Best Museums in Surfside

"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."

"Formerly the Miami Art Museum, the Perez Art Museum Miami has expressed the artistic individuality of worldwide talents since 1984.[Learn more]"

"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."

"Aspiring artists will love this collection of huge, brightly-colored murals located in Miami's former warehouse district. Pro tip: visit the murals during the day in order to avoid the rowdy crowds and don't forget to give your child a camera to document their favorite art. A post shared by Giorgia Bovone (@giorgia_bo) on Feb 1, 2017 at 11:36am PST"

"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."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has come a long way since its inception as a single gallery space in 1981. Now one of Miami’s most beloved cultural institutions, the MOCA hosts around eight to 10 special exhibits a year alongside its stellar permanent collections. Among those showcased in the MOCA permanent collection are Keith Haring, Gabriel Orozco and José Bedia, with the collection boasting a whopping 500 works of art."

"North MiamiSouth Florida’s original contemporary art museum has been around since 1981, but moved into its spacious new digs in 1996. The North Miami facility regularly plays host to free jazz concerts in its breezy MOCA plaza courtyard, and features provocative rotating exhibits from up-and-coming young artists. Though the concerts are virtual for the time being, the exhibits are still open and ready for visitors."

"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"

"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."

"Housing one of Miami's finest private collections, this 30,000-sq-ft gallery has a treasure trove of contemporary works scattered across three floors, which you can roam freely. Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz, who..."

"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."

"1001 Three Island Boulevard This park features two playground units with shade structures, benches, fitness stations, swings, walking path and a water fountain."

"5451 Washington Street A quiet facility, this passive park is known for its lighted walking trail with 10 exercise stations, interactive water feature and two playgrounds with shade structures, one wood chip, the other artificial turf, and restrooms."

"The shallow and relatively calm waters make it the perfect location for your fur babies to have a carefree splash. If you’re feeling generous, you can even give them a bite of your arepa from the nearby concession stand. Lined with palm trees, there's always a place to cool off in the shade after a frolic in the sun, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could opt for a parasailing session from nearby Miami Watersports for $110 per person."

"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."

"A Jewish deli done wrong,” proclaims owner/chef Josh Marcus of his chill spot in Surfside. Marcus worked in many of Miami’s famous restaurants, but Josh’s Deli is a departure: it’s classic food made with fresher ingredients, creative twists (a softshell crab croissant, octopus and grits, spicy tuna latkes), and homemade everything (even the bagels). The experience is deeply unpretentious, which we love."

"Joe’s Diner has it, with its all-day breakfast and lunch and vintage Americana feel. Don’t miss the free-song-play jukebox, the piece of a 1960s-era Mustang convertible mounted on the wall or the toy train track running above diners’ heads. On a sunny day, snag a covered glider booth and slide back and forth as you dig into the Joe’s Hangover, a half-pound cheeseburger with two eggs, potatoes or grits and a home-made biscuit or toast."

"Then there's Joe's Cafe, which has earned four stars out of 103 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the Greek breakfast and brunch spot by heading over to 1913 Cordova Road. Formerly known as Joe Belair's Diner, the classic American/Greek fusion cafe serves up offerings like gyro platters, chicken kebabs and classic shrimp santorini — a sizzling dish of shrimp, tomatoes and feta cheese."