Top 10 Things to Do Near Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport (MIA) may be a major gateway to the world, but you don’t have to travel far from its terminals to dive into the city’s energy, art, and flavor.

Within a 20-minute radius, you’ll find world-renowned street art, lush gardens, local Cuban coffee spots, and under-the-radar cultural gems that can turn a layover into an adventure or kick off your Miami stay in style.

Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day, here are 10 vibrant things to do near MIA that prove the best of Miami starts just minutes after landing.

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1. Watch Planes While You Dine at 94th Aero Squadron

Distance from MIA: ~5 minutes

Type: Dining, Aviation Nostalgia

This restaurant looks like a French farmhouse if it were parked beside an active runway. The WWII-themed 94th Aero Squadron sits right next to MIA and offers unobstructed views of planes landing and taking off.

It’s a favorite for aviation fans, kids, and brunch lovers looking for something a little different.

You can expect décor straight out of a war film, with sandbags, flags, and antique radios creating a nostalgic, immersive atmosphere.

On Sundays, enjoy a brunch buffet featuring classic American and Latin flavors. The large patio seating puts you just feet from the runway, offering a front-row view of the action.

• Insider Tip: Ask for a window seat or patio table. The views are loud but unforgettable.
• Map it: 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant

2. Dive into Aviation History at the Miami Air & Sea Show Memorial and Pan Am Exhibition

Distance from MIA: ~8–10 minutes

Type: Niche Museum, Aviation History

Located inside Miami International Airport (Concourse D, Level 4), this small museum is easy to miss, but aviation buffs will love it.

Miami was Pan Am’s global gateway, and this exhibit showcases the golden age of air travel with vintage flight gear, uniforms, and Clipper aircraft memorabilia.

Step into aviation’s golden age as you admire a scale model of the iconic Pan Am flying boat, explore vintage maps and uniforms from the 1940s–60s, and engage with interactive kiosks that share vivid stories from Pan Am’s crew and pilots, bringing this fascinating history to life.

• Insider Tip: Free and open to the public (ID required). Great use of a layover if you’re already MIA.
• Map it: Miami International Airport

3. Sample Cuban Culture in Little Havana

Distance from MIA: ~12 minutes

Type: Cultural, Food, History

Little Havana is the beating heart of Miami’s Cuban community. Stroll down Calle Ocho, where cigar rollers work beside abuelitas playing dominoes, and where salsa music spills out from every doorway.

Grab a cortadito, catch a game of dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park, and if you’re lucky, stumble into a

live music set.

Don’t miss a taste of Miami’s Cuban heritage at Versailles Restaurant, a neighborhood staple since 1971. Savor artisan flavors at Azucar Ice Cream, where flavors like sweet plantain and café con leche celebrate local tradition.

• Insider Tip: Visit on the last Friday of the month; Viernes Culturales turns the street into an open-air festival of art, food, and live music.
• Map it: Little Havana

4. Explore Wynwood Walls & Arts District

Distance from MIA: ~15 minutes

Type: Outdoor Art, Culture, Shopping, Dining

Welcome to the most Instagrammable corner of Miami. What started as a street art project in a gritty warehouse district has become a globally recognized open-air museum of murals and graffiti. Wynwood is pulsing with color, from the towering walls painted by international artists to the indie galleries, design studios, and eclectic boutiques scattered throughout the area.

Don’t miss the vibrant Wynwood Walls, a curated mural park showcasing world-class street art. Fuel up at Panther Coffee, a local favorite where beans are roasted on-site, and dive into the lively weekend scene at Wynwood Marketplace, with street markets, DJ sets, and ever-changing local vendors.

• Insider Tip: Go early in the day or just before sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
• Map it: Wynwood Walls

 

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5. Shop and Eat at Miracle Mile in Coral Gables

Distance from MIA: ~15 minutes

Type: Dining, Boutique Shopping, Architecture

Step into a neighborhood where old Miami meets Mediterranean charm. Miracle Mile is elegant, laid-back, and quietly luxurious. The street runs through the heart of Coral Gables, a planned city known for its lush canopies, historic buildings, and European-inspired design.

The Mile itself is lined with palm trees, ornate street lamps, and Spanish Revival architecture. It’s a favorite among locals looking to escape the buzz of downtown or the crowds of South Beach.

Don’t miss browsing the shelves at the beloved Books & Books, a local literary haven. Enjoy al fresco dining under twinkling string lights at Giralda Plaza, and cap off your visit with a dose of culture at the Coral Gables Museum, all just steps from Miracle Mile’s charming streetscape.

• Insider Tip: Free public garages are just off the Mile. If you park on-street, you can use the PayByPhone app.
• Map it: Miracle Mile

6. Stroll the Miami Design District

Distance from MIA: ~15–18 minutes

Type: Fashion, Art, Architecture

Imagine a place where high fashion and public art go hand-in-hand. That’s the Design District.

