15 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Miami, Florida - Updated 2024

non touristy things to do in miami
Hemasudha
Hemasudha 
Updated
| 3 min read

Miami is a glamorous city in South Florida, known for its breathtaking Miami Beach. Millions of tourists flock to this city to admire its marvels and enjoy its warm weather. For their accommodation needs, there are plenty of boutique hotels and vacation apartments in Miami. Packed with blue visuals, nightlife scene, luxury shopping, and outstanding art, Miami is a must-see destination for any fun-lover. When you are in Miami, catch a dolphin show at The Miami Sea Aquarium, stroll along the Ocean Drive, learn about locomotives at The Gold Coast Railroad Museum, admire the coral arts, and spend leisurely time at Bayfront Park, Crandon Park, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. If you are not new to this lovely city, you would have probably done all the above things. So, let us introduce some of the non-touristy things to do in Miami, Florida, to take your trip to another level. Trust us, you will see Miami in a new light.

1. Join locals in producing a community mural at the Wynwood Walls (from USD 87.0)

If you’re creative, you might enjoy creating a mural during your trip to Miami. Located in the city is Wynwood Walls, where you can see various artworks made by painters from around the globe.

It is where community murals emerge, so dropping by the place means painting together with other locals. You’ll be briefed on the materials available for use, alongside other precautionary measures you must take note of. After finishing your output, don’t forget to take a photo of it and save it as one of your precious memories.

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Paint a Wynwood Mural

Duration: 90 mins

205 reviews

2. Hop on a banana boat ride around Biscayne Bay (from USD 49.0)

Perfect for adrenaline junkies, a banana boat ride along Biscayne Bay is another thrilling yet non-touristy thing to do while staying in Miami. The host will meet you at Sea Isle Marina, which is only an 11-minute drive from South Beach.

For one hour, you will be towed around the spot so you can appreciate the city view from afar while getting splashed by the waters. So, don’t forget your sunscreen and towels as you hop on for a speedy ride.

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Banana Boat ride in Miami's bay

Duration: 60 mins

117 reviews

3. Experience fishing in the Atlantic Ocean (from USD 75.0)

If you’re fascinated by the ocean, spend half a day fishing around the vast Atlantic Ocean. This four-hour tour organized by Reward Fishing Fleet allows you to embark on an exciting boat journey and experience the daily life of some locals.

Your guide will give you tutorials on how to use the fishing equipment, so even beginners with little to no experience are encouraged to join. You can choose between sailing during the day to experience drift fishing or at night for bottom fishing.

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Miami Deep-Sea Fishing Half-Day Tour

Duration: 4 hours

149 reviews

4. Conquer great heights on a parasailing trip (from USD 99.0)

To further appreciate the Miami skyline, taking on a parasailing ride is another interesting thing to do while staying in the city. Arranged by Miami Watersports, this activity gives you a clearer view of the oceans and coastal landscapes in the area.

The fee includes an hour of the standard parasailing ride alongside the safety equipment you’ll use. So, prepare some extra cash as you’ll also have to pay for the fuel and Marina fees. And since this adventure is one for the books, consider paying an additional charge for a photography package.

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Miami Parasailing Experience

Duration: 1 hour

390 reviews

Miami Tour Guide

Alexander Gorn

Alexander Gorn

I was born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, in the Soviet Union, and left for the USA when I was 23 years old, just out of college. Leningrad was and still is a city with great cultural traditions. I fell in love with its world-famous museums, art galleries, theaters, and other attractions. I have been guiding tours for most of my life and began while still in high school. During the summer... Read more

Tours by Alexander

5. Shop and dine at Bayside Marketplace

Bayfront Plaza 2020
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris6d used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Bayside Marketplace has it all! You can splurge at the shops such as Bath & Body Works and Stitch by Stitch, or buy souvenirs from the stores dotting the marketplace. You can dine at famous restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Kuba Cabana, or classic favorites including Chili’s and Five Guys Burger and Fries.

You can enjoy a drink along the water and even join a cruise! There are speedboat tours and private boat tours. If you want to go fishing, fishing boats are also available. Just take your pick!

Bayside Marketplace

Address: 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, USA

Website: Bayside Marketplace

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

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6. Discover the beauty of Cauley Square

April 3, 2016
Source: Photo by Flickr user osseous used under CC BY 2.0

Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village is a lovely place to get a glimpse of ancient South Florida. Surrounded by 4 hectares (10 acres) of the blissful garden, fountains, and sculptures, this destination is a heaven on earth. Whether you are up for shopping or ready to savor a delicious meal, you got a place here. Many love to organize their wedding in this beautiful destination.

Cauley Square

Address: 22400 Old Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33170, USA

Website: Cauley Square

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 5pm (Closed on Mon)

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7. Enjoy picnicking at Miami Circle Park

Miami Circle (9081683470)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Phillip Pessar used under CC BY 2.0

Miami Circle Park is a historic site in Downtown Miami built by the Native Americans. The serene location overlooking the water is perfect to go to on a picnic with your family or friends. Plenty of historical information can be seen in this park. Some audio tours in Miami are also arranged here. You can find many strolling with their dogs in this area. Overall, it is an ideal place to admire nature and history.

