14 Things to do in North Bay Village, Florida

North Bay Village is a small South Florida city that’s located on a few small islands between Miami Beach and the mainland in Biscayne Bay.

A large bridge connects North Bay Village North Bay with Miami Shores to the west and Miami Beach to the east. For many previous visitors, there’s no place quite like North Bay Village for its location, views, and all-around cool vibe.

Visitors have easy access to world-class beaches, fantastic cuisine, large state and national parks, and a number of cultural, historical, and art-related attractions in the nearby urban centers of Miami and Coconut Grove.

Below are 14 things to do in and around North Bay Village, Florida.

1. Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill

When locals call a restaurant an institution, it’s a pretty good sign that it’s not just another overpriced tourist trap.

Located on the 79th Street in North Bay Village, Shuckers Waterfront Bar & Grill not only has the location that other restaurants dream about, but it features the best seafood, burgers, and steaks in the area as well.

Sports fans appreciate the 30 televisions gracing the bar and can view a variety of worldwide sports year-round. The place is particularly hopping during the NFL season.

For those who’d rather not glue themselves to the tube while eating, the dining room features amazing views that are second to none.

2. Captain Joe’s Rentals, Tours and Charters

Over the years, Captain Joe’s Rentals, Tours and Charters has provided nearly 500 safe and memorable excursions into South Florida’s waterways. With such a wide array of options, it’s one of those places that tends to keep visitors coming back year after year.

Captain Joe is a bit of a local legend and has more than three decades of experience under his belt. Though his company has grown over the years, it has still maintained its relationship with its customers.

Basic packages are relatively inexpensive, last just a few hours, and may include sunsets, animal watching, and general sightseeing.

3. Normandy Shores Golf Course

For many vacationers visiting Florida, golf courses are where they spend sizable chunks of their time.

Normandy Shores Golf Course is a popular 18-hole course that plays 6,800 yards from the blue tees, making it slightly longer than many other area courses.

The course’s history dates back to the ‘20s and ‘30s when the land was acquired and the plans were drawn; it’s now considered to be one of the area’s best value golfing venue by both locals and tourists.

Generally, the par-71 course can be played in four hours, but during peak times when it’s at capacity, the rate of play can slow considerably.

4. Erika Sushi

The talented and experienced sushi chef after whom Erika Sushi is named spent years as the executive chef for another local sushi restaurant before deciding to strike out on her own.

It didn’t take long for Erika Sushi to become a mainstay of the South Florida sushi scene. Though it’s on the small side, it’s known for its fresh seafood, masterful presentation, and reasonable prices.

Previous guests have commented on the restaurant’s cleanliness and pleasant mix of contemporary and traditional design.

It’s not uncommon to have to wait for a table during peak times, but most picky eaters think it’s a small price to pay for such great sushi.

5. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Coconut Grove’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the area’s most popular attractions and include both natural and humanmade wonders that aren’t typically found together.

The grounds are comprised of nearly 40 stunning acres of bayfront real estate boasting an Italian Renaissance-style villa, cultivated gardens, fountains, and sculptures.

The home is full of centuries-old art and antiques and lots of local history. The facilities are available to rent for special occasions like weddings and professional photo shoots, but as you might expect, they don’t come cheaply.

In addition to tours, the staff offer many programs and events regularly, so check their website before heading out.

6. Garden of the Arts

Garden of the Arts, Hialeah — Garden of the Arts

Located on West 76th Street in nearby Hialeah, Garden of the Arts is definitely more off the beaten bath than many area attractions, but that’s what makes it such a gem.

Garden of the Arts is tucked into a rather nondescript residential area; unless you’re actually looking for it, you may not even know it’s there – but once you’re inside, it’s natural, scenic and idyllic.

It’s part artist’s community, part gallery and part park, and there are a variety of quaint shops, galleries, and café selling art, locally made crafts and jewelry, and lots of tasty treats like coffee, smoothies and baked goods.

