The Best Miami Neighborhoods To Explore

So, you’ve just landed in sunny Miami and you’re wondering where to go first? Well, look no further – we’ve got the best neighborhoods for you to explore! From eclectic Little Havana to glamorous South Beach, there’s something for everyone in Miami. So put on your sunhat and get ready to explore some of the coolest neighborhoods in Florida!

Midtown

Miami’s Midtown lies just north of Downtown and is bounded by street-art-centric Wynwood on the west, luxury waterfront Edgewater on the east, and chic Design District on the north. The area itself resembles a town-center area, with upscale shopping and a plethora of luxurious buildings.

North Miami Avenue’s Shops at Midtown Miami are the major shopping hub of this neighborhood in Miami. It’s a fairly large urban shopping center that’s home to over 50 retailers and restaurants. A Target can be found here, as well as other popular shops such as Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, GUESS Factory Stores, and furniture retailer West Elm.

For some great fine dining, you can enjoy some of the best places to grab a bite and a drink, including Little Hen, Sugarcane, and Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar.

This is a perfect neighborhood for those who want to be in a major retailer and restaurant hub, while still enjoying a touch of Miami’s Latin flavor.

Upper East Side

The upper east side, also known as the Mimi District, is a growing, yet under-the-radar neighborhood in Miami. It’s bordered by Biscayne Bay to the east and Little River to the west. The area is quickly gentrifying, with new bars and restaurants popping up all the time.

If you’re looking to enjoy a musical performance at a fair price while being surrounded by lush greenery, the Upper East Side Garden is the spot for you. You can play mini-golf on site while waiting for musical sets to begin.

There are many gorgeous parks in this area as well, including Morningside Park, Legion Park, and Manatee Bend Park. This is one of the best neighborhoods for biking, strolling, or jogging, for those who appreciate green spaces.

Wynwood

This vibrant and eclectic neighborhood is known for its incredible street art, art galleries, trendy restaurants and bars. Wynwood Walls is a must-see attraction here – it’s an outdoor museum of graffiti murals that attracts visitors from all over the world. Best of all, it’s an incredibly walkable area, so you can see a lot of culture in a single day trip.

Art lovers can also take a tour with Wynwood Art Walk Miami. These small and private tours will help you to learn about the creatives behind the town’s vibrant art scene as well as provide an opportunity to have a hands-on graffiti workshop.

If you love farmers markets, you’ll feel at home at the Wynwood Marketplace. In addition to delicious food and produce, you can catch music, art, workshops, and artisanal cocktails in this hip square.

Brickell

Brickell is also referred to as the financial district and is a popular choice for Florida non-natives who want to relocate to Miami. It’s the perfect place for young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action.

This neighborhood is full of high-rise condominiums and apartment buildings, as well as corporate offices for some of Miami’s most successful businesses. For those who love shopping, The Brickell City Centre is a popular shopping mall that features upscale stores as well as a luxury VIP theater experience.

Brickell is also home to many great restaurants, bars, and shops. Some of our favorites include Blackbird Ordinary, La Moon, and a unique cabaret show at El Tucan.

Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami may be the city’s oldest part and its undisputed center of history, but it is anything but antiquated or out-of-date. Miami’s Downtown has grown into a modern and culturally rich neighborhood full of theaters, museums, galleries, event venues, and world-class bars and restaurants.

One of the most popular attractions in this area of the city is the Downtown Miami Boat Cruise. Parties with drinks and DJs are available on party boats for four hours, kayaking and paddleboarding are included on excursions, snorkeling stops are included, as well as sunset cruises with champagne along Biscayne Bay.

For history and culture buffs, the HistoryMiami Museum is a great choice. This collection has over 70,000 square feet of space and features exhibits that span from the history of the Spanish settlers to contemporary collections.

When you’re ready for a bit to eat and some scenic shopping, you can visit the Bayside Marketplace. This is a two-story mall that has many well-known stores as well as plenty of bars for you to enjoy when the day is over.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. This beautiful barrier island is full of sandy beaches, turquoise waters, Art Deco architecture, and some of the best nightlife in Miami.

South beach is the most well-known area of Miami Beach, and it’s where you’ll find the majority of the hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. It has a Caribbean vibe that transports you out of the states even though you’re in the heart of South Florida.

Lincoln Road is a pedestrian mall that is full of unique boutiques, cafes, and bars. It’s a great place to people watch and enjoy an afternoon or evening out.

If you’re looking for a place to stroll along the beach, take a swim, or catch some rays, head to one of the beaches along Ocean Drive. These iconic beaches are well known for their amazing sunsets as well as their celebrity sightings.

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key. This garden is home to many different types of flora, including orchids, bromeliads, and heliconias. There’s also a butterfly garden and a children’s play area.

Coconut Grove

For a more laid-back and relaxed vibe, Coconut Grove is the perfect neighborhood. This area is full of tree-lined streets, parks, and coral rock buildings.

