10 Hidden Gems in Miami

Let’s venture off the beaten path and explore some of Miami’s lesser-known but equally captivating attractions.

Known for being a mecca for beach fun, parties, and culture, Miami is a wonderful destination with plenty of attractions to offer visitors, and it is considered one of the most visited cities in North America for that very reason.

With that said, you may expect every single spot in the so-called Magic City to be packed with tourists. Despite its popularity, the city itself is absolutely humongous, which means there’s a plethora of hidden gems and secret spots you can visit if you’re the type of traveler who prefers to stray away from big crowds.

Hidden Gems in Miami

From wildlife preservation centers to quirky art galleries and historical sites only true insiders know about, here are some of the best-hidden gems in Miami to check out during your visit.

Zoological Wildlife Foundation

Founded in the year 2000 by the Tabraue couple, ZWF Miami is rated as one of the top zoos in the US, alongside the San Diego Zoo and the Bronx Zoo.

With over 5 acres housing more than 40 species that range from domestic animals and primates to large predatory birds and mammals, the Zoological Wildlife Foundation’s mission is to preserve endangered species and raise consciousness about their valuable role.

Visit the Chimpanzees, Gibbons, jaguars, anteaters, as well as lion and tiger cubs in a gorgeous natural setting. Mischievous Capuchin monkeys are quite popular, and they know it, so they don’t really shy away from humans!

You’ll also have a chance to have close encounters with some of the animals and take home some incredible photos during your visit, not to mention you’ll get to learn a ton about them.

Coral Castle

One of Miami’s wacky hidden gems is Coral Castle, a coral and limestone sculpture garden built by Latvian Edward Leedskalnin. He spent 28 years single-handedly carving over 1,100 tons of coral rock, which resulted in a mysterious and very interesting accomplishment.

If you’re into unique structures and human creativity, you’ll love checking out this hidden gem in Miami. Dubbed “the American Stonehenge”, the Coral Castle has a romantic story behind it.

Word has it that in 1912, Edward was about to marry Agnes Scuffs, who was 10 years younger than him. However, she unexpectedly canceled the wedding.

His relatives in Latvia are unsure if Agnes’s mother forbade the marriage because he was older, poor, or both. The heartbroken fiancee decided to emigrate to the United States, where he settled in Florida and took on the task of building Coral Castle.

Wynwood Walls

A former industrial district, Wynwood Walls has now become one of the coolest neighborhoods in Miami, where street art is king. Home to more than 200 murals that cover building walls and sidewalks, Wynwood is a must-go for art aficionados and casual visitors looking for some hipsterish entertainment.

While the whole neighborhood centers around the Wynwood Walls, which are huge murals that cover six buildings, you’ll find alternative art everywhere you turn. With over 10 art galleries, the Museum of Grafitti, and the Wynwood Yard, you won’t be disappointed if you’re looking to immerse yourself in alternative and counterculture art expressions.

Additionally, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, breweries, vintage stores, retail, and nightclubs to keep you busy, as the neighborhood that was transformed by Tony Goldman in 2009 – credited for revamping Soho and Sobe too – has grown into a buzzing, pedestrian-friendly entertainment district.

It is no longer a hidden gem altogether, but most visitors head to Wynwood Walls for a few pictures and leave. We recommend staying at least half a day here in order to fully explore the neighborhood!

Stiltsville

Regarding quirky attractions, Florida does not disappoint, and the Miami area is no exception.

If you’re in for some different attractions, head to Stiltsville, a group of wooden houses built in the middle of the sea that attracts visitors because of their uniqueness but also because of the stories that surround them.

The first houses in Stiltsville were boats stuck aground in the shallow sea, which were soon used for selling bait, food, and drinks. Soon, other buildings followed suit, turning the place into a busy area in the middle of the water!

Stories abound about the mid-century years when Stiltsville got a reputation for debauchery, heaving drinking, and gambling, especially at the famous Bikini Club. Today, the complex is part of the Biscayne National Park, which in recent years started offering tours to the six remaining houses as well as the Cape Florida Lighthouse.

