Beyond The Beaches: Miami's Best Kept Secrets

Miami is a big city with lots to do and see, making it one of the hottest tourist spots in America. The beaches, clubs, and museums are always crowded with people, and are more expensive because of their popularity. But just because a place isn’t swarming with out-of-towners doesn’t mean that it’s not worth going to – read our list to discover some of Miami’s best-kept secrets that only locals know about.

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Sake Room

Small-town sushi bar
This local restaurant and lounge serves the finest Japanese cuisine. A hidden secret, the Sake Room offers sushi, entrees from the kitchen, soups and noodles, desserts, and cocktails and beverages, which of course include sake. The food is amazing and beautifully prepared, while the staff is friendly and the service efficient. Find your zen at Sake room.

Ted’s Hideaway

Local dive bar
Ted’s is a neighborhood juke joint that only locals have discovered. Pull up a seat at the bar and the friendly staff will serve you an inexpensive drink while you watch the game on the big screen. They have daily happy hour, weekly specials such as ladies’ night, and more. Chomp on some of the bar eats, including the chili cheese fries. Ted’s is definitely a hideaway and you won’t find any tourists here. Do as the locals do and go to Ted’s.

The Café at Books & Books

Hip café and bookstore
The Café at Books & Books is every avid reader’s dream. This quaint bookstore doubles as a café that serves tasty breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a regular happy hour and a coffee happy hour for everyone that needs a mid-afternoon pick me up. It’s the ideal place for brunch, but they also have a lot happening after hours. Every Saturday they offer free live music, in addition to numerous book signings throughout the month. Eat fresh food, read quietly, or meet up with friends. You can do it all at The Café.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Renovated historic Italian estate

This lovely natural setting will stimulate all the senses. Located on the most beautiful grounds, Vizcaya is a picturesque location and national historic landmark. Walk around the gardens and enjoy a few of the art exhibits in place. Be sure to check out different events such as the moonlight garden tours, film series, and more. Vizcaya is like stepping into a lavish European-inspired paradise.

Art Center South Florida

Local art gallery

Surrounded by trendy cafés and restaurants, the South Florida Art Center is a hidden treasure grounded in the arts. Their gallery is a beautiful space that features the work of local artists. They also offer classes in drawing, photography, jewelry making, printmaking and more. Their summer camps and internship programs help bring the community together to appreciate art and become artists themselves. Look out for events such as brunch and movie screenings when a new exhibit opens or closes.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

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