Things to do in Miami for first-time visitors. Here’s What You Absolutely Can’t Miss (Especially with a Convertible!)

miamiconvertibles
Oct 18
5 min read

If you’re planning your first trip to the Magic City, you’re in for a ride — literally. Miami is more than a destination; it’s a whole vibe. The music, the ocean breeze, the mix of cultures, and that unmistakable sunshine make it one of the most exciting cities in the world to explore.

So if you’re searching for things to do in Miami for first-time visitors, buckle up. From iconic beaches and colorful neighborhoods to scenic drives and unforgettable nights, Miami is made to be discovered — and the best way to see it all is behind the wheel of a convertible Mustang or Jeep from Miami Convertibles Car Rental.

Let’s take a ride through the must-do experiences that will make your first Miami visit absolutely unforgettable.

🌊 1️⃣ Hit the Beaches — Miami’s Most Iconic Spots

When you think about things to do in Miami for first-time visitors, the beach tops the list every single time. Miami’s coastline is pure magic — soft sand, turquoise waters, and that endless horizon.

Start at South Beach, the heart and soul of Miami. Cruise down Ocean Drive in your Mustang Convertible, with the top down and the sea breeze in your hair. The colorful lifeguard towers, art deco hotels, and palm trees swaying in rhythm make it one of the most photogenic drives in the U.S.

For something quieter, cross over to Key Biscayne and visit Crandon Park or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. These beaches are less crowded, with calm waters and stunning views of the Miami skyline in the distance.

Pro tip: drive along the MacArthur Causeway right around sunrise — the light reflecting off Biscayne Bay is unreal, and it’s one of those “wow” Miami moments that stays with you forever.

🎨 2️⃣ Explore Miami’s Most Colorful Neighborhoods

One of the best things to do in Miami for first-time visitors is exploring its vibrant neighborhoods — each with its own flavor, rhythm, and stories.

Start with Wynwood, Miami’s open-air art gallery. The walls here are alive with color — every corner is covered in massive street murals, art installations, and funky boutiques. It’s the perfect place to snap a few photos of your ride parked under a masterpiece.

Next stop: Little Havana. Roll through Calle Ocho, grab a Cuban coffee at Versailles, and listen to live music spilling out of every doorway. It’s where the city’s Latin heartbeat truly comes alive.

Then cruise over to Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. With lush greenery, charming cafés, and bayfront views, it’s pure tropical elegance.

Each neighborhood tells a different story — and with a convertible, you can flow between them effortlessly, soaking in the sounds, scents, and sights of real Miami life.

🖼️ 3️⃣ Discover Miami’s Art, Culture, and Views

When it comes to things to do in Miami for first-time visitors, don’t skip the city’s cultural side. Sure, Miami is famous for its beaches and nightlife, but it’s also home to world-class museums, architecture, and art.

Start at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) — not only for the incredible contemporary art, but also for the building itself and its stunning views over Biscayne Bay. Right next door is the Frost Science Museum, where you can explore the aquarium and even catch a planetarium show.

If you love history and architecture, drive your convertible to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It’s a European-style villa built in the early 1900s, surrounded by lush gardens and fountains that look straight out of a fairytale.

Then swing by Bayfront Park downtown or hop on the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel for panoramic views that’ll make your camera very happy.

🚗 4️⃣ Take a Scenic Drive Beyond the City

No list of things to do in Miami for first-time visitors is complete without a proper drive. Miami’s beauty extends far beyond its skyline — and with your own ride from Miami Convertibles Car Rental, you can experience it all your way.

Head south and take the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne. The sparkling water on both sides of the road makes it one of the most beautiful drives in Florida.

If you’ve got a bit more time, cruise west toward the Everglades National Park, where airboats, alligators, and endless skies await. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, plan a day trip to the Florida Keys — the drive over the Seven Mile Bridge in a convertible is something every traveler should experience at least once.

The freedom of a convertible means no waiting for tours, no rushing for buses — just you, the open road, and Miami’s sunshine leading the way.

🍹 5️⃣ Experience Miami’s Nightlife and Dining Scene

As the sun sets, another side of Miami wakes up. One of the most fun things to do in Miami for first-time visitors is diving into its nightlife and dining scene.

Start your evening in Brickell, Miami’s sleek urban district. Enjoy rooftop cocktails at Sugar or Rosa Sky, where city lights shimmer below.

If you’re more of a beachside vibe person, head to South Beach for dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab — a Miami institution. Then dance the night away at one of the oceanfront lounges or rooftop clubs.

Prefer something more local? Try Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District — a charming garden restaurant serving Mediterranean flavors that feel like a mini vacation inside your Miami trip.

Whatever your style, the night always ends best with one last drive along the coastline, music up, top down, and Miami’s lights glowing in your rearview mirror.

🌅 6️⃣ Hidden Gems for First-Time Visitors

While everyone hits the big attractions, some of the most memorable things to do in Miami for first-time visitors are the hidden gems locals love.

Take your convertible for a spin to Matheson Hammock Park, a peaceful waterfront spot with a natural lagoon perfect for swimming. Or visit Bill Baggs Lighthouse for one of the best sunset views in the city.

If you’re into food and local markets, check out the Coconut Grove Organic Market on Saturdays — a chill, tropical vibe that feels like the real Miami.

Drive up to the Design District for luxury shopping and modern architecture, or take a detour through Coral Gables, known for its Mediterranean-style homes and tree-lined boulevards that feel like a movie set.

These spots show you the heart of Miami — beyond the tourist postcards, into the city’s everyday magic.

☀️ 7️⃣ Final Thoughts on the Things to do in Miami for first-time visitors— Miami Memories Start with the Drive

Your first visit to Miami is something you’ll never forget. The colors, the rhythm, the heat, the ocean — it all comes together in one incredible experience.

But here’s the truth: the best things to do in Miami for first-time visitors aren’t just about where you go, but how you get there. And there’s nothing like cruising through the Magic City with the top down, music on, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

That’s what Miami Convertibles Car Rental is all about — turning every mile into a memory. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, beach hopping, or taking the long way to Key Biscayne, your adventure starts the moment you grab the keys.

So, ready to feel the wind in your hair? Miami’s waiting. Let’s get you in the driver’s seat.