10 Great Places in Miami only Locals Know

Miami Beach Cinematheque is a must-visit if you have a penchant for the films. This intimate South Beach theatre is run by the Miami Beach Film Society, and it showcases indies and classics with seating for only 50 people, which makes for a quiet and intimate viewing experience.

Showing films is just the beginning though, as this place also occasionally hosts live performances in addition to art exhibitions. You'll also find a café, bookshop, art gallery, and library in the cinematheque.

Stiltsville is one of the more curious destinations in Miami, comprising stilt houses in the waters of Biscayne. The collection of 7 houses are about a mile off the coast within Biscayne National Park.

The houses tower over the water, protected from being submerged thanks to long stilts. You can see them up close by booking a boat tour through the area. You can learn about their fascinating history while imagining what it's like to live in a house surrounded by water and supported by stilts tall enough to protect the floor from waves.

At Miami’s Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple, you'll find a tranquil setting that is perfect if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The temple sits on about 5 acres of rural land and boasts impressive southeastern Asian architectural designs including chofas, which are horn-like spires that shine gold in the sunlight.

Inside the temple, you'll be met with a massive 23-ft-tall image of Buddha in shining gold that was professionally sculpted in Thailand before being shipped to Miami.

Giralda Plaza is a quaint and relaxing place to hang out in Miami if you're looking for fun without the crowds. This lovely plaza features numerous shops and tables as its brick walkways put you right in the middle of several other attractions.

Art installations are also popular here thanks to the Umbrella Sky that was set up in 2018. Visit during the weekend, and you may even find live musical performances being held here or an outdoor screening of a family-friendly film. Whatever the case may be, this plaza is a destination the whole family can enjoy.

SoundScape Park is located next to the New World Centre in Miami and serves as a relaxing retreat from the city. This urban oasis is packed full of open green spaces, walkways, and towering palm trees.

Not only is the landscape design positively soothing, but your relaxation here can be further enhanced by the enchanting sounds of the classical New World Symphony. The park frequently hosts events and your visit might coincide with an exhibition or musical performance.

The Little Haiti Cultural Complex is an exciting place where you can explore Haitian culture and cuisine while being surrounded by vibrant Caribbean architecture. You can find the complex in the Miami community of Little Haiti.

You can enjoy the local market days by perusing high-quality food and ingredients, or you can stop by for a musical performance as Haitian artists play traditional melodies. There's even a drum class held here that's particularly popular with visitors.

South Pointe Pier is one of the most relaxing of the many piers that you can find around Miami. This is thanks in large part to the lack of any serious crowds here. Even so, there's still plenty to enjoy along the pier.

If you're interested in fishing, this pier is one of the best spots in the city. Not only do fish bite quite a bit in this area, but the pier offers stations for cutting bait and washing fish. There's even extensive seating that lets you cast out and relax amongst the scenic views.

While Bayside Marketplace may seem like your typical shopping centre at first sight, it's actually much more. While it does feature more than 120 stores to explore, this mall also offers special features like frequent live music, delicious restaurants, and bars. 

Additionally, you can enjoy the mall's open container policy and picturesque waterfront views. Keep in mind, however, that this mall is not strictly adult-oriented. In fact, there are many family events that are held here as well, so it offers a wide variety of experiences to enjoy.