I live in Miami. Here are 7 things I always tell travelers to do when they visit.

I've lived in Miami for seven years, and love recommending some of my favorite spots to visitors.
If you love art, I suggest checking out the Rubell Museum or trying out a local pottery class.
Plus, grab a Cuban treat on Calle Ocho or visit Knaus Berry Farm for delicious cinnamon rolls.

I've lived in the heart of Miami for seven years, and when people ask me what I love most about this city, I tell them it's the land of choose-your-own-adventure.

Sure, our high-octane nightlife is probably the first thing that comes to mind, but Miami isn't a one-trick party town. Beyond the dance floor, you'll find Caribbean-blue coastline, protected wilderness that could turn a bike ride into something cinematic, and an award-winning food and cocktail scene.

Here are the seven things I tell friends to do when they visit — a mix of the can't-miss hits and less-obvious activities that still feel distinctly Miami.

Grab a Cuban treat on Calle Ocho.

Taylor and her friend sit at an outdoor table with plates of pastries.

Calle Ocho is a famous street in Little Havana — it's essentially the Cuban capital of Miami. Here, there's no shortage of authentic Latin eateries, like the historic Ball & Chain, which transforms into a salsa party at night.

For many, Calle Ocho is synonymous with Cuban pastries like pastelitos (flaky puff pastries filled with cheese or guava) and croquetas (savory fritters typically filled with ham, chicken, or fish).

I recommend stopping at Versailles to place your order at la ventanita, or the "little window." Ask for my personal favorites — cheese pastelitos and ham croquetas with a cup of Cuban coffee.

But beyond our famous pastries, the best under-the-radar delight in Little Havana is Exquisito, a chocolate factory that offers tours and hands-on workshops. I love that it's interactive, educational, and you leave with your own creations.

Spend time in the Rubell Museum.

Taylor wears sunglasses and a white pantsuit in a mirrored room in the Rubell Museum.

The Rubell Museum in Allapattah is my favorite cultural anchor in Miami. The museum's rotating artist-in-residence program keeps it dynamic, complementing world-renowned works on permanent display.

Yayoi Kusama's "Narcissus Garden" fills the central gallery with hundreds of steel spheres that reflect as you walk through. Even though I've taken tons of pictures here in the past, I can't help but snap more when I visit.

Plus, you can't leave without getting "the shot" in Kusama's mirrored "Infinity Room."

After you've had your fill of art, I recommend grabbing lunch at Jon & Vinny's (enter via the museum lobby) for fresh air and casual Italian food, surrounded by lush gardens.

Activate your creative side with a pottery class.

Tables and chairs with pottery equipment set up.

If you're looking for a wholesome, therapeutic Miami activity, I suggest takinga pottery class at El Studio by OCISLY (Of Course I Still Love You).

The event space hosts everything from make-your-own ceramic Mahjong tiles and beginner pottery-wheel classes to themed music events. Classes are typically two hours long and can easily be booked online.

Wander through the Miami Design District.

The interior of Blu Scarpa, a store with blue artwork on the walls, blue furniture, and racks of clothing.

Miami has a few luxury shopping enclaves to choose from, but for me, the Design District is one of the most thoughtfully curated neighborhoods in the city.

The architecture, rotating public art, and community programming make it feel alive and different with every visit. I especially love visiting the area's unique shops.

My favorite is Blu Scarpa, which specializes in leather goods and handmade jewelry from Italy. The boutique feels like a chic living room splashed in shades of blue (hence the brand name).

Nearby, Dale Zine is a must-visit independent bookshop and art gallery that's become a cool hub for experimental publishing. As a writer and supporter of all things print, I love scooping up a glossy new magazine that I've never heard of.

Enjoy a night out in the booming Little River neighborhood.

A table with plates of steak, a sauce, and a side dish.

In my opinion, Little River is one of Miami's most exciting neighborhoods, especially in terms of food.

One of my favorite dinner options is Sunny's steakhouse, where I get Parker House rolls for the table, some delicious seafood from the raw bar, and a hanger steak.

I always order the potato butter sauce for the steak (and also to dip my fries in). Reservations can be tricky to secure, but are released 30 days in advance on Resy.

If you can't get into Sunny's, my favorite local hotspot is Fooq's, a restaurant with Persian-influenced wood-fired cuisine. I especially love the large, vibey dining room with chic lighting fixtures. After dinner, head upstairs to the Lion's Den for disco-fueled sets on vinyl.

Then, end the night at ZeyZey, an open-air music venue that welcomes a mix of local artists and famous names. It's family-friendly, unpretentious, and distinctly Miami.

Spend some time on a boat.

Taylor sits on a boat, looking out at the ocean.

Nobody does a day party quite like Miami, and in my opinion, the best way to experience the true spirit of the city is by getting out on the water. There are so many ways to book a ride, but my favorite is a captain-led charter via Boatsetter (think Airbnb but for boats).

For the "full" experience, I suggest a boat day with a stop at a family-owned restaurant like The Cleat. Or, for something a little more flashy, check out Casa Neos and the adjoining Beach Club.

You can even call Casa Neos ahead to reserve a slip at the restaurant and dock directly on site. Having a boat there is great for outfit changes, freshening up, and having a private space to set your bag down.

Visit Knaus Berry Farm for delicious cinnamon rolls and strawberries.

Knaus Berry Farm has been family-run since 1956 and feels like stepping into a slower, more nostalgic version of Miami that predates the skyline.

It's a seasonal institution, typically open from November through May, and is beloved by locals who will happily wait for delicious cinnamon rolls. But don't worry, the long line moves quickly and is part of the fun.

When you finally get your hands on a warm, glazed roll, you'll understand the devotion. I usually grab a few extras because they keep well in the freezer and make great gifts. Don't sleep on the pecan rolls and the homemade pies, either.

Although not available this year, the farm typically offers U-Pick strawberries — a pick-your-own experience that adds a simple, hands-on charm to the visit and will be the best-earned beach snack of your trip.

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