Hidden Gems in Miami: How To Get off the Beaten Path
Miami is famous for its white-sand beaches, trendy nightclubs and restaurants, and sexy, glitzy vibe. And while it is certainly all those things—think luxury yacht trips, see-and-be-seen nights on the town, and spring break partying—the city also boasts plenty of secret natural wonders, cultural activities, and ways to explore the sun, sand, and waves that go well beyond just sunning yourself on South Beach with the tourists.
Instead of (or in addition to) all of the regular tourist to-dos and beach visits, check out some of these alternative Miami attractions for a more authentic and local side of the city and its sunny Florida surroundings.
1. Explore the lesser-known swamps
Head to Redland for wetlands beyond the Everglades.
Florida’s wetlands are much more expansive than just the well-known Everglades National Park. Redland is an area south of Miami that is often referred to as the outback of Florida. A hidden gem in Miami, the area is home to wetlands and canals that you can explore on an ATV tour either by day or night. You can also visit local farms, see the area by bike, or head to the swampy mangrove preserve east of Redland in Homestead.
2. Get out onto the water
Lose the crowds by heading into the Atlantic Ocean by boat.
In Miami, there’s nothing like spending a morning jogging along, suntanning, or playing volleyball on Miami Beach. However, you’ll be there right alongside everyone else in town on a pleasant day, so you might want to have a more unique experience in Miami and consider a private boat rental. You can charter a yacht with a captain to see the sights of Miami and its skyline from the sea, without having to have a boating license of your own.
3. Wander through the Kampong
The Kampong is a haven of plants and green space.
The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden near Coconut Grove is one of the top secret spots in Miami. A lush and colorful paradise home to numerous types of tropical fruit trees, the gardens feature mango trees, avocado plants, bamboo, ferns, and more. The Kampong is a research and education center that dates back decades, and it offers both guided and self-guided tours to learn about its history and many species; whichever you choose, you’ll leave with a newfound expertise on tropical plants.
4. Visit the Miami Design District
Trade art deco for modern architecture in the Miami Design District.
If you’re looking for local favorites in Miami, consider the Miami Design District—an area full of modern architectural gems and high-end designer stores, including Cartier and Tom Ford. It’s also home to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Miami, where you can admire abstract and modern works by local and international artists. It also offers a nice alternative to South Beach for self-guided Miami walking tours. Afterwards, you can easily stroll over to the Albert Pallot Park to see the giant domino structure that hovers over the beach.
5. Admire art in Wynwood
Wynwood is the place to be for street art, dining, and shopping.
Although it’s no longer a hidden place to visit in Miami, you can still escape the hordes of tourists in Wynwood, a newly revitalized district featuring colorful street art murals, cool galleries, trendy restaurants, and cute boutiques. Wynwood is a regular stop on Miami art tours; you can even take a tour in a golf cart through the district—only in Florida! By evening, head here for craft breweries, hipster bars, and stylish nightclubs.
6. Spend an afternoon in Matheson Hammock Park
Hang with the locals at Matheson Hammock Park.
If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Miami, consider Matheson Hammock Park, a lagoon beach, park, and marina. Its shallow, calm waters are ideal for families with small children, plus it boasts perfect views of Miami’s skyline in the distance, especially around sunset. There are shady areas that are ideal for a picnic, palm trees that sway over the idyllic sands, and lifeguards to ensure safe swimming. It feels off the beaten path in Miami, but it’s actually quite easy to get to, as it's only about half an hour south of central Coral Gables.
7. Eat your way through Little Havana
Sample Cuban and Latin food in Little Havana.
One of the most underrated places in Miami, Little Havana feels like a snapshot of Cuba: residents playing dominoes in the park, the sounds of salsa music wafting through the streets, colorful buildings, and street art. The neighborhood often features on Miami food tours, but it also deserves to be explored independently, so plan to wander around and absorb the Latin ambiance. Go salsa dancing, stop for a game of dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park, or dine at one of the many eateries.
8. Discover Oleta River State Park and Raccoon Island
Meet an island of raccoons in Oleta River State Park and Raccoon Island.
One of the best Miami off-the-beaten-path places for a swampy canoe or kayak tour is Oleta River State Park. Although it’s Florida’s largest urban state park, located just 30 minutes away from downtown Miami, it’s not a popular stop on the tourist trail. Here, you can camp, cycle, picnic, or fish. Book a boat tour to Raccoon Island—also known as Sandspur Island—to see the island’s large community of raccoons.
9. Check out Virginia Key
Explore Virginia Key en route to Key Biscayne.
Many travelers skip over Virginia Key and head straight to Key Biscayne. But this barrier island has wetlands, PADI diving schools, walking and hiking trails, the Virginia Key Historic Beach Park, Hobie Island Beach Park, and even a quiet stretch of sand aptly named Hidden Beach. It’s also home to the Miami Seaquarium, the Miami Rowing Club, and the Miami Marine Stadium, a historical building that hosts concerts and car races.
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