A Guide To The Best Miami Neighborhoods

Encompassing a notable portion of South Florida, the Magic City surprises with a vibrant array of distinct areas to explore outside of Downtown and Miami Beach. Read our guide to the must-see neighborhoods in and around the 3-0-5.

Key Biscayne

Without doubt, the most picturesque suburb of Miami is Key Biscayne. The island connected to the mainland by the Rickenbacker Causeway boasts stunning 360-degree views of the water and the glittering Miami skyline. You can sunbathe along the beach, go golfing at Crandon Park, kayak in the bay and even visit the historic lighthouse in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Part of the island is home to a ritzy residential neighborhood, but the barrier island hosts a plethora of local people and tourists eager to enjoy the beauty of the suburb. Key Biscayne is also the closest to the city, located just at the exit of Brickell’s business district.

Coral Gables

The residential neighborhood of Coral Gables is known for its shaded oak-tree avenues and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Many homes date back as far as the 1920s, and its trendy thoroughfare of Miracle Mile is reminiscent of Spanish pedestrian-friendly streets. Visitors can go for a swim at the Venetian Pool (the historic public pool carved from a rock quarry), visit the butterfly conservatory at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or even go golfing at The Biltmore Golf. There’s also plenty of luxury shopping to do at Merrick Park, and for sports-car fanatics, The Collection is a must-see.

Coconut Grove

The oldest neighborhood in Miami, Coconut Grove, boasts breathtaking waterfront views of Biscayne Bay, lush tropical parks and its share of historical museums. It’s home to The Barnacle – the oldest house in its original location in the city, dating back to 1891. Also worth visiting is the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a beautiful villa clad in European-style interiors and sprawling gardens once the home of famous business magnate James Deering. You can enjoy a stroll through Cocowalk to peruse quirky boutiques, art galleries and enjoy the bohemian lifestyle of “the village.”

South Beach

Home to the star-studded, luxury beaches with blue water and white sand, South Beach is a staple in the Miami experience. In the southernmost region of Miami Beach, South Beach is a haven of artisanal cocktails and high-end hotel bars that transport you to another era through their vibrant Art-Deco style. Whether taking a special-occasion trip to one of the many luxury hotels or just planning a night out at some of the most famous (and infamous) nightclubs in the southeast, South Beach is a must-visit neighborhood in greater Miami.

Wynwood

The once crime-ridden neighborhood of Wynwood is now one of America’s street-art capitals. With a curated array of walls, commissioned by some of the world’s most notorious street artists, Wynwood is never short of visitors. It also lends itself to a great visitor experience – replete with Instagrammable scenes and plenty of new-wave tapas restaurants throughout the area. There is even a taco truck speakeasy you can spend your late Wynwood nights dancing away in.

Little Havana

When Cuban immigrants arrived in Miami, they settled in what is now called Little Havana. The historic neighborhood just west of Downtown Miami is a cultural phenomenon. Here you can listen to Spanish musings while walking along Calle Ocho (8th Street) and sample a taste of Cuban cuisine at the notorious Versailles Restaurant. You can enjoy croquetas and Cuban coffee, play dominoes with friendly seniors at Maximo Gomez Park and get a lesson in Miami’s most influential cultural hub. If you really want to knock Miami off your bucket list, you can’t do it without a visit to Little Havana.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.