Miami is a dynamic city steeped in multiculturalism, with Cuban and other Caribbean influences leaving an imprint on its food, music, culture, and neighborhoods. Want a taste? From vibrant South Beach to historic Coconut Grove, these are the best Miami neighborhoods to visit on your next trip.
The Coolest Miami Neighborhoods
Looking for museums? Shopping? Cuban food? Discover which Miami neighborhoods are right for you.
South Beach
The Art Deco-styled waterfront district of South Beach has it all: beautifully restored historic buildings, funky shops and boutiques, elegant restaurants and casual cafes, fabulous nightclubs, and a wide, clean beach. It’s easily one of the best neighborhoods in Miami for people watching. The Art Deco district runs from 6th to 23rd Streets between Ocean and Lenox Avenues, and it’s a great spot for a stroll.
Downtown Miami
Major sites in the bustling waterfront district of Downtown Miami include the Perez Art Museum Miami, the Frost Science Museum, and the Bayside Marketplace. It’s easy to get around via the free Metromover train system.
Coral Gables
Rent a car and head to Coral Gables, developed in the 1920s. It’s best known as home to the Biltmore Hotel, noted for its resemblance to Seville’s Giralda Tower. Bring a swimsuit and take a dip in the Venetian Pool, a fantasy-themed public pool created out of a rock quarry.
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest section, with construction beginning in the 1870s. It’s also a place of fashionable boutiques and restaurants. Worth a detour in this area: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an early 20th-century Renaissance-style—and quite grandiose—estate built for a Chicago industrialist who wanted to recreate a 16th-century Italian estate.
Little Havana
Little Havana is the famous 3.5-square-mile site where many Cubans fled after escaping their country. “Calle Ocho,” or 8th Street, is the main drag and central point (particularly between 11th and 17th Avenues), and it’s best as a walking-around destination.
Wynwood
If you love art, don’t miss Wynwood, a former warehouse district that’s been revitalized by galleries, cafes, street art, and the incredible Wynwood Walls (a mural arts project). This neighborhood is also home to the Margulies Collection, which displays a rotating selection of modern art.
Brickell
A quieter alternative to Miami Beach and Downtown, the up-and-coming Brickell neighborhood is convenient to the cruise port and the airport and has a wealth of hotels, restaurants, and shopping—including numerous rooftop bars where you can enjoy the views.
Key Biscayne
Rent a car and head to Key Biscayne, an island connected to Miami via two bridges and the Rickenbacker Causeway. Nature, beach, and marine enthusiasts can choose between the Miami Seaquarium and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Miami Travel Guide
- 9 Fun Things to Do in Miami
- 8 Must-See Miami Attractions
- 9 Best Beaches in Miami
- 7 Best Hotels in Miami
- 8 Best Cheap Hotels in Miami
- 9 Best Miami Beachfront Hotels
- 10 Best Restaurants in Miami
- The Best Cheap Eats in Miami
- Where to Find the Best Cuban Food in Miami
- What to Pack for Miami
- What to Wear in Miami
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