Miami is not just all about South Beach, catching a cruise, Miami Beach or the Art Deco District. Right next door you can experience a taste of Cuba.
Walk Down Calle Ocho
Little Havana is a stress-free destination. Park your car once and walk the rest of the day. Spend a few hours or an entire day. On the main strip, Calle Ocho between 12th and 17th Avenue, you will find lots to see and do related to Cuban heritage and their way of life. You will also be strolling on the Walk of Fame which honors famous artists and latin personalities such as Gloria Estefan and Roberto Duran.
This neighborhood west of downtown Miami exploded in the 1960’s with Cuban exiles coming over from Cuba. It is the cultural and political center for Cubans worldwide to this day.
Visit La Casa De Los Trucos
Stop by La Casa De Los Trucos ( The House of Costumes). Don’t wait until October to start thinking about the perfect Halloween costume for your party. Why stress about it? Get it in advance before the crowds come. They have costumes, masks, makeup, jokes, and wigs. They also have Santa Claus and Easter Bunny outfits. You can purchase or rent. 1343 SW 8th Street. Crazyforcostumes.com
Grab A Cuban Coffee
If you need a little pick-me-up, stop for a Cuban coffee. There are Ventanita’s, or coffee windows, located right outside of restaurants. Café Cubano is served in a small espresso cup but is very potent. It is sweet with a foamy head. Want something a little milder? Un Cortadita is a coffee with steamed milk.
Learn About Cigar Making
Want to learn about cigar making? You will come across all varieties of cigars within a seven block radius. Some even have cigar rollers in public view. They will explain all the differences in cigars. Mild, medium, and full bodied. 3 year, 5 year 7 year curing. Lots to learn and smell and this is the neighborhood to do just that. Some offer tours and some will just point out choices based on your preferences. Some offer cigar lounges where you can try cigars. A nice little store on a side street is Mister Cigars at 742 SW 16th Ave. Owner is Fernando Morales. His staff is very well versed on anything you want to know and they are eager to educate. They also ship cigars if you have someone in mind who does not live locally.
Go Shopping
If shopping is of interest, besides cigars, you can pick up a Guayabera (Cuban shirt) , domino sets, Cuban-style fedora, and more. In some formal Cuban events, a Guayabera with a bowtie is socially accepted.
Check Out Some Historic Memorials
Go see all the tastefully done memorials in the area. Most are located right next to each other for easy viewing on Cuban Memorial Way at SW 8th Street and 13th Avenue. One that stands out is the Bay of Pigs Memorial. If you like visiting notable spots like this while traveling, check out these inspiring Black History destinations too.
Stop By Domino Park
A visit is not complete without heading down the street to Maximo Gomez Park. Watch the dozens and dozens of old-timers play Dominoes. Do not take their picture and don’t get too close. You can imagine what it must feel like to be stared at all day by tourists and walking tours. Dominoes is regarded by many to be the second national sport of Cuba behind the very popular baseball.
Catch A Marlins Game
Speaking of baseball, nearby you can go see April-October the Miami Marlins baseball team led by Manager Don Mattingly. Check out the home game schedule at marlins.com
View Some Street Art
If you are into street art you will be pleased. On many of the side streets you will see images and murals of Cuban culture.
Look At The Roosters
There are actual roosters roaming some of the side streets and you see the rooster theme in general. It represents wealth and new beginnings.
Get Some Delicious Eats
After all that walking around and learning about Cuban history grab a small bite and heavily discounted drinks at the Happy Hour at the Old’s Havana that starts at 4 PM. Get the traditional Cuba Libre or Classic Mojito. Wash it down with a small bites dish like the delicious Chorizo Sausage in a stew. 1442 SW 8th St
On a hot day nothing beats a stop at Azucar Ice Cream Company 1503 SW 8th Street. Flavors change daily.
If you are always looking to try the greatest foods whenever you vacation, be sure to check out our guide on the top destinations for Native American travel food experiences.
Experience Little Havana’s Nightlife
If you plan on hanging out after dinner in Little Havana, spend some time at Ball and Chain Bar and Lounge. Classic cocktails, dancing and live music will keep you there for hours. 1513 Calle Ocho. Ballandchainmiami.com
Visit Versailles, “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant”
As you leave Little Havana you can head to a well-known local Cuban restaurant and bakery, Versailles. It is a 15 minute drive and they have a very large parking lot right next door. Not a lot of atmosphere but they have a great menu. The Churrasco a la Parrilla is a very tasty thin Sirloin steak that comes with plantains and rice. Top off the meal with a Cuban Flan. 3555 SW 8th Street. Versaillesrestaurant.com
Try Dinner Nearby
If you are not looking to leave Little Havana for dinner, walk to Sala’s Cuban Restaurant. You will find a nice, shady outdoor area of tables to enjoy. 1642 SW 8th Street.
Take A Little Havana Walking Tour
For those of you who enjoy learning more about the area, take the 2 hour Little Havana Walking Tour. 11 AM and 2 PM daily. You will have a guide tell you much more about the neighborhood and answer all of your questions. $ 35
littlehavanawalkingtour.com
Join The Party
If you are in town the third Friday of the month, be sure to join the party at Viernes Culturales. Running for nearly 20 years now, this is a great stop on your Little Havana Miami travel itinerary. This exciting event is a gallery walk and street party. It generally occurs between 13th and 17th Avenue, right along Calle Ocho. Attending this event, you can experience art exhibits, live music, and dancing. Undeniably, this is a great way to celebrate Latin culture and explore Miami’s top cultural hubs. Definitely, join the party while you visit Little Havana for vacation.
Watch A Movie At Tower Theater
Another evening option for entertainment is to go see a movie at the world-famous Tower Theater. Opened in 1926, the Tower is one of the oldest cultural landmarks in Miami. Originally, the theater was opened as a state-of-the-art theater in the American South. Therefore, it is additionally a great stop on your Black History and Civil Right itinerary. Today, the theater still maintains its position as a cultural and historic gathering place. Here, you can see incredible Cuban exhibitions, Indie Films, and cultural performance.
Taste Some Rum
Before you leave Miami’s Little Havana, be sure to taste some rum. Cubans are well-known for their expertly produced rums and spirits. If you want to try some of the best, head over to Cubaocho. This bar, performing arts center, and museum is a vital stop on your Little Havana travel itinerary. After all, it is said to be home to the largest rum collection in all of Miami. Here, you can experience bachata nights, salsa lessons, as well as live music. Even if you are not a dancer, you will loosen right up with some of Little Havana’s favorite beverages. Absolutely, tasting some rum is a key stop on all the best Little Havana Miami travel guides.
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