7 secrets Miami locals don't want you to know
Overflowing with natural beauty, culture and diversity, Miami attracts millions of tourists each year for its nightlife, white-sand beaches, diverse dining and unparalleled entertainment options. Yes, tourists flock to South Beach for all its famed glory and rightfully so, but some of Miami’s best-kept secrets are far away from Ocean Drive and revered by locals. Here are seven insider tips to help enhance your next visit to the Magic City and leave feeling like a native Miamian.Related: Getting to Miami on points and miles
Explore "Down South" by car
About 40 minutes south of Downtown Miami lies the agricultural heartland of South Florida -- known as the Redlands to locals. On the weekends, these locals brave the early morning drive "down south" to Knaus Berry Farms where the cinnamon rolls have a cultlike following and are unquestionably the main attraction. Arrive early or expect to be shut out of the iconic sweet treat.
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After a visit to Knaus Berry Farms, visit Robert is Here, an iconic fruit stand and farm that produces fresh fruit milkshakes (picked from produce directly from their farm). Come for the milkshakes, stay to feed the friendly farm animals.
Before heading back home, stop for lunch alfresco-style at Black Point Ocean Grill at Black Point Marina on the water. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and a cold beverage while watching boaters stop for lunch on their way to the Keys. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a dolphin, manatee or the resident saltwater crocodile surfacing in the water. What you won't see much of: tourists.
Related: 9 famous Florida foods — and where to find them
Art is everywhere
Beyond Miami's impressive museum collection, the Wynwood neighborhood art scene draws a big crowd from cultural enthusiasts and is a household name among locals. In-the-know outsiders may have heard of Wynwood but the eclectic art district has yet to become a must-visit staple for tourists. If you're looking to be immersed in Miami's art culture and want a break from the beaches, this fun and colorful neighborhood is a must-stop the next time you're in town.
This former warehouse district turned South Florida's hippest neighborhood offers an array of large-scale colorful murals on every block along with art galleries, craft breweries, award-winning restaurants and shops. If you're in town the second Saturday of the month, don't miss Wynwood's Second Saturday Art Walk, where thousands of locals and tourists unite to enjoy generous offerings of food trucks, bar crawls and free art gallery access.
Related: A review of the newly reopened Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
Venture away from the average hotel pool
Just seven miles south of Downtown Miami lies the historic Venetian Pool. Located in the architecturally stunning suburb of Coral Gables, the Venetial Pool is no ordinary pool. Built in 1923, the 820,000-gallon pool -- filled with fresh water daily from artesian wells -- is the largest freshwater pool in the United States. It's listed under the National Register of Historic Places and gets emptied and filled every night during the busy season when both residents and tourists rush to beat the Miami humidity.
This Venetian-style lagoon pool is carved out of coral rock and features caves, stone bridges, and waterfalls. When you get tired of your regular hotel pool, plan a half-day visit to the Venetian Pool.
Related: The best times to visit Miami
See the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya is a 1916-built waterfront estate home with 34 rooms open. The home and 10 acres of majestic gardens are open to the public. The estate oozes character and is locally renowned for hosting jaw-dropping social events along with its aesthetic beauty located along picturesque Biscayne Bay. Explore the grounds of this National Historic Landmark and learn about its original owner, agricultural industrialist James Deering.
Built between 1914 and 1922, tour the Renaissance-inspired villa but plan for an early evening visit to capture the sunset and begin your exploration within the confines of the villa. Once you're done marveling at the brilliant architectural design, step outside unto the meticulous gardens and end your visit with striking sunset water views.
Related: A beginner's guide to visiting Miami
Picnic by the water
Continuing the trend of stunning views (there's no shortage of those in this city), do as the locals do and pick up a sandwich from one of these local spots -- Sanguich de Miami or La Sandwicherie -- and make your way down to David Kennedy Park located just south of downtown in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. The park offers an oasis of abundant greenery, plenty of shade and astounding waterfront and Downtown Miami vistas.
The quintessential picnic park, locals also love Kennedy Park for its outdoor exercise equipment, recreational areas and playground. It would be remiss if you skipped savoring a delicious frosted lemonade from the legendary A.C.'s Icee's truck on your way out -- it's worth every gram of sugar.
Related: What's the best way to get from New York to Miami
Be a local for the day -- Try an Airbnb Experience
When visiting a destination, there’s no better way to feel the heartbeat of a city than discovering it with a knowledgeable local by your side. Whether you want the focus of your trip to be on food, night life or culture, a native can enhance your visit and transform your experience with local lens.
From touring the uninhabited islands in Miami's intracoastal waters by kayak to taking a walking tour through the Little Havana barrio while sipping a cortadito (Cuban espresso) and watching cigar rollers exhibit their craft -- an Airbnb experience hosted by a local expert is a uniquely effective way to immerse yourself into the local culture and have a blast while doing so.
Related: How to find the best Airbnb
Eat and drink in this locals-only neighborhood of South Beach
Most tourists visiting South Beach are confined to their hotel area, rarely venturing west of Alton Road. The Sunset Harbour area of South Beach has become one of Miami’s most popular boutique neighborhoods -- kept widely a secret from tourists. Boasting trendy shops, highly acclaimed eateries and epic Biscayne Bay views, locals love this micro-neighborhood, and visitors will too.
Enjoy a cup of coffee at Miami's favorite Panther Coffee and work up your appetite before dining on delicious gastro pub grub at Pubbelly Noodle Bar. Try their signature ramen with barbecue pork belly and bean sprouts in an aromatic lemongrass broth. Walk off lunch with a stroll through Lincoln Road and don't forget to stop for dessert at one of the many mouthwatering gelato shops on Miami Beach.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.