Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, this year. Here's where to watch a parade, what's closed and where veterans get in free.

Miami Beach Veterans Day Parade, Wednesday, Nov. 11

The parade steps off at 11:11 a.m. at Fifth Street and Ocean Drive and ends at 15th Street, the City of Miami Beach says.

A wreath-laying ceremony follows at 12:15 p.m. at Lummus Park, along Ocean Drive between 11th and 12th streets. The event runs until 5 p.m. and is open to the public.

Getting there: The free Miami Beach trolley serves the area. The closest city garages are at 200 Seventh St., 512 12th St., 1301 Collins Ave. and 1557 Washington Ave. Bike parking is nearby.

Heads up: Miami Beach's water taxi won't run Nov. 11, and city offices are closed.

Before the parade: From Nov. 2 to 10, you can send a thank-you letter or video to veterans through the city's online form. Messages will be projected on The Betsy hotel's Orb, 1440 Ocean Drive, from 6 to 11 p.m. each night. From Nov. 7 to 10, a bugle call will sound at sunset at The Betsy, at Lincoln Road and Pennsylvania Avenue, and at 73rd Street and Ocean Terrace.

You can also drop off a letter in person on Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lummus Park at Fifth Street. Participants get a commemorative hat while supplies last.

Miami Lakes Veterans Parade, Sunday, Nov. 8

The Town of Miami Lakes holds its 47th annual Veterans Day Parade from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 8. It runs along NW 67th Avenue, also called Ludlam Road, near Main Street and ends at Town Hall, 6601 Main St. A ceremony there honors grand marshal Larry Borman.

What's closed and what's open on Nov. 11

  • Closed: Miami-Dade County offices and all county library branches, according to the county's holiday list and the library system.
  • Closed: Miami-Dade County Public Schools, for students and employees, per the district calendar.
  • Closed: Post offices. There's no regular mail delivery that day, USPS says.
  • Open: Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover run normal schedules.
  • Open: County garbage and recycling pickup and trash and recycling centers run as usual.

One more school note: Miami-Dade students are also off Tuesday, Nov. 3, Election Day, for a teacher planning day.

Deals for veterans

  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave., Coconut Grove: Free admission for U.S. veterans and active-duty military with valid ID, every day it's open. It can't be booked online, so go to the admissions desk. See Vizcaya's ticket page.
  • Zoo Miami: 50% off adult admission for active or former U.S. military, plus 25% off for up to six guests. Buy at the zoo's ticket building with military photo ID, per Zoo Miami.

Planning ahead? Check our Election Day guide for Tuesday and our Halloween closures guide for how Miami Beach handles big events on Ocean Drive.

Veterans Park in Miami Lakes
Veterans Park in Miami Lakes in 2023. Source