Long layovers can be exhausting, to say the least, stuck in a city with nothing to do except prowl through the airport. If you are fortunate enough to have a long layover at the Miami International Airport, go exploring. Awesome sights are close by!
The Miami International Airport is also known as Wilcox Field or MIA and is the main airport for the Miami area. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and has the most flights to and from Central and South America.
MIA has grown and is now spread out over 3,200 acres filled with shops, restaurants, lounges, and spa services. While you could easily spend hours exploring the airport, why not get out into the Miami sunshine and check out some of the sights?
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Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Formerly known as the Villa Vizcaya, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was once the estate of James Deering of Deering McCormick-International Harvester. The villa overlooks Biscayne Bay and the view is beautiful.
Stroll through the museum and view amazing artwork by local and internationally renowned artists. After you have enjoyed the museum, head outdoors and check out the wonderfully manicured gardens and breathe in the salty sea air.
Drop by the café and gift shop for a quick snack and refreshment and then browse through the gift shop. Pick out souvenirs for loved ones back home such as mugs, shirts, magnets, and notebooks.
Pérez Art Museum Miami
The Jorge M. Pérez Art Museum of Miami-Dade County, or just simply the Pérez Art Museum Miami, is home to a fantastic collection of contemporary art and is located in downtown Miami in Museum Park.
The museum has been seamlessly integrated with Museum Park and has brought a bit of nature inside and a bit of culture and art outside. It really is a must-see when you are in Miami. Grab dinner at the on-site restaurant or a light snack at the café when here.
Miami Seaquarium
Head over to Virginia Key Island in the middle of Biscayne Bay to visit the Miami Seaquarium, one of the United States’ oldest oceanariums. This 38-acre oceanarium was opened in 1955 and is home to several marine mammals.
Aside from marine mammals, you will be able to see reptiles, sea turtles, sharks, fish, birds, and even manatees. Over 500,000 people visit Miami Seaquarium each year to marvel at the dolphin shows and see the sharks. You can even swim with the dolphins.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
This 83-acre botanic garden is dedicated to tropical flowers and plants around the world. Opened in 1938, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables is next to the Matheson Hammock Park.
Aside from being a botanic garden, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is also a learning center, museum, conservation research facility, and laboratory. The main function of the garden is to preserve biodiversity in tropical climates throughout the entire world.
The garden became the official home of the American Orchid Society in 2012. While visiting here you can see various varieties of orchids as well as cycads, vines, palms, and flowering trees. The butterfly garden and the sunken garden are exceptional.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Also known as the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area, the state park is located on the southern part of Key Biscayne Island. The Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is also home to the Cape Florida Light.
Cape Florida Light is the oldest structure in the greater Miami area. The light makes a great backdrop for photos. The park has one of the best beaches in the United States according to Forbes and is a popular tourist destination.
There is a historical marker placed inside the park in 2004 that marks where hundreds of runaway slaves passed through on their way along with the National Underground Railroad Network, leading them to the Freedom Trail.
HistoryMiami Museum
Visit the biggest history museum in Florida, the HistoryMiami Museum in downtown Miami. Formerly called the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, it is an excellent place to get out of the heat and learn more about the history of Florida.
There are four galleries filled with artifacts all dedicated to the history and culture of the state; there are also three traveling exhibits that rotate throughout the year. The museum is also home to the Archives and Research Center.
The South Florida Folklife Center and Education Center are located at the museums well. If you get to visit in February, you can experience the biggest fair dedicated to maps in the Western Hemisphere, the Miami International Map Fair.
Coral Castle
Before heading back to Miami International Airport to catch your flight, you have to take an hour or so to visit Coral Castle. Created by Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian-American artist, the Coral Castle is made of oolite limestone.
The castle sits between Leisure City and Homestead just minutes from downtown Miami. The oolite limestone was formed from coral and is definitely an impressive sight to see. There are many myths as to how the castle was built.
When passing through the Miami International Airport, check out the top 7 fun things to do nearby. You will get a chance to get out in the sunshine, see some amazing historic sites, and learn more about the city.
Stroll through a botanical garden, visit a state park, explore a coral castle, discover the history of Miami, or enjoy contemporary art while you are here. There is a little bit of everything to add a little variety and spice to your trip.
