Miami at Night has to be Experienced to be Believed
Miami is one of the world's most famous party towns. A lavish playground for the rich and famous, this 24-hour city has a reputation for great food, world-class entertainment, and killer nightlife. Whether you're alone, with a loved one, or enjoying a family vacation, the fun never stops - even when the sun sets on the Sunshine State. Here are a few of the most exciting things to do in Miami at night.
Miami at Night on a budget
Miami is home to some of the world's most expensive real estate. The city and the surrounding areas accommodate hundreds of millionaires. You don't need to be loaded, however, in order to take advantage of one of the world's most famous nightspots. Miami has everything you could possibly wish for in a great night out, and much of it doesn't cost the earth. Here are a few ideas for cheap things to do in Miami at night.
Head to Midtown for a few beers
The Midtown area of Miami is a little more affordable than the exclusive areas of South Beach. For the price of just a few beers, you can enjoy live music, a great atmosphere, and the company of locals and tourists. Many of the live entertainment bars don't have a cover charge in Midtown. As long as you're drinking, you can enjoy the shows.
A nighttime art walk
Miami itself is a work of art. Home to the Art Deco style of architecture, the city is a living, breathing museum of design and 1920s style. When the sun has set, head over to the art district. Here there are a wealth of landmarks and entertainment options that are completely free of charge.
If you're around on a Friday evening, check out the Coral Gables Gallery. Admission is free between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., and you can spend hours absorbing some truly awe-inspiring works of art. Also offering free admission is the Wynwood Art District Gallery. You'll just need to make sure you visit on the second Saturday of the month between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
A guided tour by night
Simply strolling around the streets of South Beach at night is an experience. Many of the beautiful Art Deco buildings are lit up in neon colors, and admiring them at night is free. But if you have the GoMiami Card, you can enjoy a range of free or cheap events, including the Miami Design Preservation League guided art walk. Check out the other guided walks available, as each one focuses on a specific art form or area of the city.
Things to Do in Miami at Night with Family
Most people don't associate Miami's nightlife with family-friendly entertainment. However, if you know where to look, there's fun to be had for people of all ages. While the bright lights of South Beach might be better suited to adults, there are areas and attractions in Miami that are great for young families. Here are a few ideas.
Take a cruise
There's no better way to watch a Miami sunset than by taking a boat trip along the coast. Not only do you and your family get to see South Beach and the Downtown skyline by night, you can also enjoy a meal and drinks. Waterplay USA is just one of the tour operators that offer a friendly, laid-back, and calm boat tour along the coast.
Enjoy a laser battle
Miami isn't just about nightlife and adult fun; there's lots to do for children too. Even at night, you don't have to venture too far to find energetic fun for all the family. Take Laserland & Adventure near the airport, for example. You can enjoy laser gun fights, arcade games, funfair games, and a range of snacks and drinks under one roof. The kids can play laser tag while the adults enjoy a drink or two in the licensed bar.
Head to Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace on Biscayne Boulevard is a celebration of the arts and food. There are several dining options, live open-air music shows, and a selection of independent stores. There's a marina, too, which is a great place for people-watching and boat-spotting. And if you have younger children with you, make sure you check out the pirate cruise, which is heaps of fun.
Miami at night for Couples
Miami is a romantic city that is perfect for couples. Whether you're taking a stroll on the beach or enjoying a romantic meal for two at a waterfront restaurant, there are plenty of opportunities for displays of affection. Here are a few of the most exciting and romantic things to do in Miami at night for couples.
Go clubbing
Whether you're in the Downtown area or the heart of South Beach, there are dozens of nightclubs to choose from. If you go anywhere, make sure it's the Fifty Ultra Lounge at the Viceroy Miami. This incredible nightspot features music, dancing, and an electric atmosphere across indoor and outdoor areas.
