Are you traveling to the US state of Florida any time soon? What about Miami?  Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t sure exactly where to go when you get there. Sure, you might want to spend some time on a sunny slice of sand but as previously reported, America’s “Sunshine State” offers travelers 8,500 miles of warm, cozy coastline.  

Veteran visitors confirm that Miami is a great place for beach aficionados. Some say it’s one of the best cities on the planet to catch some rays and soak in some vitamin D. Others add it’s a great place for shopaholics too.

Mind you, that all translates to Miami being a tourist town too. Yes, there are many places a first-timer should see. However, if you’re a more seasoned traveler and want to avoid the trademarked tourist spots, then you should definitely consider these 10 hidden gems in Miami, Florida.

10 Hidden Gems In Miami, Florida

1. SuViche

If you enjoy eating at distinctive dining establishments, be sure to get a table at SuViche. It is one of the popular examples of noteworthy cultural fusions that some say define Miami’s food culture. More specifically, SuViche is a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant in the Miami neighborhood of Wynwood. After dinner, you can get some exercise by strolling the streets of this entertainment district and exploring the street art, breweries, dance venues, clothing boutiques, and additional retail options.

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Bal Harbour Beach

Bal Harbour Beach is located in one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Some travel bloggers say this specific beach is a great place for both people-watching and just plain relaxing. This serene sunny spot is a lot calmer than a number of Miami’s busy beaches. The peaceful waters of Bal Harbour Beach are perfect for a refreshing little swim. It has a restful ambiance and extensive spans of sand where you can enjoy some quality quiet time. 

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Bayside Marketplace

The Bayside Marketplace is another exceptional hidden gem in Miami. Located in downtown Miami, it is a great place for a leisurely afternoon trip. This waterfront park is highlighted by a number of different businesses including shops and assorted eateries. It’s a nice place to wander around and spontaneously sample some of the local grub. Ah, but it’s not just a food spot for foodies. There is even an amphitheater where people can take a break and enjoy some live music.

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El Fresco Courtyard

Venture to the outskirts of Miami’s own Little Havana. For it is here, and only here, that you will find the El Fresco Courtyard. Local street artist Dave “Krave” Fila, reportedly preserves El Fresco. To date, it remains a hip, chill place outdoors. It not only showcases his own artwork but includes a small stage almost famous for impromptu performances. Food trucks even sometimes stop there so visitors can enjoy both the local artwork and get a bit to eat as well.

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Wat Buddharangsi

Not to be confused with the city in California, the Redlands in Miami is actually an agricultural area and “historic unincorporated community” well-known for fruit stands and farmer’s markets. What many do not know is that it is also where you can discover your personal zen at the city’s Theravada Buddhist temple, known as the Wat Buddharangsi. Here you can steep in spirituality and meet the monks who manage this sanctum of serenity.

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Stone Age Antiques

Touted on social media as “the coolest store you’ve never seen,” Stone Age Antiques is not really exaggerating. Seriously, how many of you readers out there can say they have even heard of this place before reading this entry? Yet this shop on the mighty Miami River is the place to be for anyone into thrift shopping or vintage finds. Here you’ll discover many things to browse and buy. Indeed, it’s one of the best places in all of Miami to shop ‘til you drop.   

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Rouge

Rouge is said by some to be one of Miami’s best French restaurants. It was also once voted Miami Beach’s most romantic French and Moroccan restaurant. Indeed, the secret is that this exceptional eatery actually blends both French and Moroccan tastes and cultures. Mind you, while the food is certainly sample-worthy, it is the Rouge’s cozy courtyard that makes this restaurant stand out because it features bougainvillea plants, a Moroccan design, and even the occasional jazz concert.

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Tinta y Cafe

Visit Coral Gables and you will find this noteworthy Cuban cafe. Those in the know say it’s a great place for a cup of genuine Cuban coffee. Mind you, this cafe is also praised for its surprising variety of Cuban sandwiches and desserts, which obviously makes it a great place to grab a bite for lunch. Check it out!

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Manatee Bend Park

Miami’s Manatee Bend Park is the place to spot manatees. No, the city of Miami doesn’t exactly have much green space. Yes, this park is comparatively small. Still, it’s a great little place to relax. Here you can kick back in the soft grass and keep an eye out for manatees or “sea cows” as some often call them.

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The Stiltsville Houses

The Stiltsville houses are a group of distinctive wooden buildings situated roughly one mile south of Cape Florida. Named after the stilts upon which they are built, the houses are actually positioned on sand flats and look like they are floating in the water and are decades old. You can actually sign up for a boat tour and explore the historic section of town and take in the attractive surrounding scenery as well.

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Beer Can Island

The lesser-known Beer Can Island in Sarasota may not be one of Miami’s hidden gems, but it offers more privacy than most places in Florida. It’s not your typical Florida Beach either. It has its own distinctive look featuring a beach surrounded by old tree trunks. Regular readers may recall that this intimate locale place is perfect for just forgetting your troubles and cuddling cozily in a hammock!

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Are you heading to Key West in Florida?  Good choice!  There’s a lot to do there from water adventures to the social scene.  Here is a list of the 15 top things to do in Key West.

