By: Alexa Shabinsky and Sarah Finkel By: Alexa Shabinsky and Sarah Finkel | May 31, 2024 | Culture, Lifestyle, Community,
The tourists are out and the locals are in! With the summer heat already here, the city is starting to clear out, leaving much room for the locals to do total Miami things. There are so many things that locals don’t do, hoping to stay away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. Though surprisingly enough, us Miamians are missing out. From food, activities, events and more, these are a few tourist "traps" that will have locals appreciate Miami through a new lens.
175 NW 20th St. / Website
It’s not every day you can drink and ride! Wynwood’s famous Pedal Pub is one of the most fun tourist attractions in Miami, bringing you through all of the art district's hotspots while biking and boozing! The 15-person pedal bike stops at all of Wynwood’s favorite locations, from the murals to the best bars.
401 Biscayne Blvd. / Website
Watch the sunset over Biscayne Bay from almost 200 feet in the air! The Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel is such a unique experience, with a Ferris wheel in the middle of the city, providing unmatched 360-degree views from every angle. The gondolas are completely climate-controlled, giving you an outdoor feeling while still keeping cool.
401 Biscayne Blvd. / Website
Even for Miami locals, this is an exciting experience! This is a one-of-a-kind boat ride, bringing you through some of Miami’s most desirable destinations, from Biscayne Bay to Star Island. The jet boat reaches speeds of up to 40 mph, so you better hold on tight as you see Miami in seconds!
3555 SW 8th St. / Website
Cuban cuisine is deep-rooted in Miami, and Versailles Restaurant is most definitely the most popular restaurant for both locals and tourists to try. As the “World's Most Famous Cuban Restaurant,” there is no doubt that Versailles serves the best of the best from croquettes, Cuban sandwiches, Cuban samplers and more.
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1116 Ocean Drive / Website
Formerly the Versace Mansion, this piece of property is so idyllic, we aren’t sure why locals stray away! Whether you’re looking for a staycation at the villa or a dine at Gianni’s Restaurant, spending time at The Villa Casa Casuarina is a blast from the past of Miami’s immense glitz and glam. From the architecture, interior design and aura of the villa, this utopian venue is a step away from all of Miami’s lively energy.
19999 W Country Club Drive / Website
Tidal Cove in Aventura is a world-class waterpark in Aventura’s JW Marriot Turnberry Resort, ideal for cooling off from the summertime heat when the tourists are nowhere to be found. Since you’re likely not a guest of the resort as a local, all you have to do is purchase a Resort Day Membership for admission to the waterpark’s attractions, lounge chairs, towels and poolside service.
2516 NW 2nd Ave. / Website
Yes, the Wynwood Walls site is about as touristy as it gets in Miami, but have you ever visited at an off-peak time? The colorful street murals attract visitors across the globe, and the best part is that there is a ton of street art waiting to be explored in the neighborhood beyond the confines of Wynwood Walls. Pop into the various art galleries and exhibits tucked between OGs like Panther Coffee and Zak The Baker for a foolproof summer afternoon.
12400 SW 152nd St. / Website
With over 2,500 animals representing close to 400 different species, Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida and the fifth largest in the country. See everything from jaguars to tigers to koalas, whether by foot, tram or safari cycle. In the slow summer season, you might just get lucky enough to have almost the entire jungle oasis to yourself.
Española Way / Website
Flamenco, salsa dancing, open-air markets… you name it, you’ll find it along the historic pedestrian-only Española Way in the heart of South Beach. The cobblestone streets and Spanish-style roofing transport you to a romantic scene in Europe, which is perhaps why this street is always a top attraction when walking along nearby Lincoln Road. The charming sidewalks cafés are another reason to visit Española Way whether you’re a local or tourist.
1101 NW 23rd St. / Website
You’ve probably seen Superblue Miami on all of your out-of-towner friends’ Instagram stories because it’s a seriously trippy photo opp. The immersive art installations across 50,000 square feet of digital worlds are a perfect escape on a hot summer day, and you’ll score some artsy, thought-provoking content while you’re at it.
Photography by: Courtesy Adrian Diaz Sieckel / Unsplash
