In my many trips to Miami Beach – both as tour guide and travel blogger – I got to know the classics and insider tips among Miami Beach activities. I especially like walking along the beach, where it is quieter and I can enjoy the wide view. I leave the crowds on Ocean Drive behind me.
Boat trips are one of the highlights for me. The tours to the millionaires' villas offer an exciting insight into the world of the rich and beautiful. But I find the Zodiac tour to Stiltsville even more special. The wooden houses, which stand on stilts in Biscayne Bay, tell exciting stories and seem like they are from another time.
Exploring markets is also one of my favorite activities. At the weekly market, I discover regional delicacies and new specialties. There are always different stalls and products that inspire me.
My curiosity drives me to find new places away from the familiar. It's fun to discover corners that many visitors miss. Every stay in Miami Beach offers the chance to have new experiences - and that's exactly what I love about the city.
Miami Beach Activities
We invite you to discover Miami Beach activities that not everyone knows about. In this article we will show you activities that even experienced ones can do Miami Beach will surprise visitors. My travels as a tour guide have taken me to Miami Beach in all seasons, as have our visits as a travel blogger, which also gave us a behind-the-scenes look. We therefore had many opportunities to get to know the city better. It's definitely worth taking the time to explore the city away from the highlights.
The Art Deco District and Ocean Drive
Discovery tour in the Art Deco district
Small art galleries are hidden in every corner of the Art Deco district. These places are full of creativity and offer a glimpse into the local art scene. We discover works by artists that reflect Miami Beach's vibrant culture. During the Art Basel, one of the most important art events in the world, Miami Beach is transformed into an international art platform. Here you will find works by emerging and established artists.
In addition to the galleries, boutiques are also a great place for Miami Beach activities. Here we can find handmade treasures and fashion that cannot be found anywhere else. Each shop has its own flair. The Webster, for example, is a luxury boutique known for its carefully selected collection of high fashion and designer pieces.
During our tour through the Art Deco District we learn more about the history behind the facades. Each building tells of the glorious era of the 1920s to 1940s. We already have some of these buildings in ours Miami Beach Insider Tips presented. Another hotel is, for example Delano Beach Club. We had dinner there at Restaurant Bianca on our last visit. We didn't have time for the beach club because we had just landed at Miami airport a few hours earlier. But maybe you can plan your stay a little better than us.
Insider tips on Ocean Drive
Away from the well-known hotspots on Ocean Drive, there are also insider tips that only a few people know. Discover these places on Ocean Drive with us.
Cafes where you can relax from Miami Beach activities
In small, cozy corners you can, for example, relax with a cup of coffee away from the hustle and bustle of Ocean Drive.
- The News Cafe: This is a cozy café located a little away from the main hustle and bustle. It is known for its relaxed ambience and offers great views of Ocean Drive.
- The Front Porch Cafe: Another cafe known for its delicious breakfast and quiet location.
Gianni Versace's Mansion on Ocean Drive
There is also a lot to discover on Ocean Drive for photography enthusiasts. For example, you can find motifs that tell unique stories. A colorful wall, unusual graffiti or the play of light and shadow in a side street offer perfect photo opportunities. These locations are ideal for capturing authentic Miami Beach.
- The Villa Casa Casuarina*: The former Versace Mansion offers magnificent architecture and is a popular photo opportunity. Today you can also stay overnight in Gianni Versace's former mansion (if you have the money). However, the history of the house is tragic. On the steps of the house, fashion designer Gianni Versace fell victim to the shots of a serial killer in 1997 as he set out for his daily morning walk to the News Café, where he usually had his morning coffee.
Nature Experiences in Miami Beach
Sights away from Ocean Drive
Another insider tip are two small parks, just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle. Here you can experience peace and quiet and enjoy nature. These places are also perfect to take a break from hectic Miami Beach activities and unwind.
- Lummus Park: A leafy retreat right on Ocean Drive, ideal for a break from the beach hustle and bustle.
- South Pointe Park: Located a little further south, this park offers a quieter atmosphere and beautiful views of the sea.
Miami Beach waterfront activities
Miami Beach seaside activities offer more than just swimming and sunbathing. Here you can experience the water in a whole new way.
Imagine paddling across the water in a kayak as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon. Sunset kayaking is not only relaxing, but also a wonderful way to see Miami Beach from a different perspective. The calm waters and colorful skies provide a panorama for an unforgettable experience.
Boat tour in Miami Beach with locals
How about a private boat tour led by locals? These Miami Beach activities offer you an authentic experience and the opportunity to see Miami Beach from a whole new perspective.
Go out to sea fishing with a fisherman. Along the way he tells you stories about life by the sea. On these boat tours you will experience the city and the sea from the perspective of the locals. You'll find out where the best fishing spots are, maybe see dolphins and learn what the sea means to the people here. Each tour is unique because it reflects the captain's personal story.
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Our trip to Stiltsville in the Zodiac is also part of it. Although the tour is offered for several passengers, we are alone on board. Our boat captain Kimberley tells us about her life in Miami Beach. She reports how the city has changed in recent years. Super-rich new immigrants in particular are contributing a lot to this. They even buy entire islands, as she tells us. Fraser Island off Miami Beach is also one of them. This changes the image of the city enormously.
