Everyone feels like they know Miami. It’s a city that seems ever-present in our films, TV programmes, art, and books, famed for its appeal to the rich and famous. Miami has earned itself a bit of a reputation as a playground for youngsters and party-goers, but that’s only a small part of Miami’s identity. There’s so much more to Miami that defines it as the go-to holiday spot for people of all ages and interests, much of which lives in the shadow of Florida’s greater commercialisation.
It’s time to give Miami – the real Miami – the light of day. You’ve probably contemplated visiting Miami at some point in your life, if only for the prestige of saying “I’ve been there”, and I’m here to say Miami is right for you – if you know where to look. This scrapbook of places collects together my favourite things about Miami, and hopefully you’ll fall in love with this wonderful metropolis in the Sunshine State.
South Beach
This is the classic Miami experience. Known as “SoBe” to it’s nearest and dearest, South Beach is Miami’s social hub for fun-lovers and sun worshippers. Its white sands and temperate climate are deeply reminiscent of the Caribbean, but the distinctive Art Deco architecture, colourful nightlife and boutique outlets give it a charisma all of its own. It’s renowned for its laid-back beach life, where every day is invigorated by the sea air. You could try some volleyball, sample a specialist cocktail, or just bask in the glorious sunshine. It’s the textbook VIP lifestyle.
Ocean Drive, South Beach’s main thoroughfare, is one of North America’s most recognisable skylines, peppered with the perfect balance of gourmet dining and casual beachside living. Miami’s nightlife reputation is here epitomised by the clubs and bars, most notably Mangos Tropical Cafe, but Ocean Drive is only half the story. Turn onto Lincoln Road and you can people-watch at leisure, perhaps taking in some of the art instillations or browsing the shopping district. South Beach is the posterchild of Mimai, but it’s merely the gateway into the region’s true essence.
The Biscayne National Park
Many people immediately associate Florida with the draw of Disney. In reality this is only a small portion of the Floridian identity, all be it a highly publicised one. Florida is actually outstandingly beautiful, and much of it can be enjoyed for free (or just a handful of dollars).
Miami’s Biscayne National Park is an excellent example. Of the 172,000 acres that make up the national park, 95% is submerged and the rest is emerald mangrove islets. Biscayne National Park is home to bushy nature trails, and the seafloor hosts a booming coral reef system of unprecedented colour and variety. It also has an excellent cross-section of the real (non-commercialised) Floridian heritage, from piracy to pineapple farming.
You can walk a trail around the mangroves, take a glass-bottom boat tour for some coral gazing, or plunge into a full-on diving adventure in the deeper depths. You could even pitch up a tent and watch the wildlife, if you’re feeling a little rustic. The choice is yours, and the local Dante Fascell Visitor Centre is full of exhibits and talks to fill your mind with natural knowledge. Just make sure you book any tours in advance; they can get quite busy, given the magnetism of the National Park.
Little Havana
Miami’s cultural landscape has been heavily influenced by Cuba. In the wake of the Cuban Revolution many Cubans left for Miami in search of greater economic prospects. In the 15 years after the revolution, roughly 500,000 Cubans made the move to Miami, but stayed true to the roots of their homeland.
Little Havana is the epicentre of Hispanic culture in Miami. Calle Ocho is its heart, and it resonates with traditional Cuban restaurants, speciality shops, and Latin music. There’s even a Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, the Hispanic equivalent of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and a memorial for the Bay of Pigs. It’s a wonderful place to wander with the locals, and you won’t need to spend a cent (unless the shops suitably woo you). Definitely worth a little exploration.
The Redland
Despite how it looks in the movies, Miami isn’t all beaches and bars. The inland area, known as The Redland, has loads of curiosities well away from the main tourist circuit.
Robert Is Here is a quirky family-owned fruit stand famous for its mind-blowing milkshakes. It’s renowned for the juiciest selection of fruit and veg in the area, and the chutneys, jellies and jams are beyond scrumptious. There’s even a petting zoo for the junior Holidaymakers. Grab a shake, pick up some homemade delicacies, and get a real taste of Miami.
Knaus Berry Farm is a Homestead with a local reputation for incredible baked goods, the moorish cinnamon rolls in particular. Home to a vast strawberry farm, if you time your visit well you can pick your own strawberries, and they don’t get more succulent than that. It’s also great fun walking the land and sampling the produce.
There’s loads more to sample too, and Rob’s Redland Riot is a tour across some of the Redland’s most distinctive attractions. It’s not as boisterous as it sounds (Rob was a little carried away with alliteration methinks), and if you’d prefer to explore Mimai solo you can print the map and do it yourself. Orchards, farms, and vineyards are all on the agenda, and you’ll have a great time getting to grips with Miami’s agricultural heritage.
Miami Science Museum
The USA is somewhat of a technological powerhouse, and it’s no big secret that they like to showcase their super scientific developments. The Miami Science Museum is one of the greatest collections of science and technology in the country, renowned for its hands-on instillations and interactive exhibits. Only a small portion of the museum is static, so the exhibits rotate to keep up to date with whatever’s the buzz in the science community. Physics, biology, and chemistry are all reimagined in new, welcoming ways, with everything from nanotech to Native Americans in its repertoire. No matter your age you’re encouraged to interact with the exhibits and have fun harvesting fascinating knowledge.
The planetarium deserves special attention. The kernel of the planetarium is a funky device known as a SPITZ Space Transit Planetarium, a star projector that allows you to recreate the night sky as seen from any point on the surface of the Earth. It also serves as a theatre for short, engaging documentaries about the solar system, with a programme that changes regularly. This is one of the most impressive space exhibits you’ll find anywhere, and with entry currently set at about $15 for an adult and $11 for a child, it’s an excellent value day for all involved.
Discover Miami
That’s my story; it’s time to make your own. Find your own favourite spots in Miami – the real Miami – and see the awesome things that are hidden within.
Got your own Miami tips? Find this guide useful? Any burning questions? let us know in the comments below. Together we can give the best of Miami the love it deserves.
All images used in this blog are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0.
