From hole-in-the-wall taquerias to swanky nightclubs, Miami is one of those places that can be everything to everyone. With such a unique and diverse cultural landscape, it’s almost impossible to decide on the best Miami neighborhoods.
Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, going on a solo visit, or wondering where to live, there’s a place in Miami for you.
Here, we cover 15 of the best Miami neighborhoods. We break down where to stay, what to see and do, where to eat, and what vibe you can expect from each area.
Ready to start exploring? Here’s your guide to visiting the best neighborhoods in Miami.
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Cool Miami Neighborhoods to Stay and Visit
Miami is full of culture and influences from around the globe, and each neighborhood has a different vibe and attractions for different personalities.
1. South Beach and Miami Beach: The famous party district
As if its pristine beach access wasn’t enough, South Beach is renowned for its nightlife, luxury shopping, and globally recognized eateries. Consider this party neighborhood your go-to for a fun Spring Break, the best nightlife hangouts, or a weekend beach getaway with friends.
Situated on the barrier island known as Miami Beach, which is connected to the mainland through a series of causeways, this neighborhood is a must if you want to experience the A-list lifestyle, even if you’re visiting Miami just for a day.
Head to the famous Ocean Drive and Lummus Park Beach during the day for some sun and sand, then hit up all the hottest clubs.
Hotel Lennox Miami Beach and its art deco vibes are the perfect home-away-from-home during your South Beach stay.
Things to do in South Beach:
- Miami Speedboat Sightseeing Tour – Enjoy views of Miami’s scenic coastline on this speedboat cruise
- Art deco walking or biking tour – See Versace’s over-the-top mansion and other South Beach’s Art Deco highlights
- A Taste of South Beach Food Tour – If you’re a passionate foodie who wants to explore South Florida’s vibrant multicultural cuisine, this mini culinary experience is perfect for you.
- South Beach Nightclub crawl – If you’re itching for a great party, then this all-inclusive party package with access to some of the best clubs is it.
2. Little Havana: Vibrant Cuban culture and food
A popular community for the Latin cultural experience in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana party-ready Calle Ocho. Cuban cuisine, art, and music fill every corner of this affordable tourist destination.
Start the day with a Miami-worthy food experience by stopping at a ventanita (coffee window), picking up a Café Cubano and pastelito. Then join a cultural food walking tour through Calle Ocho to truly immerse yourself in this eclectic neighborhood.
If Latin music is more your scene, check out some of the smaller venues in Little Havana, which is renowned for its Latin and Spanish-inspired nightclubs.
You’ll also want to visit Cubaocho Museum and Performing Arts Center, popular with travelers and locals alike for their famous live music and performances.
And just a short distance from Little Havana’s center is Selina Miami River, an impossibly stylish boutique hotel decked out in tropical greenery.
Things to do in Little Havana, Miami: Tower Theatre, CubaOcho Museum & Performing Art Center, Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park), Calle Ocho Walk of Fame (Paseo de las Estrellas)
3. Coral Gables: Historic, artsy, and sophisticated
Arguably one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Miami, this Instagram-worthy community is dotted with canopied streets, historic architecture, lush parks, posh boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
Being in Coral Gables feels like being a Parisian socialite in the 1920s. Live out your Great Gatsby fantasy by staying at the Biltmore Hotel, soak in the crystalline waters of the Venetian Pool, and stop by Chocolate Fashion on Andalusia Ave for some divine pastries.
Youthful and community-minded, Coral Gables is home to the Fairchild Botanical Garden, international retailers, and a free trolley system, which makes getting around easy.
Things to do in Coral Gables: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Matheson Hammock Park, Venetian Pool, Miracle Mile, Giralda Plaza
4. Coconut Grove: Kid-friendly Miami neighborhood perfect for families
Hop on the trolley and explore one of the greenest and oldest neighborhoods in Miami. Tree-lined streets give rise to the shopping and restaurant areas. Originally a bit Bohemian, the area still maintains the quaint aura of culture and charm.
Being an excellent place to live and raise children, this bayfront neighborhood has many family-friendly attractions to explore.
The lush Kampong Botanical Garden, one of only five National Tropical Botanical Gardens is an absolute must-see. Note you’ll need to schedule an appointment to explore this tropical paradise.