If you want to step back in time, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a must-see. This former bayfront estate was built in the early 1900s and features European-style artwork and architecture. The gardens are also gorgeous, and they offer stunning views of Biscayne Bay.

The Kampong is another great choice for history buffs. This is a historic tropical garden that was once home to author and explorer Dr. David Fairchild. The gardens feature native plants from all over the world, and it’s a great place to learn about different cultures.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is a beautiful neighborhood that’s known for its Spanish-style architecture and Mediterranean Revival homes. In Coral Gables, which is often referred to as “The City Beautiful,” you can find lush greenery, trees, flowers, and other natural elements that give it a very whimsical, “garden-like” appearance.

Bookworms will love stopping by Books & Books, which is an independent bookstore that has a great selection of books, as well as a cafe.

Venetian pool is a great location for those who want to cool off and soak in the Coral Gables neighborhood. This aquatic facility is unlike anything else in the country. Over one hundred thousand people from around the world have enjoyed it, and it remains one of the most popular attractions in Coral Gables.

Much of the original coral rock was used to border and accentuate the pool created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry. An underground aquifer supplies spring water to the 820,000-gallon pool. The pool is filled and drained every day during spring and summer.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is one of the best tropical botanical gardens in the world. You will find internationally renowned collections of cycads, flowering trees, tropical fruits, vines, aroids, and endangered species here. For scientists, these plants provide a living laboratory, as well as a chance to discover new things.

Fairchild also has the largest palm collection in the United States and is designated by the American Public Gardens Associations as the keeper of the National Palm Collection.

Spend at least two hours in this garden while enjoying the well-manicured trails, the serene ponds, and the many beautiful flowers.

Little Havana

Little Havana is one of the most popular and well-known neighborhoods in Miami. It’s known for its Cuban culture, food, music, and cigars.

This is a great place to come if you want to experience some authentic Cuban cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include ropa vieja, Arroz con Pollo, and Cuban sandwiches.

You can also find some great Cuban coffee at one of the many cafes, such as Caribe Cafe Restaurant. This is a great place to sit and people watch, as you’ll see a lot of locals coming and going.

Calle Ocho is the main street in Little Havana, and it’s where you’ll find a lot of shops and restaurants. This is also the site of the annual Calle Ocho Festival, which is one of the largest Hispanic festivals in the United States.

Stop into a bakery to try some traditional Cuban pastries, such as guava and cheese strudel, or a flan. Or pick up a Cuban cigar at one of the many tobacco shops.

There’s also the Little Havana Cigar Factory, which offers tours so you can learn about the process of making cigars.

Miami Design District

In the Miami Design District, you will find immersive art and cultural experiences, as well as shopping and dining opportunities. Art is everywhere in this neighborhood, located just north of Wynwood and Midtown. There are sculptures, museums, and free cultural events that take place throughout the year.

One of the most notable fine art museums is the Institute of Contemporary Art, which curates art shows around both international and local contemporary creatives. There are several events happening at the museum throughout the year and admission is free!

The food in the design district is as artful as the visuals. Try the Swan & Bar Bevy. Spanning indoor/outdoor dining, Swan is the brainchild of hospitality mavens David Grutman and Pharrell Williams. Offering a variety of dishes, the menu features refined rustic cuisine and dynamic communal dishes.

Harry’s Pizzeria serves up some of the most delicious pies in Miami. Chef Michael Schwartz is the brainchild behind the family-friendly Harry’s Pizzeria, winner of the James Beard Award. For his commitment to community and sourcing of seasonal, responsible food, Schwartz is highly regarded by his peers and diners.

Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour is a special paradise within paradise. An enclave on Miami Beach’s northern tip, Bal Harbour Village is a haven for discerning travelers searching for the finest resorts in the city. Featuring luxuriant oceanfront hotels, resorts, residences, trendy shopping, as well as a variety of great dining options, The Village exudes impeccable, contemporary style. In spite of this, Bal Harbour Village remains a natural paradise with white sand beaches and a peaceful atmosphere.

Edgewater

Edgewater is a rapidly growing neighborhood in Miami, located just north of Downtown. This neighborhood has seen a lot of new development in recent years, including high-rise condos, apartments, and hotels.

This is a great location to catch a meal. Amara At Paraiso combines rich Latin American flavors with local seafood ingredients. Paired with a beautiful ocean view of Biscayne Bay, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset dinner.

If you’re in the mood for a spin on a traditional Spanish meal, visit Rincon Escondido Tapas for small plates featuring fried goat cheese balls, garlic shrimp, and grilled octopus.

Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is a barrier island in Florida across the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami. Both Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park have long, sheltered beaches, mangroves, and tropical forests that are home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and loggerhead turtles.

When you’re in the area, visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the oldest building in Miami-Dade County and one of the oldest still in use in Florida.

It’s Time To Explore!

Now that you know a little more about some of the best neighborhoods in Miami, it’s time to start exploring! No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something that piques your curiosity.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to these top Miami neighborhoods today!