Hello again! While I was going over my list of Florida’s best secret travel spots, there was one city I couldn’t ignore: Miami. This place has so many hidden gems for travelers that I decided it deserved its own blog post!

You may know this South Florida city for its beaches, the giant Homestead Miami Speedway, and its rowdy Spring Break crowds, but I’m here to show you some of the more unique experiences this town has to offer! From restaurants to museums and art galleries, let’s get started on my top 10 hidden gems in Miami.

1. The Kampong

On Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, this botanical garden boasts exotic plants from Southeast Asia, Central and South Americas, and the Caribbean. “Kampong” derives its name from a Malaysian word that refers to a cluster of homes. The famed estate that houses the gardens formerly belonged to botanical explorer, Dr. David Fairchild. 

Here, you’ll marvel at an 80-foot baobab tree on a self-guided or official walking tour, visit Dr. Fairchild’s study, and learn about the creation of the Florida Everglades as a national park.  It’s the perfect place to experience nature and education in one spot!

2. La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market

If you’re looking for a lively spot with succulent seafood, this restaurant in Little Havana is the place for you. Having started off as a small fish market and shop, La Camaronera is now the place to grab a quick  and delicious fish sandwich. 

Try out the pan con minuto – fried snapper served on a Cuban bread bun – or the restaurant’s black eyed pea fritters. Pull up a chair or call in an order to enjoy it on the go!

3. Robert is Here

A true community sweet spot, the Robert Is Here fruit stand is a family-owned store with much more than fresh produce to share. Beyond its delicious wares, you’ll also find live music, an animal farm, a play area, and picnic tables.

Stock up on some rare and exotic fruit, then hang around for one of their hand-spun smoothies and milkshakes. Everything I tasted reminded me of my 5 days in Maui! It’s a great way to cool off from that hot Florida sun!

4. Gary Nader Fine Art

Nestled between Wynwood and Edgewater, this small gallery contains paintings, sculptures, photography and more. Check out their website for current exhibitions. At press time, Gary Nader Fine Art is celebrating Black and Latin American Excellence. You can count on this unique contemporary artwork gallery to always show off fresh and inspiring masterpieces!

5. Coral Gables

Also known as “The City Beautiful,” Coral Gables is a gorgeous neighborhood full of green avenues and playful architecture. This planned community is perfect for bicycling around thanks to its protected lanes. Fancy a dip? The incredible Venetian Pool is a spring-fed 820,000 gallon public swimming area built from a coral rock quarry.

There are also plenty of lovely parks for a nice day, as well as golf courses and tennis courts—all you need to spend a day in town!

6. World Erotic Art Museum

If you’re looking for a fun and weird time, I’ve got a museum for you! Located in Miami Beach, the World Erotic Art Museum, or WEAM, showcases erotic art from Roman times to modern day, with pieces originating from all over the world. Having started off as a small collection from the museum’s owner, Naomi Wilzig, this collection of curios now has a building all to itself, complete with a Starbucks on the ground floor!

Of course, admission is limited to ages 18 and up, so if you’re visiting South Beach with the kiddos, try out one of the many different options on this list!

7. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

As an alternative to that last, adults-only option, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, located in the Brickell neighborhood, is fun for the whole family. This interactive museum comes with a planetarium and a three-level aquarium, with natural history facts and exhibits peppered throughout.

There’s always a rotating calendar of fun events and temporary exhibitions. Be sure to check out the museum map and buy tickets before you go, so you don’t get overwhelmed by the museum’s four buildings and six levels!

8. Terras Rooftop Bar and Restaurant

With a delicious menu inspired by South American, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisines, Terras comes with a rooftop bar that overlooks the Miami skyline. Located in Little Havana, Terras is connected to the stylish Life House hotel with its own 1940s inspired cafe. At this tropical rooftop eatery, you can expect live music and fresh cocktails, making it a hotspot for Little Havana nightlife! 

9. Bayfront Park

Hidden away in Biscayne Bay, Bayfront Park is a peaceful gem of downtown Miami, neighbored by the lively Bayside Marketplace. Especially if you were already planning on hitting up the marketplace’s open-air space full of vendors and restaurants, the neighboring park is a lush green space perfect for lounging in the sun.

Within Bayfront Park’s 32 acres, you’ll find a tropical rock garden, small sand beach, light tower, playground, and plenty of space for a picnic blanket. Events happen here all the time, so check the schedule before you come for concerts, classes, and more!

10. Sapore di Mare

This Coconut Grove restaurant serves incredible Italian seafood, such as grilled octopus, mussels, and oysters, as well as creative dishes like cacio e pepe served up in a wheel of cheese. Sapore di Mare is open for lunch or dinner, but seating can be limited, so be sure to call in a reservation!
After all that, I’m about ready to give up the beach for a couple days to discover more of Miami’s best-kept secrets! From art galleries to happy hour, Miami is brimming with new and exciting things to do. Let me know your favorite Miami gems in the comments below!

Not your style? No problem! Check out my ideas for other cities, like Boston or San Francisco!