Discovering Miami: a guidebook to local areas and businesses
Sightseeing
This is the closest beach at about 10 min drive. Paid parking mostly available on the street. The Town of Surfside is a pedestrian-friendly oceanfront community.
45 locals recommend
Surfside Beach
This is the closest beach at about 10 min drive. Paid parking mostly available on the street. The Town of Surfside is a pedestrian-friendly oceanfront community.
this is the closest park, walking distance, at the corner of 135th and 16th and it’s really nice. They also have horseback riding classes there. Main entrance on NE 135th st. No dogs allowed.
33 locals recommend
Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park
1725 NE 135th Stthis is the closest park, walking distance, at the corner of 135th and 16th and it’s really nice. They also have horseback riding classes there. Main entrance on NE 135th st. No dogs allowed.
Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach is a beautiful large park to roam in, chill or picnic and there’s nice wildlife and the Oleta river goes through it. Dogs on leash only - for the dog park see East Greynolds.
43 locals recommend
Greynolds Park
Greynolds ParkGreynolds Park in North Miami Beach is a beautiful large park to roam in, chill or picnic and there’s nice wildlife and the Oleta river goes through it. Dogs on leash only - for the dog park see East Greynolds.
East Greynolds has a Kayak rental to roam on the Oleta river and a dog park. Only about 10 min away. Left on Biscayne and turn right into the park after you cross 163rd st.
East Greynolds Park
16700 Biscayne BlvdEast Greynolds has a Kayak rental to roam on the Oleta river and a dog park. Only about 10 min away. Left on Biscayne and turn right into the park after you cross 163rd st.
If you turn left on 135th and go all the way straight passed Biscayne you’ll reach the Arch Creek Natural Reserve. A short walk through the reserve gets you to the Florida International University’s bay campus. Great place to take a stroll or bike ride there, along the bay, or just chill by the water– it’s really nice. Dogs love it!
21 locals recommend
Biscayne Bay
If you turn left on 135th and go all the way straight passed Biscayne you’ll reach the Arch Creek Natural Reserve. A short walk through the reserve gets you to the Florida International University’s bay campus. Great place to take a stroll or bike ride there, along the bay, or just chill by the water– it’s really nice. Dogs love it!
Haulover Beach and Marina: same directions as to Surfside but turn left on Collins and the beach entries will be on your right after you go over the bridge. This beach is nice and big and has many options (including a clothing optional area and a dog beach). Across from the beach is the Marina where there are often activities like kite flying and there are fishing boats that arrive at the end of the day and sell fresh fish. Can also rent bikes near the skateboard park (first entrance to your right if you come from Surfside). Dog beach near the skateboard park.
90 locals recommend
Haulover Beach
Haulover Beach and Marina: same directions as to Surfside but turn left on Collins and the beach entries will be on your right after you go over the bridge. This beach is nice and big and has many options (including a clothing optional area and a dog beach). Across from the beach is the Marina where there are often activities like kite flying and there are fishing boats that arrive at the end of the day and sell fresh fish. Can also rent bikes near the skateboard park (first entrance to your right if you come from Surfside). Dog beach near the skateboard park.
Pretty beach and there’s a bar/restaurant/pier to hang out at. Left on Biscayne, right on 163rd St and cross the bridge, and when you get to Sunny Isles just go straight towards the ocean. May be hard to find parking though. At certain times in the afternoon the high-rise buildings may cast shade onto the beach so plan accordingly if you want to tan :)
307 locals recommend
Sunny Isles Beach
Pretty beach and there’s a bar/restaurant/pier to hang out at. Left on Biscayne, right on 163rd St and cross the bridge, and when you get to Sunny Isles just go straight towards the ocean. May be hard to find parking though. At certain times in the afternoon the high-rise buildings may cast shade onto the beach so plan accordingly if you want to tan :)
Florida’s largest urban park, this is a beautiful park with hiking and biking trails through mangroves and beautiful nature views. Kayak rental and beach areas.
397 locals recommend
Oleta River State Park
3400 NE 163rd StFlorida’s largest urban park, this is a beautiful park with hiking and biking trails through mangroves and beautiful nature views. Kayak rental and beach areas.
Hollywood Beach is a nice beach with a boardwalk and lots of oceanfront stores and restaurants and activities (though limited now due to COVID). Great place to roller blade, bike, etc. concerts held on the boardwalk especially on weekends. Active beach but quieter than South Beach.
