Best Museums in Downtown Miami

"Featuring international modern and contemporary art, the museum’s collection showcases the diversity of the 20th and 21st century through art from the US Latino experience, the African diaspora, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The Pérez Art Museum Miami building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron based on the 1930s design of Stiltsville homes built offshore. It has wide-open spaces and outstanding views, making it a must in all the things to do in Miami."

"Opened in December 2013, the Pérez Art Museum Miami, known locally as PAMM, shines as the city's first true world-class museum. This…"

"Miami’s Wynwood Wallsare among the most popular, and colourful, outdoor attractions in the city. Vibrant street art and graffiti-style murals cover more than 80,000 square feet of wall space. Inspire your budding young artists with an exploration of this former warehouse district now known for its funky, eclectic, and very ‘gram-worthy, works of art."

"Our last day was spent at the creative Wynwood Walls art exhibit. Beautiful mosaics are spread across a few blocks on streets and on buildings, even on the sidewalks!"

"Between Northeast 25th and 26th streets on Northwest 2nd Avenue, the Wynwood Walls are a cutting-edge enclave of modern urban murals,…"

"Long before Wynwood became an international art-hub, before places like the PAMM opened its doors, the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami was doing its part to bring contemporary art into the lives of all Miamians. Opened in 1996, the museum in its current state is now entering its 24th year and puts on 8 to 10 exhibitions annually. Notable artists like Anna Gaskell, Louise Bourgeois, Roy Lichtenstein, Annette Messager, and Frank Stella have all enjoyed either exhibitions or solo shows of their work in the halls of the MoCA NoMi."

"This museum in Miami's Design District offers free admission and lots of art that the kids will love exploring. Large scale sculptures, a 15,000-square-foot garden and interesting works of art by local artists are particularly interesting for kids. 61 NE 41st StMiami, FLOnline: icamiami.org"

"DowntownFew things are more fascinating to a South Floridian than seeing how this city went from a swamp to major world metropolis in just over 100 years. You’ll learn all about Henry Flagler, Julia Tuttle, and the rest of the characters that made Miami what it is, as well as rotating exhibits exploring everything from the legacy of Hurricane Andrew to photos of the lost era of elderly Jews in South Beach. The museum also offers frequent walking tours with preeminent Miami historian Paul George, where even Dade County lifers will learn something new about the place we call home.Know before you go: Open Monday through Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 12-5pm."

"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."

"Narrow in on the history of Miami itself with this cool museum. For extra fun, head out on the second Saturday of the month for crafts, music, and more as part of Family Fun Days."

"At Miami Children’s Museum, kids can wander through more than 14 interactive and bilingual galleries here. The Sea & Me, Ocean Odyssey, the Health & Wellness Center and the Supermarket are just a few of the stimulating spots where children can have a good time while learning about the world around them. A full calendar of exhibits and special events adds to the fun."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user qwesy qwesy used under CC BY 3.0. You may have visited many kids’ museums with your young ones, but this is not like the traditional ones you have seen before. It features an interactive playground for children and aims to help them attain their maximum potential."

"If you are a history buff or culture buff, then you will love the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. Here you’ll find many contemporary visual art exhibitions, live stage performances, educational facilities for aspiring local artists, and much more. Just be sure to check their website for listings and seasonal exhibitions that are so good."

"The Center, which is southeast of Young Circle, has a great reputation for presenting übercool contemporary art exhibitions and providing…"

"The privately funded luxury collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz finally got a name as the de la Cruz Collection in Miami, designed by John Marquette. The de la Cruz art museum, established in 2009, has been the home of the art-lovers for more than three decades, and now they have opened it for the public to encourage the free flow of artistic thoughts in the neighborhood. Covering an area of 30,000 square feet, the gallery is stuffed with contemporary art exhibits and also organizes lectures, summer workshops, and scholarships for students at DASH and NWSA."

"Martha Stewart stamps this as "the most beautiful spa in America," so if you're gonna book a treatment at Lapis Spa, then you might as well go big and reserve the Bleau private spa suite. There are two treatment beds, a jetted tub and a private bathroom and shower that accompany your oceanside view. Oh, and once you're done with your Aroma Detox therapy, you can bequest a personal bath butler to cater to your bubbling needs."

"Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Photo: Courtesy Fontainebleau Miami Beach. As one of Miami Beach’s most extensive facilities, Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is where you go to while away the day. There are 30 treatment rooms, including two oceanfront couple’s massage suites (with a shower and soaking tub for two) and two spa suites (each with a Vichy shower, tub, shower, and relaxation area)."

"Escencia Spa Relaxation Room Courtesy of Escencia Spa. Inspired by nature and the ocean views, the Esencia Wellness Spa at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach takes a holistic approach to healing the body from the hot Miami sun—and the city’s party scene—by targeting anti-aging, after-sun care, and dry skin. Facilities at the 22,000-square-foot spa include a hydrotherapy circuit with whirlpools, plunge pools, saunas, and hydro-experience showers, as well as a relaxation lounge with sweeping ocean views."

"Inspired by the four ‘T’ cities — Tel Aviv, Thong Sala, Tokyo, and Tulum — the Upper Buena Vista outdoor mall is full of photo opportunities. With many hidden spots boasting beautiful Instagram backgrounds, you’ll have to explore the entire premises to discover them all. We won’t keep you guessing too much, though — here are some of our favorites:"

"What better way to satisfy your breakfast-food craving and your sweet tooth all at once than at this retro '80s-themed milkshake shop?. Vicky’s House offers a slew of over-the-top milkshake creations, but when bacon is on the table, it needs no further explanation. Cue the Breakfast Club ($15), a vanilla shake with a peanut butter and Cap’n Crunch rim, whipped cream, Miami Smokers bacon, a glazed doughnut from the Salty Donut, and a shot of espresso for an extra kick."

"Wynwood Parlor perfected the simple combination of freshly baked cookies with high-quality ice cream and grew it into a mini empire of handheld desserts. From cocktail-inspired flavor duos (think piña colada and mimosa) to childhood classics rolled in Fruity Pebbles to vegan varieties, there’s something for every age and taste. Get your sandos delivered or shipped (they travel better than most frozen desserts) or try them in person at one of two locations in Edgewater and South Beach."

"One bite of this nostalgic confection — aptly named the Bedrock ($5.50) and made with house-made red velvet cookies, vanilla ice cream, and Fruity Pebbles — will instantly transport you back to those carefree days of watching The Flintstones. Choose from other signature sandwich flavors, such as tiramisu, reverse Oreo, and triple chocolate, or make your own by mixing and matching cookies, ice creams, and toppings."

"A food truck turned ice cream parlor, Wynwood Parlor has gained the reputation of having some of the best ice cream sandwiches in Miami. They have specialized in hand-crafted ice cream made from small batched cookies, ice cream, and toppings for years. Now, they have officially released their new boozy collection of cocktail-infused ice cream sandwiches."