This walkable neighborhood fuses sleek minimalism with architectural bravado and is home to flagships like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Hermès right alongside surreal sculptures and art installations.

Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s a design lover’s dream to explore.

Don’t miss the striking Fly’s Eye Dome by Buckminster Fuller, a true architectural icon. Explore the Institute of Contemporary Art with free admission. Then savor global flavors with indoor-outdoor seating at St. Roch Market which is the perfect spot to refuel between discoveries.

• Insider Tip: Start at the Moore Building, known for its sculptural interior, then walk outward and let curiosity lead.
• Map it: Miami Design District

 

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7. Visit the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Distance from MIA: ~18 minutes

Type: Museum, Family-Friendly, Indoor

The Frost Museum is a triple threat; part science center, part cutting-edge aquarium, and part space-themed planetarium. It’s visually stunning and hands-on, great for families and curious minds of all ages.

The three-story Gulf Stream aquarium lets you peer into a swirling marine ecosystem, while other exhibits explore physics, aviation, weather, and space travel.

Don’t miss the dazzling laser light shows and space films at the Frost Planetarium. Explore exhibits that blend science and art in unexpected ways, and head up to the rooftop terrace for sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami.

• Insider Tip: Book timed tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays.
• Map it: Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

8. Take in Tropical Beauty at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Distance from MIA: ~20 minutes

Type: Nature, Outdoor, Relaxation

This is Miami’s lushest hidden treasure. Covering 83 acres of tropical wonder, Fairchild is filled with rare palms, orchids, fruit trees, and garden paths that feel like a slice of paradise.

It’s also a haven for wildlife photographers and plant lovers, with quiet benches and nature trails winding through lakes, flower fields, and butterfly domes.

Don’t miss Wings of the Tropics, a dazzling butterfly enclosure that feels straight out of a dream. Whether it’s the Chihuly glass sculptures or the Frido-Kahlo inspired gardens, stroll past seasonal art installations, and hop on a tram tour for a guided journey through this tropical paradise.

• Insider Tip: Go early to beat the heat and the crowds. Bring water, sun protection, and bug spray, especially in summer.
• Map it: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

 

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9. Relax at Matheson Hammock Park & Marina

Distance from MIA: ~20 minutes

Type: Outdoor, Beach, Nature

This park is a peaceful breath of salty air. Locals come here to kayak through mangroves, read grape trees under sea, or picnic along the gentle shore. At the center is a man-made atoll pool that fills with tidal water from Biscayne Bay.

It’s a calming contrast to the city, more about quiet views than crowds or commerce.

Don’t miss the stunning skyline views across the water, especially at sunset. Enjoy a laid-back picnic at shaded tables or wander scenic trails through the coastal forest, then cap it off with a meal at Noma Beach at Redfish, a hidden gem right inside the park.

• Insider Tip: Weekends get packed by noon. Arrive early or plan a late afternoon visit when things calm down.
• Map it: Matheson Hammock Park & Marina

10. Go Wildlife Watching at Everglades National Park (Shark Valley Entrance)

Distance from MIA: ~40 minutes (longest on the list but worth it)

Type: Nature, Adventure, Day Trip

If you’ve got a longer layover or an extra day, drive west to Shark Valley and bike for the 15-mile loop through the Everglades.

At Shark Valley, you can bike or take a tram along a 15-mile loop where alligators sun themselves inches from the path. It’s flat, open, and teeming with native wildlife: anhinga birds, softshell turtles, even the occasional Florida panther, if you’re extremely lucky.

Don’t miss climbing the Shark Valley Observation Tower for panoramic views of the Everglades. You can join a guided tram tour to spot wildlife up close, and time your visit for sunrise or sunset to see the sawgrass plains glow in breathtaking light.

• Insider Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes; it’s wild and worth it.
• Map it: Everglades National Park

Young baby Alligator resting on the log at the Everglades National Park, Florida

Wrapping It Up

Miami’s energy starts the moment you land, and you don’t need to stray far from the airport to tap into it. From tropical gardens and beach parks to street art and Cuban eats, the city’s heart beats strong just minutes from MIA.

Whether you’ve got a few hours or a free afternoon, your Miami experience starts right here.

Stay Close, Explore More

If you’re planning a longer visit or catching an early morning flight, staying near MIA doesn’t mean sacrificing experience. Sonesta hotels near the MIA airport offer a comfortable home base with quick access to all the destinations mentioned above. Enjoy thoughtful amenities, shuttle service, and easy connections to downtown Miami Beach.

Plus, with the Sonesta Travel Pass, our award-winning loyalty program, you can earn points, unlock perks, and make every stay go further.