Heading to Miami with the family is undeniably one of the most exciting trips you can enjoy with the kids, thanks to its range of beaches, theme parks, and other family-friendly attractions. However, Miami is a city rich in local culture and flavor that can really get lost when you’re hitting up all those family-friendly tourist attractions. It can be all too easy to lose sight of the real city in the process. As such, here are a few tips on how to see Miami like a local.
Hit up the cultural hub of the city
Miami is a city of beach lovers and high-life enjoyers, it’s true. However, it’s also a city of artists, creatives, and sheer inspiration. One of the areas that are most often missed during those first visits is Wynwood. It’s not just the beating cultural heart of the city, it’s one of the most thriving creative hubs in the whole country, and the best way to see it is with one of the local beer and graffiti art tours. There’s always something new going on here so be sure to ask at your hotel about what the latest happening is in Wynwood. Festivals, gallery openings, and new street art exhibitions happen all year long.
Get your boots on
The city of Miami offers plenty of attractions, eateries, and activities to keep you plenty busy for however long you are there. However, the local landscape is just as much a part of the city’s soul, and, for that reason, you should take a look at some of the hiking routes you can enjoy throughout Miami. This can include the famous Everglades trail, but there are also great coastal hiking routes through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, as well as some unique views like a historic lighthouse standing tall over the city’s coast. A little adventure can help you see that there’s a lot more to Miami than just the city alone, so go looking for it.
Get a real mix of culinary experiences
Miami is a huge blend of different cultures, which, amongst many things, means a huge mixture of cuisines, as well. There are over five thousand restaurants in the city, and some of them can seem particularly expensive, indeed. However, there are budget-friendly meals to be found. Get out of South Beach or the other high-flying touristy areas for some of the more authentic local dining experiences. There’s nothing more authentic to the city than hitting up a food truck or a stall so be sure to check out some of the best street food in Miami, as well. There are a lot of stall vendors in the city, but these recommendations can help you find the best of the best.
Check out some of the other beaches
South Beach is one of the most popular hotspots in Miami by far, and it is a truly gorgeous beach, even if it can get pretty crowded. However, it should never be the only beach you visit, by any stretch of the imagination. Spending the day at North Beach, you can enjoy a much less stressful afternoon at the beach, with soft sands overlooked by nice vintage rows of houses. Although it’s popular with the locals, it’s not as widely visited by tourists, so you can enjoy a more laid-back and authentic experience relaxing on a Miami beach, with plenty of eateries around so you can get a taste of the local flavor, as well.
Get around a little more smartly
Like many of the great cities of the country, trying to get around by car can be a real hassle. That said, Miami is quite a walkable city, especially if you’re near South Beach or Downtown Miami. However, if you’re not too excited at the prospect of walking just about everywhere, you can take advantage of the decent cycling infrastructure throughout the city, as well. Renting a bike to get through the city gives you access to hundreds of stops and biking lanes, and it’s not very expensive to rent a bike for the entire day, either. Definitely a lot less expensive than renting a car, not to mention a lot less likely to come with the hassles of city traffic and parking.
A great trip to Miami should balance the big touristy hotspots with some of the lesser-known delights and experiences that the city has to offer. Hopefully, the tips above help you see one of the greatest cities in the country like a local would.
