Things to do in Miami
Neighborhoods
Even though El Portal borders the city of Miami, you can easily forget that you're in one of the largest cities in America. Treelined streets make El Portal a walkable and relaxing neighborhood. People are friendly and this little sleepy village is one of the safest places you can be. With our own police force, response rates are incredible fast and the officers know most of the people who live here by name.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Portal
Even though El Portal borders the city of Miami, you can easily forget that you're in one of the largest cities in America. Treelined streets make El Portal a walkable and relaxing neighborhood. People are friendly and this little sleepy village is one of the safest places you can be. With our own police force, response rates are incredible fast and the officers know most of the people who live here by name.
Miami Shores is the village directly to our North. It has a cute newly build "downtown" street with restaurants, a Starbucks, subway, etc.
A cute little all American town that you can walk to from the cottage in about 10 minutes. Miami Shores extends all the way to the bay and offers some spectacular views of Miami Beach across the water.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Miami Shores
Miami Shores is the village directly to our North. It has a cute newly build "downtown" street with restaurants, a Starbucks, subway, etc.
A cute little all American town that you can walk to from the cottage in about 10 minutes. Miami Shores extends all the way to the bay and offers some spectacular views of Miami Beach across the water.
Don't forget to visit South Beach, on the corner of 10th Street and Ocean Drive you will find the visitors center, with tourist information in many languages. My personal favorite is the Art Deco walking tour. where you walk in the morning crisscross through SoBe's art deco hotel lobbies with a map, headphones, and audio about the art deco history. Lincoln road mall is open-air, a pedestrian zone (also art deco) for some shopping' A short walk from Lincoln is Espaniola Way especially fun at night with its many restaurants and bars all built in the older Mediterranean style. (don't miss the Clay Hotel- Al Capone's place, go inside the lobby for old pictures) Ocean drive by night is a packed party scene, pretty much all year round.
1034 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Miami Beach
Don't forget to visit South Beach, on the corner of 10th Street and Ocean Drive you will find the visitors center, with tourist information in many languages. My personal favorite is the Art Deco walking tour. where you walk in the morning crisscross through SoBe's art deco hotel lobbies with a map, headphones, and audio about the art deco history. Lincoln road mall is open-air, a pedestrian zone (also art deco) for some shopping' A short walk from Lincoln is Espaniola Way especially fun at night with its many restaurants and bars all built in the older Mediterranean style. (don't miss the Clay Hotel- Al Capone's place, go inside the lobby for old pictures) Ocean drive by night is a packed party scene, pretty much all year round.
Sightseeing
Vizcaya was one of the earliest mansions build in Miami and is now a park/museum. It has a stunning formal garden and the inside of the house is now a museum. Try the ice cream in the little cafe, it's amazing.
1253 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo y Jardines Vizcaya
3251 S Miami AveVizcaya was one of the earliest mansions build in Miami and is now a park/museum. It has a stunning formal garden and the inside of the house is now a museum. Try the ice cream in the little cafe, it's amazing.
This beautifully restored tower is one of three identical ones built in Miami. The second one is at the Biltmore Hotel (a place that Al Capone visited in his time) and the third has been torn down.
The freedom tower (http://mdcmoad.org/freedom-tower/) is part of the Miami-Dade college and hosts amazing events and exhibitions.
126 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College
600 Biscayne BlvdThis beautifully restored tower is one of three identical ones built in Miami. The second one is at the Biltmore Hotel (a place that Al Capone visited in his time) and the third has been torn down.
The freedom tower (http://mdcmoad.org/freedom-tower/) is part of the Miami-Dade college and hosts amazing events and exhibitions.
The Frost Science Museum (https://www.frostscience.org/) is an amazing place to spend a day in Miami. It's located on the bay in Museum Park and features some really cool exhibits, including an aquarium like you've never seen. The planetarium is also breathtaking , in short just go. It's worth the visit.
605 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Ciencias Phillip y Patricia Frost
1101 Biscayne BlvdThe Frost Science Museum (https://www.frostscience.org/) is an amazing place to spend a day in Miami. It's located on the bay in Museum Park and features some really cool exhibits, including an aquarium like you've never seen. The planetarium is also breathtaking , in short just go. It's worth the visit.
This super hip graffiti covered part of town, used to be a derelict business district, that local artists have revitalized into one of America's hottest attractions. The walls are very Instagram worthy,
1332 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wynwood
This super hip graffiti covered part of town, used to be a derelict business district, that local artists have revitalized into one of America's hottest attractions. The walls are very Instagram worthy,
If you've come to shop, you're in the right place. Check out the closest mall to the cottage.
770 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dolphin Mall
11401 NW 12th StIf you've come to shop, you're in the right place. Check out the closest mall to the cottage.
People literally come from all over the States to go shopping here. One of the biggest outlet malls around.
