While most people might associate Miami with its epic party scene, there is something for everyone here — including the younger crowd. Though I live in Miami, I never forget to play tourist and embrace all that this magnificent city and its surrounding areas have to offer. Here's my list of things every teen should do here during the next family vacation.
1. Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami
The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is my favorite spot to enjoy contemporary and modern art — the exhibits are constantly changing and are always interesting. The building is impressive enough on its own, with huge self-watering, upside-down garden columns. Verde, the PAMM's fresh restaurant also offers amazing views of Biscayne Bay below. Admission is $12 for seniors, students and youth ages 7-18, $16 for adults and free for members, children under age six and active US military members with a valid ID. The best part: everyone gets in free every second Saturday of the month.
2. Take a Walk Down Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is one of the best places to experience the animated-yet-laid-back Miami lifestyle as the area is lined with shops and restaurants, which make for some great people-watching. What I like to do is park in the public parking lot on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and shop my way down Lincoln Road. I also love stopping for a bite at Nexxt Café or wandering over to Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, another great spot just a short walk from Lincoln Road. Once your closet and appetite are satisfied, head east to Miami Beach — I typically like to go between 16th Street and 17th Street. If the heat is too much, you an always hop on one of the city's free trolleys for a quick break.
3. Visit Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne
Although Miami Beach is absolutely gorgeous, it can get pretty wild at times. Crandon Park Beach is my favorite alternative because it tends to be less crowded and has a more relaxed feel to it. Located in Key Biscayne, or "The Key," Crandon Park Beach is a picture-perfect place where you can catch some sun and perhaps play some beach volleyball.
4. Cool Off at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables
If you've had enough of the beach, check out the Venetian Pool, a historic and beautiful pool in Coral Gables that was created in 1923 using coral rocks from a nearby quarry. Because sunshine and cool, natural spring water are a perfect combination, this pool is great for a fun family day in the water.
Everyone will have a blast jumping off the rocks, going under the caves and swimming up to the huge waterfall, plus, there's even a kiddie pool area for the younger ones. Admission is $13 for everyone over the age of 13 and $8 for all children ages 3-12. (Note that children under the age of three are not permitted).
5. Experience Florida's Wildlife at Everglades National Park
Celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday by exploring the natural ecosystems that cover more than 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness in South Florida. Once inside Everglades National Park, head to the Anhinga Trail, where you can stroll the marsh-surrounded paved walkway at leisure and count how many alligators, turtles, anhinga birds and other unique wildlife you spot.
As you make the roughly one-hour drive south from Miami Beach, snack your way through Homestead — stop at Robert Is Here for a refreshing, fruity shake or grab a strawberry ice cream treat, made with locally-grown strawberries, at Burr's Berry Farm.
6. Explore the Murals in Miami's Wynwood Neighborhood
The Wynwood Walls are a big attraction near Miami's Art District and one of the trendiest places in town. Take a walk down the streets of Wynwood and become surrounded with street art painted by all kinds of artists, including local students from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and others who are internationally recognized.
I recommend taking some photos of them (perfect for Instagram!), grabbing some Mexican food at Coyo Taco or a juice at Jugofresh and visiting some of the galleries in the area, where you can often see the artists doing their thing. Every second Saturday of the month, Wynwood hosts an Art Walk where anyone can come enjoy and support the work of local artists and businesses.
7. Catch a Game or Concert
If you enjoy sports, music or theater, Miami has plenty of venues to keep you entertained. If you're looking to catch a baseball game, watch the Miami Marlins play at Marlins Park, which has a beautiful view of the Miami skyline. Hockey fans might want to see the Florida Panthers play at the BB&T Center, while Miami Dolphins can catch a football game in Sun Life Stadium.
Not only does the American Airlines Arena host the outstanding Miami Heat basketball team, but many artists also use it as a venue for large-scale performances. The Fillmore is another popular place for concerts, and if you enjoy theater, check out the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts to see a show while you're in town.
Bottom Line
Even if you're only in Miami for a day or two, I recommend seeing as much of the city as you can while you're here. If you ever go on a family trip to Miami and try any of my recommendations, I'd love to hear about it! Keep up with all of my travels and let me know where I should head to next on Twitter and Instagram: @alycerchiai.
What are your favorite things to do in Miami? Leave your tips in the comments below.
