True Miamians agree that the best things to do in Miami aren’t just restricted to lounging on the beach. The city, yes, is known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife. But beyond all these famous attractions, there is an unnoticed treasure of hidden gems that even locals often miss.
So, in between sunbathing, sipping cocktails, and swimming, if you’re looking for unique dining experiences, mixed-round of attractions, or historic sites, Miami has plenty to offer beyond South Beach and Little Havana.
This list is curated (not ranked – we love all of Miami equally) and includes all the hidden gems in Miami that locals and tourists love.
1. Stiltsville
What remains of a sea community…
It’s just a mile off the coast of Biscayne National Park. Stiltsville – a group of seven wooden (stilt) houses that seem to float above the waters of the bay, was once a thriving social scene in the 1930s, and is now, a hidden gem in Miami.
These houses were built as fishing and party lodges (just like in The Great Gatsby), but over the decades, hurricanes and government regulations reduced their numbers. The eerie beauty still stands as an imagination of how it feels to live in a house surrounded by water.
To see Stiltsville up close, you’ll need to book a boat tour or kayak.
Even though this area is protected, you can still cruise around these stilt houses and learn more about their fascinating past. We would say that the best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset when the houses look almost picture-perfect.
Location: Biscayne National Park, FL
2. Miami Beach Cinematheque
A perfect retreat for film lovers in Miami.
You will find this theatre in the historic Art Deco building on Washington Avenue. Miami Beach Cinematheque is a heaven made for cinephiles who have a penchant for something beyond Hollywood blockbusters.
This is an intimate space, a 50-seat theatre that is run by the Miami Beach Society. If you are looking for hidden gems or indoor things to do on a rainy day in Miami, this theatre regularly screens indie films, foreign cinema, and classic movies, so do check it out for one of the most unique film experiences in the city.
Beyond movie screenings, the Cinematheque is also where you experience true Miami culture. By hosting live performances and film-related exhibits, you can discuss cinema and have a cup of coffee at this must-visit cozy spot.
Location: 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
3. Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple
A peaceful hidden gem in the heart of Miami.
Miami has a fast-paced lifestyle, and its popular attractions and tourist spots are as full of hustle and bustle as the whole city.
The Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple is a hidden gem in Miami for a moment of peace. If you are ever wandering in the rural area of Homestead, try visiting this stunning Thai Buddhist temple. You will love it for its intricate golden decorations and a magnificent 23-foot-tall golden Buddha statue. The latter was sculpted in Thailand and shipped to Miami.
If you are here, visit the temple grounds, meditate, or even join in on occasional ceremonies led by resident monks. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an event with the traditional Thai food stalls.
Location: 15200 SW 240th Street, Homestead, FL 33032
4. Giralda Plaza
A pretty aesthetic pedestrian street in Coral Gables.
Giralda Plaza is a hidden gem in Coral Gables, and it is one of Miami’s best-kept secrets.
Lined with a range of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, this picturesque street is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Or, if you have a special someone in tow, the al fresco dining experience will make your visit a memorable one.
You can say that Giralda Plaza is a bit too eye-catching to be a hidden gem in Miami, thanks to the Umbrella Sky installation, where hundreds of colorful umbrellas float above the plaza.
On weekends, the place comes alive with live music, outdoor film screenings, and artisan markets. So, whether you need some handmade goods or unique souvenirs, Giralda Plaza is the best place to visit in Miami.
Location: Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
5. Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
A showcase of modern art with stunning views
There are so many amazing art museums in Miami, like Superblue Miami.
However, Pérez Art Museum, commonly known as PAMM, is an underrated gem – a contemporary art museum that stands out for its impressive collection and for its stunning architecture.
This museum was designed by the famous Herzog & de Meuron, and the waterfront attraction features hanging gardens and open terraces with stunning vistas of Biscayne Bay.
The inside is even more exciting. You’ll find rotating exhibits and art pieces that explore the African diaspora and Latin American identity, and there are even events, like artist talks to film screenings, at this favorite art lovers’ hidden gem in Miami.
Location: 1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132
6. Little Haiti Cultural Complex
Caribbean culture in the midst of Miami.
Little Haiti Cultural Complex is the Caribbean heart of Miami. The Haitian welcomes you to experience the Caribbean culture in this hidden gem in Miami, and everything, from vibrant murals and street art to even the most authentic Haitian food and crafts, gives this cultural center a heritage like nothing else.
So, if you are here, do this: browse art exhibits, join the drum and dance classes, and shop till you drop at the Caribbean Marketplace. There are even plenty of spices and fresh produce to take home with you.
If you drop by on weekends, live music performances will be there to greet you, because what is Miami if not a cove filled with rhythmic beats and happy dances?
Location: 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137
7. SoundScape Park
The civic and cultural heart of Miami Beach, with free outdoor movies.
SoundScape Park is right next to the New World Center. This green space is so lush that it feels like an oasis and an escape away from the busy streets of Miami Beach.
SoundScape is a modern park and it is famous for its outdoor movie nights. Classic or contemporary – there is every kind of film projected onto the massive wall of the New World Center, for free, of course, for the public!
The movies are not all. The park is also a frequent host for live concerts and art installations. So wanna arrange a picnic with your girls or experience the city in an intimate way? SoundScape Park is one of the most underrated ways to spend an evening in Miami.
Location: 400 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
8. South Pointe Park Pier
A popular hidden gem in Miami to escape the crowds.
We get it. Miami can be a bit overwhelming at times. Don’t worry.
South Pointe Pier, located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, is the perfect retreat from the usual beach crowds.
This scenic fishing pier extends into the ocean. So, whether you are here for stunning views of the Miami skyline, and Fisher Island or to breathe in the blue waters of the Atlantic, you are in for a treat.
It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists, and even though not many people know about it, it is a popular place for fishing, photography, or evening strolls.
The adjacent South Pointe Park is a lush green contrast to the blue waters, with walking paths and a splash zone for kids, making it a great spot for families and couples alike.
Location: 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
9. The Kampong
A secret botanical garden with huge lily pads and palm trees.
On the edge of Biscayne Bay, hidden in the Coconut Grove neighborhood, is The Kampong. It is a breathtakingly beautiful botanical garden, perfect for a date in Miami if you want to impress your loved one.
Unlike the more famous Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, The Kampong is much quieter and reclusive. Originally the home of famed botanist Dr. David Fairchild, you can expect to find exotic fruit trees, flowering plants, and rare tropical species (we are talking about giant lily pads) from Southeast Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean.
If you are new to Miami, you can take guided tours of this hidden gem. And meet unique mango varieties, bamboo, and fragrant blossoms. The Kampong operates by reservation only, so don’t worry about large crowds.
Location: 4013 S Douglas Road, Miami, FL 33133
10. Deering Estate
A historic waterfront mansion, museum, and event venue in Miami.
Many people in Miami look for secluded spots to arrange a waterfront wedding. The Deering Estate, once the home of Charles Deering, is a stunning spot to do that.
Being a hidden gem, it is considered a cultural and environmental preserve along Biscayne Bay. This 444-acre estate has a preserved 1920s mansion, which is surrounded by lush gardens and offers one of the most breathtaking waterfront views in all of Miami.
While other attractions in the city chase modern trends and technologies, the estate is a fascinating glimpse into Miami’s past. The nature trails, untouched mangrove forests, and local wildlife are all glimpses of the true beauty of Miami.
Deering Estate is also a hotspot for kayaking. Guided tours take you through scenic waterways and even to hidden caves.
Location: 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33157