Cloisters of the Ancient Spanish Monastery

Sitting amid the hustle and bustle of North Miami Beach, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is a historical hidden gem in Miami that might come as a surprise for history aficionados visiting the area.

A tour inside the gates to explore the beautiful green grounds, corridors, and statues is not only a historical experience but it is also a respite for anyone who wants to take a break from the Miami urban buzz and hectic rhythm.

Entering the cloisters of the Ancient Spanish Monastery in Miami is like stepping back in time to medieval Europe and with good reason.

Initially, they were part of the St. Bernard de Clairvaux Monastery, which was built in the province of Segovia and occupied by monks for the next 700 years.

Social upheaval in the 1830s led to the cloisters being dismantled and eventually sold to newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, who transported it stone by stone to the US. Today, the structures and lovely gardens make a choice spot for scholars, artists, and historians, as well as casual visitors in search of hidden gems in Miami.

Soundscape Park

Soundscape Park is an urban oasis right in the heart of Miami Beach. The 2.5-acre urban park captures the wild spirit of the city while offering a relaxing spot where art and nature come together in perfect harmony.

Featuring a unique design and landscaping that combines open spaces with walkways and natural touches from shady palm trees and blooming bougainvillea, Soundscape Park is frequented by locals and visitors for picnics and cultural events.

Its location by the New World Center makes it a favorite gathering place for cultural and special events, where seaside relaxation and enjoyment are guaranteed. If you happen to be around on a Wednesday, you can catch an outdoor movie at the Cinema Series held every week at Soundscape.

Giralda Plaza

If you’re looking to escape the crowds but still have fun, head to Giralda Plaza, where you’ll find a big array of dining options and interesting shops in a picturesque and casual atmosphere. The charming outdoor plaza also offers cultural events, including live musical performances and outdoor movie screenings.

One of the biggest attractions at Giralda Plaza is the colorful Umbrella Sky that covers the main brick walkway and establishments, which is a favorite for photographers!

Perez Art Museum in Miami (PAMM)

Located in front of Biscayne Bay, the Perez Museum in Miami is a contemporary art museum that exhibits 20th and 21st works by international artists, including Jenny Holzer and Sam Gilliam, as well as various Cuban and other Latin American masters.

The diversity of works in PAMM is a perfect reflection of the cultural blend that makes Miami what it is today.

The 120,000 square ft. museum is housed inside a modern building best known for its green facade, with vertical gardens and railings flowing with hanging plants being its most iconic features.

Haulover Beach Park

Haulover Beach Park is a marvelous hidden gem in Miami, especially if you’re looking to spend a day at the beach but want to escape the big crowds.

Famous for its crystal-clear, blue waters, soft sand, and expansive picnic areas, Haulover is also noted for being a mecca for all things kites. You’ll find kite-making workshops and kite shops amid the many amenities on offer at Haulover Beach Park, which include a dog park, tennis center, and golf course.

For those in search of a nudist beach in the Miami area, Haulover Beach has one!

South Pointe Pier

One of the best-hidden gems in Miami can be found in the South Point Pier, one of the quietest piers in the area. The pier is a great spot to visit when you wish to escape the crowds of the city, as it is a bit removed from the Miami Beach and Sobe hustle and bustle.

Walk along to the pier to enjoy the spectacular ocean vistas it offers, or simply sit on one of the available benches to relax while breathing in the tropical aromas and easy-going ambiance.

If your jam is fishing, you’ll be pleased to find South Pointe Pier is one of the best spots in the city if you don’t want to venture out on a boat. The pier offers facilities for bait-cutting and washing out the day’s catch, as well as comfortable seating areas where you can relax and enjoy.

Have you ever visited any of these hidden gems in Miami? If you know of any other spots that aren’t as popular for visitors, please feel free to drop them in the comment section below!