The Nittany Lions are coming to Miami, folks!

If you’re headed to the Magic City for the game this Thursday and looking for ways to spend your time, Onward State has you covered from good food options to cool attractions and museums — all recommended by a local.

Beautiful Beaches

Although the weather will be cooler than “typical” Miami weather for the Orange Bowl, it’s still 40º warmer than State College. Just throw on whatever attire you desire and enjoy one of Miami’s multiple beautiful beaches.

An important disclaimer is that Miami Beach is a 9-mile-long barrier island that includes three distinct areas: South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach. South Beach is what tends to get most of the attention. Penn State’s team hotel, the Fontainebleau, is located in Mid Beach. Finally, North Beach tends to be the wealthier area, housing the infamous Bal Harbour shops.

Another great option for a stunning Miami beach is South Pointe Beach. It is located at the southernmost tip of South Beach and offers panoramic views of the South Beach shoreline, PortMiami’s cruise ships, and Downtown Miami’s skyline. South Beach at 17th Street is another option that offers a more stereotypical Miami beach view and is close to Lincoln Road’s shopping and dining.

Virginia Key is a great option if you’re looking to avoid the chaos of the Miami Beach scene. It’s located about a mile over the bridge onto Key Biscayne. Virginia Beach is a historic area and is known for being Miami’s first Black-only beach on August 1, 1945.

Food Options

Miami offers a variety of food options to satisfy any craving. Known for its Hispanic culture, the city is home to some tasty dishes.

For a higher-end option, Café La Trova, a Cuban restaurant located near the intersection of Riverside and Downtown Miami, offers a contemporary take on Cuban dishes and an immersive experience in Miami’s Cuban culture. Another standout is El Palacio de los Jugos, which specializes in traditional Cuban delicacies and locally sourced fruits, with locations spread across South Florida.

For non-Cuban options, Yardbird Table & Bar, located in Miami Beach, brings Southern hospitality to life, while PLANTA, a 100% vegan restaurant in South Beach, offers a creative plant-based menu.

Nightlife & Bars

For those looking to experience Miami’s nightlife, Downtown Coconut Grove is a great option off the beaten path. The area around CocoWalk offers various options, whether you’re looking for a popular college bar like Sandbar Sports Grill or a dive bar scene like Barracuda Taphouse & Grill.
If you’re interested in Miami Beach, there’s no shortage of options. One is Ted’s Hideaway, a dive bar in South Beach. For a higher-end experience, Astra, a rooftop bar in Wynwood, is a great choice.
For clubbing, Miami offers several options, including LIV Nightclub at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and E11EVEN Miami and Club Space, both located in downtown Miami.

Places & Attractions

Miami is a large city with countless ways to spend your time. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, located in Downtown Miami, is a popular destination featuring seven exhibits, including a planetarium and an aquarium.

Right next door, the Pérez Art Museum Miami offers a peaceful experience with its modern and contemporary art collections. For something more interactive, the Paradox Museum Miami in Wynwood features fun, illusion-based exhibits, while Superblue Miami showcases exciting light and digital art displays. Both provide unique and entertaining ways to explore Miami.

Wynwood is a must-go for anyone looking to explore Miami’s creative side. Just north of downtown Miami and west of Miami Beach, Wynwood is filled with vibrant attractions. From the famous Wynwood Walls, which showcase electric spray-paint art, to craft breweries like Casa La Rubia and Cervecería La Tropical, the neighborhood offers plenty of ways to spend your day.

The Orange Bowl is also hosting a Capital One Orange Bowl Pep Rally on January 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lincoln Road. There will be fun performances from both team bands and cheerleaders, Orange Bowl giveaways, music, food, and other events.

Sports Events

Florida Panthers

The Boston Bruins come down to Miami to face the Florida Panthers. This is the fourth time they’re facing each other, the Panthers leading the series 2-0. Puck drop is at 1:00 p.m. EST on January 11. Tickets can be bought online.

College Basketball

Florida State men’s basketball comes down to face Miami in a rivalry game at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, at the Wasco Center. Tickets can be bought here.