Today we are going to live like a local in Miami with travel blogger Sam. Her travel blog Seeing Sam is awesome and filled with great info and amazing pictures. You won’t regret checking her site out after her interview. I found her swimming with manatees post really interesting and added that adventure to my bucket list. But, before you check that out, sit back, relax, and let’s live like a local in Miami.
Tell Us A Little About Yourself:
Hi, I’m Sam. I am just a regular girl with an adventurous spirit that loves to fly, drive, hike, bike, dive, camp (and whatever else comes my way) through the world in search of bucket list experiences, breathtaking beauty and memories that last a lifetime.
After a recent layoff I decided to put the corporate world on hold and start checking off my never-ending bucket-list. I mostly solo travel but always meet a lot of great people along the way. I take 1000s of photo wherever I go and share all my adventures on my travel blog www.SeeingSam.com and on IG @Seeing__Sam.
So far this year I went dogsledding in Ely, MN, snowboarding in Park City and got my first taste of the mighty 5 in Utah. Starting in March you can find me on the road as I explore the USA on a solo cross country road trip. I am so excited to car camp for the first time, explore the wild west and have some new experiences I’m sure I will never forget!
I hope through sharing my own travels I can inspire you to adventure fearlessly and start your own life changing journey!
Where Are You From?
I was born and raised in Tampa, FL but have lived in Miami for the past 6 years. I moved to Miami for a job and love the vibrant, fun, exciting atmosphere of the city.
There is always something to do whether you want to live life as a high roller, cozy up at a local bar or just enjoy the sunrise on a Miami beach, there really is something for everyone.
What Is a Must See In Miami?
You gotta see the city from the sea! Miami is the perfect place for a boat ride and the best way to experience those quintessential Miami vibes.
Take a boat tour through Millionaire’s row or catch a glimpse of Stitsville on the edge of Biscayne Bay. You can also see some pretty cool things under the sea. Miami has the largest manmade reef that is also a columbarium called Neptune Memorial Reef and over 80 shipwrecks waiting to be explored.
What Is A Place People Could Skip While Visiting?
Bayside Market place. Hello tourist central. This is the spot for made in China souvenirs, chain restaurants, shops and touristy bars but in no way does it depict the essence of Miami although almost every hotel and tourist site tells you to go there.
The new Observation Wheel at Bayside promises spectacular views of the city but will cost you $20-$50 for a 15 minute ride, I haven’t been but that might be the only thing worth going to Bayside for if you are willing to pay for the ride.
What Is Your Favorite Food And Restaurant For Those Who Want A Taste Of Living Like A Local In Miami?
There are seriously SOOO many yummy food options in Miami it’s insane! But if I had to eat somewhere every day for the next five years, I’d pick one of these three.
Yard Bird, La Mar or Joe’s Stone Crabs. All delicious and all so different!
Joe’s is only open during stone crab season, but the menus is loaded with mouthwatering seafood and scrumptious side options. It’s a staple in Miami Beach’s upscale SOFI neighborhood. It is worth the splurge and has the BEST Key Lime pie in the world.
La Mar on the other hand is a Peruvian restaurant in the Mandarin Hotel in Brickell. Hands down the best ceviche I’ve ever tasted. The patio has a lovely bay view and their mixologist does a knockout job on their craft cocktails.
Yard Bird Southern Table & Bar is always packed for Sunday brunch. They are famous for their friend chicken, but I have seriously tried everything on their menu and would eat everything on their menu 2x over every day if that was possible.
It is not my favorite but if you are looking for authentic Cuban food head to Little Havana. I’ve never tried it, but many locals rave about the Cuban sandwich from Sanguich de Miami.
Any Advice For People Who Might Be Visiting And Want To Live Like A Local In Miami?
Get a taste of Miami not just South Beach. Visit other neighborhoods such as Wynwood for the laid-back art scene, the Design District for upscale vibe, Little Havana for authentic Cuban everything, or the Grove for low key family fun. All of Miami neighborhoods offer something unique!
For authentic Latin experience head to historic Ball in Chain on Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Famous for their live music and old school vibe I tell everyone who visits Miami to check it out at least once.
Come prepared to spend some money $$. There are ways to save, but if you are on vacation, a splurge may be worth it to experience all Miami has to offer.
What Is One Place People Might Not Know About When Visiting Miami?
Miami is famous for it’s party scene, Latin cultural influences and historic Art Deco Architecture but a lot of tourists miss out on the fun state and national parks such as Shark Valley, Oleta and Key Biscayne. All the parks offer so many activities such as paddle crafts, biking, fishing, hiking trails and most come with access to secluded beaches.
My favorite park is the Bill Baggs Cape Florida Lighthouse State Park, located on the tip of Key Biscayne. There is a lot of history at this park and it has some great views of South Florida, a bike trail along the water, fishing docks, rentals, and a picturesque lighthouse.
What Is An Interesting Fact People Might Not Know About Miami?
Miami got its name from one of the native tribes that lived in the region in the 1600s and 1700s, the Mayaimi. The historical fiction book A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith covers 10 years of south Florida history with many references to the Miami area. It is a great read especially if you are interested in learning more about how Miami was born.
Any Last Words For For Those Who Want To Live Like A Local In Miami?
Don’t get caught up in the stereotypes. There is much more to Miami than just South Beach
Whenever anyone finds out I live in Miami they all assume it’s the beach and when I tell them no, they usually say “oh so that’s not Miami” which drives me crazy-haha. I’ve had a lot of fun on Miami Beach, but that area only offers one small slice of the Magic City.
Thank You To Sam For Letting Us Live Like A Local In Miami With Her
I really want to visit Miami after reading this. How about you? Have you ever been to Miami before? What are some of your favorite spots? Sound off in the comments below and let me know. And don’t forget to check out, Seeing Sam. You won’t regret it.
*Want to follow Sam on social media? Click on the icons below and start following today.
*And don’t forget to check out last week’s “Live Like a Local” with Meggie in Phoenix, Arizona HERE.
[…] *And don’t forget to check out last week’s “Live Like A Local” where we head to Miami with Sam. You can read all about that HERE. […]