These boat trips are ideal for travelers who want to experience the real Miami Beach. You immerse yourself in the local culture and experience moments that are not found in any travel guide. It is an opportunity to come into contact with locals and understand their way of life.
Forget the usual tourist boats. A private boat tour with a local offers you an unparalleled experience. Not only will you get to know the coast, but also the people who make Miami Beach what it is.
Unknown beaches near Miami Beach
In addition to its lively beach, Miami Beach also has unknown natural beaches to offer. These less-visited stretches of beach are perfect for relaxing days in nature. In our Miami Beach Insider Tips we already introduce quieter beaches in North Beach Miami. But there is more.
Visit the Assume River State Park for a special nature experience. This state park is also located in North Beach. The park not only offers beautiful beaches, but also kayaking and canoeing through the mangroves. Experience nature up close and discover the wildlife of Miami Beach.
These stretches of beach are ideal for travelers looking for peace and quiet and enjoying nature. They offer a welcome change from the busy city center and the crowded main beaches. Here you get an impression of what nature looked like in the region before the city was built.
Restaurants and Culinary Arts in Miami Beach
Insider tips Miami Beach: local markets in Miami Beach to gourmet restaurants
Miami Beach offers a wealth of culinary secrets, from lively street food markets to gourmet restaurants.
The Lincoln Road Farmers Market is a must-see. At this street food market you will find a variety of fresh, local products as well as delicious snacks. Try tropical fruits or enjoy freshly made empanadas. This market is perfect for getting to know the local cuisine.
For a more upscale dining experience, we recommend the restaurant, for example Your home. This restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere and excellent Italian cuisine. It is an ideal place for a romantic dinner or a special celebration.
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These restaurants are currently particularly popular
- Catch Miami Beach – Opening in 2024 in the South of Fifth district, this new hotspot combines international seafood creations and sushi in a luxurious setting with Art Deco decor. Special highlights include the "Catch Roll" and truffle sashimi. A large indoor area and a rooftop terrace ensure a unique experience, especially for fans of modern cuisine.
- Aviv at 1 Hotel South Beach – Also brand new, this restaurant brings Israeli cuisine to Miami Beach and is perfect for guests seeking innovative and modern flavors. The restaurant offers dishes that combine Israeli and Mediterranean influences, showcasing the flavors of Tel Aviv in an upscale atmosphere.
- Oro on Lincoln Road – Opening in late 2024, this luxurious restaurant specializes in prime steaks and seafood, including fresh crab and lobster. Its rooftop location and cosmopolitan style make it ideal for a stylish dining experience in the heart of South Beach.
- Stubborn Seed - This Michelin-starred restaurant by Jeremy Ford remains a must-visit. With its creative, modern cuisine, it stands out for those looking for experimental and high-quality cuisine. New dishes are offered regularly, so it's always a discovery.
You can also find culinary and restaurant tips in our Miami Beach Insider Tips.
Off the beaten track: local markets
Would you like to experience Miami Beach off the beaten tourist path? Then discover the local markets with us. There you will also meet locals and get to know something about their everyday life. The Lincoln Road Farmers Market isn't the only place to do this.
For an authentic dining experience, visit Sunset Harbor. This neighborhood is known for its excellent restaurants and cafes run by locals. Here you'll find everything from fresh seafood to innovative vegan dishes. If you like sushi then you should Pubbelly Sushi not to be missed.
Activities we recommend
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Good to know:
New safety guidelines in Miami Beach, especially for the spring break season, have become significantly more stringent in recent years. The City of Miami Beach has a zero-tolerance policy for disorderly behavior and has implemented a number of measures that may be important beyond spring break. These include earlier curfews, increased parking fees to reduce crowds, and closed beaches.
Conclusion – Miami Beach is not just South Beach
Every corner of Miami Beach offers something special, from the lively streets to the quiet parks.
Our trip through Miami Beach showed us that the city has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are an art lover, nature lover or culinary fan, Miami Beach will delight you. Meeting the locals and immersing themselves in their culture enriched our trip and gave us deep insights into life in Miami Beach.
We encourage you to customize your trip to Miami Beach. Dare to wander off the beaten path and discover the city's hidden treasures. Visit local markets, explore unknown neighborhoods and try the diverse cuisine.
Take your time to explore the city at your own pace and be inspired by its many facets. Maybe you’ll discover something new too? Share your experiences and experiences with us in the comments.
Travel Arrangements
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Rental car
You can rent a rental car here. However, we recommend renting it only if you want to go on a road trip or a larger excursion. Parking fees are extremely high in Miami and Miami Beach. We had a rental car during our last visit and spent about $25 a day just to leave our car in the parking garage. We only used it once during our stay in Miami Beach. The rest of the time we walked.
Do you know anything else?
- Experience Miami attractions by boat
- Discover good food on a food tour in Miami Beach
- Miami Insider Tips – Discover the city’s hidden treasures
- Miami in December / January - enjoy the winter in Florida
- The Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive
- USA city trips: Which cities in the USA should you visit?
Source Miami Beach Activities: Research on site partly on your own, partly on invitation to a research trip through the Miami Tourism AuthorityWe would also like to thank Miami Beaches for the invitation. However, our opinion remains unaffected.
Text Miami Beach Activities: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline, Pixabay and see captions
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