812 locals recommend
Hollywood Beach
101 Johnson StHollywood Beach is a nice beach with a boardwalk and lots of oceanfront stores and restaurants and activities (though limited now due to COVID). Great place to roller blade, bike, etc. concerts held on the boardwalk especially on weekends. Active beach but quieter than South Beach.
Beautiful trails and views. Discover the native South Florida nature! And good place for alligator sighting. 😊
350 locals recommend
Everglades National Park
Beautiful trails and views. Discover the native South Florida nature! And good place for alligator sighting. 😊
Grocery Store
The closest grocery store located at the Keystone Plaza at the corner of 135th and Biscayne. Fresh produce, middle eastern fare, but may be expensive on some items.
35 locals recommend
The Fresh Market
18299 Biscayne BlvdThe closest grocery store located at the Keystone Plaza at the corner of 135th and Biscayne. Fresh produce, middle eastern fare, but may be expensive on some items.
The main grocery store in the area, located on Biscayne Blvd at NE 127th St.
31 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at 127th Shopping Center
12800 Biscayne BlvdThe main grocery store in the area, located on Biscayne Blvd at NE 127th St.
Whole Foods Market
21105 Biscayne BlvdThe closest Whole Foods is on Biscayne Blvd and NE 122nd St.
The closest store walking distance is a five minute walk: turn left on our street, right on 12th street, and you’ll see a corner store to your right, next to the laundromat. The store is mainly frequented by the local residents.
Convenient Spot Food Store
1981 NE 135th StThe closest store walking distance is a five minute walk: turn left on our street, right on 12th street, and you’ll see a corner store to your right, next to the laundromat. The store is mainly frequented by the local residents.
Shopping
Large mall with a full array of stores and restaurants, movie theater.
2109 locals recommend
Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne BlvdLarge mall with a full array of stores and restaurants, movie theater.
Bal Harbour Shops (near Surfside) are the more fancy designer stores. Open air mall. Makoto, the Japanese restaurant in the middle of the mall, with the outdoor space, is really nice.
718 locals recommend
Bal Harbour Shops
9700 Collins AveBal Harbour Shops (near Surfside) are the more fancy designer stores. Open air mall. Makoto, the Japanese restaurant in the middle of the mall, with the outdoor space, is really nice.
Design District is a bit farther away towards Downtown but it’s the more expensive designer stores as well as small, unknown designer boutiques.
949 locals recommend
Miami Design District
Design District is a bit farther away towards Downtown but it’s the more expensive designer stores as well as small, unknown designer boutiques.
Neighborhoods
South Beach does not need introductions. Beautiful beaches, hotels, Art Deco buildings, restaurants, stores, boardwalk, etc. Lively nightlife on Ocean drive and local clubs, though limited now due to COVID. This is the more touristy beach so if you want a quieter experience, try the other beaches.
1258 locals recommend
South Beach
South Beach does not need introductions. Beautiful beaches, hotels, Art Deco buildings, restaurants, stores, boardwalk, etc. Lively nightlife on Ocean drive and local clubs, though limited now due to COVID. This is the more touristy beach so if you want a quieter experience, try the other beaches.
Artsy boutiques and galleries, lots of murals to discover, cool people, music, nightlife. This neighborhood is burgeoning during Art Basel.
368 locals recommend
Wynwood Art District
Artsy boutiques and galleries, lots of murals to discover, cool people, music, nightlife. This neighborhood is burgeoning during Art Basel.
Miami’s vibrant Cuban heart, with Latin American art galleries and busy restaurants. Cafes with walk-up windows sell Cuban coffee to cigar-smoking patrons. On Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), locals discuss politics over dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park, dubbed Domino Park by locals. The historic Tower Theater screens independent and revival films, while the area's clubs host live Latin music. (Google description)
594 locals recommend
Little Havana
Miami’s vibrant Cuban heart, with Latin American art galleries and busy restaurants. Cafes with walk-up windows sell Cuban coffee to cigar-smoking patrons. On Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), locals discuss politics over dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park, dubbed Domino Park by locals. The historic Tower Theater screens independent and revival films, while the area's clubs host live Latin music. (Google description)
The city's financial center, where glittering business towers and luxury condos tower over Biscayne Bay. Rooftop bars and surf 'n' turf grills cater to the banking and business crowd, while the art galleries and fashionable boutiques in the Brickell City Centre attract chic locals. The Brickell Avenue Bridge spans the Miami River and has views of the waterfront Miami Circle park and archaeological site. (Google description)
440 locals recommend
Brickell
The city's financial center, where glittering business towers and luxury condos tower over Biscayne Bay. Rooftop bars and surf 'n' turf grills cater to the banking and business crowd, while the art galleries and fashionable boutiques in the Brickell City Centre attract chic locals. The Brickell Avenue Bridge spans the Miami River and has views of the waterfront Miami Circle park and archaeological site. (Google description)
Little River and the MiMo District (Miami Modern) are emerging with new boutiques, restaurants and stores.
