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Where to go to get inspired in Miami

If you’re tired of day after day in the office, or you need a change of scenery to get jammin’ on that side hustle, Miami’s got plenty of spots to get inspired. Sure, you’ve got the beach — and that’ll obviously be on this list — but there are also some underrated places like the public library or a park nearby you might not have thought of. (Yes, we know some of them don’t have wifi. That’s the point.)

Where do you like to go to get inspired? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

The Wolfsonian

Tucked between a late night diner and a pizza place sits a peculiar museum, one that houses the country’s largest collection of modernist materials. And they were all collected by one man — Miamian Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson, Jr. The museum’s exhibits group together Wolfson’s collection in unique and quirky themes. On Fridays, the museum is free from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pro-tip: Their cafe is one of the the best spots to get a nice coffee, get a little work done, and be inspired by the walls of books surrounding you. Also, they have a great happy hour.

What they do: Museum, cafe
Website: Visit Here
Price: Members: free, Adults: $10, Seniors, students with ID, and children 6-12: $5
Phone: 305-531-1001
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (free 6 p.m. to 9pm)
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays, closed
Address: 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach

The library

The public library is way underrated. It’s free, there are huge tables you can spread your stuff out on, and there are books surrounding you everywhere. What else do you need to get cracking on your next great American novel? Plus, most of them are great branching off points if you get antsy. One of the libraries on South Beach has got the ballet right next door, so you can step out to watch the dancers practice. The other is just a short walk away from South Pointe Park. The Downtown one neighbors HistoryMiami, only one of the coolest museums in Miami. And the Lemon City branch is hop, skip, and jump away from Legion Park, another magical place to get your thoughts flowing.

What they do: library
Website: Visit Here
Price: Free
Phone: 305‑375‑2665
Hours: Vary by location
Address: Vary

Bookstore + Kitchen (formerly Bookstore in the Grove)

We were rescued from Bookstore in the Grove’s imminent closing in July when a local developer purchased it from the original owner, who was on the verge of retiring. Lucky us, because we did not want to part with this cozy, unpretentious spot that is perfect for reading, working, or studying for hours.

But since then Bookstore in the Grove has left its original location and rebranded itself as Bookstore + Kitchen. It has the perfect menu for a decadent breakfast or light lunch and bookshelves optimized for #shelfies, and pretty soon they’ll be offering beer, wine, and cards against humanity.

What they do: Bookstore
Website: Visit Here
Price: $10-$15
Phone: 305-476-1548
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday to Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 3444 Main Highway
Ste 15 and 21

Books & Books

It’s hard to imagine Miami without Books & Books. The local book store chain is the epicenter of the literature scene in Miami, with a constant stream of author talks and educational lectures. Roam the stacks and grab a bite to eat at the cafe. You won’t regret a single second spent at Books & Books.

What they do: Bookstore, cafe
Website: Visit Here
Price: $2-$16
Phone: 305-442-4408
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Address: 265 Aragon Ave

Libreri Mapou

Named for its owner and founder, Jon Mapou, Liberei Mapou has been a cultural cornerstone of Little Haiti. The bookstore was opened in the early 1990s in order to provide books, newspapers, and other reading materials for the Haitian community. Now it serves as a library as well a gathering place. Mapou also hosts a program on WLRN 91.3 on Friday evenings and teaches French and Kreyol classes at the bookstore. 

What they do: Bookstore
Website: Visit Here
Phone: 305-757-9922
Hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Address: 5919 NE 2nd Ave.

Naomi’s Garden Restaurant & Lounge

Perched at the edge of Liberty City, Naomi’s Garden Restaurant has been serving up some of Miami’s best Haitian food for three decades now. And while the food is pretty delicious, what’s more incredible is how the restaurant came to be — transforming from a Middle Eastern health food restaurant to one that cooks everything from jerk chicken to turkey stew out of an open window on NW 71st Street. Dine in the beautiful backyard garden, surrounded by lush trees and beautiful murals painted by some of the restaurant’s regulars.

What they do: Haitian restaurant
Website: Visit Here
Price: $3-$14
Phone: 305-456-4715
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 650 NW 71st St.

South Pointe Park and Pier

The southernmost tip of South Beach is also one of its most beautiful spots. A pier juts out, separating the beach from Government Cut, the waterway headed to PortMiami. It’s also got a big, shady park with bike paths, a field, an observatory deck, and a small water park for the kids. You can keep biking north from here until the boardwalk begins. When you’re ready to relax you can find a spot on the pier to watch the cruise ships come in, or find a spot to sunbathe on the beach.

What they do: Park
Website: Visit Here
Price: Free
Phone: 305-673-7779
Hours: Daily, sunrise to 10 p.m.
Address: 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is not big (2.6 acres to be exact), but it’s horticulturally jam-packed.  The garden has an extensive orchid and bromeliad collection, along with a Japanese garden and edible and native gardens. It also serves as a venue for visual and performing arts, provides space for environmental education endeavors, and hosts yoga and meditation classes. It’s a good place to relax and enjoy mother nature off the beach. 

What they do: botanical garden
Website: Visit Here
Price: Free
Phone: 305-673-7256
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 2000 Convention Center Dr

Brickell Key Park

A breath of fresh air in the midst of crowded Brickell, Brickell Key Park offers a 1.15 mile track lined with statues and palms. It’s perfect for strolling or a good hard run, with breathtaking views of the city and Biscayne Bay. We especially love catching the sunset here.

What they do: Park
Website: Visit Here
Address: Claughton Island Dr.

Panther Coffee

This coffee shop has become the default spot for local digital nomads. The setup is very welcoming for diving into a project or having a causal coffee meeting. All walks of life come through the shop, from celebrities to the mayor, making the people watching a form of entertainment unto itself. The soundtrack, ranging from indie rock to 90s hip hop, is always friendly on the ears.

What they do: Coffee
Website: Visit Here
Price: $3-$10
Phone: 305-677-3952
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m
Address: 1875 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach