Our top ten cutest (and family-friendly) hangout spots in Miami
By Gianna Sanchez ‘25 and Ana Iacoviello ‘25
From enjoying the beautiful scenery to appreciating the fun entertainment and alluring scenes of art, there’s something for everyone in Miami. With our long weekend coming up, if you’re looking for a way to spend your free time, here is our top ten list for the cutest hangout spots in Miami.
Fairchild Tropical Garden
Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Fairchild Tropical Garden is a botanic garden with a vast display of tropical plants including a collection of cycads, tropical fruits, aroids, endangered species, and vines. Fairchild Tropical Garden is the spot to go if you are looking for a place to relax and picnic with friends and family. At Fairchild, visit the butterfly exhibit, walk through the many paths through the gardens, and participate in one of the seasonal festivals, including the Chocolate Festival, Orchids in Bloom Festival, or the Night at the Garden Festival.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Vizcaya, built in 1920, is a dazzling Italian-inspired villa with beautifully well-kept gardens that make visitors feel like they’re in the European countryside. Vizcaya’s unique architecture and scenic views are the perfect place to bring your friends and family to take pictures that will last a lifetime. The museum’s interior consists of antique furniture and intriguing paintings that take you back in time—the outside features distinct, beautiful sculptures and hidden trails you can walk through. Vizcaya is definitely worth visiting for anyone who loves history and nature or is just seeking a tranquil escape.
Miami Design District
140 NE 39th St. Miami, FL 33137
Miami Design District is known for its lively architecture, luxury fashion, and cute cafes and restaurants. It is the perfect place for shopaholics, foodies, and celebrity spotters. Beyond the grand array of shops and luxurious cafes like the Dior Cafe, explore the District’s most iconic attractions, such as the iconic fly’s eye and ever-changing art exhibitions.
Wynwood Walls
2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Wynwood Walls features unique, creative, and inspiring murals by artists worldwide. The vibrant and gigantic artwork creates a playful and immersive setting for anyone seeking an artistic outlook on life or looking for new pictures to post on their Instagram feed. Wynwood walls feature paintings with different creative styles and techniques, from graffiti art and realistic portraits to cartoon-inspired art, typography, and cultural and ethnic art.
Matheson Hammock Park
9610 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Matheson Hammock Park is a charming park, displaying a manufatured atoll pool surrounded by palm trees in the center. Spend the day sitting by the pool, enjoying views of Biscayne Bay, and strolling the walking trails. The park also has picnic pavilions and a charming cycling route that connects to the Old Cutler Trail. Additionally, visitors can dine at the Red Grill restaurant in front of the water.
Coconut Grove Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm at the corner of Grand Avenue and Margaret Street.
The Grove Farmers Market unites local vendors as they offer a spectacular variety of fruits, vegetables, and an assortment of delicious vegan dishes—think: Raw Nori rolls, pizzas, and vegan ice cream! Local vendors offer ethnic foods, fermented products, handcrafted goods, cute clothing, cool plants, and much more. If you’re looking for good food, some unique shopping, or cute Instagram posts, definitely stop by the Grove Farmers Market!
Shops at Merrick Park
358 San Lorenzo Ave Coral Gables FL, 33146
Between the comfy movie theater and fine-dining restaurants, shopping at Merrick Park with your friends is definitely a must. It has excellent staple brands like Alo, J. Crew, Anthropologie, Madewell, Sephora, and a glorious three-story Nordstrom. Merrick offers shopping for a variety of occasions, but if shopping isn’t your style, don’t fret—C’est bon and Bazille offer great lattes and tasty pastries to hang out for a while, and you have beautiful walk-and-talk routes with gorgeous greenery throughout the whole outdoor mall.
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
If you’re looking to dress up and experience the magic of live performance, the Adrienne Arsht Center is your go-to destination on Biscayne Blvd. This modern cultural hub hosts everything from Broadway-caliber theater and dazzling dance performances to intimate concerts and comedy nights. With state-of-the-art venues and a dynamic schedule of events, it is always a fresh experience. Whether you’re catching a seasonal production or merely exploring the center’s breathtaking architecture, a night at the Arsht Center promises to be exciting, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Miami Beach
For sun, sand, and sea at its best, Miami Beach is an iconic coastal spot that is hard to beat. Its beauty and accessibility make it a Miami staple, known for its soft white sands that meet the stunningly blue Atlantic Ocean. After lounging on the beach, you can explore the trendy boutiques, mouth-watering seaside restaurants, or capture picture-perfect moments on the bustling boardwalks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely day or an eventful night, Miami Beach offers a colorful experience for everyone.
Peacock Park
2820 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL 33133
The expansive 9-acre park tucked between the coastline and McFarlane Road is a dream at any time of the day. During the day, the park’s big oak trees cloak the (clean!) benches in shade as you watch the sailboats bob up and down on the Biscayne Bay and see the peacocks strut across the green. Its location is perfect as you’re near all the delicious restaurants and stylish boutiques that Cocowalk has to offer, but you’re tucked away from the hustle and bustle. At night, the trees are glittery, with the fairy lights strung over their branches, illuminating the playgrounds and winding walkways. If you’re looking for a dreamy night or a tranquil day as you catch up with friends, Peacock Park is the place for you.
