Best Museums in Sandspur Island

"If you’re looking to veer away from the conventional art gallery scene, visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), which overlooks Biscayne Bay. Walking through the 200,000-square-foot museum, visitors experience curated nature through PAMM’s remarkable hanging gardens. The thousands of plants stemming from the outdoor ceiling transports museum-goers into a jungle-like world."

"The Perez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science are both near Brickell, and they’re adjacent to the sprawling Museum Park. If you opt for the science museum, don’t miss the planetarium show!. Afterward, relax at Museum Park, and watch the cruise ships sail away between 4 pm and 6 pm."

"To witness some eye-goggling mural arts in the lap of Miami, the one and only destination are Wynwood walls, a mosaic of colors and vibrancy created under the guidance of Tony Goldman. Started as an initiative in the early 2000s to support and encourage artists, now the Wynwood Walls, a popular open-air art gallery in Miami, stands out in the history of wall art, around the world. You can see artworks displayed at all corners and buildings of the neighborhood represent a grand fusion of wall murals."

"In the midst of rusted warehouses and concrete blah, there's a pastel-and-graffiti explosion of urban art. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard that invariably bowls people over with its sheer color profile and unexpected location. What’s on offer tends to change with the coming and going of major arts events such as Art Basel, but it's always interesting stuff."

"Miami’s ICA(pictured above) is housed in a sparkling 37,500-square-foot building in the city’s Design District. The opening of the ambitious venue, a striking design by the Spanish firm Aranguren & Gallegos Arquitectos, was delivered a year later than originally expected, which only added to the sense of anticipation. As well as housing a must-visit permanent collection with works by Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin and more, it now includes a sculpture garden."

"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."

"North Miami's Museum of Contemporary Art is known as the venue "where new art is discovered," leading the way for modern artists to connect with their audience.[Learn more]"

"The Young at Art Museum (youngatartmuseum.org) in nearby Davie offers a wealth of fun for kids of all ages, including changing exhibits, special shows and entertainment. Permanent exhibits include a global village that features various cultures and activities, including participating in an archeological dig, learning origami and discovering a Mayan pyramid. Another exhibit features a black light environment where kids create works of art that come to life under the special lights."

"HistoryMiami doesn't sound like the name of a historical museum, which is exactly what organizers and board members had in mind. The less-bulky name signified a new direction for what was previously called the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Today, the museum, which actually began as a historical association in 1940 (George Merrick and Marjory Stoneman Douglas were members) continues to offer the exhibits that were developed throughout the previous decades, along with new ones."

"The HistoryMiami Museum is the largest museum in Florida (and thus also Miami). Here you'll learn about the history of the city through various collections and exhibitions. Items of the collection on display here are, among several other types, visual materials, archives and manuscripts, and archaeological artifacts."

"Fort Lauderdale has a rich history which may be overshadowed by the more modern an sophisticated metro area that it has become. Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum chronicles the city's history from the early Seminole era to World War II. It also offers information about the city's historic district and a chronology of its development. Other exhibits feature scale models of historic structures, including a recreation of a Seminole village complete with arts and crafts."

"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?"

"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…"

"There is something for everyone at this waterfront steakhouse, as the menu consists of both steaks and seafood dishes. Therefore, it is a good option if you are dining out with a group of friends that consists of both seafood enthusiasts and meat lovers. The seafood options include dishes such as whole lobster, crab cakes, and crispy calamari."

"No question about it, this enchanting local favorite waterfront steakhouse exudes luxury. Located in the Hyatt, Grill 66 offers balcony dining that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. Available for the boating enthusiasts who want to arrive in style is a convenient 400 foot dock."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Grille 66 and Bar offers dining with a panoramic view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Dine on fresh seafood or prime, 28-day aged beef, along with appetizers, Maryland crabcakes, lobster, shrimp, and calamari dishes."

"Las Olas Boulevard's best kept secret, Preston's Wine & Martini Lounge boasts a comfortable oasis amidst the hustle of city life. A grand piano graces this living room lounge as our resident pianist plays old classics and new favorites. Featuring the hotel's original 1936 coral fireplaces and period art pieces, Preston's also affords its guests an intimate outdoor courtyard, a tranquil garden patio set among tropical foliage."

"This might be one of the best Mexican restaurants in Miami, and that’s saying a lot considering we’ve got some fire tacos in these parts. They’ve got it all: tacos al pastor, quesadillas, enchiladas. Most importantly, their guac game is ON POINT. If you’re feelin’ particularly famished, there’s always the burrito grande, a grilled burrito stuffed with chicken or steak, rice, refried beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, crema Mexicana, and of course, that guacamole."

"At the helm of this New York City import is restaurateur Stephen Starr, who brings a bit of Italian and Californian flair to South Beach. Cozy up in the plush green booths and dive into sausage and kale pizza, wood-roasted beets cooled with whipped feta and lobster spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce. On warm days, droves of beachgoers will wind down with the daily 4pm-7pm happy hour, where cocktails are $9, beers are $7 and snacks such as crispy squash blossoms clock in at $10."

"5 out of 5 stars Restaurants American South of Fifth. Chef Justin Smillie brought his California-inspired cuisine to chic South of Fifth by way of Upland in 2016 and today Miami diners are still clamoring to get in. In a modern, unintimidating bistro lined with bottles of wine and lemons and artichokes, Smillie serves up fresh pasta, pizzas, vegetables and wood-fired protein."

"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)."

"The Miami Beach Botanical Gardens was originally a municipal park that opened in the early ’60s; it wasn’t until decades later when the area was redesigned and rejuvenated that it became the fantastic attraction that it is now. Designed by one of the state’s most renowned landscape architects, the gardens are an urban oasis filled with fountains, art, and an amazingly diverse array of plants, trees, and flowers, most of which are species native to Florida. The grounds include a Japanese garden, warden gardens, plenty of shaded seating areas, and well-marked pathways that lead to each distinct area."

"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."

"Tucked amongst the verdant foliage and gurgling fountains of the Wynwood’s serene Sacred Space, Plant’s soothing aesthetic and bright, beautiful dishes are a perfect match for its surroundings. Thoughtful takes on global dishes dominate the menu, like Thai coconut ceviche, adobo-rubbed mamey asado and cannelloni composed of kale pesto and almond herb cheese. The restaurant’s ethical ethos extends to its ingredients – most of its produce is sourced from Paradise Farms, Plant’s certified-organic sister property located a few miles south in Homestead."

"Plant is an eclectic plant-based concept temporarily located within The Sacred Space Miami. Heralded by executive chef Horacio Rivadero and pastry Chef Veronica Manolizi, the restaurant prides itself on being the most sustainable in the industry. The innovative dishes are inspired by the nature of South Florida, and indeed each plate is a true form of art featuring only locally harvested produce."

"Despite its name, DIRT offers clean eating and great taste on one plate. Their farm-to-counter policy is what attracts vegans all over Florida and makes it one of the best vegan restaurants in Miami Beach. The majority of their menu is vegan, but they also offer vegetarian and paleo options."