Introduction
The Miami Open Backgammon Tournament brings together players and enthusiasts from around the world to one of America’s most vibrant destinations. While you’re perfecting your backgammon strategy, Miami and Sunny Isles Beach offer an incredible array of attractions that showcase the region’s unique blend of culture, nature, and entertainment. From world-renowned art districts to pristine beaches and historic landmarks, these carefully selected destinations will enhance your tournament experience with unforgettable adventures.
1. Wynwood Walls - Miami's Street Art Masterpiece
Wynwood Walls stands as one of the world’s most celebrated outdoor street art museums, transforming a once-industrial neighborhood into a vibrant cultural destination. This 4.6-rated attraction features works by internationally renowned artists on massive warehouse walls, creating an ever-evolving gallery that attracts over 9,000 visitors annually according to TripAdvisor reviews.
The district showcases an eclectic mix of street art and murals with immersive outdoor galleries and opportunities for hands-on graffiti painting experiences. Beyond the walls themselves, the surrounding Wynwood neighborhood offers trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shopping, making it perfect for spending an entire afternoon exploring.
Location: Wynwood District, Miami
Admission: From $12
Highlights: International street art, outdoor galleries, trendy neighborhood
Art & Culture Hub
Beach Paradise
Miles of pristine coastline offer everything from relaxation to water sports, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States.
Tropical Adventure
Year-round perfect weather and unique ecosystems provide outdoor experiences unavailable anywhere else in the continental U.S.
Culinary Capital
International cuisine and innovative dining scenes reflect Miami’s multicultural heritage and position as a global city.
Shopping Destination
Entertainment Epicenter
Vibrant nightlife, live music venues, and cultural events create an atmosphere of celebration and excitement.
2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - European Elegance in Miami
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers a glimpse into Miami’s gilded age through this stunning European-inspired estate built in the early 1900s. This 4.6-rated attraction features a historic winter home with magnificent architecture, tranquil sea vistas, and a collection of Italian art that rivals major museums worldwide.
The 50-acre estate includes formal gardens, fountains, and sculptures that transport visitors to a Mediterranean villa. The mansion’s 34 rooms showcase period furniture, decorative arts, and architectural details that demonstrate the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The waterfront location provides spectacular views of Biscayne Bay.
Location: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami
Admission: From $96
Highlights: Historic mansion, formal gardens, Biscayne Bay views
3. South Beach Art Deco Historic District - Architectural Icon
The Art Deco Historic District in South Beach represents the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture, featuring over 800 preserved buildings from the 1930s and 1940s. This iconic neighborhood combines architectural significance with vibrant beach culture, creating one of Miami’s most photographed and visited areas.
The district’s pastel-colored buildings, neon signs, and geometric designs create a unique aesthetic that has been featured in countless films and television shows. Ocean Drive serves as the main thoroughfare, lined with sidewalk cafes, hotels, and restaurants that capture the glamour of Miami Beach’s golden era.
Location: South Beach, Miami Beach
Highlights: Art Deco architecture, Ocean Drive, historic preservation
4. Bayside Marketplace - Waterfront Shopping and Entertainment
Bayside Marketplace combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in a spectacular waterfront setting overlooking Biscayne Bay. This 4.1-rated attraction offers visitors the chance to enjoy drinks along the water while exploring over 150 shops and restaurants, with frequent live music and cultural events.
The marketplace serves as a departure point for boat tours, including celebrity home tours and sunset cruises around Miami’s famous islands. The outdoor setting provides stunning views of the Miami skyline and serves as an excellent location for evening entertainment after tournament sessions.
Location: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
Highlights: Waterfront shopping, boat tours, live entertainment
5. Everglades National Park - Natural Wonder
Everglades National Park, located just outside Miami, offers tournament visitors the opportunity to experience one of America’s most unique ecosystems. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features vast wetlands, diverse wildlife, and airboat tours that provide thrilling encounters with alligators, manatees, and hundreds of bird species.
