Miami is a city of beauty, beauty in people and beauty in culture. It’s easy to fall into the tourist traps when you are a tourist, but seeing Miami through the lens of a local friend will truly show you the other side: something more real but still completely surreal. From hidden treasures and quirky gems off the beaten path to some of the popular spots to eat, drink, and be merry, there are so many opportunities and places you can discover beyond some of the better-known things the city has on offer. Here’s how to experience Miami like a local.
Bypass the Tourist Spots and Explore the Local Neighborhoods
Sure, South Beach and Ocean Drive are iconic, but they’re touristy as hell. Instead, take your time to browse through Miami’s special neighborhoods, all with their very own attitude and style.
Wynwood is a must-visit. Wynwood Walls is the epicenter of Miami’s art scene, with its colorful street art. Shuffle along lively murals, pop into neighborhood galleries, and pause at cool cafes and stylish boutiques up and down the stretch. For a quieter vibe, Coconut Grove has lots of foliage and historic houses on charming, tree-lined streets with lots of mom-and-pop shops and restaurants.
At Little Havana, you can get a glimpse of what Miami Cuban culture has to offer. Stroll through Calle Ocho, pop into the cigar shops, or sit along the street with a cafecito, Cuban coffee, at one of the cafes. If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter some live music, among other things, or come across the locals playing dominoes in Domino Park.
Tip: Use a rented bike or scooter to cruise these neighborhoods at your own pace all day long. Miami is bike-friendly, and this is a more eco-friendly way to get around.
Dine Like a Local at Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurants
It’s a food lover’s mecca in Miami. The high-end restaurants are many, but the true local flavor can often be found at hole-in-the-wall places and family-owned shops.
And don’t go to one of those chain coffee places for breakfast; instead, head to Versailles in Little Havana, a Miami institution serving hearty Cuban food. The Cuban toast and café con leche are local favorites. Another destination: Sergio’s Cuban Restaurant for hefty Cuban standards like ropa vieja (shredded beef) and lechón (roast pork).
For lunch, hit up a staple for fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, La Sandwich. This casual spot, with locations in South Beach and Wynwood, is a neighborhood treasure. Mamma Leone’s in Coral Gables is another secret spot for Italian food enthusiasts, with homemade pasta and nice sauces and bone china to be had in a snug and unpretentious place.
Zuma and Nobu are both known for upscale dining for lunch or dinner, but for fresh seafood, particularly during crab season, locals go to Joe’s Stone Crab in South Beach. Or try The Local House in South Beach for fresh seafood and cocktails in a casual setting.
Tip: If you like Cuban, check out the Cuban sandwich—a Miami specialty. There are many versions to be found around the city.
How to Enjoy Miami’s Outdoors Like a Local
The outdoor life in Miami is one of its best-kept secrets. Avoid the packed beaches and instead, go to the city’s parks and green areas that locals love.
Bayfront Park is a picturesque waterfront park in downtown Miami on Biscayne Bay. It’s an excellent spot to go running in the morning, have a picnic, or simply relax by the water. Virginia Key Beach, with its calm water, clear waters, and view, is also a local favorite. It provides just the right environment for those looking for a mellower beach experience.
Everglades National Park is a short drive for nature enthusiasts. It’s one of the biggest national parks in the U.S. and provides a range of wildlife-watching possibilities, from alligators and manatees to all sorts of bird life. You can go on an air-boat tour or BYOB and meander the park’s numerous walking trails.
Tip: Miami’s weather is hot and humid, especially during the summer. Don’t forget to use sunscreen and a hat and keep hydrated if you are spending time outside.
Take a Local Art Tour
Miami has a dynamic art scene that extends well beyond the well-known Art Basel. The Wynwood Walls are a must-visit, but there are many other galleries and local art events to check out.
There are countless galleries featuring global contemporary art in Wynwood. Explore the neighborhood’s art scene further in the Wynwood Gallery District. Further south is the Rubell Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of contemporary art.