If you're not in the mood for dancing until the early hours, there are a few more sedate clubbing experiences in Miami. Take Mango's Tropical Cafe, for example. This is a stylish nightspot that offers a fantastic menu, a sophisticated dining experience, and live entertainment almost every night. Check what's on before you arrive, however, as the acts range from cabaret singers to magicians.
Take a Jeep tour of the city
Rather than squeeze onto a sightseeing bus with dozens of other tourists, see the city by Jeep. Take the Tons of Fun Tours trip around South Beach, aboard a stretch Jeep. You'll get to see some of the most iconic buildings in the city - lit up in all their majesty. Among the stops on the tour are the Art Deco District, Bayfront Park, The Miami Tower, and the Downtown area. Your very own tour guide explains a little about the history of the city and points out all of the main landmarks.
See the city from the sky
Being romantic often means going above and beyond the usual dinner and drinks. Thankfully, there's a way to take romance to the next level in Miami. The Miami City Lights Air Tour takes you above the city skyline for a breathtaking journey you and your partner will never forget. You'll see all the main landmarks and districts, as well as the neon-colored Art Deco buildings that light up the South Beach Area.
A great way to make your night extra special is to combine an air tour with a dining experience. You can either book these separately or as a package, from as little as $160 per person. Some air tours also include onboard snacks and drinks.
With Friends
Miami is a great place to visit with a group of friends, particularly at night. At almost every turn, you will find clubs, bars, restaurants, and an inimitable party atmosphere. Many of the nightspots are open until 3:00 a.m., while a few are open even longer. Whether you're on a tight budget or money is no obstacle, there are plenty of places to enjoy time with your friends. Here are a few of the most exciting things to do in Miami at night with friends.
Enjoy some live music
There's a lively night out to be enjoyed at Jazid. This vibrant, jazz music venue features local musicians, table service drinks, and performance poetry. Head to the iconic EPIC Hotel, and you'll get to listen to acclaimed jazz musicians throughout the evening at the LILT Lounge. The Betsy Hotel is home to the "Mostly Live Music Series," which is completely free to enjoy from 8:00 p.m. onwards during the week.
For a bigger live music experience, check what's on at the Fillmore Miami Beach. This huge auditorium will host the likes of Simple Minds and David Byrne in the upcoming months. While the genre of choice changes from week to week, rock music is well represented here.
Spend the evening dancing
Coconut Grove is a historic part of Miami that is synonymous with nightlife and music. Located near the area's famous marina, the entertainment zone here is packed with lively bars, trendy seafood restaurants, and sophisticated nightclubs. With luxurious yachts as a stunning backdrop, party into the night and the early hours at venues such as LoKal, Barracuda, and Monty's.
Another great place for an evening of dancing and partying is Little Havana. Miami's Cuban district is made for fun and delivers countless opportunities for dancing and cocktail drinking. Head to SW 8th Street, which is where you'll find most of the dance venues. Known locally as Calle Ocho, this part of Little Havana is home to iconic venues such as La Esquina de la Fama and Hoy Como Ayer.
Enjoy a boozy pub crawl
There are dozens of great bars in Miami, so choosing which ones to go to can be tricky. But you can leave this important decision to the experts by booking you and your friends on an organized pub crawl. Leave the planning to someone else, and concentrate on spending quality time with friends in some of the city's top drinking venues.
Check out the Food Tours of Miami "Out and About Pub Crawl," which includes several unique pubs in the Coral Gables area of the city. This tour allows you to chat and enjoy the company of your friends - as it stays well away from the city's livelier clubs and party venues.
Conclusion: Miami at Night is Breathtaking
It doesn't matter who you're with, spending time in Miami is always filled with excitement and surprises. Many of the most memorable experiences in the city happen at night - when Miami lights up in a haze of neon splendor. By researching the various attractions and locations in advance, you can plan the perfect stay in Florida's largest city. Whether you're taking a young family or the love of your life, make sure you experience Miami at night at its very best.
