenge a local to a game.  For over 35 years, this has been tradition for locals and tourists alike.

The park is located on the corner of SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho), and 15th Avenue, and is open from 9 am – 6 pm daily.

Cost: $Free

8. Salsa Dance

If you love to dance or want to learn,head on over to the Intercontinental Hotel.

Every Friday night the hotel hosts live Salsa parties.

How would you describe Salsa Dancing?

Salsa is a partnered dance where the lead takes the follow through a series of spins and turn patterns to music. Salsa dancers can also break apart during a dance to dance solo, known as “shines”.

There are two main styles of salsa: linear and circular.

In linear salsa, dancers remain in their “slot”, switching places from one side of the slot to the other, similar to West Coast Swing. New York style salsa and LA style salsa are both danced in this fashion.

The second style of salsa is circular salsa, where the dancers circle around each other, reminiscent of East Coast Swing. Both Cuban style salsa and Colombian salsa follow this circular pattern.

Incorporating other dance styling techniques into salsa dancing has become very common for both men and women: shimmies, leg work, arm work, body movement, spins, body isolations, shoulder shimmies, rolls, even hand styling, acrobatics and lifts. Learn more https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salsa_(dance)

Professional dancers and instructors offer instruction. Intercontinental Miami Hotel

Let loose and dance like no one is watching.

Where: Intercontinental Hotel Miami
100 Chopin Plaza, 5th Floor Plaza Level
Miami, FL 33131
Phone: +1 305-577-1000 .

$ Happy hour drink prices.

What does Salsa Dancing look like?

Amazing Salsa Dance with sunset view

Art Deco styled buildings at dusck with cars driving down street. can be found in South Beach

Art Deco Architecture in Miami

9. Tour the Art Deco District

Walking down Ocean Drive,tourists and locals alike can find an appreciation for art deco style architecture.

Stop by the Art Deco Welcome Center and pick up a copy of the free walking tour map. Expect to take 90 minutes.

Self guided tours Cost:$Free

Guided tours also available. $20-$30

Art Deco Welcome Center

Location: 1001 Ocean Drive, seven days a week

Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Miami Beach Art Deco District

South Point Park Miami seen from air
Ariel view of South Pointe Park, one of the best spots for cruise ship spotting and photo opportunities especially on Friday and Saturday afternoon around 4PM.

10. South Pointe Park and Pier

Where can I take the best cruise ship spotting pictures in Miami?

Where can I take the best city skyline pictures in Miami?

South Pointe Park is a well known park by amateur and professional photographers for photographing the best city skyline pictures and cruise ship spotting pictures.

You can access the beach, lounge, and even fish from the pier. This is the place you want to be to take a great selfie and see cruise ships heading off to sea.

Great city skyline photos opportunities are another of the awesome things to do in Miami.

Final thoughts

For such a large city with so many people, it is crazy to think that there are many awesome things to see and do that are affordable and easy to get to.

I hope that when you find yourself in Miami before or after a cruise, you will take advantage of all the great things that Miami has to offer.

If you’ve been to Miami before, try and check out something new.

Please try and visit a few of these places and let me know if you have any other destinations you would like me to add in a future post or city guide. Head over to my facebook page and let me know if you visited any of my top picks or have some for me to check out in the future.

 

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Planning a cruise? Start with these topics:

Cruising During Covid

How to save money on your cruise

Should you book tours through your ship 

or book excursions independently?

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