Beyond South Beach: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Hot Spots in Miami

Beyond South Beach: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Hot Spots in Miami


You’ve strolled along Ocean Drive admiring art deco—style buildings, fancy cars, and beautiful people; enjoyed Cuban cuisine at the flurry of outdoor restaurants tightly packed along the strip; sipped one too many mojitos; partied at a few of the best nightclubs; and spent countless hours at the beach, gazing at the clear blue water. So now what? Beyond Ocean Drive, Miami’s most popular street in South Beach, lies some of the best restaurants, museums, and shopping boutiques. Below are a few hot spots to add to your itinerary.

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Eat
Las Olas Café
A corner Cuban café, serving delish authentic Cuban food at an affordable price. While most people would describe it as a ‘hole in the wall,’ it’s clearly a neighborhood favorite. So don’t be surprised to see a line of people waiting to order at the outdoor window. The café serves some of the best Cuban sandwiches, beef empanadas, and café con leche. For a full meal try the braised lamb shank with rice and beans. And for dessert, try the banana pudding.

Jimmy’z Kitchen Wynwood
For a combination of delicious food, awesome service, and ambiance, Jimmy’z is a city favorite. Try the shrimp mofongo with churrasco, jerk chicken salad, or  a perfectly cooked skirt steak. Also, try the bolitas de queso (fried cheese balls) with guava.

See
Tour the Everglades
The Everglades is about 30 to 35 minutes from Miami beach. For a taste of Miami’s wildlife, including cool birds and alligators of all sizes, you can take a 1-hour tour of the Everglades via airboat ride. 

Explore Art at Wynwood Miami
Wynwood Miami is a haven for street art enthusiasts. The open-air art gallery, with bold colors and massive-sized murals, is home to over 70 art galleries, retail stores, antique shops, and bars. For some eclectic gifts, you can shop fashion and home goods at one of the many boutiques.

Stay
The Beacon Hotel
The hotel is not off the beaten path, but a trip to Miami wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the beach and nightlife, right? The Beacon Hotel is a lovely, affordable boutique hotel on Ocean Drive and right across the street from the beach. Rooms are small but very clean with modern furniture, a mini bar, and a coffee maker. And, the hotels offers free breakfast, wi-fi, beach towels, and beach chairs. But take note: Request a room at the back of the hotel, as the area gets noisy at night due to the nightlife.

 


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