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Miami is known as the Magic City for a reason! Sandwiched between the Everglades and the Beaches, Miami has a lot of incredibly unique things to offer for every single traveler. Now the incredible beaches of South Florida will never steer you wrong, but if you’re looking for recommendations on beaches this isn’t the post for you.
Unsure if you should visit Miami or Fort Lauderdale? Check out this post detailing the differences.
Unique Things To See in Miami
- Gaze at all the art in Wynwood Walls. If you feel up to a splurge check out the private tour of the walls!
- Stroll through the Vizcaya Gardens while enjoying the views and beautiful architecture.
- Bike ride through the historic Art Deco buildings in Miami Beach
- Take Instagram pictures with all the fun shaped and brightly colored lifeguard towers on South Beach while you enjoy the sunshine.
- Learn about all the unique plants and flowers at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Feel the peace and tranquility of the garden while you explore all it has to offer.
- Walk along the bay at Bayside and into Brickell to explore all the local vendors and restaurants.
- Enjoy views of the ocean during brunch at the Rusty Pelican
- Go for a walk around the park and snap pictures at the Museum Park
- Find an art walk to experience local artists’ work. There are many Interactive Art Exhibits in Miami.
- Explore downtown via the PeopleMover. Its free and automatic transportation which allows you to explore see downtown from above. If the PeopleMover isn’t for you, try the Hop On Hop Off bus to see all the Miami sights.
Check out the Caverns in Northern Florida! Another unique thing to do in Florida.
Unique Eats in Miami
- Versailles
- No matter what any one else tells you this is the best Cuban restaurant. A MUST visit when in Miami and walking down Calle Ocho (Little Havana). Try the Medianoche (Cuban sandwich) and get some plantain chips for the table. However only get the Cuban coffee if you’re interested in staying up all night, but don’t pass up any of the desserts.
- Located: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
- The Big Pink
- Just as the name would state, the restaurant is gloriously pink with BIG portions. Its the diner of your dreams.
- Located: 157 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Politan Row Food Hall
- Located in the Design District, this gourmet culinary destination features stalls from a dozen local chefs and a wide array of cuisines.
- Located: 140 NE 39th St Suite 241, Miami, FL 33137
- Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill
- Sitting right on the Miami River this restaurant will have you craving seafood from the moment you walk in. While you’re there try out the stone crabs.
- Located: 400 NW N River Dr, Miami, FL 33128
- Komodo
- A stylish, high-end Asian bistro. You need a reservation for sure.
- Located: 801 Brickell Ave, Miami
- Swan
- This is the hottest new restaurant! Its a new take on European food, with a very instagrammable feel.
- Located: 90 NE 39th St, Miami
- Coyo Taco
- This is a fun, fresh taco shop. With a couple locations in Miami, its definitely easy to stop in. Especially while you’re walking around downtown or Brickell.
- Perricone’s
- A beautiful Italian restaurant just outside Downtown Miami, in Mary Brickell Village. You have the option to dine inside or out and the whole restaurant has a very romantic and quaint feel. There’s often live music and the menu never disappoints.
- Located: 15 SE 1 St, Miami, FL 33131
- Blackbird Ordinary
- This is a fun bar with lots of dancing. While you’re there try out the bar’s namesake drink “A Blackbird”. They usually have local, live music.
- Located: 729 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130
- Barton G. The Restaurant Miami Beach
- Known for its over the top and crazy dishes. This restaurant is on the higher end of prices, but well worth the joy that comes with each dish. At the very least go for the desserts.
- Located: 1427 West Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Interested in finding out what food is traditional or unique to Miami? Check it out here!
Unique Activities to do in Miami
- Head to the Everglades
- You can take an airboat ride through the Everglades and maybe sight some alligators. While you’re there try alligator nuggets! This is a Florida specialty.
- Jet Ski to Stiltsville
- Off the shore of Key Biscayne you’ll find Stiltsville. This is a neighborhood of houses on stilts in the ocean. Rent a jet ski and then go visit the homes that live on stilts just south of Key Biscayne.
- Monkey Jungle
- Ball & Chain in Little Havana
- Watch the Abuelitos play dominoes at Domino Park in Little Havana. They can spend hours playing dominoes, they might even teach you.
- Experience the Night Life the city has to offer
- Take a boat tour
- There’s a variety of boat tours to do in Miami. Anything from a speed boat tour to a pirate boat tour. Or a party boat!
- Book a Cabana at Tidal Cove Water Park
- The newly-opened Tidal Cove at Turnberry Isle Resort—which is technically in Aventura, just north of Miami. But still worth mentioning! Turnberry Isle Resort manages to offer an experience that’s enjoyable for kids and adults.
- Swim in the historic Venetian Pool which has fresh spring water. You’ll notice when you’re there that the water is colder than you’d expect. Its quite refreshing for a Miami summer.
- Go to tea or brunch at the Biltmore Hotel. Enjoy fabulous finger sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and tea while being treated like royalty. You can also decide to get pampered further by staying the night.
If you decide you want to get out of the city for a relaxing road trip check out this Florida Keys Road Trip.
Let me know which were your favorite places to visit!
