10 Unmissable Things To Do In Miami At Night
Miami is one of the best cities in the world to visit. It has a variety of distinctive neighborhoods like Little Havana, Wynwood, and Coconut Grove; and all of them come to life at night. The nightlife in Miami is high-energy, but you can also find bars with relaxing atmospheres, leafy patios, mellow jazz clubs, and beer-geek hangouts. Walking this city at night, you’ll find brightly-lit Art Deco landmarks, Cuban-inspired streets, and countless murals and art installations.
Before heading out to enjoy the world-class nightlife of the city, don't forget to drop off your bags with Bounce luggage storage in Miami. Some of the hottest clubs in the world are no place to carry more than you need to.
There are hundreds of ways to make a night in Miami one to remember. Here are a few favorites:
Catch a Movie (Or a Concert) at an Outdoor Theater
The Theater in Miami Beach’s Soundscape Park hosts a variety of programming that includes classic films, comedy, and even live music. Located just a few blocks from the beach, Botanical Gardens, and a wide variety of nightlife and dining options, this park is perfect for an evening stroll or a spot to relax and enjoy entertainment under the stars, all completely free. Bring a blanket, set up a picnic under the palm trees, and enjoy everything from The Karate Kid to a live performance by a full symphony!
If the weather isn’t perfect, there are a few independent movie theaters that will play some classics or your new favorite art-house films. The O Cinema has locations in South Beach and Wynwood and both show a wide variety of films in a charming setting. The University of Miami’s Cosford Cinema is another option for catching a flick.
Explore Little Havana
Miami’s Cuban District, Little Havana, is the most iconic neighborhood in the city. This area is filled to the brim with cafes, restaurants, dance clubs, and cigar bars that celebrate Miami’s prominent Cuban population. At night, this neighborhood erupts with energy and color.
Calle Ocho is the neighborhood’s main stretch where many of the city’s best Cuban establishments are located. Just walking down this street at night, you’ll feel as though you’re traversing the streets in Cuba. If you’re visiting Miami in March, the Calle Ocho Festival is one of the world’s most famous street festivals, with over 30 stages, and hundreds of food and drink vendors. This is the ultimate celebration of Cuban culture and is one of the most vibrant occasions that Miami has to offer. Unsurprisingly, it's also one of the best places for street food in Miami.
If you're after great food but want to keep it casual, grab a seat at the no-frills restaurant Sanguich de Miami, and order their iconic Croqueta Preparada Cuban sandwich. It’s one of the best sandwiches in Miami. If you want authentic Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja, head down 8th Street to Cafe La Trova or Versailles Restaurant where there will be music at dinner, Mojitos, and some of the most authentic Cuban food in the country.
Want to hit the dance floor without having to trek out to Miami Beach? Hoy Como Ayer is the best nightclub in the neighborhood for Latin music, Salsa dancing, and a small but authentic menu of Cuban bites.
Cuban Cigar shops are a common sight in Miami, and any cigar aficionado (or beginner) will love walking into one of these family-owned stores to find these master rollers at work. Some of the most popular cigar shops are Cuban Crafters and El Titan de Bronze.
In terms of authenticity and vibrant atmosphere, Little Havana is one of America’s greatest neighborhoods. It’s the perfect locale for a night out in Miami.
Hit The Clubs
Miami is most certainly known for its popular nightclubs and dance-centric nightlife atmosphere. In just about every neighborhood, there is a club where crowds will dance from opening hours until the early hours; some clubs are even open 24 hours a day! Amazing clubbing experiences can be found all over Miami, but here are a few highlights:
LIV - This is the biggest and most famous nightclub in Miami Beach. The scene here stacks up with just about any of Las Vegas’s craziest parties. The light show alone could be mistaken for an EDM concert. Once you brave the line, and the door, you’ll be treated to some of the best dancing in Miami, and even some celebrity sightings.
Racket - This industrial-chic bar is located in Wynwood, but it definitely has the South Beach vibe. There is an upstairs lounge, a covered patio, and a solid menu of bar food that will keep you fueled for a night of DJ sets and dancing.
Club Space - This Downtown spot is open 24-hours a day. This mega-club and venue has multiple bars and a massive dance floor. They book some of the hottest DJs in the world. In the mood for a more relaxed atmosphere? Check out Floyd, the Space team’s smaller nightclub at ground level that specializes in an eclectic DJ lineup that electronic music aficionados rave about.
Basement - This Miami Beach “club” is better described as an entertainment emporium for adults that love partying. This spot has two bars, a massive dance floor, a bowling alley, and an indoor ice skating rink. So patrons can choose between a round of bowling, VIP bottle service, a night of ice skating or dancing to the early hours.
If you're planning to go clubbing in Miami, you'll want to make sure you stay in the right part of town. Check out our ultimate neighborhood guide to Miami for more information.
Bayside Marketplace
Located on Biscayne Boulevard, this waterfront shopping center is loaded with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options that make it one of the best things to do in Miami at night. Not only is Bayside Marketplace one of Miami’s premier shopping destinations, but there are also numerous entertainment experiences that make this a must-visit.
The Marketplace also has a pier where many of the best charters and boat rentals are launched. Take a sunset cruise and catch and watch the sun give way to the city lights. Want to see what the city of Miami looks like at night? Take the Skyview Observation wheel for a spin and get the best views of the skyline, Miami Tower, Biscayne bay, and even Miami Beach. It’s the best view of the city that doesn’t involve a helicopter! If you’re exploring Miami with the kids, they have a variety of fun activities including a Pirate Ship, and the VR 360 Virtual Reality Arcade.
