North Miami, located between the urban energy of Downtown Miami and the coastal charm of Sunny Isles Beach, offers a unique mix of art, culture, nature, and local flavor. Whether you’re a nature lover, art enthusiast, foodie, or simply seeking family fun, this guide highlights the best things to do in North Miami.
Explore Nature and Outdoor Adventures
- 🌿 Oleta River State Park – Florida’s largest urban park is a 1,000-acre natural escape featuring mangrove forests, kayaking trails, mountain biking routes, hiking paths, and even a small beach along Biscayne Bay. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts craving both adventure and tranquility.
📍 Location: 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
🕒 Hours: Daily, 8:00 am–sunset
💵 Entrance Fee: $4–$6 per vehicle or $2 per pedestrian. - 🌳 Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park – This 22-acre forested park is beloved for its lush greenery, shaded walking trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s home to MM Equestrian Farm, where kids can enjoy pony rides and meet animals in the petting zoo. Ideal for picnics and relaxed afternoons.
📍 Location: 1725 NE 135th St, North Miami, FL 33181
🕒 Hours: 7:00 am–7:00 pm
💵 Admission: Free. - 🏖️ Haulover Park & Beach – Just a few minutes from North Miami, Haulover Park offers one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Visitors enjoy kite flying, swimming, picnicking, and even a pet-friendly section. The park’s wide beach and ocean views make it a must-see.
📍 Location: 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
🕒 Hours: Sunrise–sunset
💵 Parking: $7–$10.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
- 🎨 Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) – A cultural gem in North Miami, MOCA showcases bold modern art exhibitions from both local and international artists. The museum frequently hosts special events and community nights.
📍 Location: 770 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL 33161
🕒 Hours: Wed–Sun, 10:00 am–5:00 pm (open until 7:00 pm on Wed)
💵 Admission: $10 adults; discounts available for students and seniors. - 🏛️ Ancient Spanish Monastery – Originally built in Spain in the 12th century, this stunning monastery was reassembled in Florida stone-by-stone. It’s a serene place to explore medieval architecture, gardens, and art.
📍 Location: 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
🕒 Hours: Wed–Sun, 10:00 am–4:30 pm
💵 Admission: $10 adults, $5 seniors/students. - 🪶 Arch Creek Park & Museum – This historic park features a natural limestone bridge once used by Native Americans. Visitors can explore the small museum, trails, and picnic areas surrounded by tropical hammock.
📍 Location: 1855 NE 135th St, North Miami, FL 33181
🕒 Hours: Wed–Sun, 9:00 am–5:00 pm
💵 Admission: Free.
Dining and Food Experiences
- 🍤 Chef Creole – A local favorite for authentic Haitian flavors, offering conch fritters, fried snapper, and garlic lobster in a casual setting. Guests love the generous portions and lively Caribbean atmosphere. The menu also includes spicy griot (fried pork), rice and beans, and plantains that perfectly capture Miami’s multicultural flavor. Chef Creole’s story began as a family business and has become a symbol of Haitian pride in the city. Diners often enjoy chatting with the friendly staff while the scent of fresh seafood fills the air.
📍 Location: 13105 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161. - 🍗 The Licking – Founded by DJ Khaled, this vibrant soul food restaurant is known for BBQ wings, mac & cheese, and red velvet cake. The colorful décor and upbeat music make it feel like a party every night. The menu is indulgent, featuring fried lobster, jerk chicken, collard greens, and signature Kool-Aid drinks in mason jars. It’s a place where locals and visitors mingle over comfort food that hits every craving.
📍 Location: 12490 NW 7th Ave, North Miami, FL 33168. - 🥘 Little Havana Restaurant – Enjoy classic Cuban dishes like roast pork, rice and beans, and mojitos in a welcoming setting. Beyond the food, the atmosphere embodies Old Havana charm, with Latin music playing softly and walls adorned with nostalgic photos. Their empanadas and Cuban sandwiches are crowd favorites, while the flan dessert adds a perfect sweet finish. The restaurant is family-owned, and the warmth of Cuban hospitality shines through in every dish.
📍 Location: 12727 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181. - 🐟 Captain Jim’s Seafood Market & Restaurant – A fresh seafood market and restaurant serving locally caught fish and shellfish. Diners can pick their catch directly from the market and have it cooked to order—grilled, fried, or blackened. Known for its Florida grouper sandwich, crab cakes, and conch chowder, the casual nautical décor adds to the authentic seaside experience. It’s a staple for seafood lovers who want a true taste of Miami’s coastal cuisine.
📍 Location: 12950 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161. - 🍜 Ricky Thai Bistro – A hidden gem for authentic Thai food; small, cozy, and highly rated. The menu features signature dishes like Pad Thai, Panang curry, and mango sticky rice that rival Bangkok’s best. Locals adore the intimate setting and personal service—each meal feels home-cooked with care. Ricky Thai’s chef-owner is known for balancing spice and sweetness perfectly, making it a go-to spot for anyone craving flavorful Asian cuisine in North Miami.
📍 Location: 1617 NE 123rd St, North Miami, FL 33181.
Family-Friendly Activities
- 🎢 Dezerland Action Park Miami – Florida’s largest indoor entertainment park featuring go-karts, trampolines, bowling, and arcade games—all under one roof. It’s an ideal destination for kids and families looking for endless fun regardless of the weather. In addition to classic attractions, the park also offers bumper cars, laser tag arenas, and a ninja obstacle course for adventurous kids. Parents can relax in lounge areas or grab snacks and coffee at the café while children play for hours. Birthday packages, group events, and family passes make it convenient for larger gatherings.
