You probably know Miami as a great place to relax with the whole family on the beach and also enjoy shopping at local outlets. This is true – at least that’s what most travel guides say.
However, Miami is not only about beaches, bars, clubs, and trendy shops. There are also places of interest that have been missed in popular travel guides.
How can you find them? Book a rental car and get ready to drive. In the meantime, we will tell you where else to go and what to see in Miami…
1. The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden
Drive your rental car to the charming Coconut Grove coastal area, home to the amazing Kampong Garden.
As one of the territories of the National Association of Tropical Botanical Gardens, it works to preserve endangered plant species, while scientists, students, and volunteers from around the world operate there.
This is the right place to see unusual fruit and flowering trees from Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
By the way, the name “Kampong” is translated from Javanese as “closed village”. Actually, this is how this garden is arranged: you can only get here by prior reservation.
Address: 4013 Douglas Rd, Miami, FL 33133
2. Gold Coast Railway Museum
The museum is located next to the City Zoo, one of Miami’s most popular attractions, but many miss the modest signboard and the turn leading to the museum.
Follow our lead to see about forty different steam locomotives, electric locomotives, passenger and freight cars, train models, and station models.
You can get into some cars, inspect everything inside and, of course, take photos. Children have their own little train – the restless Thomas, the hero of famous books and cartoons.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Ferdinand Magellan carriage, which was used by the former U.S. presidents, including Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and Reagan.
Address: 12450 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
3. Villa Vizcaya
Villa Vizcaya is a true slice of Europe. It looks like an islet of the Italian Renaissance in white, palm-dotted Miami with its tropical Art Deco buildings.
A visit to the villa with the whole family will give you a unique experience. As you explore the luxurious interiors, your kids will play on the green lawns that surround the building.
Of course, take care of a roomy car for getting there – pick up a spacious 7 passenger van rental and you can reach it while enjoying the comfort.
The building was erected at the beginning of the 20th century as the winter residence of the American industrialist James Deering. It’s now one of the most stunning places in Miami.
Be sure to see the works of European art and curious relics from the 16th and 19th centuries stored here, stroll through the garden among fountains, waterfalls, and sculptures, and admire the breathtaking views of the bay.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
4. Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls is Miami’s most creative spot. There’s an incredible concentration of galleries, museums, art studios, clubs, and bars that are easy to explore with your rental car.
However, the main jewel of the quarter is the open-air museum, where you can see huge graffiti created by popular street art artists from all over the world.
Don’t miss the work of Shepard Fairey, creator of the Obey brand and designer of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign posters, as well as the mural of the Ukrainian duo Alexei Bordusov and Vladimir Manzhos, known as Interesni Kazki.
Every second Saturday of the month, Wynwood Art Walk is held in Wynwood Walls. During this time all galleries continue to work at night. All this action is accompanied by music and unique entertainment programs.
Address: 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
5. Robert is Here Fruit Stand
Large white letters on the roof of a shop near the Everglades National Park announce the presence of a certain Robert. In fact, this is a code: you are two steps away from enjoying the taste of exotic fruits.
Local people call ‘Robert Is Here’ a real tropical paradise. Here you can buy a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, sauces, and jams, as well as taste delicious freshly made smoothies and milkshakes.
Address: 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034
6. Rubell Family Collection
Do you want to introduce your children to art? Then drive your rental car to the Rubell Family Collection in Miami. Collectors Don and Mera Rubell are known to be the first to spot promising artists.
In 1978, they acquired the work of Cindy Sherman, now a popular American photographer and director, and in the early 80s acquired the creations of the future pop art genius Keith Haring and contemporary postmodern artist Richard Prince.
The spouses say: “Our collection is the story of our life!” So, Don and Mera have been travelling the world for more than half a century, getting acquainted with the work of various artists and replenishing their impressive art reserves.
By the way, they don’t use the services of consultants, and nevertheless, according to many, the Rubell couple owns one of the best collections of contemporary art in America!
Address: 1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127
Also Read: South Africa’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions That You Never Want To Miss
Add Comment