For a more conventional art experience, visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This early 20th-century estate is an 82-acre vision of Italian Renaissance-style architecture and features a glorious garden overlooking Biscayne Bay. It is less busy than the more popular art sites, which translates to a quieter and more immersive experience.
Tip: If you’re in town during Art Basel (typically in December), make sure to visit the free art shows, open galleries, and outdoor installations all over the city.
How to Catch Live Music at Local Venues
Miami has a vibrant music scene, and although places like Liv and Story are known for their high-end nightlife, the locals choose the smaller, cozier clubs that play live music and promote local talent.
And get ready to hit up Ball & Chain in Little Havana for live Latin music and salsa dancing. This storied space has been a Miami fixture since the 1930s. And in Midtown, Lagniappe House is also known for its live jazz and relaxed vibe and for sipping wine beneath the stars.
The underground venue The Ground in Wynwood has live music by local and international indie bands if you’re into indie music. It’s one of the best places to hear music outside the glitzy nightclub circuit.
Tip: Miami’s music is varied, so you’ll hear anything from reggae to jazz, hip-hop, and EDM. Look in local event listings for live shows happening during your visit.
How to Explore Miami’s Hidden Beaches
Miami has internationally renowned beaches. For example, South Beach and Key Biscayne. But some of our favorite spots here are more off-the-beaten-path than that.
Surfside Beach sits a short drive north of Miami Beach and is a small, family-friendly beach. It’s more intimate and ideal for a leisurely day on the water. Likewise, unlike the pulsating South Beach, there is a more relaxed vibe at North Beach with much space and many fewer tourists.
For an even more serene experience, visit Matheson Hammock Park, a best-kept-secret Coral Gables spot. This park also provides a serene beachfront with a man-made atoll pool, ideal for swimming or simply lounging in a quieter environment.
Tip: Take along a cooler with a picnic for an easy day at the beach. These are typically free, and on many of Miami’s less crowded beaches, you can find picnic tables and shaded areas to help you get comfortable.
Shop at Local Markets and Boutiques
Other than, of course, the high-end malls, which from a local perspective aren’t the best places to shop.
One of a dozen ways to get local product in Miami, the Pinecrest Farmers Market always draws a crowd to pick up ripe produce, snacks, and artisanal treats. For something a little more eclectic, head to the Miami Design District, with a little bit of local designer, art gallery, and luxury boutiques all in one.
When it comes to shopping local, if you want to support Miami’s local culture and economy, Coconut Grove Organic Market is also a must in order to shop for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade products, and other eco-friendly goods.
Tip: If the Stickies truck isn’t near you, look for local events and pop-up markets around the city. These are wonderful farmers markets filled with beautiful stores and local vendors!
Enjoy Miami’s Nightlife, the Local Way
Miami’s nightlife is legendary, but to enjoy it like a local, bypass the overhyped clubs and bars and visit joints where locals frequent.
The Broken Shaker (in Freehand Miami) is a favorite for locals who love its chill vibes, craft cocktails, and cool scene. Recommended spots also include the award-winning cocktail bar Sweet Liberty, with a good drink and friendly vibe. For a true taste of local life, stop by The Corner in downtown Miami, which serves late-night eats and craft cocktails in a snug, speakeasy-style environment.
Tip on How to enjoy: Miami’s nightlife can be pricey, particularly in touristy spots. Also, try to hit up some of the smaller, hole-in-the-wall bars to get a more authentic and cheaper experience.
Conclusion
Seeing Miami as a Local You’ll love to know Seeing Miami like a local is all about soaking in the city’s unique culture, local neighborhoods, and variety of experiences. From secluded beaches and tucked-away parks to off-the-radar restaurants and under-the-radar art spots, there’s so much more to Miami than the beach and the mall. Going off the beaten track, you will get a real feel for the city and some great memories. So when you’re back, look past the highlights and see Miami as locals do.