Miami is not only about South Beach selfies or rooftop cocktails overlooking the ocean (though those are fun too). Underneath all the flash and dazzle, this city is slipping with vibrant neighborhoods, cultural gems, and local experiences that are often ignored by tourists scuttling from famous attraction to famous attraction.
Visiting Miami is easier than ever with a handy pass that makes it simple to explore the must-do attractions of this exciting city, as well as some little-known gems. That means no endless ticket juggling, no surprise costs, and certainly no “wish we had more time” regrets. If you’re getting ready for a weekend Miami trip or struggling with how to spend 3 days in Miami, this guide will show you around like a local.
The Perks of Exploring Miami with Passin Miami
But before we get to the hidden gems, let’s discuss why having Pass in Miami in your pocket changes the game.
Convenience
One purchase covers multiple attractions. No more scrambling for tickets.
Savings
Pay once and compare with purchasing tickets individually.
Flexibility
Just select the experiences to fit your vibe, be that art, food, or adventure.
Curated Experiences
Mix undiscovered gems, local treasures, and hop on a few classics without feeling like you’re missing out.
Miami in 3 Days: A Local-Style Itinerary
After hitting up Dominopark and Maximo Gomez Park, enjoy a Cuban coffee at one of the many little neighborhood cafes.
Day 1: Classic Miami with a Twist
- Morning: Walk wildly around Little Havana. It’s a large area, so leave the guidebook in your bag. After watching a domino game in the street or sitting at one of Maximo Gomez Park's benches for people-watching adventures, head north on 8th Avenue and take a look at what this is about.
- Afternoon: Next up is Wynwood Walls. Not only are there some significant murals, but if you walk a few blocks longer, you’ll also pass indie galleries, vintage shops, or even more colorfully graffitied walls that don't get Instagrammed nearly as often.
- Evening: End with a Biscayne Bay boat tour. It’s free, provided you have the Passin’ Miami pass, and watch the sun set over the city from water all around your boat.
Day 2: Nature Meets Culture
Morning: Be sure to see the gem of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden; it's just around the corner from where you live in Miami-Dade County. Your day could begin with a visit here or else head down to the beach. Both boys have disappeared.
Afternoon: Coconut Grove soon comes into view. This is not simply an old Miami neighborhood, but the oldest of them all. Don't miss the independent shops, or a single store where a single family sells South American cuisine; "elegant and simple" are its guiding words.
Evening: Finish your day in Downtown Miami, listening to live music at one of the jazz bars. It's not worth going to those overpriced and overcrowded tourist trap clubs. Support the authentic local business, give it a try.
Day 3: Sun, Sand, and Novelty
Morning: Of course, you will want to get in some beach time. For a quieter and more local experience, leave crowded South Beach in favor of North Beach.
Afternoon: Go to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Stepping inside, it seems like you are walking around a European villa right here in Miami. With Passin Miami, you can combine this with another great cultural attraction close by.
Evening: Round off your whole trip with a food tour. You can sip everything from cool ceviche to delicious pastries, while being told all the old stories behind Miami’s complex cultural blend.
Hidden Gems in Miami You Can’t Miss
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
On Key Biscayne, this park boasts some of Miami’s loveliest (and most serene) beaches. You’ll also find the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, a great photo op without the South Beach crowd.
The Kampong
The Kampong. This slice of the National Tropical Botanical Garden is in Coconut Grove. Former estate with exotic fruit trees and plants gathered from across the globe.
The Underline
Imagine it as Miami’s equivalent of New York’s High Line. Found under the Metrorail, between SW 1 St and Miami Ave, this up-and-coming park and urban trail is a combination of art, green spaces, and fitness opportunities all conveniently tucked away in downtown.
Miami Design District
Yes, luxury shopping is a resident. To residents, however, the true gems are Pearls like art installations, contemporary architecture, and public spaces that lend the neighborhood a feeling of an open-air museum.
Matheson Hammock Park
A favorite of Miami families, this park features a man-made atoll pool filled by the tides. It is peaceful, kid-friendly, and significantly less loud than the others.
Foodie Finds: Where Locals Actually Eat
You can’t visit Miami without diving into its colorful food culture. And while the tourist destinations certainly dish out more than their fair share of Cuban sandwiches and key lime pie around town, some of the best bites are often hidden in its nooks and crannies.
El Palacio de los Jugos
Real Cuban comfort food and fresh juices.
La Sandwicherie
A Miami mainstay of huge, fresh baguette sandwiches.
Garcia’s Seafood Grille
Eating waterfront with the catch of the day and none of the hype.
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop
A neighborhood favorite for Cuban sandwiches, breakfast specials, and filling plates.
Combine a foodie stop with your Passin’ Miami adventures for the thrill of adventure and indulgence.
Why Hidden Gems Matter for Your Miami Vacation
Research on travel finds that experiential traveling is IN and trumps globe-trotting in terms of tourist satisfaction when tourists engage in authentic local activities (Skift Research, 2022). That’s why combining iconic with off-the-beaten-path helps make your trip feel more like a story that lasts for years and less like a checklist.
You can plan your visit around the best of both planets by utilizing Passin Miami. You’ll see the classics, but you’ll also wander into places that 99 percent of tourists never unearth.
Tips for Exploring Miami Like a Local
Use Public Transportation And Ride-Sharing Services
Parking can be pricey and stressful. Locals often skip driving when possible.
Start Early
Beat the crowds at major attractions by arriving right when they open.
Stay Hydrated
The Miami Heat is no joke. Always carry water, and consider bringing a cafecito for an extra energy boost.
Mix Neighborhoods
Each has a distinct personality. Little Havana, Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables all deserve a slice of your time.
Plan with Flexibility
A rigid itinerary can mean missing out on spontaneous discoveries. With Passin Miami, you can swap experiences without losing value.
Make the Most of Your Miami Adventure
Living in Miami beyond the postcard shot means engaging in strategic walking. It’s about relishing real food, finding hidden parks, and bringing culture to life with a touch of fun in surprising ways.
With Passin Miami, you’ll save time and also money, reduce stress, and get access to both iconic travel destinations as well as hidden gems. Whether you’re visiting Miami for 3 days or longer, you can have a curated and seamless trip.
So throw your sunscreen in a bag, and pick up a digital city pass. It’s time to experience Miami like an efficient local who knows how to get around.