Bayside Marketplace is also right next to Bayfront Park, which is a lovely park located right on the water. This is a great place to take a stroll in the evening air, and even catch a live show at their amphitheater.
Check Out the Art Deco District
Ocean Drive is South Beach’s most prominent thoroughfare and is perfect for giving yourself a (completely free) walking tour. Because this street was recently turned into a car-free zone, it’s an ideal stretch for snapping pictures, feeling the nighttime vibe, and appreciating the famous architecture of the Art Deco District.
Many of Miami’s best examples of Art Deco architecture are on Ocean Drive, and these buildings were featured in movies like Scarface and the Birdcage. Highlights are The Celino Hotel, The Carlyle, The Cardozo, The Clevelander, and most famously The Breakwater. Even the Beach Patrol Headquarters has an iconic Art Deco facade. Of course, all of these buildings are colorfully lit after the sun sets, making it a must-visit stretch any night of the week.
Bar Crawl in Wynwood
While you will want to snap a selfie at the famous Wynwood Walls during the day, this neighborhood and art district is perfect for heading out for an evening with your crew. Hip bars and trendy dining options make Wynwood the perfect area for a Saturday pub crawl. Here are the best in the neighborhood:
Gramps - This hipster hangout is part-dive, part-tropical bar, and all vibes. The decor leans kitschy, but the relaxed atmosphere and no-frills service make Gramps a comfortable bar to spend a whole night in. You can get a variety of drinks at Gramps, but they specialize in cocktails and cheap beer. Gramps also hosts live music, DJ sets, drag shows, and standup comedy that will keep both regulars and tourists from ever getting bored. They are open until 3 AM on weekends, so remember to get your pizza order in to make sure you can last until close.
J Wakefield Brewing - Wynwood is the perfect neighborhood for anyone more interested in comfort and atmosphere than blaring DJ sets and crowded dance floors. J Wakefield is a small Miami brewery that pours its award-winning beers out of a relaxed taproom and bar. The clientele leans geeky here, as you’ll find murals of just about every Star Wars character on the walls. Get there on weekends, when the Ted’s Burgers pop-up slings smash burgers to hungry and thirsty patrons.
The Sylvester - This stylish cocktail bar (located next to sister restaurant Beaker & Gray) perfectly encapsulates the idea of a Miami speakeasy. Dimly lit and clad in tropical wallpaper, this bar is filled with plush leather couches and armchairs. Bust out a board game and sip on one of their specialty gin or rum cocktails.
No. 3 Social - No. 3 Social is the ideal spot to post up for a breezy night of cocktails, food, and music. This is Wynwood’s premier rooftop bar. The views from the rooftop patio are stellar, but you’ll want to stay for the food and drinks because No. 3 Social offers one of Miami’s best happy hours. Ordering a half dozen oysters and a specialty cocktail is shockingly inexpensive here.
Not interested in partying? There are Wynwood Art Walk offers free evening tours on the second Saturday of each month. If you’re not in the area, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are other neighborhoods that have similar aesthetics.
Take A Sunset Cruise
Downtown Miami, the Biscayne Bay, and the surrounding area are most beautiful from the water. It’s no wonder why locals and tourists alike charter boat tours to get some ocean air and the best views. Sunset boat tours are one of the best ways to start off a night in Miami. The Fiesta Cruises (by Captain Jimmy) are one of the best options. The tour takes two hours and includes an open bar and music. The boat will sail up and down Miami’s coastline, so you’ll see the city from multiple vantage points while the sun sets!
Check Out a Broadway Production or Opera
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts recently underwent a $500 million reconstruction and now stands as Miami’s premier setting for live performances and culture. Once an Art Deco Department Store, this National Landmark building has become one of the largest performing arts centers in the country. The new postmodern building has a large opera house, a concert hall and ballroom, and a smaller theater for intimate community performances.
This venue features regular programming that celebrates local Miami culture like the Heritage Project as well as Gospel Sundays. This venue is also home to the Miami City Ballet and the Florida Grand Opera, and it regularly hosts touring Broadway productions. Check out the venue’s calendar and book tickets for an unforgettable concert, play, or live performance at this truly historic institution.
Laser Tag
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Miami for the whole family, laser tag is your best bet. FunDimension is conveniently located in Wynwood, so grab a selfie by the Wynwood Wall before heading to this emporium. The 3,500 square foot Laser Tag arena has fog machines, LED light displays, and sound effects to make this experience as intense as possible! There is also a full bar and restaurant on site. FunDimension also has an arcade, climbing wall, bumper cars, and a new virtual reality machine.
Hit Up A Jazz Bar
Catching live jazz performances is one of the best things to do in Miami at night. Jazz sets are a common occurrence throughout the city, but here are Miami’s best venues for a nice night of music and drinks:
Soyka (Upper East Side) - This cozy bar is perfect for comfort food and live jazz. The band starts up at 9 PM every Friday and Saturday.
Lagniappe House (Edgewater) - This New Orleans-style wine bar and cocktail lounge has live jazz every night of the week starting at 9 PM. The cheese and meat selection is outstanding to pair with a glass of wine and music.
The Globe (Coral Gables) - Enjoy a French Martini and a full band performing Latin jazz without having to travel downtown Miami.
The Olympia Theater (Downtown) - This historic venue has been showcasing jazz music since 1926. Jazz shows are free every second Wednesday of the month. They even offer a guided tour of the theater during intermission.
Exploring Miami at night is one of the best ways to experience this city. The food, music, and dancing are world-class and all uniquely Miami in their own way. With its iconic nightclub scene, Miami’s nightlife is second to none. Bounce is here to help you make the absolute most of your trip!
