A Guide to Miami Beyond South Beach

Giralda PlazaPhoto by Modern Cities

Miami is great and a hotspot not just for the locals but the residents. Thousands of people flock into Miami to catch some fun in the sun and enjoy day parties but there's more to Miami than South Beach and cocktails. If you're looking for unique things to do and hidden gems, this is an article that can point you in the right direction.

1.) Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple

Experience Thailand in Miami by visiting the Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple. This Theravada Buddhism temple was built in 1982 and is such a great experience in Miami. It doesn't matter if you're spiritual or not, you can visit the monks, have quiet moments in front of the Buddha Statue, observe, reflect and just bask in the serenity of the entire place. This is a great way to discover something different in Miami besides South Beach and pool parties.

Getting there/directions:

Via Turnpike (Highway - Toll Road)

This directions work for both southbound and Northbound traffic

• Drive on Florida Turnpike towards exit 9B
  (SW 112th Ave/S Allapattah Rd)
• Take exit 9B to merge onto SW 112th Ave/S Allapattah Rd
• Turn left onto SW 248th St/Coconut Palm Dr
• Continue to follow SW 248th St
• Turn right onto SW 152nd Ave
• The temple will be to your left

Photo by Thai Temple Miami

2.) Giralda Plaza

Giralda Plaza in the heart of the downtown Coral Gables has seen a number of impressive makeovers over the years. Now, it is a bright and colorful street that totally looks like one from Colombia or Cuba or Puerto Rico. This is a beautiful spot that's perfect for an afternoon hangout. There are lots of shops and restaurants to eat at and its very walkable by foot. There's also live music - it doesn't get better than this. It does get very crowded on the weekends so try to see it on a weekday when there is less of a crowd. If you're ever in Giralda Plaza, Tapeo restaurant has come in highly recommended and is a popular favorite.

Address is Giralda Ave, Coral Gables

3.) Little Haiti Cultural Complex

There's a strong Haitian presence in Miami with 31 percent of them residing in North Miami. Actually, Florida as a whole has the largest population of Haitians in America. They play a big part in Miami culture. If you'd love to learn more about Haitian culture and cuisine, you should totally visit the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. You will learn more about the Caribbean culture, food, music and also enjoy local market days and buy fresh Haitian produce and ingredients.

Location: 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137, USA

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm

Phone: +1 305-960-2969

Photo by Where Traveler

4.) Rubell Family Collection Museum

There are lots of amazing museums in Miami and if that is your think, you'll have a lot of options. However, I think that Rubell Family Collection museum does not get enough credit for how fantastic it truly is. It is a private art contemporary museum that is totally worth visiting. Tickets sell for about $15 for a half day viewing between 11:30 and 5pm. You can buy tickets here.

Address: 1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127, United States

Photo by Rubell Museum

5.) Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park was originally called Royal Palm Park but is one of the most beautiful places in Miami. It is huge; it spans 32 acres in the heart of downtown Miami and sits right on Biscayne Bay. This is the perfect place for families and friends who want to relax and have a quiet moment. There are lots of park activities to choose from and a number of special events to enjoy.

Photo by Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

So there you go. A few ideas for you to allow you venture out of the typical Miami scene. There's so much to see and do beyond South Beach. Go explore further. #HiddenGems

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