Miami isn’t usually known for its quaintness—the city prides itself on its neon-lit nightlife and roaring beach crowds. But it also has its quieter corners, tucked away from the tourist crowds, where the urban scene slows down, and a quirkier, quainter side of the city’s diverse culture is on display.
A precious one is the historic Virginia Key Beach Park, on a barrier island off Miami’s coast: a place with an extraordinary view of the Atlantic and a long history of being a segregated beach once reserved for African Americans. In a city dominated by spring-breakers and wild partygoers, Virginia Key Beach offers a breath of fresh air (literally) with no lifeguards, no wild nightlife, and no risk of getting jostled by overly exuberant swimmers. The place is a quiet paradise for picnickers, beachcombers, and nature enthusiasts.
Further south, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne, named for the well-loved 19th-century state called the ‘Father of Miami’, has a historic lighthouse (the oldest structure in Maimi-Dade County) whose daily guided tours are enlightening. The beaches surrounding the park are less crowded, making them ideal for a sunny, quiet day. Kayaking, biking, and nature trails feature local wildlife and vegetation.
For artsy-hippy-meets-cutesy authenticity, Coconut Grove is the place. Miami’s oldest continually inhabited neighborhood, the Grove (as it’s known locally), is a bohemian village draped in greenery with funky boutiques and cafes. It’s as relaxed as Miami gets and a welcome relief from the glitzy hustle of South Beach.
Each embodies a different facet of Miami’s otherness, and together, they prove that there’s far more to the city than meets the eye. For both the local re-discovering her city and the traveler seeking it out for the first time, Miami’s quietest corners provide breathing space and glimpses of delight that the soulful traveler will savor.
