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When lost in Miami: Undiscovered hotspots to explore in the 'magic city'

Written on : 04 March 2020
By : Jake Varga
When lost in Miami: Undiscovered hotspots to explore in the 'magic city'

Miami is a city where the fusion of different worldly cultures enhances it, not diminishes it. It’s Cuban historical influence, art-deco prominence and ever famous “SO Miami” luxury makes this city an absolute essential for anyone looking to jet over to the USA. Miami is also the perfect destination for groups of friends and families, especially when compared to other west coast and east coast cities which aren’t particularly ideal due to space and price. Read on to explore the hidden gems you can expect to find in the Magic City, escape the tourist traps and find the places to build unforgettable memories.

Arts, Activities and Culture

Arts, Activities and Culture

If you have been lounging on the beach all day and are looking for something exciting to fill your evening, make your way to The Fillmore. The Fillmore is a stage based in an art deco theatre, the Jackie Gleason Theatre. It can be found off Miami beach where its blue painted exterior blends into the sky at dusk. This magnificent venue once was the home for various 1960s TV shows, but it now hosts various entertainment nights from music to comedy - visit here if you want to immerse yourself with the locals. Moreover, if nearby, you may want to add the New World Centre to your itinerary as it is located just across the road. This incredible venue is the home of the New World Symphony. Be sure to check the schedule as they offer some incredible outdoor screenings.

Something you may notice in Miami is the unfortunate near to nonexistent public transportation system. However, this poses as an opportunity! Fritz’s Skate, Bike & Surf is the best place to visit for when you are wondering out and about. Rent a pair of rollerblades (you will notice skating is very popular here) and explore the city in a much more thrilling fashion. South Pointe Park is the ideal place for rollerblading if you want to give a few tricks a go.

If art and museums are more (or also) your thing, Pérez Art Museum should be on the top of your list. The building itself is picture perfect panning a significant width of the beachfront. Inside you can find a plentiful collection of 2,000 pieces. Once inspired, locate the outside bar, grab yourself a glass of wine or a cocktail and enjoy the tranquility of the water.

Cafes, Bars and Eateries

Cafes, Bars and Eateries

If you find your trip lands over a weekend, visit Zak the Baker. Not the man per se, but an exquisite sourdough bakery offering toasts, pastries and beautiful coffee. Make this a pitstop to start your day or half way through when you need a well earned rest.

If you would classify yourself as a coffee connoisseur, you should take some time to integrate a visit to Panther Coffee into your trip. This coffee shop uniquely sources their coffee from South American countries and roasts them in house. Clearly the attention to detail is important to them, meaning that every cup of coffee should taste just as heavenly as the next. If your craving for fine coffee doesn’t stop there, pay a visit to ALL DAY. This more recently opened café is accredited to the alumni of Panther Coffee who went on to open this place. You can rest assured that everything on the menu is just as incredible, whether that be a cold brew, “the best breakfast sandwich in Miami” or even a refreshing beer.

If gastronomy is one of your passions (or you just simply love eating) you should plan to spend an afternoon at The Wynwood Yard. Food trucks seem to hold a special place in the nation's hearts, and it certainly doesn’t stop in Miami. The Wynwood Yard is a place to enjoy a variety of activities with friends and family from yoga, music, drinking and most importantly gourmet street food. Types of cuisines completely vary here and change from time to time - but that is part of the fun. Anything from healthy vegan bowls to gourmet Mac and Cheese are perfect treats to enjoy on a summer holiday.

Another venue to frequent if you enjoyed the art deco aesthetic is Byblos. This more upper class restaurant serves eastern-mediterranean cuisine through various courses. Although, we definitely recommend getting a selection of starters and sharing boards, as you are more than likely to want to try everything that they have to offer.

>>> Why Miami is fantastic for a family holiday

Places to stay

Places to stay

The optimal place to stay is usually close enough to the nicest parts of the city without feeling that the hustle and bustle is too intrusive. However, thanks to the many incredible beachfront homes in Miami, you can enjoy great views by the water from a spacious property while remaining right on the doorstep of everything you could ever want from the city.

Villa Luxura is the ideal place to stay if you love spending time by the water. Villa Luxura is located in Miami Beach and resides right on the sea where you have a private boat dock and heated swimming pool. It can sleep up to a maximum of 12 guests, where you can spread out and enjoy the spacious modern interior, place table tennis or head down to the wine cellar and share a nice few bottles of vino. Alternatively, if you are after something even more lavish, Villa Contenta may just be the dream villa you have been looking for. This 6 bedroom luxury villa sleeps a maximum of 13 people and is located on the exclusive Palm Island.

If you truly want to live the Miami dream, stay at the magnificent Villa Yasmina. This wonderfully exotic, Moorish-style home is the best place to bring all of your loved ones. It is designed to bring you privacy without the compromise of feeling open, allowing you to look out and enjoy the vista. As it is located only 10 minutes from South Beach, you are never too far away from the incredible culture in Miami.

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