Miami Circle Park

Address: Miami, FL 33131, USA

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

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8. Tour the World Erotic Art Museum

World Erotic Art Museum South Beach
Source: Photo by Flickr user Phillip Pessar used under CC BY 2.0

The World Erotic Art Museum is located in the Florida Art Deco District, and it displays a unique history of erotic artworks. If you are looking for a different artistic experience, do not miss to visit this museum. You can find plenty of unusual collection of sexual exhibits such as bed carved with the Kama Sutra, dominatrix Barbie dolls, and dildos in all shapes.

World Erotic Art Museum

Address: 1205 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Website: World Erotic Art Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 11am - 12am

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9. Rekindle your romance at Schnebly’s Winery

Schnebly Redlands Winery Tour
Source: Photo by Flickr user Smart Destinations used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Looking for a romantic weekend getaway in Miami? Visit Schnebly’s Winery, a lovely property that incorporates tropical fruit flavors in their craft beer and wines. It includes an opulent restaurant, tavern displaying beers and wines and a tasting room. Set against a luxurious backdrop, the winery is ideal for date nights with your loved one. They can also organize lavish weddings and private events and enable you to create everlasting memories.

Schnebly’s Winery

Address: 30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead, FL 33030, USA

Website: Schnebly’s Winery

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 6pm; Fri: 11.30am - 11pm; Sat:11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

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10. Swim at the Venetian Pool

Venetian Pool, Coral Gables
Source: Photo by Flickr user Matt Kieffer used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Venetian Pool is a historic public pool built in 1923. The tropical background and waterfalls set in the pool are pure bliss to the eyes. It is perfectly safe to swim in their waters since the water comes from artesian wells and is completely chemical free. There is a café on-site to treat your hungry tummies.

Venetian Pool

Address: 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 5.30pm; Sat & Sun:10am - 4.30pm (Closed on Mon)

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11. Learn cooking at the Biltmore Culinary Academy

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables on Monday, June 20, 2022

The Biltmore Culinary Academy conducts regular cooking classes to both adults and kids to impart the cooking skills. Their well-equipped professional kitchen offers fun and informative workshops, classes, and events. Their cooking classes have inspired many young talents to become great chefs. It is necessary to make a reservation to attend this class.

Biltmore Culinary Academy

Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA

Website: Biltmore Hotel

Opening hours: Tuesdays: 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Price: 114 USD per person

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12. Get thrilled at PanIQ Escape Room

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Learn the art of magic in the nick of time. Wizard Trials Escape Room Atlanta Las Vegas San Francisco Chicago #escaperoom #wizardtrials #paniqroom Photo Credit: Grand Canal Shoppes

Posted by PanIQ Escape Rooms on Monday, February 21, 2022

You can enjoy 60-minute adrenaline rushing escape game at PanIQ Escape Room. The escape games organized by them are influenced by the latest movies and games. The game is perfect for corporate team building skills. You will be working as a team to crack codes, find clues and solve puzzles. The real-time sets will give you a truly thrilling experience.

PanIQ Escape Room

Address: 388 NW 27th St, Miami, FL 33127, USA

Website: PanIQ Escape Room

Opening hours: 10am - 11.30pm (Weekdays)

Price: 28 USD per person

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13. Marvel at The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum

Frost Art Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user User:Comayagua99 used under CC BY 3.0

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum exhibit world-class art across diverse culture and time, making it one of the top entry-free museums in Miami. Over 6,000 objects displayed here represents American printmaking between 1960 and 1970, pre-Columbian artifacts from 200-500 AD, photography, and a wide collection of contemporary arts. They provide free access to the public.

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum

Address: 10975 SW 17th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA

Website: The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (Closed on Mon)

Price: Free

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14. Enjoy live music and dance at South Beach (from USD 89.0)

Spend your day at South Beach by listening to a live band and rocking the floor with some salsa moves. Experienced dancers conduct salsa and bachata lessons. You will be served with creative Mojitos while you indulge in mesmerizing Latin music and dance. This exciting activity will allow you to enjoy live music and dancing till 5 am.

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Miami Salsa Night with Lessons, Live Tropical Band, Mojitos

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

219 reviews

15. Take an exhilarating jet ski ride (from USD 75.0)

You can take a Jet Ski lesson and take a jet ski ride around Biscayne Bay. Admire the beautiful marinas while you soar through the waters. Life jackets will be provided for your safety. The jet ski will also be filled up with gas so you get a whole hour of fun and exhilarating aboard these thrilling machines.

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Jet Ski Rental in Biscayne Bay

Duration: 1 hour

Discover the hidden secrets

Though Miami excites its visitors with its wide array of things to do and places to visit, the hidden marvels should never be missed while exploring Miami. With our list above, you have plenty to keep you busy, without worrying about the long tourist crowds. Try our top 10 non-touristy things in Miami and enjoy your holiday.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hemasudha is a dedicated travel writer whose true passion lies in exploring the world. Traveling, for her, is not just a hobby but a profound spiritual experience that she is deeply passionate...Read more

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