Things to do in downtown miami today

This post covers the top things to do in Miami at night, updated for 2022.

We include adult-only, free, as well as family-friendly activities and events.

  • Top 10
  • Free Things To Do
  • Family-Friendly
  • Night Clubs and Pub Crawls

Top 10 Things To Do at Night

1. Night Tour with Big Bus Miami

What better way to kick off a night in Miami, than by hopping on a 90-Minute Big Bus Night Tour all around the city?

You’ll get to see the Magic City all lit up with its colors and vibrancy on this tour. Better yet, the tour is included with the Go City Miami Card.

You can read more about the different types of Tourist Passes and which is best in our Blog Post.


2. Watch the Art Deco Turn From Day to Night

There is nothing more ‘iconic Miami’ than the neon lights of the Art Deco District.

Things to do in downtown miami today

Stroll along Ocean Drive as the city illuminates and comes to life, with Latin music pouring outside of the countless bars and restaurants.

Take our self-guided audio tour of the Art Deco District after sunset, for a really unique experience!


3. Sunset Cruise in Miami

Before you go out on the town, perhaps you should see what the city looks like when the sun begins to set.

Miami sunsets are one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see, and there’s no better way to experience them than by taking a cruise. 

Things to do in downtown miami today
https://pxhere.com/en/photo/752140?utm_content=shareClip&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pxhere

Some boat tour companies offer sunset cruises that will truly set the mood for a wonderful evening in the city.

You’ll cruise through Biscayne Bay, Port of Miami, Fish Island, Miami Beach, and Millionaire’s Row as well as take in the unforgettable Miami Skyline.


4. Miami City Lights Air Tour

There is nothing more unforgettable than flying over the sparkling skyscrapers of Downtown Miami via airplane as the city lights come to life.

Thanks to the Miami Beach Sunset Breathtaking Flight Tour, in 45-minutes, you’ll get to take in the neon lights of South Beach and the moon reflecting on Biscayne Bay from an aerial view.

Although this may be one of the more costly activities on the list, at $200 per person, it is also one of the most highly-rated experiences in Miami.

If you’re looking for an exciting family activity, a nighttime air tour is a great way to see the city from a completely different perspective.


5. Art Walk at Night

If you’re looking for a way to save money while discovering the wonderful artwork in Miami’s art district, this is an excellent option. 

On the first Friday of every month, the Coral Gables Gallery offers free admission between 6 PM-10 PM.

On the second Saturday of each month, thousands of locals and tourists alike flood the streets of Wynwood, Miami’s most colorfully decorated street art district, creating the city’s largest block party for the Wynwood Art Walk. 

More than 400 businesses open their doors after hours giving you access to delicious food, art galleries, boutique shops and so much more!

There is also a guided art walk provided by the Miami Design Preservation League on Thursday nights at 6:30 PM.

One way to take advantage of this guided tour is by getting the Go City Miami Card, which gives you access to a wide variety of attractions in the city.

There are several different opportunities to discover the unique artistic vision of the Magic City, so make sure to choose the art walk that best fits your expectations.


6. Visit a Local Nightclub 

One of the best things to do at night in Miami is visit one of the local nightclubs.

Some of the most popular in the city include Space-downtown Miami’s most popular club, LIV-dubbed the most popular club to spot a celebrity, Story-a 27,000 square-foot South Beach dance club, and E11even-which is open 24/7/365.

When it comes to Miami’s clubs, you should expect the unexpected; there’s no such thing as average or ordinary here, as you’ll find venues that double as dinner clubs and even strip clubs.

Some Miami nightclubs like Mango’s Tropical Cafe and Blume even offer live performances from flamenco dancers.

It’s easy to dance the night away in an environment as dynamic and energetic as South Beach!

If you're looking for help exploring all the best clubs, consider going on a Miami Beach Nightclub Crawl.

This service includes an open bar at the first venue, so you won't even have to spend anything extra for drinks!


7. Live Jazz Performances

The Jazz scene in Miami is absolutely wonderful, with several different venues offering a variety of live shows.

As a matter of fact, some clubs even pride themselves on having a live Jazz performance almost every single night.

One such venue is Ball & Chain, located in Little Havana, offers live Jazz nightly Monday-Saturday and was voted one of the best live music venues in Miami.

Or check out Le Chat Noir, which combines wine, cheese, and live Jazz music Tuesday-Saturday.

The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami (MOCA) offers free entertainment for jazz lovers on the last Friday of each month at 8 p.m.

Concerts take place, rain or shine, on the plaza outside the Museum.


8. Outdoor Movies & Music 

When the sun goes down, Miami’s night owls all begin to gather at their favorite local hotspots.

Some of them will visit dance clubs while others prefer the silent halls of a movie theater.

If you’ve seen and done pretty much everything else, or want to relax with the family, why not enjoy the cool night air on a blanket under the stars while watching a movie at the New World Center’s ExoStage.

The SoundScape Cinema Series (scroll toward the bottom of page) screens films on a 7,000-square-foot outdoor projection wall.

Movies are typically at 8 pm on Wednesdays and run from October-May.

