Best Museums in Key Biscayne

"In Biscayne Bay, you’ll find the PAMM – the Pérez Art Museum Miami (pictured above), spearheaded by the billionaire real estate developer and collector Jorge M. Pérez – in an impressive 2013 building designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron. Originally launched in 1984, the PAMM has always focused on contemporary art, but in the last three decades it has increasingly featured Latin American art, and it holds one of the largest collections of contemporary Cuban art in the USA. Besides its permanent collection, there’s an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, which have included artists such as Steve McQueen, Haroon Mirza and Hew Locke."

"The PAMM is much more than just a building that holds a collection of art, it is a reflection of its community. The Pérez Art Museum Miami was the first of the art museums in Miami to embrace modern and contemporary art. The exhibits continually change as the diverse culture of Miami evolves."

"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."

"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."

"Those wanting to see contemporary art while in Miami should really go to the Institue of Contemporary Art, Miami. Here you find all kinds of artworks from well-known artists, but the museum also likes to feature up-and-coming artists. Besides the permanent collection, the museum also has many temporary exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami first opened to the public in 1996. The facility has 23,000 square feet of exhibition space, and houses more than 400 permanent installations from artists such as Larry Rivers, Claes Oldenburg, and Jasper Johns. With eight to ten changing exhibits annually, even more artists are represented."

"The newly opened Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami offers a "Family Day” on the third Sunday of every month. Be there for interactive activities and performances for all ages. A post shared by ICA Miami (@icamiami) on Jan 22, 2018 at 11:25am PST"

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Located midway between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach, on Watson Island, This museum offers exciting things to do in Miami for the young and those young at heart. The Miami Children’s Museum presents 14 interactive and bilingual exhibits and daily family-friendly events for visitors to explore. You can pick up a souvenir from the Kid Smart Educational Gift Shop and enjoy a meal at Subway while you spend a fun day at the Miami Children’s Museum."

"This popular weekend spot is one of America’s largest kids’ museums – and every inch of the space is dedicated to teaching youngsters about the world around them. With 14 galleries spread over two floors, there’s an exhibit to spark every type of tot’s imagination ($22/adult). Find out more about Miami Children’s Museum"

"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."

"This Miami art museum is a centerpiece of the University of Miami, and is home to a variety of Native American, ancient Egyptian, Renaissance and Baroque, Asian, and European originals. The Lowe is the oldest art museum in Miami, which originally opened in 1950 as an art display across the classrooms in the building. Originally established through a gift by Joe and Emily Lowe, this stunning 17,500-piece collection includes paintings from Claude Monet, African sculptures from 500 BCE, Asian costumes, medieval manuscripts, and The Samuel H. Kress collection."

"Situated inside the University of Miami, this long-standing museum is a favorite for UM students and the Coral Gables community. The Lowe is home to a well-rounded collection of art from the Italian Renaissance, Baroque, Greco-Roman, and Spanish Old Masters, among others. The museum also holds a sizeable assortment of Native American, African, and Asian art and antiquities."

"Miami's reputation on the international art scene tends to focus on the new. The Magic City is the place where, once a year, collectors from around the world come to scope out the cutting edge of contemporary art. But what about the old?"

"The original Homestead Town Hall was built more than a century ago and has been converted into a museum boasting one of the area’s most complete collections of historic memorabilia related to the town. The items on display include vintage photographs, historical documents, and other unique tidbits of local interest; there’s even an old fire engine that was retired long ago. The Homestead Historic Town Hall Museum is located on North Krome Avenue and doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic, so it’s quite possible that visitors will have the place to themselves."

"James Beard Foundation Award-winner Michael Schwartz is one of Miami’s most-coveted chefs. Whatever he touches turns delicious, including pizza at Harry’s Pizzeria, farm-to-table gastropub fare on a cruise ship, sushi, breakfast food and plenty of other concepts, including his beloved namesake, Michael’s Genuine. Set within the SLS Brickell, Schwartz’s Fi’lia specializes in vivacious Italian, including pies, house-made pastas, comforting mains (think: chicken parm and wood-grilled leg of lamb) as well as a tableside Caesar for which servers grill fresh bread for croutons."

"Many tourists mark this restaurant as the best Italian restaurant in Miami, and for good reason. Fi’lia invites its visitors to taste authentic Italian pizza from a wood-fired oven or pamper themselves with stracciatella with truffle honey. You will plunge into a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, and the friendly staff will help you choose a dish based on your preferences."

"Italians are known for their stellar wood-fired pizzas, and Fi’lia is no exception. Starters like the stracciatella with truffle honey or the meatballs with whipped ricotta are great to open the appetite. Pies like spicy soppressatta or cauliflower and fontina cheese are hits, or opt for spaghetti carbonara or the wood-grilled sirloin skirt steak."

"Following the wild success of the New York City restaurant, which was just honored last week with its fourth consecutive Michelin Guide recognition, buzzy Korean steakhouse Cote has brought its award-winning cuisine and luxurious atmosphere to Miami. The restaurant’s spacious interiors were designed by celebrated architecture studio MNDPC and features a private dining room, a signature oval-shaped bar and bespoke, state-of-the-art charcoal grills at each of the many tables. Owner Simon Kim wanted the new iteration to reflect the bold spirit of the New York flagship while infusing a distinct Miami flair throughout the space."

"It was very hard to decide what I liked most about Cote, a Korean steakhouse in the Design District. There was the fact that the entire staff seemed to be sharing a single consciousness like a beehive, as they effortlessly tended to the beef sizzling away on the grill located in the center of the table. There was the restaurant’s design, which made me feel like I was eating 1,000 years in the future."

"Restaurants Korean Design District"

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Design District. Pastry chef Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgore’s playful dessert spot sells vibrant unicorn cakes, rich chocolate bark and soft-serve in unexpected flavors. Her ice cream, in varieties such as matcha and berry rhubarb, is already pretty special yet she always finds a way to kick it up a notch with add-ons like edible glitter, gold leaf, gold dust, cotton candy and fancy sprinkles—and we’re all the more grateful for it."

"Soraya Kilgore — best known as the pastry chef at restaurants like Brava and Alter — is the woman behind this palace of sweets in Miami's Design District. MadLab Creamery isn't just about the ice cream, however. This spot also entices young and old to create their own sweet-treat work of art via more than 30 toppings, including edible glitter, tufts of pink cotton candy, golden-sheet sprinkles, even a macaroon or two."

"South BeachWhat you're getting: Mint Chocolate CookieNot only does this fudge cookie with bright green mint chips in it recreate your favorite flavor of ice cream in a cookie, you can actually get ice cream between two of them, and have it delivered to your house until 3am."

"Midtown Creamery has some pretty intense ice cream creations, like a “giant” ice cream sandwich, brownie sundaes, and milkshakes that could last you three days. The Edgewater spot is currently delivering on most major delivery apps. You can also call (786) 536-2281 to order."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"For a more chilled beach day option, head to North Beach Oceanside Park, a serene destination, out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach’s hotels and restaurants. Pack your cooler to the brim, bring a Pub sub, and take in the blissful scene of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features shaded walking trails, a bike path, and a dog park and playground to entertain the kids and fur babies."

"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."

"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."

"An abandoned zoo on a subtropical island, ever since Dade County's main zoological park decamped to way down south, the Crandon Park Gardens, or just Crandon Gardens (both derivations are used) has sat and grown into a hidden, mysterious botanical garden with otherworldly follies (the former animal enclosures) scattered here and there."