From floating sound baths to bookshops and rug tufting, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Miami if you’re looking for the side of the city that doesn’t involve clubbing.
– Staff Writer
· January 13, 2026
Life in Miami certainly has its perks, but beyond all the velvet ropes, DJ booths and bass-heavy beats, the 305 offers a range of cultural, historic and outdoor activities that are far removed from the party scene. From outdoor movies to hands-on workshops and historic sanctuaries to stroll around in, here’s our roundup of the very best things to do in the city that don’t involve hitting the club.
Shutterstock/Aleksandr Dyskin
From historical estates to botanical gardens, there is so much to explore in the city. Take a landmark like Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, where you can step back into the Gilded Age among lush European gardens and statues that overlook Biscayne Bay. North Miami Beach is also home to one of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere — the 12th-century Ancient Spanish Monastery. Today, its cloisters offer a serene escape from the usual hustle.
For true nature lovers, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is home to rare plants, towering palms and a mesmerizing butterfly conservatory. And we can’t forget about Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, the 20-acre Redlands destination that features a Zen garden and koi ponds for eco-wellness.
For more spots like these that aren’t your average “places to visit” in the city, find a full list here.
Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables- Candlelight venue in Miami
Candlelight Concerts feature talented string quartets performing everything from Vivaldi to Taylor Swift in historic venues, all illuminated by thousands of flickering candles! Whether you’re a classical music lover or newcomer, it’s an intimate way to spend an evening in the city.
Take a stroll through Cauley Square Historic Village
Photo by Hilda Varela
Head on over to Cauley Square for a taste of “Old South Florida.” This nostalgic village is tucked under a canopy of tropical trees and features quaint cottages that have transformed into antique shops, art galleries and tea rooms. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon of browsing and brunch!
Catch an outdoor movie
Facebook/Nite Owl Drive-In
One of the perks of Miami weather means outdoor movies are a year-round staple. Grab your chairs and catch a free movie at Soundscape Park, where some of the latest films and beloved classics are projected onto a 7,000-square-foot wall. You’ve also got Rooftop Cinema Club for some of the best views and headphones that are meant to provide you with pristine sound and block outside noises. If you’re feeling old school for your next movie night, there’s Nite Owl Drive-In, the city’s first and only drive-in cinema!
Go on a kayaking adventure in Biscayne Bay
Unsplash/Carl Heyerdahl
See the city skyline from a different perspective by hitting the water! You can paddle through mangroves and across the clear waters of Biscayne Bay, where it’s common to spot manatees, dolphins or rays if you head out during the quiet morning hours.
Make a splash at a water park
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
Located at the JW Marriott Turnberry, Tidal Cove offers a high-energy alternative to the beach. With a flowrider, vertical drop slides and a lazy river, it’s a great way to cool off from the heat. For a more relaxed experience, you can rent a private cabana and enjoy poolside service far away from the crowds.
Get hands on at a pottery class
Unsplash/Earl Wilcox
If you’re looking to unwind by throwing clay on a wheel, there are plenty of pottery studios across Miami. For a “wabi-sabi” experience that prioritizes the process over perfection, OCISLY Ceramics is a favorite for its music-centric events. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly introduction, Pottery Studio and Mercy Pottery offer excellent workshops to create your own unique pieces.
Tap into your creative side at rug tufting
Instagram/@artisansplayhouse
Artisans Playhouse is a hidden gem for artistry and fun. Here, you can take their popular rug tufting workshop to transform any design you’d like, be it your favorite TV character or a custom logo, into a fluffy piece of textile art. You’ll learn to handle a tufting gun and punch vibrant yarn through a canvas frame before taking home your finished rug!
Floating Sound Bath Experience in Miami Beach
Trade in your yoga mat for an aerial hammock at RF Studios Miami’s serene floating sound bath. Participants are suspended in a cocoon-like aerial hammock, drifting to the healing vibrations of a curated sound bath. It’s the ultimate way to decompress both body and mind that no spa treatment can match.
Grab your roller skates for a wheel-y good time
Miami Roller Rink
Nostalgia is alive and well at local roller rinks like Miami Roller Rink. Keep an eye out for themed nights — from ’70s disco to movie-inspired skate nights — where the music is loud, the lights are neon and the community vibes are unmatched!
See a theater show
Shutterstock/Lenush
Miami’s performing arts scene is world-class and deeply diverse, but we don’t have to tell you that. For Broadway-caliber musicals and opera, the Adrienne Arsht Center is the place to be. For something more local, try Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables, Area Stage in The Shops at Sunset Place or Miami New Drama at the Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road for incredible local productions.
Stock up on reading material at Books & Books
Facebook/Books & Books
A cornerstone of Miami’s literary scene, Books & Books is an independent bookstore chain with locations in neighborhoods like Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. Browse the floor-to-ceiling shelves before heading to their open-air courtyard for a coffee or a glass of wine. Their locations frequently host free author talks and live music, so keep an eye out for upcoming events!
Laugh your socks off at a comedy club
Courtesy of CityPlace Doral
Since laughter is the best medicine, next up on our list is a visit to one of Miami’s comedy clubs. Doral’s Miami Improv is known to host major touring headliners in a classic club setting. For a more local feel, Just The Funny on Coral Way is dedicated to high-energy improv and sketch comedy where audience participation is part of the charm. And for something a bit more avant-garde, Villain Theater in Little Haiti specializes in long-form improv and vibrant variety shows.
Pexels/Abhishek Navlakha
Skip the grocery store and spend your weekend among locals at a farmers’ market, where you can get everything from vegan baked goods to sweet jars of honey. The Legion Park Farmers’ Market (Saturdays) is a community favorite for organic produce and vegan treats right on the bay, while the Pinecrest Gardens Farmers’ Market (Sundays) offers a lush setting perfect for families to grab fresh juices and other products from small businesses.
Go on the hunt for a nice deal at a flea market
Image by Diana Santisteban
If trinkets and fashion are more your thing, the roaming Little River Flea Market celebrates the best of the city’s creative and sustainable scene. Featuring a selection of 20 to 50 local vendors, you can find anything from 70s band tees and rare vinyl to handmade ceramics. It often pops up at trendy spots like Arlo Wynwood or Mayfair House, so check their social media for the next stop.