You can’t go to Coconut Grove without having a spontaneous backyard seafood feast at Shore to Door. And if you looking for a place to stay, The Mayfair Coconut Grove is an excellent choice for affordability and quality service.
Things to do in Coconut Grove, Miami: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, CocoWalk, The Barnacle Historic State Park
5. Downtown Miami: Popular tourist destination near PortMiami
This favored tourist spot in Miami is peppered with both modern attractions and historical landmarks, making it the perfect place for a pre-cruise visit with your family to experience the true Miami vibe.
For an upscale experience that won’t break the bank, head for the Kimpton EPIC Hotel.
From here, you can take a short walk to the bustling Bayside Marketplace, or for something posher, scope out the events at the Adrienne Arsht Center and the surrounding museums.
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a go-to, no matter how old you are. Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish on the Miami River is also a must-try.
Take refuge at the nearby Bayfront Park when the city gets a little overwhelming; this huge Miami park also hosts fun outdoor events and musical performances.
Things to do in downtown, Miami: Freedom Tower, Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace, Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel, Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia Theatre, HistoryMiami
For more recommendations, check out our complete downtown Miami guide.
6. Brickell: A home for young professionals
Fast becoming Miami’s hippest neighborhood, affluent millennials are coming to Brickell in droves, pulled in by the luxury shopping, trendy nightlife, world-class restaurants, and high-class developments.
To start your stay in Brickell right:
- Book a room at the much raved about SLS Brickell.
- Spend the evening at one of the rooftop bars, or experience the neighborhood’s extremely diverse culinary scene: Dimitrios for Mediterranean, La Mar for South American, or LPM for French, to name a few.
- Explore Brickell City Centre for all your upscale entertainment and shopping needs.
Highlights: Brickell City Centre, The Shops at Mary Brickell Village
7. Wynwood: Miami’s Art District
Packed end to end with art galleries, hip breweries, trendy restaurants, eclectic shops, nightclubs, and Instagrammable murals, Wynwood is a haven for hipsters and art enthusiasts alike.
This youthful pocket is populated by converted warehouses and colorful murals and has a hip, yet welcoming vibe.
Despite the crowds, you don’t want to miss the famous Wynwood Walls and ever-evolving murals throughout the Wynwood Arts District. If you’re big on the arts culture, this neighborhood is an absolute must.
Book a room at the colorful Domio Wynwood to soak up this art hub’s creative vibe. Then join a Wynwood food and art tour to experience the neighborhood’s most worthwhile hidden gems.
Things to do in Wynwood, Miami: Wynwood Walls and Murals, Museum of Graffiti
8. Miami Design District: A trendy hub of design and fashion
If upscale boutiques and galleries are more your speed, you’ll love the shopping, fine dining, and chic bars and museums this famous neighborhood has to offer.
The Miami Design District’s streets are lined with a wealth of luxury fashion houses to shop, from Versace to Marni. But if fine art is more your style, modern galleries like Markowicz Fine Art and Opera Gallery have what you need.
Be sure to try the grilled octopus and the manti dumplings over a romantic date night at Mandolin Aegean Bistro.
Things to do in Miami’s Design District: Institute of Contemporary Art, The Moore Building, The Haitian Heritage Museum
9. Midtown: Eclectic Miami neighborhood for hipsters and yuppies alike
Encompassing Wynwood and bordered by the Design District, this trendy, up-and-coming area has a vibrant, artsy atmosphere complemented by luxury high-rises and excellent nightlife.
You can spot both locally-made crafts and premium contemporary art in this artistically diverse neighborhood; hit up Wynwood Shop for the former and Coral Contemporary Gallery for the latter.
Then, check out the assortment of food trucks at the ultra-hip Wynwood Marketplace. Don’t forget to book a room at Hyde Midtown for the perfect mix of quality and accessibility.
10. Little Haiti: Authentic Haitian cuisine and culture
This upcoming neighborhood is an underrated hub of Afro-Caribbean culture. The creative community and cultural attractions make this a must-visit for adventurous travelers seeking hidden gems.
Head to Little Haiti Cultural Center and soak up the Caribbean nation’s art and history. Their Libreri Mapou Bookstore houses a rich library of Haitian literature. Sweat Records, a few minutes’ walk away, is another must-visit – especially for music lovers.
