We’re glad you’re interested in discovering some interesting Miami area neighborhoods. Beside Miami Beach island that we previously covered, there are several places that are worth visiting. Whether you’re a family, a hipster, a yuppie or an aristocrat, you can find a spot that suits your status.

Our region is going through a dramatic transformation as it’s finally getting the attention of domestic and international travelers. This is driving many renovations and construction projects everywhere to accommodate future growth. Also, Cuba is opening up so we expect more travelers to pass through Miami.

Many old neighborhoods are also being revived and gentrified, but others are left alone to maintain their charm. Here’s our favorite ones and be prepared to rent a car or go around by taxi or Uber/Lyft.

Miami Design District

This neighborhood is the latest of Miami’s successful revival of an area that used to be neglected. The city created Miami Design District as a hub where Fashion and Design industries could collaborate and grow. Many luxury fashion boutiques, high-end furniture stores, art galleries, and restaurants quickly popped up here.

Today, the neighborhood is comparable to Madison Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and attracts the elites of Miami and wealthy visitors. It’s definitely worth visiting, at least window shopping, and discovering the magnificent designs and arts displayed outdoor.

The Design District is spread over few blocks and a good place to start is at the corner of NE 2nd Ave. and NE 39th St.. From there, head west on NE 39th St and you should start seeing many luxury shops. You could also use Google Map to locate your favorite ones and here’s more details in our recent post.

Miami Design District also has some of the best restaurants in Miami, notably the popular Michael’s Genuine.

Wynwood Art District

Another area that has gone through a dramatic transformation is Wynwood. Today, the neighborhood is synonymous with trendy art with its amazing large selection of facades with graffiti arts. It’s known as the hipsters, young artists and technology startups corner.

This area use to also be neglected for its high concentration of warehouses until one visionary man, the late Tony Goldman, decided to help revive it with a simple idea: Covering warehouse facades with art to create the largest outdoor graffiti art museum in the world!

This brilliant idea worked and today, nearly all Miami visitors make a stop at Wynwood Walls. The nightlife scenes is also lively with all the hip restaurants, cafes and bars coming to life after dark.

Brickell & Downtown

If you’re into urban modern living, Brickell is the place to be. This shiny area is the not only Miami’s financial hub and business district, it’s also a swanky place where inner-city living is being reinvented.

Many young professional who dislike commuting live in Brickell to be close to work. The waterfront area is very clean and well organized. Brickell is also home to some fine restaurants and lounges that appeal to yuppies.

A notable place to start off a visit is the Bayfront Park & Bayside Marketplace, next to American Airlines Arena. A stroll on River Walk Trail will put you in the heart of our skyscrapers. Head south along the river from Bayfront Park and  you’ll get a terrific view of Brickell Key island.

Coconut Grove

On the Southern coast of Downtown Miami lies this charming and leafy neighborhood. It’s one the few historic Miami neighborhoods still vibrant and where Miami hippies congregated back in the 60s and 70s. It’s one of the most desirable family neighborhoods.

Coconut Grove is the home to the popular tourist attraction Villa Vizcaya, the oldest house in Miami-Dade county, the Barnacle Historic State Park and Miami City Hall. The former two are worth visiting to learn about the influential people who where behind the rise of South Florida.

The heart of Coconut Grove is CocoWalk, the open-air shopping mall. It’s a lively area too with many shops and restaurants nearby. Their popular organic farmers market takes place every Saturday under a giant beautiful tree at the corner of Grand Ave. and Margaret St..

Finally, head to Peacock Park and to neighboring Kenneth M. Myers Bayside Park to check out the waterfront and the marina, behind the City Hall. Sadly, there’s no beach around there.

Coral Gables

As one of the most expensive areas, Coral Gables is home to some of the wealthiest and the elites of Miami. We refer to it “old money” neighborhood. With its lavish mansions and trees covered narrow streets with Spanish names like Cordoba or Grenada, you’ll wonder if you are in a Spanish town.

Coral Gables feels like a neighborhood but it’s an independent mini-city with its own historic City Hall. It covers the private University of Miami area all the way to the coast, including Matheson Hammock beach park area.

Their quiet shopping district is on Coral Way, also known as the Miracle Mile. Coral Gable is known for its many gorgeous leafy streets with a Southern charm. Drive on Coral way or on Old Cutler Road to experience them.

The city’s public swimming pool, the Venetian Pool, is the most popular historic landmark. It’s a beautiful facility with waterfalls and definitely worth a visit! Visitors can use the pool, see its website for their latest admission fee.

Little Havana

It’s a laid-back and mostly working-class neighborhood that welcomed early Cuban migrants during the 1950s. Little Havana needed an entire post of its own and we recently covered it here.

There you go, starting with these Miami area neighborhoods should give you a good idea about our region. If you’re interested in learning more about some of our favorite places, make sure to read our top recommended things to do in Miami.

Finally, this awesome short film offering great snapshots of Miami and its locals, will give you an idea of what Miami is all about. Happy travels and enjoy your stay!

credits: miamidesigndistrict, rlmiami, danasojff

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