Best Arts and Culture Places in Miami-Dade County

"Showcasing the best contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries while also reflecting the multitude of nationalities that call Miami home – that’s the aim of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The Pérez Art Museum is an absolute staple in modern art in the US alone, providing a deeply visceral experience through sight, sound and touch. Since 2016, it’s estimated that over 2,000 works live in the PAMM’s permanent collection."

"Not far from that is the superb Pérez Art Museum. I highly recommend the guided architecture tour. It's free, it takes about half and hour, and it gives you a great explanation of the architects' work. It's stunning, a beautiful mix between green and concrete."

"One of the most photographed locations in Miami, Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard. Artist-led tours are available, but it’s free to simply explore on your own. What invariably bowls people over is the sheer exuberant colors and commanding presence of the murals, which only tend to be around for less than a year before they are painted over."

"But Wynwood Walls is a total classic of the Miami art scene and a definite must-have on your list of Miami Instagram shots. Whether you choose to capture the murals by themselves or set them up as background to your next selfie, these gorgeous murals are bound to elevate and totally Miami-fy your feed."

"Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant when we first arrived in Wynwood. After parking in an enormous lot of an industrial-looking area, I found myself wondering where all the “pretty stuff” was. It was honestly a bit overwhelming."

"A free contemporary arts museum, the ICA sits in the midst of the Design District and hosts a good range of contemporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection pieces. The building, designed in 2017 by Aranguren & Gallegos architects, is especially beautiful, with its sharp geometric lines and large windows overlooking the back garden."

"This museum offers an array of exhibitions on South Florida's history, with Family Fun Days (think crafts, music, and storytelling) on the second Saturday of each month. But older kids will also like the off-site historical tours, including art walks of Miami neighborhoods, cruises of North Biscayne Bay, or even a "moon cruise" on the Miami River."

"HistoryMiami Museum, formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, was founded in 1940 and is the largest history museum in the state of Florida. The museum offers the community, its residents and visitors meaningful ways to connect with the rich past as well as the ever-evolving future of the region and its diverse inhabitants."

"Gathering, preserving, and celebrating Miami's history through exhibitions, city tours, collections and publications is the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.[Learn more]"

"Founded in 2007 in Miami Beach, Avant gallery showcases artworks which talk about Miami, encouraging contemporary artists of all ages to contribute in such endeavors. With flagship galleries in different places including New York and Dubai, Miami’s Avant Gallery has an amazing sculpture display which includes works of Tom Fruin, Will Kurtz, Dan Alva, Nathan Savaya, and many others. An engaging walk inside the art gallery will reveal to you a wide array of artwork from artists around the globe."

"The area is an art lovers paradise, home to the Yeleen Gallery, Daleus Museum and Art Gallery and the Laundromat Art Space to name a few. After a morning of culture, head to the Caribbean Marketplace next door, for a bit of shopping. Open Thursday through Sunday, the market is designed as a replica of the Iron Market in Port-au-Price, the architecture and vibrant color is a visual marker that you are in the heart of Little Haiti. Shop for handmade goods, fine art, jewelry, collectibles and fashion apparel here."

"This Miami institution reminds me of any good restaurant in downtown Lima, unpretentious and simple. The food here speaks for itself. But as you may not have tried it yet, let me explain."

"2000 Convention Center Dr, The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a 2.6-acre urban green space in Miami Beach and was founded in 1962.* The Garden offers free admission and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m."

"If you need to escape Miami’s madness, consider a green day in one of the country’s largest tropical botanical gardens. A butterfly grove, tropical plant conservatory and gentle vistas of marsh and keys habitats, plus frequent art installations from artists like Roy Lichtenstein, are all stunning. In addition to easy-to-follow, self-guided walking tours, a free 45-minute tram tours the entire park on the hour from 10am to 3pm (till 4pm weekends)."

"Barnes Park is located on Bird Road near the Palmetto, offering a string of trails, peaceful enclaves, and various activities."

"If you do just one walk in the Everglades, make sure it's on the Anhinga Trail. Gators sun on the shoreline, anhinga spear their prey and wading birds stalk haughtily through the reeds. You'll get a close-up view of wildlife on this short (0.8 mile) trail at the Royal Palm Visitor Center. There are various overlooks, where you can sometimes see dozens of alligators piled together in the day."

"The 0.8-mile Anhinga Trail is a self-guided walk through a sawgrass marsh on an easy, paved trail. Like the Gumbo Limbo trail, Anhinga is not open to bicycles but convenient for wheelchairs and strollers. It's almost guaranteed that you'll see some Everglades wildlife when you walk this trail."

"This is a 1.5-mile (2.41 km) loop trail that meanders along the waterway with chances to see wildlife. Bird watching and wildflowers are one of the potential highlights as well. This gives good glimpses into the terrain known as the Everglades."

"It's hard to believe this tropical retreat with crystalline water is just minutes away from Miami’s bustling financial center, Brickell. Yet just over the Rickenbacker Causeway lies the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Its impressive network of coastal hammock trails; shaded pavilions; kayak, bike, and paddleboard rentals means you won't be hard-pressed to keep the whole family entertained and relaxed in this little slice of Miami paradise."