Piman Bouk is our go-to for authentic Haitian food – be warned, they don’t go easy on the spices, just the way locals like it!
Things to do in Little Haiti: Little Haiti Cultural Center, Libreri Mapou Bookstore, Sweat Records, Street Art, Earth-n-Us Farm, Churchill’s Pub
11. Upper Eastside: Eclectic neighborhood known for its striking art deco architecture
While mostly a residential neighborhood, the Upper Eastside also features a historical district, home to many vintage motels, along with shops and restaurants. It’s popular for its striking art deco architecture, as well as a burgeoning restaurant scene.
This hip residential Miami neighborhood has a youthful atmosphere perfect for soaking in the cultural scene.
Hit up Morningside Park for water sports and the Saturday farmers market or the MiMo Garden Center – or both! Cap off the night with a drink and live music at Miami Ironside for its art scene and trendy restaurants.
Things to do in Upper Eastside, Miami: Morningside Park, Legion Park, MiMo Garden Center
12. Bal Harbour: Access to luxury stores, pristine hotels, and high-end eateries
Bal Harbour is a small village located on the northern tip of Miami Beach. This beachside enclave is a high-end tourist destination, boasting upscale resorts and hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, as well as designer boutique shops. All with a beach view to soak in along the way.
Things to do in Bal Harbour, Florida: Bal Harbour Shops
13. Sunny Isles Beach: A chill and relaxed place to live
This highly walkable stretch of beaches and parks is a quiet haven north of Miami Beach. It’s an urban suburb that’s both a good place to live and a fantastic spot for laid-back family vacations.
If fishing is what you want, this is the place to find it. You don’t even need to charter a boat, although they are certainly available. Just drop a line in the ocean from the Newport Fishing Pier.
You’ll want to stay at the Residence Inn to be close to all the great hangouts while feeling like a Sunny Isles native. The main street is Collins Avenue, and that’s where you will find the best restaurants and shopping.
Things to do in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida: Newport Pier, Oleta River State Park
14. Homestead: Perfect day trip from Miami with affordable and free attractions
Homestead has a wholesome, small-town vibe with agricultural roots and nature-focused attractions including Shark Valley in the Florida Everglades – perfect for a day trip with the kids.
Spend the morning at Knaus Berry Farm for their fresh-baked pastries (the cinnamon buns are a must) and freshly picked strawberry treats. Or, if you can’t stand long lines, try a tropical fruit smoothie at Robert is Here.
Also, stop by Coral Castle, an amazing sculpture garden built entirely out of stone. There’s a bit of mystery behind its construction, and the awe-inspiring work will leave you amazed.
Things to do in Homestead, Miami: Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, Everglades Alligator Farm, Coral Castle, Fruit & Spice Park
15. Key Biscayne: peaceful beaches and quiet community
It doesn’t get any more laid-back than this Miami suburb. Key Biscayne is filled with acres of greenery and picturesque beaches is as much an idyllic place to live as it is a wonderful vacation spot.
This pocket of suburbia across the Rickenbacker Causeway takes full advantage of its warm coastal location.
Crandon Park is an excellent beach and park hybrid that’s perfect for some high-quality R&R. Pack a picnic or try any of the restaurants located along Crandon Blvd. – I recommend Milanezza Kitchen-Bar-Market.
The luxe Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is the ideal place to keep you as close as possible to Key Biscayne’s beaches and nature trails.
Things to do in Key Biscayne, Florida: Miami Seaquarium, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach
Miami’s Fabulous Neighborhoods
That’s our round-up of the best Miami neighborhoods: For the hardcore party animals, South Beach, Miami Beach, and Little Havana are waiting for you. Arts and culture lovers should head to Wynwood, Coral Gables, and Little Haiti.
Those looking for luxury will feel right at home in Brickell, the Miami Design District, and Key Biscayne. Meanwhile, families can have the most fun at Coconut Grove, Downtown Miami, and Homestead.
And those looking for a place to settle down can choose between Brickell, Sunny Isles Beach, and Key Biscayne. Florida’s Magic City has a neighborhood to fit every kind of traveler. So which one is yours?
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