This area has a different vibe from South Beach scene or Brickell chic. It’s the more down to earth local scene of Miami.
7 locals recommend
Little River
Little River and the MiMo District (Miami Modern) are emerging with new boutiques, restaurants and stores.
This area has a different vibe from South Beach scene or Brickell chic. It’s the more down to earth local scene of Miami.
Española Way
Española Wayoutdoor restaurants near Lincoln Mall promenade
Food scene
Great place for morning coffee and breakfast in a cool and chill courtyard.
32 locals recommend
The Alchemist Aventura
17830 W Dixie HwyGreat place for morning coffee and breakfast in a cool and chill courtyard.
Great neighborhood coffee and breakfast place, and has a full menu that specializes in pizza dishes. Good vibe.
25 locals recommend
Alaska Coffee Roasting
13130 Biscayne BlvdGreat neighborhood coffee and breakfast place, and has a full menu that specializes in pizza dishes. Good vibe.
Craving a Cuban pastry or cafecito? Try this local bakery and restaurant very close to the house at the corner of NE 135th and Biscayne. The restaurant has a large eclectic menu (beyond Cuban).
10 locals recommend
Pinecrest Bakery - North Miami
13488 Biscayne BlvdCraving a Cuban pastry or cafecito? Try this local bakery and restaurant very close to the house at the corner of NE 135th and Biscayne. The restaurant has a large eclectic menu (beyond Cuban).
A local favorite for breakfast and brunch. Israeli owned — has Mediterranean breakfast dishes like Shakshouka or Hallumi cheese. Great coffee. Outdoor seating.
96 locals recommend
Aroma Espresso Bar
150 Sunny Isles BlvdA local favorite for breakfast and brunch. Israeli owned — has Mediterranean breakfast dishes like Shakshouka or Hallumi cheese. Great coffee. Outdoor seating.
This place is a collection of boutiques and food places. I recommend Vice City Bean for great coffee and the rooftop bar.
88 locals recommend
The Citadel
8300 NE 2nd AveThis place is a collection of boutiques and food places. I recommend Vice City Bean for great coffee and the rooftop bar.
A popular neighborhood restaurant with delicious fusion food — from Asian fusion to wonderful grilled dishes. The main restaurant is on Dixie Highway but they recently opened a smaller venue at walking distance (corner of Ne 135th and Biscayne).
19 locals recommend
Lettuce & Tomato Gourmet Gastrobar
17070 W Dixie HwyA popular neighborhood restaurant with delicious fusion food — from Asian fusion to wonderful grilled dishes. The main restaurant is on Dixie Highway but they recently opened a smaller venue at walking distance (corner of Ne 135th and Biscayne).
Ricky Thai Bistro
1617 NE 123rd StDelicious thai food at great price. Chill vibe. Recommended.
Café Crème
750 NE 125th StNice outdoor lounge space, french food. Brunch.
Very close to the house is this low-key place with great Indian fare. At the corner of NE 135th and Biscayne.
Kebab Indian Restaurant
13448 Biscayne BoulevardVery close to the house is this low-key place with great Indian fare. At the corner of NE 135th and Biscayne.
Fancier place where the food is always good and they have a nice bar. Right on Biscayne Bay so take a little walk on the pathway by the water. Popular with "snow birds".
266 locals recommend
Houston's
2821 East Atlantic BoulevardFancier place where the food is always good and they have a nice bar. Right on Biscayne Bay so take a little walk on the pathway by the water. Popular with "snow birds".
Beautiful and refined vegetarian and vegan restaurant and courtyard with very creative cuisine. Serves sustainable wines. “Plant Miami heralds a modern plant-based approach with an emphasis on vibrant organic living foods, with a commitment to the art of conscious cuisine.”
26 locals recommend
Plant Miami
105 NE 24th StBeautiful and refined vegetarian and vegan restaurant and courtyard with very creative cuisine. Serves sustainable wines. “Plant Miami heralds a modern plant-based approach with an emphasis on vibrant organic living foods, with a commitment to the art of conscious cuisine.”