The park’s proximity to Miami makes it perfect for half-day excursions, with guided tours available that include transportation from hotel areas. The experience provides a dramatic contrast to Miami’s urban energy, showcasing Florida’s natural beauty and environmental significance.
Location: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead
Highlights: Airboat tours, wildlife viewing, UNESCO World Heritage Site
6. Little Havana - Cultural Heart of Miami
Little Havana pulsates with Latin music, Cuban cuisine, and colorful street art, offering an authentic cultural experience that reflects Miami’s rich Hispanic heritage. This 3.8-rated neighborhood provides visitors with opportunities to watch cigar rolling, enjoy traditional Cuban coffee, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Calle Ocho.
The district features numerous restaurants serving authentic Cuban cuisine, art galleries showcasing Latin American artists, and cultural centers that preserve and celebrate Cuban traditions. Walking tours provide historical context and insider access to the neighborhood’s most significant cultural sites.
Location: Southwest 8th Street (Calle Ocho), Miami
Highlights: Cuban culture, authentic cuisine, cigar shops
7. Miami Design District - Luxury Shopping and Art
The Miami Design District represents a neighborhood dedicated to innovative fashion, design, architecture, and dining experiences. This 4.3-rated area features luxury boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and award-winning restaurants that attract design enthusiasts and luxury shoppers from around the world.
The district’s vision for a rejuvenated Design District was codified in an urban master plan that emphasizes walkability, public art, and architectural innovation. Visitors can explore flagship stores from international luxury brands alongside emerging designers and contemporary art installations.
Location: NE 2nd Avenue area, Miami
Highlights: Luxury shopping, contemporary art, architectural innovation
8. Haulover Beach Park - Pristine Coastal Paradise
Haulover Beach Park in Sunny Isles Beach offers tournament visitors access to some of South Florida’s most beautiful and pristine coastline. This 4.5-rated beach park features crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and excellent facilities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
The park includes a fishing pier, picnic areas, and equipment rentals for various water activities. Its location between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway provides diverse recreational opportunities, from ocean swimming to calm-water kayaking and paddleboarding.
Location: 10800 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach
Highlights: Pristine beaches, fishing pier, water sports
9. Zoo Miami - Wildlife Adventure
Zoo Miami stands as the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, featuring over 3,000 animals representing more than 500 species in a sprawling 750-acre habitat. This 4.4-rated attraction offers visitors the opportunity to observe animals in naturalistic environments that closely replicate their native habitats.
The zoo’s cage-free design allows animals to roam in large, open areas while providing visitors with excellent viewing opportunities. Special experiences include behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and educational programs that highlight conservation efforts and wildlife protection.
Location: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami
Highlights: Cage-free habitats, animal encounters, conservation education
10. Bayfront Park - Downtown Miami's Green Oasis
Bayfront Park provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of downtown Miami, offering spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. This 4.2-rated park features walking paths, outdoor amphitheater, and numerous events throughout the year that showcase Miami’s cultural diversity.
The park’s central location makes it easily accessible from most Miami hotels and provides an excellent venue for morning walks, evening relaxation, or outdoor exercise between tournament sessions. The amphitheater hosts concerts and cultural events that add entertainment value to any visit.
Location: 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
Highlights: Skyline views, outdoor amphitheater, central location
Conclusion
The Miami Open Backgammon Tournament provides the perfect opportunity to explore one of America’s most dynamic and culturally rich destinations. These ten carefully selected attractions offer a comprehensive introduction to Miami’s diverse offerings, from world-class art and architecture to pristine natural environments and vibrant cultural districts.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on beautiful beaches, cultural enrichment through museums and historic districts, or adventure in unique natural settings, Miami provides experiences that will create lasting memories beyond your tournament participation. The combination of year-round perfect weather, world-class attractions, and unparalleled cultural diversity makes Miami an ideal destination for combining competitive backgammon with unforgettable travel experiences.
Each attraction offers its own unique perspective on what makes Miami special, ensuring that every visitor can find experiences that match their interests and preferences. From the artistic energy of Wynwood to the natural wonder of the Everglades, Miami’s attractions provide the perfect complement to your backgammon tournament experience.
