How to Spend 4 Hours in Miami: The Bass and Collins Park on the Beach
Updated October 12, 2026
A 1930 coral stone building in Collins Park, built as Miami Beach's library and art center, now holds The Bass, a museum of contemporary art steps from the ocean. Start in the free botanical garden nearby, walk out to the beach, then see the exhibitions inside.
Collins Park, at the north end of South Beach, is the city's cultural corner, with The Bass, the public library and the beach all within a block. The museum began as a gift of art from John and Johanna Bass in the 1960s, in a building first used as a library, and it now shows contemporary art in expanded galleries. A short walk west, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a free, quiet garden of palms, orchids and ponds beside the convention center. Several Metrobus routes cross the causeways from downtown to Miami Beach, so no Uber is needed. The Bass opens Wednesday to Sunday, from midday, so start in the garden and end at the museum.
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The 4 hour plan, stop by stop
Stops and travel: 1 hr 50 min to 2 hr 15 min of 4 hours
This small garden beside the convention center has palms, cycads, orchids on living walls, a Japanese garden and a water garden, with shaded paths and benches. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles redesigned it, and it is a calm break from the busy streets nearby. Signs name the plants as you go, and a small boutique by the entrance sells plants and gifts. Admission is always free, and it opens Tuesday to Sunday.
Tip: Scan the QR codes on the signs for a free audio tour on your phone. The Japanese garden at the back is the quietest corner.
- Time here
- 25 to 35 min
- Website
- mbgarden.org
NaviTime to head out from Miami Beach Botanical Garden for Collins Park. It's a 12 minute walk if you leave now. Here's the link
Collins Park runs from Collins Avenue to the ocean at 21st Street, with lawns in front of The Bass and a path out to the beach. The Miami Beach Beachwalk passes along the dunes at the east end, and the sand is usually quieter here than at Lummus Park to the south. The Miami Beach Regional Library faces the park, and the big hotels of Collins Avenue rise on either side. It is free and open daily, with lifeguards on the beach.
Tip: Follow the path to the Beachwalk and walk a few minutes along the dunes before you turn back. Rinse your feet at the beach shower before going into the museum.
- Time here
- 15 to 20 min
NaviTime to head out from Collins Park for The Bass. It's a 3 minute walk if you leave now. Here's the link
The Bass shows international contemporary art in its original 1930 building and the galleries added behind it, with changing exhibitions and works from its collection. The facade still carries carved relief panels from its library days. As of October 2026, general admission is $15, and walk in visits are welcome. It opens Wednesday to Sunday, from midday into the late afternoon.
Tip: Buy a ticket on the website on the way over to skip the desk. Look for the relief panels above the entrance before you go in.
- Time here
- 55 min to 1 hr 5 min
- Website
- thebass.org
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