10 Best Things to Do in the Design District to Make the Most of Your Trip

Miami's Design District is a neighborhood located on the east side of the city, giving it close proximity to Downtown Miami, Wynwood, and Brickell. Miami Beach and its famous Art Deco District are just a short drive away via the Julia Tuttle Causeway (which has spectacular views of Biscayne Bay).

The Design District originally got its name from the various home design firms that reside there. And while you can still shop for high-end furnishings, the neighborhood is now home to many luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, and Burberry.

The area is also known for its galleries and street art. If all this sightseeing makes you hungry or thirsty, it's also home to many award-winning restaurants and bars, a food hall, food trucks, and a few cafes. This guide will provide a glimpse into the main things you absolutely must do in the Design District.

• Best for fashionistas who want a VIP experience - Styled by MDD
• Best for art lovers - View Art

• Best for lovers of modern art - Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami
• Best for Deeper dives into art history - De La Cruz Collection
• Best for Haitian culture and history - Haitian Heritage Museum

• Best for finding nature in the middle of the city - The Rooted by Design Project

• Best for interactive art and events under the stars - Palm Court
• Best for foodies - Michelin-Starred Restaurants

• Best for art and stories - Concerts, Art Walks, and Book Readings
• Best for people-watching and art history - Gallery Tours

From luxury boutiques to fascinating artworks, let's take a look at some of the best things to do in the Design District.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Fashionistas who want a VIP experience
• ‌Website:‌ https://www.miamidesigndistrict.com/personal-shopper
• ‌If You Go:‌ Be prepared to enjoy browsing nearly every major luxury brand in one place.

Miami's Design District offers dozens of luxury boutiques from fashion's top names like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more. But if you want an exclusive VIP experience, the Design District offers complimentary personal shopping experiences.

The Design District's personal shoppers can help you build a wardrobe, complete your holiday shopping, and so much more. The service is free -- but you must book an appointment in advance.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Art lovers
• ‌Website:‌ https://www.miamidesigndistrict.com/district-art
• ‌If You Go:‌ Look around and pay attention, as captivating art is truly all around you.

The Design District is filled with art in the most unexpected places, from murals in Jungle Plaza, to interactive installations, to the parking garage designed by Iwamoto Scott — all of which occurs alongside New York-based architects Leong Leong and Southern California-based artist John Baldessari.

Consider checking out the district's art page to help you plan all of the journey through all of the art, whether they be in galleries or simply out in public for all to see.

There's no shortage of activities in the Design District to fill your day with excitement. So here are just a few attractions to look into while the sun is still out.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Lovers of modern art
• ‌Website:‌ https://icamiami.org
• ‌If You Go:‌ The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) offers a platform for local Miami artists, along with emerging artists internationally. The ICA has a full calendar of exhibits and events throughout the year with free admission for all.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Deeper dives into art history
• ‌Website:‌ https://www.delacruzcollection.org
• ‌If You Go:‌ The collection is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz decided to share their extensive contemporary art collection with the people of Miami by opening the De La Cruz Collection in 2009.

The museum, which has free admission, offers works by dozens of artists, including Alex Israel, Dana Schutz, Austin Eddy, and more. In addition, the collection offers lectures, seminars, and special events.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Haitian culture and history
• ‌Website:‌ http://www.haitianheritagemuseum.org
• ‌If You Go:‌ Download the Haitian Arts podcast for a more immersive experience on Haitian art.

Founded in 2004 to celebrate Haiti's Bicentennial, the Haitian Heritage Museum was created for those both within and outside the Haitian diaspora to learn more about the Haitian people, their history, and their culture.

Located at the crossroads of the Design District and Little Haiti, the museum shines a light on the country's culture and heritage through art, music, historic artifacts, films, and literary works.

Some of the best activities in the Design District occur outdoors, allowing people to explore the city's rich culture while also enjoying its tropical weather.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Finding nature in the middle of the city
• ‌Website:‌ https://www.miamidesigndistrict.com/landscape-tour
• ‌If You Go:‌ Learn more about Florida fauna by scanning the QR codes.

Throughout the Design District, you'll find more than 100 QR codes located wherever you find trees, flowers, and landscaping. Each QR code offers a fact sheet with information on the plant discovered in two languages (English and Spanish).

The plants are tropical in nature and include rare native Florida and Caribbean orchids. In turn, these plants also support rare birds and insects that are necessary to Florida's diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

Some of the best things to do in the Design District can still be enjoyed even after the sun has set. Here are some delightful activities to do at night in the vibrant Miami neighborhood.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Interactive art and events under the stars
• ‌Website:‌ https://www.miamidesigndistrict.com/event-venue/744/palm-court
• ‌If You Go:‌ Don't overlook the more than 50 species of palms decorating the area.

Located in the center of the Design District, Palm Court is a multi-use gathering space that includes several luxury shops, restaurants, and a food hall. But the most interesting offerings at Palm Court are its interactive works of art by Konstantin Grcic, Matthew Richie, and Xavier Veilhan.

Step inside the geodesic dome designed by architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller, or relax on the Netscape Swings by German designer Konstantin Grcic located on the second floor.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Foodies
• ‌Website:‌ https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/miami/restaurants
• ‌If You Go:‌ Bring your appetite and a sense of culinary adventure.

The Design District is home to several award-winning restaurants, including Florida's only two-Michelin-starred establishment, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon.

An evening in the Design District wouldn't be complete without experiencing fine dining. Luckily, there are restaurants for all tastes, from French and sushi to steak and vegetarian-friendly.

Though Miami is known as one of the most expensive cities in the nation, that doesn't mean you can't find plenty of places to visit in the Design District that are free. Here are some ideas for what to do in the Design District that won't cost a dime.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Art and stories
• ‌Website:‌ https://www.miamidesigndistrict.com/calendar
• ‌If You Go:‌ Wear comfortable shoes so you can walk from site to site.

The Design District offers a robust event calendar filled with free concerts, art walks, and readings. In addition, the neighborhood frequently hosts pop-up events, food trucks, and free art installations.

To help plan your trip, check our the official Design District event calendar.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ People-watching and art history
• ‌Website:‌ https://www.miamidesigndistrict.com/art/17/museum--art-galleries
• ‌If You Go:‌ Check individual galleries for operating days and times.

The Design District is home to more than a dozen art galleries, each one with its unique aesthetic. Art lovers will relish designing their own gallery walk — all located in a compact neighborhood, so they can easily be explored in one afternoon.

Considered one of the tiniest neighborhoods in Miami, the Design District is a visually stunning area filled with some of the city's finest luxury shops, award-winning restaurants, and critically acclaimed art. We hope this guide to some of the best things to do in the Design District will help you have the best vacation possible.