Miami’s great beaches and warm weather make it a great place to visit all year long. But if you’re ever in need of something to do there going to the beach, I got you!

Visit Wynwood

Wynwood is a neighborhood in Miami known for its many colorful murals. I love art so I was really looking forward to visiting. Instead of wandering through the neighborhood aimlessly, I opted to do a tour with Wynwood Art Walk. The Best of Wynwood: Street Art Walking tour is easily the best $35 I’ve ever spent. Our guide, Lance, had been around the street art scene for 40 years and knew his stuff. (Check out my Google review here). Honestly, I learned so much about street art, it’s culture and history on this tour. Much better than just walking around taking pictures, IMHO. But if you decide to skip the tour, it’s totally worth it to go and just see the murals. 

After our tour ended, Lance recommended we check out Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum featuring the best of the best in street art. The level of artistry represented here was through the roof. I especially enjoyed getting postcards with some of my favorite murals from the onsite bookstore. 

Check out my pics below. Where possible, I have listed the artist.

Artist Elle
Artist Tatunga

As with most arts districts, Wynwood is also a good place to eat. I stopped at Zak the Baker for lunch and had the fresh vegetable and feta salad and the tuna melt. The tuna melt was good but the feta salad was the most refreshing salad I have eaten. And look at that huge block of feta!

Fresh Vegetable and Feta Salad at Zak the Baker

I didn’t get a chance to see everything I wanted to. On my next visit, I definitely have to check out the Museum of Graffiti. And I have to try out some of the Mexican restaurants in the area like Bakan or Coyo Taco.

Visit Historic Overtown

I could not visit Miami and not take one of Key2MIA’s tours. I’ve been following her social media for awhile and was so excited to take the Melanin Miami tour. It did not disappoint.

While most people associate Miami with Latino and Caribbean culture, it is actually quite rich in African American history. I learned so much, including the fact that Miami wouldn’t even exist if not for the African American residents of Overtown. (You have to take the tour to learn more!) 

Some tours that cover African American history can be very somber. I found that Key2MIA’s tour had just the right mix of gravitas and levity. And she presented the information in an engaging manner. I even got a few extras thrown in. In addition to taking my photo in front of the famous Harlem of the South wall at Marcus Samuelson’s Red Rooster Restaurant, I was also able to check out Clyde Killen’s pool hall and take in the rich and classy vibe.

The iconic wall at Red Rooster Restaurant

I also had the opportunity to visit the Historic Ward Rooming House which now functions as an art gallery. When I visited, the gallery hosted the Too Black, Too Fast exhibit that showcased the history of African Americans in horse racing. 

Plaque at the Historic Ward Rooming House

You can’t visit a historical African American community like Overtown and not eat! So this tour ended appropriately with dinner at the Lil Greenhouse Grill. This restaurant, known for its healthy soul food, was even graced with a visit by Oprah and Gayle King. If Oprah stopped by, you know it’s good! I don’t have a single photo of my meal because I tucked in as soon as I got my plate! I concur with Oprah and Gayle, it was really good. I’m definitely looking forward to a return visit to taste more of their offerings and have a meal at Red Rooster. 

What about you? Are you all about the beaches? Will you check out the art and culture scene when you visit Miami? Comment below!