If you want authentic southern Mexican food, this is the place to try. Limited seating outside. Nice bar for happy hour Margarita.
11 locals recommend
Cheen Huaye Southern Mexican Restaurant
15400 Biscayne BlvdIf you want authentic southern Mexican food, this is the place to try. Limited seating outside. Nice bar for happy hour Margarita.
Wonderful Mediterranean (Greek, Italian, North African) food in a cozy and pleasant restaurant. Communal table at the bar and outdoor seating in the back. The owner is almost always around for fun conversations. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays. A neighborhood favorite. Parking in back.
52 locals recommend
Barmeli69
10990 Biscayne BlvdWonderful Mediterranean (Greek, Italian, North African) food in a cozy and pleasant restaurant. Communal table at the bar and outdoor seating in the back. The owner is almost always around for fun conversations. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays. A neighborhood favorite. Parking in back.
This is a really nice Vietnamese Cajun fusion place. Interesting food and cool design. The main restaurant is upstairs.
53 locals recommend
Phuc Yea
7100 Biscayne BlvdThis is a really nice Vietnamese Cajun fusion place. Interesting food and cool design. The main restaurant is upstairs.
KYU
251 NW 25th StModern Asian fusion restaurant. A favorite among locals.
Good food with an eclectic menu. Sit outdoors to enjoy the view of the waterfront. Around $$$. Often frequented by local Russians.
59 locals recommend
Lique Miami Waterfront Restaurant and Lounge
3957 NE 163rd StGood food with an eclectic menu. Sit outdoors to enjoy the view of the waterfront. Around $$$. Often frequented by local Russians.
Cacio e Pepe Italian
15903 Biscayne BoulevardGood Italian food in a nice setting.
Sagra Pizza Bar
11052 Biscayne BoulevardA new local favorite for fun vibe and good pizza.
I haven’t actually been here but heard neighbors say great things about it ... if you try it let me know how it was :)
Lost City Brewing Company
12207 NE 13th CtI haven’t actually been here but heard neighbors say great things about it ... if you try it let me know how it was :)
Local Peruvian restaurant, with a nice array of Ceviche dishes and favorite Peruvian fare.
Aji Carbon Aventura
17861 Biscayne BoulevardLocal Peruvian restaurant, with a nice array of Ceviche dishes and favorite Peruvian fare.
Wonderful place for a quick lunch with French-style sandwiches.
17 locals recommend
Cane A Sucre Gourmet Sandwich Bar
899 NE 125th StWonderful place for a quick lunch with French-style sandwiches.
This place is an experience. Nestled in the Buena Vista market, take a stroll through the boutiques and check out the big wishing tree before having brunch or dinner at Vista restaurant. Good food, pleasant service, outdoor bar.
41 locals recommend
Vista Restaurant
5020 NE 2nd AveThis place is an experience. Nestled in the Buena Vista market, take a stroll through the boutiques and check out the big wishing tree before having brunch or dinner at Vista restaurant. Good food, pleasant service, outdoor bar.
This is a fun place near Wynwood area for grabbing a bottle of wine, a plate of cheese, and either listening to a great live band inside or chill in the large beautiful courtyard.
238 locals recommend
Lagniappe
3425 NE 2nd AveThis is a fun place near Wynwood area for grabbing a bottle of wine, a plate of cheese, and either listening to a great live band inside or chill in the large beautiful courtyard.
Great Jazz bar and restaurant, with a wine cellar downstairs. Specializes in Caribbean jazz.
16 locals recommend
Le Chat Noir
2 S Miami AveGreat Jazz bar and restaurant, with a wine cellar downstairs. Specializes in Caribbean jazz.
This dive bar in Little Haiti has live music every night (check schedule changes due to COViD). It’s a historic place and a local favorite.
58 locals recommend
Churchill's Pub
5501 NE 2nd AveThis dive bar in Little Haiti has live music every night (check schedule changes due to COViD). It’s a historic place and a local favorite.
Sherwoods bistro
8281 NE 2nd AveA local favorite for brunch or a nice dinner. Pleasant bar.
This hotel has a courtyard with gorgeous water design - great place to chill with a glass of wine. Jaya restaurant serves eclectic Indian food fusion. Sleek and fancy lobby.
23 locals recommend
The Setai Miami Beach
2001 Collins AveThis hotel has a courtyard with gorgeous water design - great place to chill with a glass of wine. Jaya restaurant serves eclectic Indian food fusion. Sleek and fancy lobby.