📍 Location: 14401 NE 19th Ave, North Miami, FL 33181
🕒 Hours: Afternoon–late evening
💵 Admission: Free entry (pay per attraction; combo wristbands available for discounted access to multiple zones). - 🐴 Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park – This tranquil 22-acre park goes beyond pony rides and a butterfly garden—it’s a local gem filled with shaded walking trails, picnic spots, and small wooden bridges that cross a lush creek. Families can spend hours exploring the petting zoo where friendly goats, ducks, and ponies roam. Weekend events often include nature workshops and educational tours for kids, teaching them about Florida’s native plants and animals. Parents appreciate the safe, enclosed playgrounds and the sense of calm this green space provides in the heart of the city.
📍 Location: 1725 NE 135th St, North Miami, FL 33181
🕒 Hours: 7:00 am–7:00 pm
💵 Admission: Free. - 🛶 FIU Biscayne Bay Campus Nature Preserve – For eco-minded families, this bayfront preserve provides educational programs and guided kayak tours through mangroves. It’s a hidden retreat where visitors can spot native birds, fish, and even manatees in calm waters. The preserve frequently partners with local environmental groups to host clean-up events, outdoor yoga sessions, and marine science workshops for kids and students. The waterfront trails offer scenic photo opportunities, and picnic tables invite families to stay and enjoy the breeze from Biscayne Bay.
📍 Location: 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181
🕒 Hours: Sunrise–sunset
💵 Admission: Free; tour fees may apply for guided experiences.
Nightlife and Entertainment
- 🍺 Lost City Brewing Company – North Miami’s first craft brewery offers small-batch beers, trivia nights, and live music. Guests can sample an evolving lineup of IPAs, stouts, and seasonal ales brewed on-site while enjoying a laid-back, industrial-style taproom. The brewery often hosts community events, including open-mic nights, food truck pop-ups, and art exhibitions from local creators. For beer enthusiasts, the brewery staff gladly offer tours and insights into their brewing process, creating a welcoming and educational experience.
📍 Location: 12207 NE 13th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161. - 🎯 Billy’s Pub Too – A local dive bar with pool tables, darts, and one of the city’s longest happy hours. Beyond its casual charm, Billy’s Pub is a gathering place where locals come to watch sports on big screens, play live trivia, and enjoy karaoke nights. The bar menu features comfort foods like burgers, wings, and fries, along with an impressive list of beers on tap. Visitors praise the friendly atmosphere and late-night hours, making it a great spot to unwind after exploring North Miami.
📍 Location: 732 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL 33161. - 🎶 Luna Star Café – A quirky, bohemian café with live acoustic performances, poetry nights, and local art. This intimate venue doubles as a coffeehouse and performance space where music lovers gather to enjoy folk, jazz, and blues acts. Walls adorned with paintings and vintage posters create a nostalgic, cozy ambiance. The café serves craft beers, wines, and hearty snacks, and often hosts themed evenings like open mics or storytelling nights. It’s a North Miami institution beloved for its authenticity and creative spirit.
📍 Location: 775 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL 33161.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
- 🎷 Jazz at MOCA (Monthly) – Every last Friday of the month, locals gather at the MOCA Plaza for free outdoor jazz concerts under the stars. The event transforms the downtown plaza into an open-air stage filled with smooth melodies and community spirit. Visitors bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and enjoy food vendors serving local bites while children dance under string lights. The museum often extends its hours during these nights, offering discounted or donation-based entry for guests wanting to explore the art exhibits before the show. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the creative pulse of North Miami.
- 🎤 NoMi Music Fest (February) – A major R&B and hip-hop festival celebrating the city’s culture, held annually at Cagni Park. Beyond its headline performances by national and local stars, the festival includes a vibrant food court featuring Caribbean and Latin dishes, family zones with games, and art booths highlighting local creators. Attendees can expect a day of music, dance, and community pride that draws visitors from all over South Florida. Evening performances conclude with spectacular light shows and crowd sing-alongs, making it a true cultural highlight of the year.
- 🍻 North Miami BrewFest (November) – This popular beer and food festival showcases over 100 Florida craft brews and gourmet bites. Guests sample unlimited tastings from independent breweries, attend brewing workshops, and meet passionate craft beer makers from around the state. Local restaurants join in with unique pairings, turning the festival into a culinary adventure. Live bands, outdoor games, and shaded lounge areas make it a relaxed yet lively experience for adults looking to spend a fall afternoon in good company.
- 🎃 Haunted Trails at Enchanted Forest (October) – A spooky Halloween celebration with themed trails, costumes, and treats for families. The park becomes a haunted wonderland with fog machines, actors in costume, and interactive scenes inspired by classic horror tales. Earlier in the evening, younger children can enjoy trick-or-treat paths, pumpkin painting, and costume contests before the scarier adventures begin. Food trucks and seasonal treats like hot cocoa and candied apples make it a festive autumn night for all ages.
- 🎄 Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting (December) – A festive holiday event featuring light displays, music, and a community tree lighting at MOCA Plaza. The celebration includes holiday markets, snow play zones for kids, caroling performances, and photo ops with Santa. Locals gather for the countdown to the lighting of the grand tree, accompanied by live bands and hot chocolate stands. The city decorates the surrounding streets with shimmering lights and ornaments, spreading a warm and cheerful atmosphere throughout the winter season.
Final Thoughts
North Miami offers a diverse range of experiences—lush parks, cultural landmarks, and a thriving culinary scene—all within easy reach of Miami’s beaches and downtown. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, this vibrant neighborhood invites you to explore its hidden gems and local treasures.