7. Wynwood Brewing Company

Florida’s abundant sun and humidity have a way of sapping the strength from visitors who aren’t used to them, and there are few better ways to replenish lost fluids than with a cold microbrew or two.

Wynwood Brewing Company was one of South Florida’s first craft breweries and is known for its impressive selection of seasonal beers made in a variety of flavor profiles – from malty porters to hoppy IPAs.

Their taproom isn’t about to win any awards for architecture, but inside is comfortable and contemporary. They offer several specials throughout the week that can save savvy beer lovers with flexible schedules a few bucks.

8. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

In recent years, there’s been a trend for popular attractions to not only entertain visitors with mindless activities but to engage and educate them as well; it’s especially true with the kid-centered segment of the industry.

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science isn’t just for kids, but many of its interactive exhibits were designed with little ones in mind. They touch on interesting topics like animals, the natural world, aviation, space, and technology.

One of the facility’s centerpieces is the 500,000-gallon aquarium that’s home to a variety of native species of marine animals that call the Florida coast home.

9. Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment

Located on Palm Avenue in Hialeah, Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment is a much-loved local art and cultural attraction that packs a full year-round schedule.

The facility has undergone a massive renovation in the last few years. In addition to its permanent collection of traditional and contemporary art, it offers a number of performances, including theater, live music, and guest speakers.

The center is at the forefront of many hot-button issues, like climate change and women’s rights. <any guests schedule their visits to coincide with live events so they can check out the gallery before their show starts.

10. Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami is home to thousands of individual animals representing hundreds of local and exotic species. Unlike most of its contemporaries, it does its best to contain them by using natural barriers as opposed to fences, giving them an environment that more closely mimics their natural one.

The zoo’s attractions are connected via paved paths, but they’re spread out, so you’ll spend significant portions of time on your feet, making comfy shoes imperative.

It can get crowded during peak times, so if you and your travel companions would rather avoid the masses, consider a morning visit when they first open.

11. Little Havana

The island nation of Cuba is just less than 100 miles off the South Florida coast. During the ‘80s, there was an influx of immigrants to Miami; over the years, they congregated into an area that’s now referred to as Little Havana.

The vibrant neighborhood is known for its art, music, and cuisine, and much of it is located along 8th Street – or Calle Ocho in the native language.

Many visitors choose to visit the neighborhood as part of a guided tour, but for do-it-yourselfers, it’s a relatively easy place to explore on your own; most who do, consider it one of the highlights of their trip.

12. Crandon Park

Municipal parks often get a bum-rap as being boring, but many of Florida’s parks are set on prime waterfront property and include amazing beaches.

Crandon Park is located on the northern part of Key Biscayne and offers visitors a variety of recreation options, including golf, tennis, and fishing.

The park’s clean and scenic beaches are the perfect places to relax away an afternoon; as the tide recedes, an abundance of tidal pools appear that are home to amazing sea life, and are fun places to explore with little ones.

The park is an easy drive from North Bay Village and is accessible via the William M. Powell Bridge.

13. Everglades National Park

Though geographically it’s less than an hour from downtown Miami, in many ways, Everglades National Park couldn’t be more different if it was on another planet.

Everglades National Park may be Florida’s most visited natural attraction; the iconic ‘river of grass’ is characterized by its watery environments and the incredible abundance of plants and animals that call it home.

The park features more than 1.5 million acres, and staff-led eco-tours are among the most popular activities – many of them are given on airboats.

With so much to see and do, it’s wise to do a few hours of research before heading out, so you don’t waste valuable time while on-site.

14. Marlins Park

Many teams from the other parts of the country only visit South Florida during the spring training league and for away games, but the Miami Marlins are lucky enough to call the area home year-round.

Miami’s Marlins Park has recently undergone significant renovations and is located near the Little Havana area.

The Marlins don’t exactly have a record number of winning seasons under their belt to brag about, but with top-notch facilities, a chill atmosphere, and plenty of great food and drink options, it’s a great place to spend a few afternoon or evening hours enjoying America’s favorite pastime.

Where to stay: Best Hotels in North Bay Village, Florida (FL)

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