There’s More Than One Miami—Here’s How to Find Your Version

Sponsored by the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

Ask a dozen locals to describe Miami, and you’ll likely get a dozen different answers—and all of them would be right. 

That’s because there isn’t just one Miami. There’s a version for art lovers, others who hunt down the best eats, and those who need their daily dose of sun and surf. A city shaped by its global roots and layered history, there’s more to Miami than you’d expect. Beyond the beautiful beaches you’ll find a destination brimming with unexpected experiences—a city full of hidden gems that rewards the curious. 

Whether you’re gallery-hopping in the Design District or paddleboarding through mangroves, there’s a side of Miami tailored just for you.

Miami: How to Do It Like a Local

1. Start with the art (it’s everywhere).

Much like the city itself, Miami’s art scene is anything but conventional, with plenty of creative gems waiting to be discovered. At the heart of it all is the Pérez Art Museum, where waterfront views meet an impressive collection of global modern and contemporary art. Just a short drive away, the Institute of Contemporary Art in the Design District challenges perceptions with boundary-pushing installations. And if you want to step inside the art itself, Superblue in Allapattah invites visitors into a series of large-scale, interactive environments that blur the line between art and viewer—perfect for that Instagram moment.

Miami’s streets are also alive with color, especially in Wynwood, the city’s official arts district. Here, an ever-evolving maze of murals transforms warehouses into canvases. Don’t miss the Museum of Graffiti, which is dedicated entirely to the evolution of this global art movement. Meanwhile, science and art intersect at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, where design-forward exhibits and stunning architecture add another layer to the city’s cultural identity. 

2. Get outside every single day.

With year-round sunshine and stunning natural beauty, Miami is an open-air playground for just about every type of adventurer. Glide through mangrove tunnels by kayak at Oleta River State Park, the state’s largest urban park, or head offshore for scuba diving along the coral reefs and shipwrecks of Biscayne National Park. Boating enthusiasts can explore Biscayne Bay or dock at one of the city’s scenic sandbars for a quintessential Miami weekend, with plenty of boat rental spots along the way. 

If you prefer staying dry, Miami’s golf courses—like the historic Miami Beach Golf Club—offer beautiful palm-lined fairways with ocean breezes. For those looking for a social spin on fitness, public parks and clubs across the city are perfect venues for tennis and pickleball, with new courts popping up from Coconut Grove to Miami Shores. 

3. Eat like you live here.

In Miami, dining out can be a full-on experience. From sleek waterfront spaces to vibrant neighborhood spots tucked away on side streets, the city serves up flavors as dynamic as its cultural makeup. Here, you can savor elevated tasting menus crafted by world-renowned chefs one night and grab a legendary local sandwich the next. 

The city’s culinary landscape blends innovation with tradition, drawing from Latin American, Caribbean, European, and Southern influences. Whether you’re in the mood for thoughtfully plated fine dining or comfort food passed down through generations, every neighborhood brings something distinct to the table. 

4. Choose your neighborhood vibe.

Each neighborhood in Miami pulses with its own rhythm, flavor, and story. In Wynwood, street art and creative spaces collide, making it a magnet for artists and trendsetters. Just a few miles away, Little Havana and its famous Calle Ocho bursts with Cuban heritage—live music, hand-rolled cigars, and strong cafecito line the street. 

Historic Overtown is one of the city’s oldest Black communities, with a rich cultural legacy that remains vibrant today. Laid-back Coconut Grove charms with its leafy streets, neighborhood shops, and bayside views, while Coral Gables brings Mediterranean elegance, historic landmarks, and lush gardens to the mix. 

Ready to discover your version of Miami? Visit findyourmiami.com for neighborhood guides, local recommendations, and insider tips for exploring the city like a local.