1.  See The Southernmost Point

The Instagrammable Southernmost Point is found at South and Whitehead Streets. This place is significant because from here you only need to travel 90 miles to reach Cuba.  In 1983 the City of Key West erected a special concrete oversized buoy here.  Ever since then this peculiar landmark has become one of the isle’s most photographed places.    

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Take A Tour Of The Hemingway Home

Key West might be small but there’s a lot of history here.  There are also a lot of museums.  Why not begin your visit with the popular Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.  You’ll find it in Old Town Key West.  Explore the former home of the Nobel Prize winner and pet one of the famous six-toed cats too. 

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Walk Down Duval Street

Veteran visitors confirm that Duval Street is the place to be in Key West.  This popular passage runs north and south from thriving Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point.  It features funky boutiques, outdoor cafes, art galleries, restaurants, and some of the nation’s most well-known bars and saloons too.  The American Planning Association declared it an official “Great Street” in 2012.

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Enjoy A Paddle Adventure

Try taking a stand-up paddleboard or kayak through the many mangroves and beyond to the sun-kissed crystal clear water.  Then you can go for a little swim with tropical fish, sea turtles and possibly a dolphin.  Take a class in PaddleYoga.  There are even companies that offer private charters and guided tours.  Rentals are as low as $30.00 each.

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5Visit The Key West Lighthouse

Again, Key West has a lot of history.  Part of that is the Key West Lighthouse & Museum.  It harkens back to the 1800s and is managed by the Key West Art and Historical Society.  So climb those 88 steps up to the top.  Learn about the first lighthouse keeper, Barbara Mabrity, who was one of the only ladies who had the position. 

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Hit The Beach

This one’s a no-brainer!  Smathers Beach has everything you need for a day of fun in the sun.  Hit the beach and enjoy yourself!  Swim in the aquamarine water.  

Rent a mini-sailboat.  Play a rousing game of volleyball on the sand or simply relax.  You can rent chairs, rafts, umbrellas, and even more for as little as $10.00 a day.

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Set Sail In Sunset

Another well-known natural attraction here in Key West is the stunning sunsets.  Naturally, you really must make time to set sail for an exceptional evening that is both beautiful and traditional.  There are businesses here that specialize in a number of different sunset cruise opportunities.  They range from peppy run and reggae parties to rather romantic champagne-style cruises.  Rates start at $40.00.

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Go Barhopping

Not big on water sports?  Key West has plenty to do for partiers too.  It’s home to numerous unique clubs and bars as well.  

Frequent flyers suggest starting at Captain Tony’s Saloon.  Opened in 1851, this pub was originally an icehouse that also served as a morgue.  This historic hot spot once hosted such celebs as  Jimmy Buffett, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and the infamous Captain Tony himself.

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Browse The Local Art

Some travelers believe that the local artists are often inspired by the beautiful tropical landscape and the eclectic culture too.  Whatever the case, Key West has many artistic residents.  Browse the numerous art galleries along Duval Street.  The best place to start is at Gallery Uno where you can check out the work of well-known local artist Alberto DeAndrea.

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Taste The Key Lime Pie

Foodies and folks with a sweet tooth simply must sample a slice (or more) of the delicious Key lime pie.  Those in the know suggest stopping in at Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe.  It has been a popular place for dessert for decades now.  Be sure to try their citrus salsa, lime mango chutney, and homemade taffy too.

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Catch A Great Show

Don’t forget!  Key West offers visitors great entertainment choices too.  See a drag queen show at Aqua Key West or take in the nightly celebration held at Mallory Square.  It features many local artisans.  You can even catch one of the popular COAST Projects’ live concerts.  Don’t forget the Waterfront Playhouse or the Red Barn Theatre either.

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 Go Biking Around Town

If you’d like a little exercise, travel the isle via bicycle.  It’s a nice way to enjoy the Key West sunshine and warm tropical breezes.  In fact, several of the hotels in town even rent bicycles to their guests.  It’s an invigorating way to take in the sights and avoid the hassle of hunting for parking spots.

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  Try Dining al Fresco

Again, Key West has plenty of options for anyone looking to eat his/her way around the isle.  Begin your food run on Duval Street at Caroline’s Café at the Dr. Joseph Y. Porter House.  Try Caroline’s Famous Fish Sandwich or some Key West conch fritters.  Finally, have a tasty handcrafted cocktail at Caroline’s Other Side. 

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 “Butterfly Kisses”

Visit the popular Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.  It’s a great place to see especially if you like vibrant butterflies and nature in general.  There you will discover not only 50+ species of butterflies but also waterfalls , and gardens as well.  Admission here is as low as $12.00 per adult and only $8.50 for children.

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Take The Ferry To The Dry Tortugas

Take a 70-minute Yankee Freedom ferry ride to the Dry Tortugas National Park.  If you like boat rides then charter a boat.  Highlights here include one of the country’s biggest 19-century fortresses.  The Ferry rides are as low as $175.00 per adult and $125.00 per child.  Prices include the entrance fee to the park.

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