Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Miami

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An aerial view of Miami

Miami has been ruling the tourist must-visit top list for a long time, and not without reason. The first thing you will be told to see when in Miami is its extraordinary beaches, its unparalleled nightlife and food scene, and its Zoo. But even when you think you have seen all that is great about Miami, there’s something new or underappreciated that awaits you. Here are the best non-touristy things to do in Miami. They will make you fall in love with this unique city all over again.

Check out Little Havana for a touch of Cuba

Cuban diaspora is very strong in Miami. So much so that the Cuban people have their own neighborhood in Miami. This endlessly interesting area will give you an in-depth course on all-things Cuban. You will be grabbing a bite in Latin-inspired restaurants, and food stands. The streets are brimming with Cuban art, from murals to mosaic tiles. There’s a park in this area called Domino Park with lots of symbols related to Cuban lifestyle and history. Someone might wonder what is the point of exploring an entirely different country when in Miami. The point is that even this area is part of the celebration of diversity that is characteristic in Miami, so it is important to see that as well. Besides, if you intend to relocate to Miami, it is relevant to get to know this city fully before you commit to living there. Did we mention that this activity is free?

A Cuban cigar on top of a glass with bourbon

Dive into the mix of history exploration and relaxation at the Venetian Pool

Once upon a time, in 1924, an innovative real estate developer George Merrick put a lot of effort into creating an oasis out of ruin. From an old limestone rock quarry sprouted the beautifully designed city of Coral Gables. Part of this idyllic neighborhood was a wonderful Venetian Pool with enchanting waterfalls, palm trees, and an overall paradise-like vibe. As this was once a place popular with A-listers, it has a mini gallery that commemorates its history. This is the only pool that is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Each year a lot of people decide to move to Miami, and there are many reasons behind this. There are so many amazing spots in Miami, such as Venetian Pool, that make it absolutely clear why it is such a desirable city to live in. 

A very non-touristy thing to do in Miami is to go to the PanIQ Escape Room

Among the unusual things to do in Miami, here’s maybe the most unusual one. Puzzle lovers, as well as thriller movie enthusiasts, can book a session at the PanIQ Escape Room and have the time of their life. This is essentially a room, which you cannot exit unless you crack a series of codes and find multiple clues. It’s a perfect activity for team-building, as it requires many people to solve a mystery by working together. It lasts 60 minutes, and there’s hardly a better thing to do on those boring rainy, or windy days.

Visit the World Erotic Art Museum and learn more about your inner self

Inside the Florida Art Deco District, there’s a particular museum that will make you visit some subdued aspect of yourself. As any good art should, the World Erotic Art Museum will provoke a reaction within you that will teach you about your inner self, and that is always a good thing. What you will see there is, of course, different than what the usual exhibits have to offer. We are talking about dominatrix Barbie dolls, art pieces depicting graphic content, and a lot more with sexual connotations. But there’s more to it than just erotica. This place will give you valuable lessons in history and biology in a way you will never forget.

Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum offers world-class art for free

Some people think education should be free for all. Museums, as a very successful means of education, are usually quite expensive. Well, this one isn’t. Entry to Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum is free of charge. But that doesn’t mean it’s because there’s not much to see there. This museum exhibits over 6,000 objects of world-class art related to different cultures across various periods. The experts from miamimoversforless.com that have a lot of experience in relocating people to Miami say many of their clients were surprised with the quality of this museum’s contents. This place will both educate you and entertain you at the same time.

Go to the Miami Botanical Garden to find peace and bond with nature

Speaking of free-admission activities, here’s one that will bond you with nature and teach you some botany along the way. The perfect tropical weather of Miami has made it possible to create a botanical garden with a wide variety of the most beautiful plants. Among many wonderful parts of it, the Miami Botanical Garden includes a Japanese garden, an edible garden, and an orchids sanctuary. As if the phenomenal display of plants was not enough, there were also animals that were happy to inhabit this oasis. The facility offers an audio-guided tour, so you do not have to be part of the group. If you do not feel like going to the beach or doing sports, visit the botanical garden. It is a perfect way to spend a day outside for you.

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A pink orchid that can be seen in the Miami Botanical Garden among the non-touristy things to do in Miami
Miami Botanical Garden is home to some of the finest specimens of orchids

Let the Ancient Spanish Monastery take you on a trip back in time

Walking the extremely old hallways of this Spanish monastery will make you feel like a prince or a princess in a medieval tale. What is unique to this beautiful testament to history is that the entire facility was relocated from Spain to the US. Stone by stone, the media tycoon William Randolph Hearst took its unusual souvenir and reassembled it into the Spanish Monastery in Miami. Today it includes impressive gardens, an informative museum, and the actual super-old monastery. With its distinct charm, the Ancient Spanish Monastery provides an amazing experience to all its visitors.

An old book with the red ribbon bookmarker
Ancient Spanish Monastery will take you back in time to Ancient Spain

Conclusion

From the Cuban neighborhood to the plant oasis and magnificent monastery, there are so many interesting non-touristy things to do in Miami. All you need to do is free your schedule, open your mind and start checking out what you have read about here. You will be entertained and educated and end up with some of the most unforgettable memories to take home with you.  

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