Explore Miami like a Local: Top Five Things to Do in Miami, Florida

While the tropical Miami continues to draw tourists with its well-acclaimed beaches, entertainment venues and gorgeous outdoors, it also offers several off the beaten destinations for quirky travelers. Travelers who are there for the long haul have the option to take a break from the usual and explore Miami the unpretentious local way. If not, include the following out-of-the-ordinary destinations to your itinerary.

Dr. Paul George Historical Tour

Although travelers have access to several city tours, Dr. Paul George tours top the list for insightful details and his expertise on the area. A native of South Florida, Dr. Paul George is an acclaimed historian for HistoryMiami, an organization celebrating and preserving the history of the area. Partake in walking, bus or boat tours and receive witty, lively and informative information on several Miami neighborhoods that include the famous Little Havana, Homestead, Miami Beach, Hollywood Beach and Downtown Riverwalk, among several others.

Cloisters of the Ancient Spanish Monastery

Step back into the timeless era when peace, tranquility and meditation ruled at the Cloisters of the ancient Spanish monastery . Originally built in Segovia, Spain, in the 11^th century, the Cloisters were destroyed due to a social revolution in the mid 1830s. In 1925, William Randolph Hearst purchased the Cloisters and shipped them to United States. However, Hearst failed to put the monastery together due to financial reasons. Later in 1952, a year after Hearst's death, the Cloisters were purchased by Messrs. W. Edgemon and R. Moss. It took 19 months and close to $1.5 million dollars to put the Monastery back together.

Today, it is a part of the St. Bernard de Clairvaux Episcopal Church. Home to sprawling gardens and exquisite architecture, the Cloisters are a must-visit destination on your Miami visit. Self guided tours of the monastery are available from Monday through Saturdays from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are priced at $8 for adult, $4 for children ages six to 12. Children under five years can enter free.

Jumbo's Restaurant

Winner of the James Beard Foundation, Jumbo's is an unassuming restaurant serving soul food since 1955. A Miami landmark, locals flock to Jumbo's (despite the notorious neighborhood) for its wide selection of sandwiches, salads, seafood and homemade soups. Menu highlights include Miami's best burger (a huge ½-pounder served with lettuce, tomatoes, French fries and coleslaw for $5.58), fried conch and shrimp and chicken wings. Jumbo's opens 24/7; visit for breakfast specials of omelets, pancakes and sandwiches.

7501 NW 7th Ave
Miami, FL 33150
(305) 751-1127

Cuban Experience at La Carreta

More than 65% of the Miami population is made of Latino descent, making it a haven for a unique Cuban experience. From enjoying a cigar in a joint in Little Havana to indulging in an original Cuban meal in La Carreta, you can have it all! La Carreta has 4 locations in Miami and serves Cuban delicacies like plantain meat pie served with white rice and black beans, picadillo(similar to hash made with ground beef) and chicken fricasse.

The Schnebly Redland's Winery

Just 40 minutes south of Miami is Redland, home to t he Schnebly Redland's Winery, the first-wine production facility in Miami Dade. A part of the South Florida history, Schnebly is known for its unique wines and awesome tasting menus. A trip to Schnebly's will make you forget all about grapes, as you indulge in a feast of fruity delights from orange blossom, honeysuckle, avocado, lychee, mango, guava and passionfruit. For $6.95, you may savor a taste of 5 different types of wines made from tropical fruits. For $7, you can partake in a complete historical tour of the facility and wine making process. You may also pack your own food and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the ground of Schnebly under tiki huts.

Source(s):
MiamiandBeaches.com: Press Release
The Guardian