If you’re going to Miami for the Super Bowl, there’s tons to do besides watching football and hanging out at NFL-sponsored events while you’re here – though you’re obviously going to do all that. Still, we suggest you do a little planning beyond the big game and take in all this city has to offer. It doesn’t hurt that Miami is warm, beautiful, beachy, and basically the perfect place for a getaway in the middle of winter! There’s no shortage of activities, beaches, shopping, attractions, food, and nightlife, so we’ve found several things to do in Miami during Super Bowl week.
Of course, if you don’t have tickets to the 2020 Super Bowl yet, shop Fan Hospitality for great prices on tickets and hotel packages!
Go to the Beach!
Duh, you’re in Miami! Take advantage of the warm weather, white sand, and palm trees at one of Miami’s many beaches to make this a truly relaxing vacation. For all the quintessential Miami energy, head to the ever-popular and always busy South Beach where you’ll find the colorful lifeguard towers at Lummus Park Beach next to Ocean Drive. If you’ve got family with you, check out South Pointe Park Pier with its 17 acres of picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pier if you want to try your luck.
For a more secluded, tropical vibe, visit Crandon Park for swaths of sandy, uncrowded beaches and a nature preserve with lizards and peacocks. They’ve got grills if you want to bring charcoal and food to barbecue! And for that rustic, solitary atmosphere, venture even farther south to Key Biscayne’s Bill Baggs State Park. Oh, and if you want to get naked, head up to Haulover Beach.
Cruise Ocean Drive
Again, this is a purely Miami experience so you’ve got to see it at least once. Here you’ll find bars, shops, souvenirs, hotels, cafes, and the beach. You can also engage in all those cheesy beach-time activities like parasailing and jet-skiing, but what you’ll really want to do is people watch. Begin at Fifth Street and walk north, taking in the seafood smells, soaking in the spring break vibes, and – if you must – grabbing a boozy slushie at Wet Willie’s. Hey, when in Rome! Then cruise through the Art Deco Historic District to take in all the funky, retro architecture.
Zoo Miami
If you’ve got kids, head to the oldest and biggest zoo in the state to see over 3,000 animals across 750 acres of lush landscapes and gardens. It’ll take you hours (and a whole lot of walking) to see the entire place, but there are plenty of shaded areas to have a rest and a snack break. If you’re hesitant about zoos, you can feel better knowing that this is one of the best ones anywhere – it’s incredibly clean with well-replicated natural habitats and animals that are well taken care of. With alligators, giraffes, rhinos, an aviary of birds, and more, everyone recommends renting bikes to get around faster and see more!
Get Out On the Water!
You’re fleeing the winter after all, so get yourself into the warm waters that surround Miami while you’re here. If your budget allows, get a group together and rent a boat! Or head to Key Biscayne and Crandon Park where the water is calm to rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore the scenery. Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees! If kayaking is more your speed, you can do that here too. Just a bit north, you can also pay a visit to the mangroves of Oleta River State Park and kayak around the secluded beaches and islands to spot more wildlife. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Check Out Wynwood & the Miami Design District
One of the most popular things to do in Miami – at least according to TripAdvisor and all the “Top 10” lists on the Internet – is paying a visit to the colorful street art of Wynwood. You’ll find a collection of outdoor murals by global artists that’s actually pretty world renowned. Check it out on a night out partying or wander the art-filled blocks by the light of day and grab a drink or a bite to eat here. Wynwood Walls Kitchen & Bar, Pizza Tropical, and Coyo are popular choices for food, but you’ll also find some of the city’s top breweries here, like Wynwood Brewing, Concrete Beach, and J Wakefield.
Just outside of Wynwood, hit up the rest of the Miami Design District, including the Institute of Contemporary Art and other famous art collections. Then browse (or just window shop) at all the unique, high-end boutiques, art galleries, and designer shops that dot the area.
Take a Food Tour of Miami
Not sure where to find the best and most authentic food and booze in the city? Leave it in the hands of a professional. There are lots of Miami food tours to choose from, whether you want to explore Latin flavors in Little Havana, peruse South Beach cocktail spots, or discover the best grub in the Design District. We recommend doing this early on in your trip to Miami so you can return to your favorite spots over the next few days. You’ll also learn lots about the local culture and food history while you taste and sip Miami’s finest cuisine.
Get Tickets to a Miami Heat Game
Can’t get enough sports? Lucky for you, we’ll be right in the middle of NBA regular season basketball during Super Bowl week, and conveniently, the Miami Heat have a few home games on the schedule then. Head to AmericanAirlines Arena (or whatever they decide to name it next) to see the Heat take on the Orlando Magic or the Boston Celtics that week.
Visit Little Havana
Miami is known for its large Cuban population, so get some culture and check out the scene in Little Havana! Calle Ocho is the heart and soul of this neighborhood where you can find local art and fashion, cigar stands, fruit stalls, and clubs playing live Latin music. You can also see landmarks like Domino Park and the Tower Theater. If this is an area you’re interested in, it might be worth arranging a tour of Little Havana to see the neighborhood through the eyes of a local!
And despite the long lines and brusque service, you should still pay a visit to Versailles Bakery for a Cuban coffee and sweet treat (try the guava pastry) or maybe an empanada. It’s an institution. Take a number, choose whatever looks good at the counter, grab a seat, and enjoy the experience.
Go Clubbing (Day or Night)
Like Will Smith said, “Party in the city where the heat is on.” Okay, okay, that was lame, but seriously, if you want to experience some of the best nightlife in the country, clubbing in Miami is a must-do. Head to South Beach (“bringin’ the heat!”) well after midnight to see Miami’s nightclubs in all their glory. The hottest clubs include Basement, E11even, Space, and LIV. But you can also party during the day in your bathing suit at one of the beach clubs or hotel pool parties. During the day, check out the likes of Nikki Beach and hotels like Delano or The Raleigh Hotel. If you’re more into bars and cocktails, be sure to check out Sweet Liberty, The Anderson, or Lost Boy. You’ll find everything from dance halls to mega clubs to cozy lounges with live music throughout this city!
Eat a Cuban Sandwich!
It’s the one food you MUST try in Miami. Warm Cuban bread with ham, roast pork, melted Swiss, mustard, and pickles is a combination that’s done perfectly here. While there is a lot of controversy over whose is the best in town, try it at Sanguich de Miami, Little Bread, Miami Smokers, La Carreta, or Sergio’s. (If you’re already stopping by Versailles, they’ve got a good one too!) Honestly, it wouldn’t hurt to sample them all, right?!
If you’re heading to Miami and planning your itinerary, don’t forget to buy your Super Bowl tickets! Shop Fan Hospitality for great prices on tickets and hotel packages!