Miami is the cruising capital of the world. Every year over eight million passengers embark and disembark their cruise from the city.
Like any other cruise destination, it is also fun to explore your embarkation port. Especially since it is always advised to arrive at your embarkation port at least a day before the cruise sets sail.
Miami is no exception. Whilst it has many miles of glorious sandy beaches for you to enjoy tanning on, and lounging by your hotel pool can be peaceful, there are lots more options for you to add some variety and fun to your trip.
Therefore, here are 15 things to do in Miami before your cruise. Or you could even do some of these after your cruise if you have time to waste before your flight home.
Boat Tours
Miami sits on the mouth of the Miami River at Biscayne Bay. It is surrounded by water. So, before you board your huge cruise ship, why not warm up with a tour on a small boat?
There is plenty of variety in the boat tours available. From relaxed private yachts watching the sun set, to music pumping party boats out until sunrise; you’ll find the right boat tour for you.
City Skyline
Hire a private boat to take you around the Bay showing off the Miami and Bricknell skyline. These tours often include a drink or food, visiting some of the famous islands like Fisher Island.
Millionaire Homes
Your boat tour can take you to Star Island to get a waterside view of some of the massive millionaire homes owned by several of the celebrities that call Miami home.
Yacht Party
Maybe you’re looking for more of the party vibe. There are many yachts and boats that are floating nightclubs. Party the night away on your boat with a DJ and bar.
Nature
Perhaps the human built environment isn’t your vibe though. There are still lots of options for immersing yourself in nature in Miami.
From vast swamplands to exotic creatures, there are plenty of wildlife experiences to keep you entranced before your cruise.
Snorkelling
Continuing with the boat tours, you can hire a boat that will take you snorkelling at the reefs off the coast of Key West, surrounded by turtles, parrotfish, and beautiful coral structures.
Or you can search the tropical blue waters for the local dolphins as they swim around in their natural habitat.
Everglades
The Everglades is a vast swampland covering over 1.5 million acres. It is home to many species of animal, from crocodiles and alligators to manatees. Plant life includes dense grasses and magnificent mangroves.
You can take a tour of this subtropical wetland preserve aboard an airboat. These raft-like vessels glide across the water surface, powered by a large fan. Your guide will teach you incredible facts about this wonderous land.
Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens
If keeping your feet on solid ground is more your style, Miami is home to the largest zoo in Florida, the fifth largest in USA. The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens is home to more than 2000 animals, many of which are considered endangered or at risk in the wild. They have many active conservation efforts that you can learn about and help support.
Museums and Galleries
If culture, history and learning are your thing then Miami has you covered too. There are numerous museums and art galleries sprinkled around the city, covering vast topics and genres.
Wynwood Art District
The Wynwood Art District is an area of the Wynwood neighbourhood filled with art galleries, museums and open-air street art installations. There are many art studios and alternative spaces for you to explore.
The Wynwood Walls were created in 2009 by Tony Goldman. The walls are covered in murals for you to enjoy. You can tour these murals as well as visit the galleries and even take art classes during your visit.
Museum of Ice Cream
A great venue for people with young families is the Museum of Ice Cream. This immersive museum is aimed at providing fun exhibits with vibrant colours. Sample unique flavours of ice cream as you journey through the different exhibits.
Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
The Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a fantastic multi-levelled aquarium, planetarium and active research facility. The research being done here in protecting the local coral reefs is wonderful to see.
The planetarium is 67 feet wide with six 16-million-colour 8K projectors to display its regular shows about space. The Feathers to the Stars exhibit features assorted NASA artifacts, as well as interactive displays teaching the history of flight.
Along with several other permanent and rotating exhibits, the Frost Museum of Science offers a fun and imaginative time before your cruise.
Thrills
Though perhaps you like to enjoy something a bit faster on your holiday. There are plenty of thrill attractions for you to participate in.
Jet Skis
Take to the ocean on the back of a jet ski. This high-energy adventure is perfect for groups of friends that like speed and adrenaline. Explore the waters around Miami on a regular jet ski or add some extra fun on a jet ski that has been themed to look like a sports car.
Helicopter Tours
Experience a new perspective of Miami by taking to the sky in a helicopter. Enjoy the flight whilst your pilot guides around the scenic views of Miami. This tour is great for unique dates and even marriage proposals before your cruise.
Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
If you’d like to see Miami from the air but would prefer to keep your feet a little closer to terra firma, you can take a ride on the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. Taking you 200ft in the air, you’ll see panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and South Beach.
Shopping, Food and Drink
An action-packed pre-cruise holiday in Miami needs a full stomach and plenty of refreshment. Miami certainly delivers. Don’t forget to pick up your souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
Bayside Marketplace
Sat on the Miami marina, Bayside Marketplace is an open-air shopping centre in Downtown Miami. There are plenty of clothes shops and souvenir stores here, along side a wide selection of tasty restaurants, including ice cream. There is even bustling night scene with lots of bars and music.
Pub Crawl South Beach
South Beach’s Ocean Drive is renowned for music blazing nightlife. Why just choose one bar when you could enjoy more. Take a pub crawl along the drive, hitting up Miami’s most famous party destinations.
Intimate Picnics
Or maybe you prefer something a little quieter, a bit more intimate. You can arrange to have a private picnic on the beach in a styled boho-chic tent. Sip on cocktails as you play board games, or even paint after you were inspired by the galleries you saw in Wynwood the day before.
Conclusion
These were just a small selection of the variety of activities you can participate in before you embark on your cruise in Miami. There truly is something suited for every person. There is so much to see and do in Miami outside your hotel walls. Go out and explore. Let me know what things you like to do in Miami before your cruise in the comments below.
