As many savvy travelers and geography experts may suspect from its name, North Miami is a northern suburb of Miami, which is the state’s largest metropolitan area and home to more than six million residents.

Both Miami and North Miami are located in South Florida’s Miami-Dade County on the Atlantic coast and offer visitors a wide variety of recreational, entertainment, and cultural attractions that range from the absurdly expensive and exclusive to the modest and affordable.

Golf, sport fishing, and trendy food and drink scenes are a few area mainstays; the beaches are pretty amazing and plentiful as well.

Below are 5 things to do in and around North Miami.

1. Spanish Monastery

Often referred to as the largest, most complex and expensive jigsaw puzzle in the world, the Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach has an amazing history that spans around the globe and nearly 1,000 years into the past.

Originally constructed in the early 12th century, for much of its life it was used for its originally intended purpose – a monastery.

Fast forward to the 1920s and the building was bought by American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, disassembled, shipped to its current site in Florida, and reassembled.

There’s a whole lot more to the story, so consider stopping at this rare Florida gem for a few hours to unwrap the mystery.

2. Oleta River State Park

Miami-Dade County’s Oleta River is one of the area’s hotspots for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and amateur photographers.

Located on NE 163rd Street in North Miami Beach, Oleta River State Park can really draw the crowds, especially during peak times. Unlike many parks, once they’ve reached their maximum capacity, they stop admitting guests.

Perhaps it’s the fantastic scenery and variety of activities like swimming, kayaking, biking, and paddle-boarding that make it so popular.

Though admission is relatively inexpensive, renting the equipment necessary to engage in the activities mentioned above isn’t, so bring plenty of cash and don’t expect to have the place to yourself if you go during peak times.

3. Greynolds Park Golf Course

Located on West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach, Greynolds Park Golf Course probably won’t host the PGA Tour or Masters anytime soon, but therein lies its allure.

Consisting of just nine holes totaling slightly more than 3,000 yards, the par-36 course is often overlooked by the most serious golfers, making it more reasonably priced and less crowded than most of its neighbors.

It’s been around since the mid-’60s and offers all the amenities you’d expect, like electric carts, a pro shop, and even club rentals for those who don’t have their own.

There are even single-rider handicapped golf carts available if they’re requested prior to arrival.

4. Explore the Art Deco Scene

There are few places in the country as well-known for their perfect weather, jet-setting clientele, and exclusive clubs, restaurants, and shops, than Miami – and especially South Beach.

They’re also home to some of the most well-preserved examples of art deco art and architecture you’ll find anywhere, much of which is from the art movement’s heyday in the ’20s and ’30s.

Though it’s possible to do a little research and engage in some self-guided exploration, many visitors opt for professionally guided tours, and there are plenty of options available.

Tours are generally reasonably priced, last an hour or so, and visit a variety of local icons.

5. Miami Holocaust Memorial

Though it may seem strangely out of place in an area so well-known for its materialistic and ostentatious lifestyle, the Miami Holocaust Memorial is a poignant side-excursion that’s free and convenient to visit, and really shouldn’t be missed.

Miami is home to a large Jewish population, and the idea for the memorial was conceived in the early ’80s. It was opened to the public for the first time in 1990.

The site includes a memorial wall, stunning sculptures and other artwork, and a quiet area for reflection.

Most visitors donate a few dollars before heading off to their next south Florida adventure.