Miami has endless things to see and do, from the Art Deco District and the Wynwood Walls to the famous South Beach. But once you’ve exhausted all the top tourist attractions, you’ll find that there’s still more to uncover. Better yet, there are plenty of places that fly under the radar, meaning they experience fewer crowds and bring you closer to an authentic Miami experience.
At Miami Culinary Tours, we know this city like the back of our hand through our Miami Food and Culture Tours. And while we love showing both locals and visitors all this city has to offer, we know even more awaits.
So if you’re wondering where are the non-touristic places to explore in Miami, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve created this guide to some of the locations in Miami that will take you off the beaten track. Keep reading to find out, or feel free to contact us with any questions about our excursions.
Would you believe that you could find a Medieval monastery built in Spain right in Miami? The Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach was originally constructed in the 12th century in Sacramenia in Spain. After being bought by an American, it was dismantled and reconstructed stone by stone in Miami, with Time magazine calling it “the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history.” Today, it serves as the St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, but you can also visit it for a taste of ancient Spain right in Florida!
For a truly unique experience, why not dive underwater to Neptune Memorial Reef — the largest conceived man-made reef and a burial site. The Neptune Memorial Reef primarily functions as a cemetery, with even Julia Child being interred here. This memorial site also serves as an artificial reef, making it one of the most remarkable diving locations in Miami and likely the world.
Located off the coast of Biscayne Bay at a depth of 40 feet, both snorkelers and scuba divers can access the site. You can join a number of boat tours that will take you here or charter a boat yourself. Diving here is an unparalleled excursion into both the marine world and remembrance.
If you want to miss the touristic beaches of Miami, then Matheson Hammock Park and Marina is the place to be. Near Coral Gables, this 630-acre park features hardwood forests, beaches, and a man-made atoll! The park is popular among local families thanks to the calm waters of the atoll, perfect for children to swim in.
And if you’re looking for some adventure, you can enjoy plenty of watersports here too, including kitesurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can have a bite to eat at the picnic tables or make a stop at the onsite restaurant.
Read our Guide to Miami’s Beaches for more details on the best beaches for your needs!
As a museum and nature preserve all in one, the Deering Estate offers an outing in Miami that will suit every taste. The estate has a history dating back 10,000 years, with Native American artifacts having been found on the land. Today, you can tour the historic homes, browse art exhibits, or even go hiking on the estate or kayaking in the bay.
Throughout the year, Deering Estate also hosts a number of exciting events, including their famous historic ghost tours (where apparitions have reportedly been spotted), butterfly and bird walks, and annual vintage auto shows.
One of the more underrated museums in Miami, the Wolfsonian takes you on a journey through the “provocative character of the modern world”. Its exhibitions focus on the period between 1850 and 1950, which saw some of the most revolutionary advances such as the expansion of railroads and the invention of television.
Located in Miami’s historic Art Deco District, the Wolfsonian has over 200,000 objects in its collection, ranging from household appliances to wartime propaganda. Visiting the Wolfsonian offers a fascinating insight into the recent past that has shaped our present.
Situated on just 9 acres of land, the Kampong Botanical Garden is a real hidden gem in Miami. Once the home of horticulturist David Fairchild, who introduced over 30,000 plant species to the US, the Kampong now serves as a continuation of his personal collection.
Open from Tuesdays to Saturdays and only accessible through reservation, the Kampong is a tranquil oasis in the city. You’ll encounter some of the most fascinating plants you won’t find elsewhere, including a massive baobab, a jackfruit tree, and a sausage tree.
For even more places off the beaten path, check out our blog featuring Lesser-Known Gems to Visit in Miami, Florida.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse is a historic landmark in Miami as one of the oldest structures in the county. Built-in 1825, it miraculously survived everything from hurricanes to explosions. Located at the end of Key Biscayne, the lighthouse can be visited today for a journey back in time. You can climb 109 steps to the top for views across the ocean and enjoy a relaxing time on the beach afterward.
If you want a totally unique way of exploring a city, why not join a food tour and experience it through your taste buds? Our culinary tours of Miami take you through the city’s heritage and culture by visiting the top eateries. From our Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour to our South Beach, Miami, Food and Art Deco Tour, we offer a delicious twist on visiting the most popular neighborhoods.
So if you’re ready to explore Miami’s non-touristic places or even have a non-touristic experience, feel free to contact us to learn more about tours!
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