Miami is world-renowned for its star-studded beaches, innovative art scene, and unparalleled nightlife. At Miami Culinary Tours, we know just how vibrant its neighborhoods are through our Miami Food and Culture Tours, covering everything from Little Havana to the creative Wynwood.
However, there is so much more to this glitzy city. At the foundation of Miami are incredible natural attractions, historic landmarks, and budding communities. So if you’re wondering what is underrated about Miami, Florida, we’re here to tell you!
Keep reading our blog to uncover the side of Miami you seldom see, or feel free to get in touch with our team with any questions about our tours.
While the high-rise buildings dominating the skyline may give the impression that Miami is as urban as a city gets, it’s abounding in natural beauty. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west, Miami is replete with coastal dunes, mangrove forests, and green spaces.
Off the south coast of Miami is Biscayne National Park, which protects over 170,000 acres of diverse ecosystems. Home to threatened species such as the Florida manatee and sea turtles, this park is a crucial conservation area. When you visit here you have the opportunity to encounter these animals while enjoying activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating. You can also enjoy camping on the islands for an immersive experience of Miami’s natural wonders!
In the city itself, you can also find myriad parks and at least three botanical gardens, the most notable of which is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This 83-acre garden showcases incredible plants from the collection of plant explorer David Fairchild, from palms to cycads and water lilies. You can also visit the Kampong Botanical Garden, which was once the home of Fairchild and features as one of our non-touristic places to explore in Miami.
Despite its modern allure, Miami has a history dating back 10,000 years when Paleo-Indians first inhabited the area. Centuries later, Tequesta Indians made Miami their home and even left behind an incredible archeological site. At the Miami Ciricle, you can see evidence of their settlement, now a preserved landmark and a lesser-known gem to visit in Miami.
For a deeper dive into Indigenous history and culture, the Miccosukee Indian Village is a must-visit. Explore a living history museum for a journey back in time and discover traditional arts and crafts at the museum. You can even go on an airboat ride of the Everglades and do some wildlife watching!
By the late 19th century, new settlers arrived in Miami. You can catch a glimpse of frontier life in Coconut Grove at the Barnacle House, which was formerly the home of the pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe. Built in 1891, it’s the oldest house in Dade County still standing on its original site. The Barnacle Historic State Park is now open for people to enjoy picnics and walks on the grounds or to take part in guided tours of the house.
Another historic landmark in Miami is the Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College. Constructed in Downtown Miami in 1925, it originally served as the building for the city’s oldest newspaper. In the 1960s and 70s, as Cubans migrated to Miami, the building became a help center for refugees. Cuban Americans later restored it and donated it to the Miami Dade College, and it is now used as the Museum of Art and Design.
Of course, we can’t discuss historic landmarks without including the Art Deco District. A celebrated area of Miami, this district is home to over 800 historic buildings from the 1930s, constructed in the distinct Art Deco style. You can discover this incredible neighborhood for yourself as part of our South Beach, Miami, Food, and Art Deco Tour!
South Beach, Wynwood, and the Miami Design District are some of the biggest attractions in Miami, and with good reason. However, there are also some lesser-known neighborhoods that are just as worth visiting.
Allapattah, which borders Wynwood, is an up-and-coming artistic hub. While it’s one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods, it’s attracting attention for its new museums, including the Superblue Immersive Art Experiences, the recently opened Rubell Museum showcasing contemporary art, and the unconventional Museum of Sex.
While Miami’s beaches are one of its major appeals, they can often get a bit crowded. That’s why Surfside makes for the perfect coastal escape. Known as Miami’s Uptown Beach Town, this primarily residential neighborhood has a more tranquil atmosphere than bustling South Beach. However, it still has a touch of glam as the location of the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club with its Michelin star restaurant.
Whether you come to Miami to experience its top attractions or its most underrated gems, the team at Miami Culinary Tours is here to welcome you! We can take you to some of the most iconic locations in the city, whether on our Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour or our Wynwood Food and Street Art Tour. If you’re ready to discover Miami through your taste buds, then contact us with any questions or to book your tour!
This site uses Google reCAPTCHA V3. Read the privacy policy and terms of service for more information.