376 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sawgrass Mills
12801 W Sunrise BlvdPeople literally come from all over the States to go shopping here. One of the biggest outlet malls around.
A great place to visit and enjoy coffee and dessert under the collonades overlooking the large pool.
165 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables
1200 Anastasia AveA great place to visit and enjoy coffee and dessert under the collonades overlooking the large pool.
Little Havana is great for a Cuban taste. visit the Domino plaza, the Ball and Chain (bar) buy some cigars, Guayaberas (traditional Cuban linen men's shirts, now also for ladies) and Panama hats.
224 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paseo de la Fama de Calle Ocho
1756 SW 8th StLittle Havana is great for a Cuban taste. visit the Domino plaza, the Ball and Chain (bar) buy some cigars, Guayaberas (traditional Cuban linen men's shirts, now also for ladies) and Panama hats.
Food scene
Although this place is a bit of a hike from the cottage and is not open over the summer (Check for their season on their website http://www.knausberryfarm.com/), it is known for its amazing cinnamon rolls, locally roasted coffee and milkshakes.
When you visit there you may meet Tom (if you go early in the morning - he is the owner and head baker) or his wife Susan (she runs the milkshake stand).
Tell them you're friends of ours and you will get a big smile and maybe even a special treat.
In season you can pick your own strawberries there too. And while you're down there go visit the Fruit and Spice Park - it's a one of a kind park in Miami (https://redlandfruitandspice.com/).
80 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Knaus Berry Farm
15980 SW 248th StAlthough this place is a bit of a hike from the cottage and is not open over the summer (Check for their season on their website http://www.knausberryfarm.com/), it is known for its amazing cinnamon rolls, locally roasted coffee and milkshakes.
When you visit there you may meet Tom (if you go early in the morning - he is the owner and head baker) or his wife Susan (she runs the milkshake stand).
Tell them you're friends of ours and you will get a big smile and maybe even a special treat.
In season you can pick your own strawberries there too. And while you're down there go visit the Fruit and Spice Park - it's a one of a kind park in Miami (https://redlandfruitandspice.com/).
The Fruit & Spice Park is a 37-acre subtropical paradise nestled in the heart of the historic Redland community just 35 miles south of Miami. Surrounded by thousands of acres of tropical agriculture, the Park is a jewel in South Florida’s agricultural community attracting over 50,000 visitors a year to its gardens and festivals. More than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from around the world; 180 varieties of mangos; 70 varieties of bamboo; 40 varieties of bananas; 15 varieties of jackfruit trees and numerous other exotic edibles are grown and maintained here.
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de Frutas y Especias
24801 SW 187th AveThe Fruit & Spice Park is a 37-acre subtropical paradise nestled in the heart of the historic Redland community just 35 miles south of Miami. Surrounded by thousands of acres of tropical agriculture, the Park is a jewel in South Florida’s agricultural community attracting over 50,000 visitors a year to its gardens and festivals. More than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from around the world; 180 varieties of mangos; 70 varieties of bamboo; 40 varieties of bananas; 15 varieties of jackfruit trees and numerous other exotic edibles are grown and maintained here.
Great little no-frills grocery store with organic offerings. Don't expect any fluff or frills only rock bottom prices and great food.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ALDI
1290 NE 108th StGreat little no-frills grocery store with organic offerings. Don't expect any fluff or frills only rock bottom prices and great food.
The large grocery store has pretty much everything you need. It's a 20-minute walk from the cottage or a quick car trip.
112 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Publix Super Market at Miami Shores
9050 Biscayne BlvdThe large grocery store has pretty much everything you need. It's a 20-minute walk from the cottage or a quick car trip.
This grocery store has the most vegetarian, vegan, organic foods in the area. If you can't find it in the other stores, chances are Whole Foods has it.
306 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whole Foods Market
21105 Biscayne BlvdThis grocery store has the most vegetarian, vegan, organic foods in the area. If you can't find it in the other stores, chances are Whole Foods has it.
Tons of little restaurants and shops are inside this restored old federal bank building. It's less than a mile from the cottage and you'll pass the post office, where you can mail postcards to your friends "Wish you were here…"
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
MADE at The Citadel
8325 NE 2nd AveTons of little restaurants and shops are inside this restored old federal bank building. It's less than a mile from the cottage and you'll pass the post office, where you can mail postcards to your friends "Wish you were here…"
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Walkable quiet neighborhood
You can walk from here to the supermarkets and local restaurants. There is public transportation in forms of busses that can get you around the city. For more info go to https://www.miamidade.gov/global/transportation/home.page
Qué debes empacar
Bring your swimsuit and slippers!
Although the pool is not heated, it's refreshing for most visitors year-round.
Help us keep the cottage clean, by taking off your shoes outside and bring a pair of flip-flops or slippers for inside the cottage. Or enjoy the cool floors with your bare feet.