10+ Hidden Gems in Miami Only Locals Know About
Most people think they know Miami—beaches, nightlife, and flashy spots that make every travel guide. Locals know a different side. There are quiet cafés, hidden parks, and restaurants without long lines that serve the best food in town. This list of hidden gems in Miami isn’t about what everyone else is doing. It’s about the places that keep their charm by staying under the radar. If you want to see Miami the way locals do, start here.
Best Hidden Gems in Miami That Only Locals Know
1. Deering Estate
A glimpse into Miami’s past, Deering Estate preserves the 1920s home of Charles Deering. This waterfront property in South Dade features nature trails, historic house tours, and art exhibitions. As an important archaeological site, it contains evidence of early Native American settlements, deepening its historical value.
- Admission: Buy tickets here.
- Website: https://deeringestate.org
- Location: 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-235-1668
2. Bayside Marketplace
Close to downtown, Bayside Marketplace brings together Latin flavors, live music, and waterfront views. The open-air market features restaurants, bars, and local artists showcasing their work. Boat tours leave from the docks, providing a different perspective of the Miami skyline.
- Website: https://baysidemarketplace.com
- Location: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-577-3344
3. Monkey Jungle
South Miami is home to Monkey Jungle, a wildlife park where primates roam in a natural habitat. Unlike traditional zoos, visitors walk through caged pathways while monkeys explore the open spaces. Since its establishment in 1933, the park has been a research site for endangered species.
- Website: https://www.monkeyjungle.com
- Location: 14805 SW 216th St. Miami
- Phone: 1 305-235-1611
4. Miami Beach Botanical Garden
For a quiet retreat, Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a three-acre green space behind the energy of South Beach. It features rare palm trees, orchids, and a koi pond. Butterflies and birds enhance the atmosphere, making it a peaceful place to unwind.
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://mbgarden.org
- Location: 2000 Convention Ctr Dr, Miami Beach
- Phone: 1 305-673-7256
5. The Kampong
Further south in Coconut Grove, The Kampong showcases exotic fruit trees and plants collected by botanist David Fairchild. This nine-acre garden requires reservations, keeping visits small and personal. It remains part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, preserving plant species from around the world.
- Reservation: Click here.
- Website: https://ntbg.org/gardens/kampong
- Location: 4013 Douglas Rd, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-442-7169
6. Wynwood Street Art Walk
In Wynwood, the Street Art Walk highlights the neighborhood’s transformation from warehouses to an outdoor art hub. Murals by well-known and emerging artists cover entire buildings, creating a dynamic scene. The area also features independent restaurants, making it an ideal place to grab a meal while exploring.
- Reservation: Click here.
- Website: https://wynwoodartwalk.com
- Location: 413 NW 27th St, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-814-9290
7. The Wolfsonian-FIU Museum
For those interested in design history, The Wolfsonian-FIU Museum presents a collection of art, architecture, and industrial design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibits focus on how design influences everyday life, from propaganda posters to vintage furniture.
- Reservation: Click here.
- Website: https://wolfsonian.org
- Location: 1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
- Phone: 1 305-531-1001
8. The Barnacle Historic State Park
Located in Coconut Grove, The Barnacle Historic State Park provides a look at Miami’s early days. Built in 1891, it’s the city’s oldest home in its original location. The park hosts outdoor concerts and film screenings throughout the year, all set against Biscayne Bay.
- Reservation: Click here.
- Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/barnacle-historic-state-park
- Location: 3485 Main Hwy, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-442-6866
9. SuViche
Food lovers appreciate SuViche, a casual restaurant blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Known for its fresh ceviche and sushi, it also serves traditional Peruvian dishes alongside a variety of sake cocktails.
- Website: https://suviche.com
- Location: 1119 16th St, Miami Beach
- Phone: 1 305-777-3555
10. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
A mix of history, art, and nature, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens stands as one of Miami’s most recognized landmarks. Built in the early 1900s, the grand estate features a European-inspired villa, formal gardens, and waterfront views. Inside, original furniture and artwork transport visitors to another era.
- Admission: Click here.
- Website: https://vizcaya.org
- Location: 3251 South Miami Ave. Miami
- Phone: 1 305-250-9133
11. Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach stands as a powerful tribute to history, created in the 1980s by a group of Holocaust survivors. The striking hand sculpture reaching toward the sky is the first thing you notice, drawing you in.
As you move through the memorial, you’ll find sculptures and inscriptions telling powerful stories of survival and loss. It’s a quiet, reflective space away from the usual crowds, offering a moment to pause, remember, and honor those who endured such hardship.
- Website: https://holocaustmemorialmiamibeach.org
- Location: 1933-1945 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach
- Phone: 1 305-538-1663
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