Miami’s an eclectic city brimming with must-see neighborhoods. From historic roads to culturally charged avenues to new and trendy boulevards, these are the coolest streets in the 3-0-5.
Calle 8
A nesting ground for Cuban immigrants since the ’60s, Calle 8 is one street in America you’d have little success asking directions in English. This vibrant street tucked in the neighborhood of Little Havana is dotted with Cuban restaurants, cigar shops, movie theaters, and the Maximo Gomez Park, otherwise known as “Domino Park”—a traditional meeting spot for Cuban veterans who have been playing dominos there for over 40 years. Get a taste of Cuban food such as the Cuban sandwich or media noche at some of the landmark restaurants, including Versailles, La Carreta, and El Exquisito.
Biscayne Boulevard
Running from uptown to downtown, Biscayne Boulevard was designed in the ’20s to be Miami’s most beautiful shopping street. The boulevard is not so much a shopping street today as it is the center lane to some of Miami’s most popular cultural centers and a witness to Miami’s architectural developments in the form of luxury condos. The glittering boulevard is a runway for cruising sports cars and major points of interest such as the Freedom Tower, AmericanAirlines Arena, the Adrienne Arsht Center, the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Bayfront Park, and the Bayside Marketplace.
Miracle Mile
The Rodeo Drive of Miami, Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly shopping street in the historic neighborhood of Coral Gables. The pretty street is home to the Actor’s Playhouse, the Colonnade Building, and a handful of wedding dress stores, restaurants, and charming coffee shops. The street ends just on Le Jeune Road where visitors can spot the Mediterranean-style Coral Gables City Hall.
Art Deco buildings line Ocean Drive | © GAUTIER Stephane/SAGAPHOTO.COM / Alamy Stock Photo
Ocean Drive
You can’t check Miami off of your bucket list without a tour of the world-famous Ocean Drive. Lined with palm trees along Miami Beach, the infamous street is known for its nightlife and pastel-colored Art Deco buildings. During the day, explore the funky sex shops and see the vintage cars. In the evening, linger at the rowdy Clevelander Hotel for a night of salsa dancing, mingling, and drinking with the fresh breeze from the sea.
Española Way
Clad in colonial architecture, Española Way looks every bit a European street with its charming pink stucco buildings and Spanish tile roofs. Tucked in the heart of South Beach, the pedestrian-friendly street makes for a pleasant stroll underneath the shade of the trees or a coffee break and dose of people-watching at one of its many cafés.
Lincoln Road
Not too far from Española Way, Lincoln Road is an outdoor mall with major shops and restaurants. A few of its major retailers include Apple, Victoria’s Secret, and H&M. You can also catch a glimpse of the modern parking garage at 1111 Lincoln Road, designed by Herzog & Meuron, or dine on the rooftop restaurant Juvia for a taste of Asian fusion cuisine and sweeping views of the beach.
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL, USA
1111 Lincoln Road | © Michael Staviridis / Courtesy of Alchemist
Brickell Avenue
Tying US-1 and Biscayne Boulevard together, Brickell Avenue runs through the Brickell business district and is easily accessible by public transportation, such as the free Metromover and the trolley. The street, which is car- and pedestrian-friendly, is where you’ll find plenty of suited business professionals, banks, foreign embassies, and a handful of luxury hotels. A street or two away is the entrance of Biscayne Bay, where aside from a glimpse of yachts and towering condos, you can also spot dolphins once in a while.
Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL, USA
At Wynwood Walls, you can see graffiti murals by some of the world’s best street artists | © Jochen Brood / Alamy Stock Photo
NW 2nd Avenue in Wynwood
The graffiti murals decorating the new arts district of Wynwood sweeps all over the neighborhood, but right on NW 2nd Avenue is where you’ll find the major stopping points like Wynwood Walls, Panther Coffee, and an endless array of art galleries and concept stores. Make sure to get your camera ready!
© Monica Quinonez / Courtesy of Wynwood Walls