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Best things to do in Miami

Gold Coast

Updated: Oct 24, 2025

One of the Gold Coast's best beaches, Miami is renowned for its wide stretch of golden sand, protected surf beach and the rainbow staircase leading to Mick Schamburg Park, with jaw-dropping views up and down the stunning coastline.

Retaining some of the 'old Gold Coast' vibe, Miami is also still home to some original beach houses, surf shacks and 1960's motels as well as the landmark Miami Hotel, a watering hole for generations of holiday makers.

Tucked away within the streets of this beautiful beachside suburb, you'll also find a treasure trove of local haunts including breweries and bakeries and unexpected attractions that only an insider would know, and that are well worth exploring.

Velvet Cafe & Lounge offers a delightful and creative mix of breakfast, lunch and cocktail options in the heart of Miami
Occupying a warehouse adjacent to Granddad Jack's Craft Distillery, Roji Cat (meaning 'alley cat') is the only Japanese brewery on the Gold Coast and stepping inside feels like you've arrived in Japan. The onsite brewery is helmed by Japanese brewer Satoshi Tamura and offers eleven house beers on tap, including the house special - Japanese rice lager
A hidden treasure of a funky bar, tapas and beer garden tucked away behind all of the tram works just off the Gold Coast Highway in Miami, SPECT Tapas & bar serves up a delectable range of Spanish-Mexican style tapas dishes, tacos and larger share plates, as well as sangria, beer and cocktails
Miami's Tide Bar & Kitchen has quickly become a sought-after spot for both locals and visitors alike seeking authentic Thai cuisine
Paddock Bakery is a charming weatherboard cottage with garden seating and interior that is part vintage café, part artisan bakery.
From the team behind Light Years, Bar Monte in Miami merges elevated neighbourhood Italian with laid-back Gold Coast vibes
The Gold Coast's Miami Beach is a pristine kilometre-long white-sand strip, with two sets of patrolled swimming beaches. Mick Schamburg Park and Lores Boney Lookout, atop the rainbow-coloured Miami stairs, offer sweeping views over Miami Beach and north to Nobbys, Mermaid, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.
Rainbow coloured stairs on Miami Headland

Waterway Village - A lesser known find on the cusp of Miami and Mermaid Waters, Waterway Village is home to popular foodie haunt Double Barrel Kitchen. The local fave is renowned for its creative breakfast and lunch dishes, made from locally sourced produce. The village is also the source of some of the best fish and chips on the Gold Coast - Two Wise Fish.

The Shores Miami is a retro-style motel located a short 200 metres from Miami Beach and just a short stroll from Burleigh, Miami and Nobby’s
Miami Marketta

Miami Marketta - One of the Gold Coast's must-visits no matter where you're staying, this unique night marketplace whisks you away to the back streets of Thailand, Barcelona or New York City. The enchanted laneway dining precinct, flanked by international eateries, is the perfect place to grab a delicious dinner that won't break the budget.... more  

The Henchman Miami

The Henchman - This unique hideaway occupying an original 2-storey Miami beach house takes its name from the street in which it is found. Locals and those-in-the-know flock to the funky licensed outdoor cafe which is open daily from 7am-midnight, for everything from breakfast to sunset cocktails and late night drinks. There's also a pool table upstairs..... more

The Gold Coast's first craft Gin, Vodka and Whiskey distillery, Granddad Jack's is located in Miami, just two-minutes-walk from the North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club. This family owned and operated distillery as all about creating craft spirits & liqueurs for folks to enjoy while paying homage to family legend, Granddad Jack
Miami’s premier location for all things fruits de mer has to be Gold Coast icon, Miami Fish Market. This seafood nirvana is a must try!
Miami's iconic home to delicious coffee, tasty treats and fresh-made juices and smoothies, Piccolo Espresso is located directly across from the beach. With its prime location, steps from the sand, laid-back Piccolo Espresso is the place to grab a quick coffee and a bite before pounding the rainbow-coloured Miami stairs to Mick Schamburg Park and Lores Boney Lookout
Miami’s funky local brewery and restaurant is hidden in plain sight behind its graffiti-covered façade, a block from the highway, Precinct Brewing Co is a repurposed industrial workshop that is now a modern breezy accessible brewery, striving to create great beer to bring people together
Mona Lisa's Lair is a glamorous Parisian-inspired champagne bar and restaurant bringing a touch of Paris's famous Latin Quarter to Miami Marketta
A leafy oasis right in the middle of Miami, Pizzey Park’s 60 hectares of greenery and forest is the gift that keeps on giving
With a strong focus on both coffee and community, That's Whyld is a place where coffee enthusiasts, baristas and cafe owners can come together and enjoy an amazing brew and a chat about coffee. The funky espresso bar and organic coffee roastery is tucked away in a Miami warehouse
A secret tapas bar with a chic beachy vibe and stunning ocean views tucked away on top of North Burleigh Heads Surf Life Saving Club in Miami, Sandfire is the perfect place for a casual catch up with family or friends or a date night, a quintessential Gold Coast venue
A self-proclaimed ‘house of worship’ for interesting food, cool tunes and exceptional coffee, Caffeine Kings can be found located at the vibrant southern end of Miami on the Gold Coast Highway, where the owners have transformed an old laundromat space into an exceptional coffee house, known for its smooth beans and iconic street art
Mariner Shores Resort

Mariner Shores Resort - Located right across the road from the beach, this popular family holiday oasis is also awash with fantastic amenities, including a mini water park, gymnasium, pools, spa, board games and mini-golf. There is also a library, games room and even an in-house movie theatre..... more

Top Things To Do On The Gold Coast This Week

The coast will come alive with colour, culture & cuisine at the HOTA Hawker Night Markets
RACQ's MotorFest is the ultimate car lover's day out
Love turns deadly and power corrupts all in Queensland Ballet’s Hamlet
Indulge in a premium picnic experience by a clear flowing waters of Canungra Creek
Ashton’s Great Australian Circus is lighting up the Gold Coast with a brand-new production
BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing and more combine at 360 ALLSTARS
A dramatic journey with The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra through the heart of Baroque Italy.
A spine-chilling immersive experience that is like stepping into a horror movie
GreazeFest is back for 3 huge days of music, cars and kulture!
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A stunning tribute to Barbra Streisand
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