A Local's Favorite Cultural Gems In Miami (That Go Beyond The Beach Scene)

When you think of Miami, history and culture might not be the first things that spring to mind. But as someone born and raised here who's never left — save for business or leisure trips — I can certainly give anyone who doesn't necessarily regard the Magic City as a mecca for culture a free pass: After all, this so-called Gateway to the Americas is mostly known for its upbeat clubs, vibrant restaurants, and postcard-ready beaches. 

Still, perhaps you — and even many of the locals themselves — may be surprised to learn that there are quite a few cultural treasures here that will please history buffs like me just as much as those yearning for a change from the breakneck pace of South Beach. While I'm not above squeezing in a beach day or sampling some exquisite eats from time to time, I lean far more toward museumgoer than beachcomber or foodie, making me something of a rarity in my own hometown.

Below are three cultural spots that I highly recommend you check out the next time you're in or near Miami, one of the 5 most-visited cities in America. I relish each of these places not only for their architecture and historical significance, but because they've each played host to some memorable moments in my life or make welcoming spots I can't help but return to. Without further ado, allow me to lead you on a tour of Miami you've likely never experienced before!

When I'm staying local, I love hitting up spots in Miami that are not only historically rich but make me feel as though I've left Florida for Europe. I haven't traveled overseas just yet and, short of visiting Saint Augustine in northeast Florida or cities like Boston in the U.S. Northeast, it's the closest to Europe I can get! That said, no structure in the area captures Mediterranean Revival elegance quite like Vizcaya, a gem of an estate in Coconut Grove, Miami's oldest neighborhood just a few minutes from downtown Miami. I've visited the site frequently since childhood, with my wife and I choosing it as the scenic backdrop for our engagement photos. 

Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark where art, nature, and history blend seamlessly. The estate features a Main House with original furnishings in more than 30 rooms, ten acres of manicured gardens adorned with elegant fountains, busts, grottos, statues, and an elegant swimming pool. In true European fashion, a farm and village were included on the grounds, to make the estate self-sufficient. Today the Vizcaya Village Café is housed in the beautifully restored Superintendent's House, while a weekly farmer's market is held here on Sundays. Founder and industrialist James Deering, who began building the house in 1914 and wintered here until his death, would be astonished by what the estate has become.

When I'm strolling the Fountain Garden, it's always a treat to behold the striking Sutri Fountain. It was crafted from Tivoli travertine by Late Baroque architect Filippo Barigioni, who also designed the Fontana del Pantheon (the fountain in front of the Pantheon in Rome). I make it a point to stop by the David A. Klein Orchidarium, a haven for nature enthusiasts like my spouse and me. 

Speaking of European charm, there's no short supply of it in Coral Gables — a 13-square-mile city of 51,000 residents approximately 6 miles from Miami proper and 5 miles from Miami International Airport. Its nickname — the City Beautiful — couldn't be more fitting, with lush surroundings, tree-lined boulevards, tranquil waterways, and Mediterranean Revival architecture competing for my attention. Designed in Venetian-inspired style, one tranquil locale that has won with me is the Venetian Pool.

Miami is well-known for its hot, humid weather year-round, and my favorite spot for cooling off — and soaking up some history while I'm at it — is the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, among the most spectacular destinations across Florida and once a quarry that supplied material for many of the city's earliest dwellings and streets. The pool actually opened as a casino in 1924 before being converted into a four-acre park. 

Today, the pool complex includes two three‑story observation towers linked by loggias, an arched stone bridge, cave‑like grottos, and two cascading waterfalls — all framed by coral‑rock surroundings reminiscent of an Italian villa. It's no surprise that this is the only swimming pool in the U.S. to be listed the National Register of Historic Places. I've enjoyed great times here over the years, like witnessing a friend's sister get engaged. 

After taking a dip in Venetian Pool and drying off, you need only venture roughly a mile before reaching the Coral Gables Library. While not as dramatic as Vizcaya or Venetian Pool, this little Mediterranean-inspired library is no less charming. The library began in 1927 when the Women's Club launched a book-lending program in La Puerta Del Sol's Cathedral Room. Today, it's where I love to dive into a good read when flying solo, or take my daughter for playtime when she and my wife tag along. 

Distinctive features like arched windows reflect Italian influences, a hallmark of Coral Gables' architecture, with native keystone and mahogany doors adding a local touch. On days I'd rather be out in the open air — either because it's unusually noisy inside or I simply long to connect with nature — the library's Garden Oasis offers a lush, relaxing setting to catch up on my reading. On sweltering summer days, I opt — of course — for the library's comfortable, air-conditioned interiors!

After an extensive two-year renovation that wrapped up in 2023, the library is more welcoming than ever, with updated furniture and fully refurbished bathrooms. Most importantly, the library preserved and refinished the tile floors, wrought-iron chandeliers, and exposed wooden beams while original paneling and bookshelves continue to lend the space an air of timeless elegance.