Miami’s industrial enclave-turned-bona fide arts district is now one of the city’s most popular destinations. From curated mural walls and warehouse galleries to secret bars and jazz gardens, you’ll never be short of things to do in Wynwood.
Real estate developer Tony Goldman put the neighborhood on the map when he spearheaded the Wynwood Walls – a curated outdoor gallery featuring large-scale murals by world-famous street artists including Shepard Fairey, Maya Hayuk and Eduardo Kobra. To avoid sharing wall space with the hundreds of visitors trying to capture their quintessential Miami Instagram moment, wander Wynwood’s residential streets and discover more spontaneous artworks by local talent.
Hailed as one of the best places for tacos in all of Miami, Coyo Taco does a roaring trade from lunchtime until the very late hours. The food here is ultra fresh – signatures include home-made soft, warm tortillas and to drink, freshly muddled margaritas. If you find yourself visiting this Wynwood hotspot in the evening, venture down the corridor and past the restrooms, where you’ll find a hidden bar lit by novena candles. Dark and windowless with a decorative tiled floor and prominent DJ booth, it’s the kind of place where losing track of time is encouraged.
Wynwood is dubbed Miami’s art district for a reason – artists’ studios, galleries and etched-out walls pepper block after block. Stop by one of the original Wynwood galleries, The Locust Projects, which opened in a dilapidated warehouse back in 1998 and now serves as a free non-profit exhibition space. The gallery encourages artists to create site-specific installations unburdened by the constraints of more conventional for-profit galleries, so you’re likely to see artworks unlike anywhere else in the vicinity.
Wynwood’s best wine bar – pronounced “lan-yap” – has a distinct New Orleans vibe. Pick a bottle of Lagniappe’s specialty small-batch vinos, order a cheese plate and head to the balmy backyard. Decorated with quirky, mismatched thrift-store furniture and lit by string lights draped from trees, it’s an ideal setting for live music sessions. Get here early to reserve a spot for the nightly jazz show.
Simonett Pereira’s eponymous label is one of the city’s most popular fashion exports, and the designer’s modern Miami aesthetic can be examined up close at her Wynwood showroom. Simonett’s signature feminine ruffles, voluminous sleeves and strategically sheer fabrics are perfect for after-dark escapades at the surrounding outdoor venues.
In the past few years, a spate of craft breweries and taprooms opened in the greater Miami area, including favorites like the Star Wars-decorated J Wakefield Brewing and Brazilian brew specialists Veza Sur Brewing Co. But in 2014, the first-ever neighborhood brewer, Wynwood Brewing Co., kick-started the scene. If heading to this local brewery, be sure to order La Rubia – a refreshing blonde ale that’s perfect for Miami’s steamy humidity.
