A Guide to the Best Miami Neighborhoods

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.