Miami, as you already know, is one of the top destinations for tourists all over the world. And, while you might find all the shiny and popular places interesting during your first couple of weeks after moving to Miami, we assure you that they will get dull after a while. Well, maybe not for you, but they will get dull for your wallet. So, in order to get you settled into this new city like a true local as soon as possible, we’ve made a short list of suggestions. We will be talking about a number of things in this post. So, here’s the introduction to the lesser known side of Miami, which you should definitely check out after moving here.
If you want to become a true local really quickly, be ready to trade your South Beach for North Beach
So, we’ve talked a little bit about the lovely beaches in Miami in our previous posts. You should know, by now, that the South Beach is pretty much the party central of the city. You have it all there: the clubs, the bars, the parties and, most importantly, the sandy heaven of a coast. After moving to Miami, you will definitely pay a visit to this international hotspot, no? And, when you do, you will notice what most of the city’s locals have. South Beach is a ridiculously expensive night out for a tourist. So, after relocating, you might consider choosing a bit of a different party venue, the North Beach. But, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go to the South for some people watching from time to time!
If I visit the North Beach after moving to Miami, what can I do there?
The North Beach is located in between 67th Street and 87th Terrace, in the very north of the city. It is more of a retro place, giving you a flashback of the ‘50s and ‘60s. The community there is mostly Argentinean and Uruguayan, which only brings more charm to the place. As for the beach itself, it’s a long, sandy expanse with clear water right at your feet. As you will find out after moving to Miami, it’s less crowded than the South Beach. If you were more interested in grabbing lunch while looking at the seaside, instead of sunbathing, there’s an option for that, too. After all, North Beach has a number of mom and pop restaurants which are sure to make you feel nostalgic. So, all in all, this beach is a perfect place for you to bring your book and take a nap on a warm, Miami day.
If you’re thinking of going to The Clevelander after moving to Miami, do reconsider
If you’re set on moving to Miami, you should be aware of the local hotspot called The Clevelander. It is a magnificent and luxurious hotel, which offers way more than just a bed. In fact, this place is a great spot for dining out, parties and visiting the pool. While you might notice that a lot of Miami locals will have a pool of their own, they do sometimes like to take a break and go out with their friends to a nearby one. If this is the case with you after relocating to Miami, as well, we’d suggest trading the expensive and crowded Clevelander for a cozier place like The Standard Spa or The Vagabond. We promise that your wallet will love the switch just as much as you will!
So, if I’m going to be checking out The Standard Spa or The Vagabond after relocating, what is there to do?
We’re glad that you asked! The Standard Spa is much like The Cleveland, but not as crowded. It is a hotel, and a pool and a spa. This place is perfect if you have a holistic approach to life. So, if you’re looking for the perfect place for hydrotherapy or resting in a hammock after moving to Miami, you may just fall in love with The Standard. As for The Vagabond, it has recently been redone. Now, it is a perfect place to go to if you are looking for a pool oasis with some great tunes. So, if your idea of a perfect night out after moving to Miami is a poolside bar and party, you’ve found the right place.
If you want to quickly become a local after moving to Miami, we’d suggest trading the Ocean Drive for Sunset Harbour
We understand that if you’re coming from out of town Ocean Drive will be near the top of your ‘to visit’ list. That’s completely normal. In fact, most of Miami transplants have already been through this, so no one will judge you. So, here’s our advice. Go ahead and visit the infamous Ocean Drive in the first couple of weeks after relocating to Miami and take plenty of pictures. There are a number of places which we would advise checking out. The top are most definitely TGI Fridays, Columbus Restaurant, News Cafe, and The Pelican Café. However, after a while, you’ll notice the toll of a constant stream of tourists which will wear down the enthusiasm of visiting these spots. Then, consider our alternative – the Sunset Harbor.
After moving to Miami I’ll check out the Sunset Harbor, but what should I expect?
Located in Miami Beach, Sunset Harbor is a spot which most Miamians frequent. The reason why it’s popular with the locals is the small amount of tourists that visit. While it may be outside of the spotlight, it doesn’t pale in comparison with the Ocean Drive, at all. In terms of restaurants, there are plenty of great places for you to check out after moving to Miami. And, let us assure you that they will be much more affordable than the ones on Ocean Drive! As for cafes, there are a number of cozy options, too. So, here are a couple of our suggestions: Pubbelly, NaiYaRa, Barceloneta, and Lucali.