If classical music interests you more than movies, be sure to check out New World Symphony Wallcast Concerts, which allow you to experience free, classical music on their projection wall of the New World Center as well.


9. Sunset & Night Photography Workshop

If you want to cherish your memories of the Magic City forever, what better way than by taking a photography tour of the city at night?

During this workshop, you’ll explore Miami Beach as the sun begins to set and see the city from an entirely new perspective.

Whether you want to be a photographer and build your portfolio or you just want to take some great pictures of this beautiful city at night, this is an excellent opportunity to experience how Miami truly comes to life when the sun goes down.

You will need a camera, tripod, and potentially a few different types of lenses in order to capture the best photos of Ocean Drive and South Beach.


10. The Local Theatre

The Ziff Ballet Opera House is one of the highest-rated attractions in the city, with shows that appeal to almost everyone.

Things to do in downtown miami today
https://pxhere.com/en/photo/770441?utm_content=shareClip&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pxhere

In addition to several Off-Broadway shows, they also have productions aimed at more of a family audience.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, taking in a play at one of the most beloved theatres in Miami is definitely an excellent option.


Free Things To Do at Night

Surprisingly, there are so many things to do in the great city of Miami, even at night!

You already know about the free movies and concerts at Soundscape Park, but, fortunately, there's so much more.

We’ve listed our favorites for both locals and visitors alike.

Be sure to visit our post for the details on all the Free Things to do in Miami by both day and night!


Experience Cuban Culture on Calle Ocho in Little Havana

If you happen to be in Miami on the last Friday of every month, you’ll be in for a true treat!

From 7-11 pm, Calle Ocho comes to life during Viernes Cultural.

Things to do in downtown miami today
La Carretta Calle Ocho by Phillip Pessar (CC BY 2.0)

Viernes Cultural literally translates to 'Cultural Friday' in which locals head out into the street to demonstrate the true meaning of Cuban culture.

Visit their website for more information.

If you're looking for a tour, Get Your Guide offers a 2-hour Walking Food Tour through Little Havana that is sure to please! 


Watch the Sunset on the Beach

Miami is synonymous with the beach and, although it’s fun to soak in the sun by day, it’s equally as exciting to enjoy the beach at sunset.

Grab a bottle of wine and a blanket and watch the beach change from light to dark as you listen to the ocean waves.

If you're looking for something quieter and intimate, then check out South Pointe Park or North Miami Beach.

Both will be a much quieter alternative than bustling South Beach. 


Go to the Perez Art Museum

Visit Miami's contemporary art museum with diverse exhibits. 

The Perez Art Museum (PAMM), which was once known as the Miami Art Museum, offers free daily tours led by museum guides at 11 am, 12 pm, 2:30 pm, and on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm.

The museum offers over 2,000 works of art for your enjoyment. Fortunately, entry is included with the Go City Miami Card.

You can read more about which Miami Tourist Pass is best for you here. 


Family-Friendly Things To Do 

Aside from the Big Bus Night Tour, Miami City Lights Air Tour, and the Outdoor Soundscape Cinema Series, Miami offers more than you’d think for families in the evening.


Nighttime Jeep Tour of Miami

Instead of hopping on a bus or going for a long walk, Tons of Fun Tours will drive you around Miami in one of their stretch convertible Jeeps.

On this tour, you will visit the Art Deco District, Downtown Miami, Bayfront Park, The Miami Tower, and several other notable locations in the area.

Discover what happens to SoBe after dark in style and comfort as you cruise around in one of these awesome Jeeps!


Fun Dimension

After dinner, take kids over to Fun Dimension in Wynwood for 15,000 square feet filled arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars and so much more!

Fun Dimension also offers up a full-service event space for birthday parties and other celebrations.

There’s even a Bungy Dome where kids can soar as high as possible on a trampoline while they’re strapped into a harness.


Miami Trolley

While the trolley service in Miami dates all the way back to 1906, the new 7 trolley car fleet was introduced to the city in 2003. 

The Miami Trolley is a convenient way to around the city and the coolest part is that it’s completely free!

Things to do in downtown miami today
Tram Tourism Transportation Travel Night  CC0 Public Domain (https://www.maxpixel.net/photo-6849811)

The trolley route spans all over the city of Miami from Wynwood to Brickell to Biscayne and many other popular tourist and local neighborhoods.

It’s open until 11 pm and kids always love riding along!


Enjoy a Major League Baseball Game at Marlins Park

A memorable evening out with the family can certainly be obtained at Marlins Park.

Located in Little Havana, just outside of downtown, Marlins Park offers inexpensive tickets for you and your family to enjoy a baseball game in the heart of Miami (kids aged three and under are free)!

If you are happy to go on a Friday evening, your kiddos will be elated at the bonus fireworks display at the end of the night.

On Sundays, kids can do a Diamond Dash around the bases at the end of the game.


Go on a Food Tour

If you're looking for some help finding the best food in Miami, look no further than a Miami Food Tour.

This outing includes 5 stops and a variety of different dishes to sample.

In addition to classic meals like fried chicken, you'll also have a chance to try a Cuban sandwich, key lime pie, and more!

