When it comes to entertaining, you usually have a lot of planning to do — but we’ve broken things down for you with our list of the best places to take visitors in Miami FL and South Florida. It’s a snap: There’s so much going on in Miami (and nearby cities like Fort Lauderdale) that you won’t know where to start first. Forget the usual tourist traps: Excursions range from seeing a mermaid show at Wreck Bar to a ride through the Everglades and checking out the Berliner Cars show. What do these things all have in common? They’re a lot of fun for South Florida newbies and natives. You’ll be the ultimate tour guide with SELECT’s handy list of the best places to take visitors in Miami FL and South Florida.
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1140 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale |
The Wreck Bar has been a Fort Lauderdale must-see for years. Thursdays at 6:30PM, the mermaids take the stage in an all-ages underwater spectacular. However, the 9:30pm show is burlesque and 21+. This is the only place in Florida you’ll be able to get singular food and cocktails to go with your top-tier mermaid entertainment. Dig into tuna nachos and lobster sandwiches, and cocktails like the Thai Folklore. |
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1503 SW 8th St |
You can’t leave Miami without trying Azucar Ice Cream. One of best places to take visitors in Miami FL and South Florida for guests of all ages, the flavors are unique to Azucar, like the Abuela Maria (guava, cookies, and cream cheese), Coconut Flan with over 30 toppings to choose from. There are also classic flavors to savor, like Vanilla and Chocolate Chip. You can take it on the go so it won’t slow your South Florida tour down! |
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19200 SW 344th St, Homestead |
Robert Is Here combines a lot of only-in-South-Florida finds: Fresh fruit, great desserts, and a farm/petting zoo. There’s a huge market with fresh produce, a zoo outback with goats, geese, and turtles, and a milkshake stand is a destination by itself. (Order the Guava Passion Mango milkshake. Trust us.) |
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Multiple Locations |
El Palacio is situated a little away from the airport, but it should be your first stop. Explore Miami’s Cuban heritage with pan con chorizo sandwiches, pollo con papas, or arroz con puerco. You can also get some coconut water straight from the source and other tropical drinks like papayas, mangos, pineapple, and more. |
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2531 NW 2nd Ave |
Bring your guests to Wood Tavern out for a night on the town. The communal tables are perfect for large groups, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Maybe you want to plan your visit on Tuesday night, when there’s free chicken tacos. There’s a ton of beer on draft, like Brooklyn Lager, Wynwood IPA, Fat Tire, and much more. |
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905 Dupont Street Everglades City |
No one visiting Florida should miss out on seeing alligators (from a safe distance). The mangrove airboat tour will take you through the Everglades, where you can see exotic plants and animals plus learn about history and folklore. Afterward, check out the animal sanctuary, which has lions, tigers, otters, snakes, crocodiles, and over 100 alligators. |
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521 NW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale |
On the last Saturday of each month, locals and tourists alike head over to the Fat Village ArtWalk. A number of food trucks and vendors set up shop in Fat Village, in addition to the area’s galleries and art exhibits. Admission to most galleries is free. Vendors sell everything from knick-knacks to charcoal drawings — all far-from-average South Florida souvenir for your guests. |
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1421 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale |
In Fort Lauderdale, gospel and drag queens make Sunday brunch memorable. One of the more exotic of our best places to take visitors in South Florida, the stars of the show here start out in in choir robes and then transform into full drag before your very eyes. Salmon cakes, steak and eggs, chicken salad, and cheeseburgers are on the menu, but take advantage of the bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys. |
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Pompano Beach |
The phrase “dive bar” is literal at Shipwreck Park, a one-of-a-kind art installment. The underwater location requires guests to actually dive to a depth of over 100 feet, where you’ll find mermaid cocktail waitresses, slot machine sculptures, and much more. |
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1975 Stirling Rd #3, Dania Beach |
This antique car museum has one of the best selections on the East Coast. You’ll find classics from the 1940s to the 1970s like Packard convertibles, Chevy Bel-Airs, and vintage Corvettes. If you have your own collectible car, you can consign it and house your vehicle amongst other legends. |
Cheat Sheet
Keep visitors busy and fascinated with all the area has to offer. You’ll find more on the best places to take visitors in Miami FL and all of South Florida below:
Intrepid intern Christina Elia is currently pursuing her BA in Art History Communications at Fordham University, and writes about various topics ranging from arts and culture to practical tips and how-to advice. She has been published on online platforms such as The Odyssey. You can follow her on Twitter via @stinaelia
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