A big local favorite with indoor and outdoor bar areas. Right next door is Big Daddy’s store for a nice collection of alcoholic beverages. Close by.
282 locals recommend
Flanigan's Seafood Bar and Grill
9516 Harding AveA big local favorite with indoor and outdoor bar areas. Right next door is Big Daddy’s store for a nice collection of alcoholic beverages. Close by.
Sports grill on the waterfront. Usually a boisterous fun place but more quiet with social distancing restrictions.
173 locals recommend
Duffy sport bar
3969 NE 163rd StSports grill on the waterfront. Usually a boisterous fun place but more quiet with social distancing restrictions.
If you’re craving a burger, I recommend this local hangout where regulars gather. Great beer collection including local and Belgian beer.
(There’s also Five Guys very close by and BurgerFi if you are looking for fast food.)
Vegas Burger Bar
1699 NE 123rd StIf you’re craving a burger, I recommend this local hangout where regulars gather. Great beer collection including local and Belgian beer.
(There’s also Five Guys very close by and BurgerFi if you are looking for fast food.)
A low-key space on Dixie Highway with great fresh seafood dishes with a market. Popular with locals and families.
22 locals recommend
Captain Jim's Seafood Market & Restaurant
12950 W Dixie HwyA low-key space on Dixie Highway with great fresh seafood dishes with a market. Popular with locals and families.
Popular Haitian restaurant. If you’d like to try Haitian fare in a low-key place, try this local favorite. Walkable.
L'auberge Restaurant
13315 W Dixie HwyPopular Haitian restaurant. If you’d like to try Haitian fare in a low-key place, try this local favorite. Walkable.
Great place to chill and have a drink and snacks in the pretty courtyard and by the pool.
272 locals recommend
Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami
2727 Indian Creek DrGreat place to chill and have a drink and snacks in the pretty courtyard and by the pool.
Cool place for lunch in a nice courtyard. In Little River area.
69 locals recommend
IRONSIDE KITCHEN PIZZA & COFFEE CO
7580 NE 4th CtCool place for lunch in a nice courtyard. In Little River area.
This restaurant is on the top floor of the Aventura Mall, by the movie theaters. May seem strange place for a Sushi place but this restaurant serves great sushi as well as Hibachi grill and Thai food.
58 locals recommend
Sushi Siam
1524 79th Street CausewayThis restaurant is on the top floor of the Aventura Mall, by the movie theaters. May seem strange place for a Sushi place but this restaurant serves great sushi as well as Hibachi grill and Thai food.
Wonderful (and fancy) Japanese restaurant in Bal Harbour Mall. I love having a bite for lunch in the outdoor courtyard watching the shoppers at the Mall for a less fancy experience.
68 locals recommend
Makoto
9700 Collins AveWonderful (and fancy) Japanese restaurant in Bal Harbour Mall. I love having a bite for lunch in the outdoor courtyard watching the shoppers at the Mall for a less fancy experience.
Cuban cuisine, close by. This family-friendly restaurant offers homestyle Cuban food. Live music on certain evenings.
77 locals recommend
Little Havana Restaurant
12727 Biscayne BlvdCuban cuisine, close by. This family-friendly restaurant offers homestyle Cuban food. Live music on certain evenings.
The nearest Starbucks is at the corner of Biscayne Blvd and NE 135th St. Drive-through, indoor and outdoor seating. Walkable.
223 locals recommend
Starbucks
17100 Collins AveThe nearest Starbucks is at the corner of Biscayne Blvd and NE 135th St. Drive-through, indoor and outdoor seating. Walkable.
City/town information
Hollywood beach and boardwalk for a day at the beach. Hollywood downtown for restaurants and nightlife.
150 locals recommend
Hollywood
Hollywood beach and boardwalk for a day at the beach. Hollywood downtown for restaurants and nightlife.
Ft Lauderdale is filled with great restaurants and interesting neighborhoods, art districts, and beaches. Check out Las Olas Blvd for bars, restaurants and nightlife. Check out FAT Village and MASS district for the local art scene.
290 locals recommend
W Fort Lauderdale
401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach BlvdFt Lauderdale is filled with great restaurants and interesting neighborhoods, art districts, and beaches. Check out Las Olas Blvd for bars, restaurants and nightlife. Check out FAT Village and MASS district for the local art scene.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Check out the New Times for events and places around town
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