This tour starts at about 5:30 pm and runs for almost 3 hours, making it an excellent nighttime activity – and kids are welcome to come along,


Miami Children’s Theatre

If your child is dreaming of starring on Broadway one day, why not take them over to the Miami Children’s Theatre for a live show.

All performances at the Theatre are produced, acted, and choreographed by children.

Watch the stage come to life as the talented performers showcase popular musicals such as Aladdin, Chicago High School Edition, and even Once Upon a Mattress.

It’s a truly amazing experience for both children and adults alike.


Night Clubs & Pub Crawls 

It’s no secret, other than its beaches, Miami is best known for its nightlife.

Whether you want to dance the night away to electronic dance music, drink beer at a local pub, or experience true salsa dancing, this city has something for everyone.

Miami offers up so many different nightclubs and pub crawls, it’s almost overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed it down for you.


Night Clubs

There is an endless amount of nightclubs to choose from in the greater Miami area. 

If you're looking to dance the night away to a hip DJ playing Latin music, then Candela Bar Brickell is THE place to go. You'll feel like a true local dancing at Candela.

Things to do in downtown miami today

Basement is a unique night club, in that it not only is a club, but it also has a bowling alley and an ice skating rink.

If you're looking for a more relaxed dance music scene, then Wynwood Yard is an excellent choice.

Here, you can drink local craft beer, sip on cocktails, and listen to chill electronic music.


Pub Crawl in Coral Gables

If the Miami nightclubs aren’t your scene, perhaps you’d prefer to visit some of the lively pubs and bars that the beautiful neighborhood of Coral Gables has to offer.

Although many of the venues in South Beach are high-intensity clubs offering dinner, live performances, and even strip shows, the entertainment you will find in other neighborhoods is much more relaxed.

Food Tours of Miami offers what they call the “Out and About Pub Crawl,” which will take you to several different pubs in the Coral Gables neighborhood.

Many of the Pub Crawls you will find in Miami actually take you to a variety of clubs, so this is an excellent opportunity to avoid the nightclub scene and experience a side of the city that is often left untouched.


Pub Crawl Miami

Maybe you are on a limited budget and cannot fathom paying the cover prices at all the most popular night clubs that Miami has to offer.

If so why not go on a sampler Club Crawl instead?!

Things to do in downtown miami today
Duffy's Tavern Bar Miami by Phillip Pessar (https://flic.kr/p/2iWoDHy)

Every Friday and Saturday Night, Pub CrawlMiami takes guests to 4 different South Beach bars, lounges, and clubs.

Their flat fee includes entry to each and exclusive drink deals!


World Crawl Miami

If you’re looking to meet and mingle while in Miami, then World Crawl Miami is the tour for you!

The night kicks off with ice-breaking party games and ends at Mansion or Story (two of the most popular nightclubs in Miami).

It’s an all-inclusive tour, which includes free food, drink tickets, express entrance, and cover for four-six bars and clubs.


Sip, Savor, and Salsa Nightlife Experience

Get Your Guide offers an unforgettable 2-hour tour where you’ll learn to dance Salsa and Bachata, enjoy great local food and sip mojitos in Miami’s hottest Latin club in South Beach.

After learning the moves upstairs at Mojito Room, you’ll test them out on the dance floor downstairs in front of the live band.


  • Miami Art Deco District Self-Guided Tour
  • Which Miami Food Tours are the Best
  • Which Miami Boat Tour is Right for You
  • Top 10 Things to Do in Miami at Night
  • Which Miami Bus Tours are Best
  • Which Everglades Tour is the Best
  • Finding the Best Miami Walking Tours
  • Which Miami Tourist Pass is Best
  • Free Things to Do in Miami

Things to do in downtown miami today

Nichole

Nichole's love for Miami began when she chose the Magic City as her future home, after living overseas in Singapore. She cannot get enough the city's food scene, culture and 'multiple boroughs,' each unique in their own way. She is an avid worldwide traveler and thrives on learning about new cultures in each place her feet land. She joined the Free Tours by Foot team in 2017, first as a part of administration and then later as a writer. She's a chiropractor and yoga teacher with a full-time business in Miami. Her motto is "Peace, Love, & Travel.”

Updated: November 2nd, 2022

Things to do in downtown miami today

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What is downtown Miami known for?

Downtown Miami is glittering and modernistic, with towering highrises nestling beside some of the oldest buildings in the city. As well as being a major business district, it's home to major museums and cultural institutions, dazzling rooftop restaurants, theatres, and shopping.

Is there nightlife in downtown Miami?

Downtown Miami & Brickell is all business during the day, but it truly comes alive at night, aglow in shimmering lights and bustling with activity. Take in a popular Broadway show or dance the night away at a concert.

Can you walk around downtown Miami?

If you live in downtown Miami, not only can you get around your neighborhood without a car, you can hop on the MetroMover or Metrorail and travel quickly to other neighborhoods.

How can I have fun in Miami?

Things to Do in Miami.
Airboat Tours..
Self-guided Tours..
Parks..
Nature and Wildlife Tours..
Cultural Tours..
Points of Interest & Landmarks..
Day Cruises..
Sailing..