Linda & Andy
Things To Do
Map of Things to Do
A map of all the recommendations listed on this page!
Coral Gables
Pedestrian-friendly downtown Coral Gables is within walking distance of the wedding venue. This affluent neighborhood is a great place to treat yourself to the finer things: high-end boutiques and upscale eateries abound. But the neighborhood offers more economical activities as well: public art installations, cheap eats, and an outpost of Ross Dress for Less, a true Miami institution. Window shopping on Miracle Mile and the trolley along Ponce de Leon are 100% free. Our favorite burger joint, Pincho, has a location on Giralda Avenue. Pummarola, on Aragon Avenue, is another great lunch spot. Further west on Aragon you’ll find Books and Books, Miami’s finest independent bookstore.
Little Havana
The heart of one of Miami’s most well-known and culturally vibrant neighborhoods sits just northeast of the wedding venue. Stop at Domino Park for an obligatory photo, then head across the street to Azucar Ice Cream Company for a homemade cone. Swing by the historic Ball and Chain next door for live music and overpriced cocktails. Just make sure you’re dressed to impress the bouncers: no shorts or flip flops allowed. To get your Cuban food fix, grab a frita (cuban hamburger) at El Rey De Las Fritas, or a plate of vaca frita at Versailles. P.S. You don’t have to go to Little Havana to eat great cuban food. Two of our favorites, Sergio’s and Rinconcito Latino, have locations in Coral Gables.
Wynwood
Over the past ten years, what was once an abandoned warehouse district has become an international art destination. The official attraction is Wynwood Walls, a collection of murals painted on giant walls of six buildings. Unofficially, the entire neighborhood is plastered with murals, graffitti, and other street art. Pop art, per se, might not be your thing, but the people watching alone is some of the best in Miami. While you’re in the area, grab a beer at Veza Sur, a slice of pizza on the patio at Gramp’s, or a late-night bite at Coyo Taco.
Little Haiti
If you make it to Wynwood, Little Haiti is just a few blocks to the north. The food at Chef Creole alone is worth the trip! Try the griot (fried pork chunks) and conch fritters. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex is home to an art gallery featuring local and international exhibitions, and the Carribean Marketplace, open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
North Beach
Our favorite spot to soak up the sun is on North Beach, at the entrance closest to the North Beach Bandshell. While a bit less glamorous and star-studded than its famous sister to the South, locals and savvy tourists know that North Beach is where it’s at. Parking is cheaper, for one thing (use the public lot on the corner of Collins Avenue and 73rd Street). On your way to the water, drop those extra pennies on a dulce de leche churro from Manolo or a cortadito from the coffee window at Cafe Sazón.
Crandon Park
If you want to skip the Miami Beach scene altogether, head for Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. This beach is very picnic friendly, and the free shade cast by Crandon’s palm trees is cheaper than the $10 umbrellas on North Beach.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
For those willing to pay the $8 entrance fee, Bill Baggs State Park has one of the best beaches in town. Located south of Crandon Park on the tip of Key Biscayne, you can swim in the shadow of a historic lighthouse, and catch a glimpse of Stiltsville. Make sure to stay for the sunset.
Anhinga Trail/Royal Palm Visitor Center
Anhinga Trail is a wonderfully accessible introduction to the Everglades. The combination paved and boardwalk trail is just under a mile, and weaves through wildlife-rich marshes and ponds. The Gumbo Limbo and Pineland trails are also closeby.
Shark Valley Visitor Center
There are two short walking trails close to the visitor center, but the main reason to come to Shark Valley is for the view from the Shark Valley Observation Tower. Unless you’re up for a seven mile hike, you’ll have to rent a bike or hop on a guided tram tour to get to the tower. On your way back to Miami stop for BBQ at The Pit.