Miami remains one of the most popular leisure and tourism destinations in the United States. In 2018 alone 23 million tourists headed for the sun, sand and saltwater that have put Miami on the global tourist map. But Miami is more than just the beaches. There is wonderful art deco architecture, fabulous dining (and a vibrant bar scene), as well as attractions of cultural and historic interest. The city is made even more vibrant by the number of immigrants that now call it home. Among these cultural groups are those that fled Castro’s Cuba – and their descendants. Many of the people of Cuban extraction how now settled west of Downtown Miami – in an area that is today known as ‘Little Havana’.
Not visiting Little Havana while you are in Miami would be a reason for deep regret. This area is famed for the quality of its eateries, some fabulous cultural attractions and some of the most atmospheric bars in Miami. The area is seeing more and more interest from world-class restauranteurs and this only adds to the attraction.
So if you make the choice to visit Little Havana what are some of the ‘must-see’ attractions? Here are a few of the best attractions that the area has to offer.
1. Enjoy Great Food Options
No visit to Little Havana would be complete without sampling the incredible cuisine and bar choices that are on offer to the visitor. As far as classic Cuban food offerings are concerned a visit to Sanguich de Miami is essential to get under the skin of the Cuban foodie culture. This petite 25 seater dining destination simply has the best Cubano sandwich in the city. The cured ham is complemented by pork brined on the premises, fresh pickles and lashings of artisanal mustard add depth and flavor – and the fillings are perfectly nestled in crusty Cuban style bread – this is a meal that will have visitors begging for more.
2. Enjoy a Cigar Experience.
A visit to the Cuba Tobacco Cigar Co. is highly recommended. Here the Bellos family has been crafting hand made cigars that match the quality of those that can be found on sale to tourists to Cuba. Visitors will be able to purchase cigars on varying types, as well as souvenirs such as authentic Panama Hats and other goods that will take pride of place in the collection of any cigar aficionado.
There are numerous other attractions that the visitor to Little Havana should take time to appreciate. The magnificent street art, the atmospheric bars with wonderful cocktails (of course Mojitos are on the menu) and the newly opened street market are only a few of the attractions. Make sure you head west of downtown – and immerse yourself in Cuban culture.
When you are in Little Havana, you must take part in the many cultural gems starting with going to Jose Marti Park, which is located at 351 SW 4th Ave, Miami, FL 33144 . From here, you should go to Versailles Cuban Bakery located at 3501 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33135. To get there, you head south on SW 4th Ave for about 0.3 miles to SW 6th St, where you turn west(right) for roughly 0.1 miles and then turn south (left) onto SW 5th Ave. Next turn right onto Tamiami Trail (SW 7th St) and head about 2.2 miles . Stay in the 2 left lanes to turn left onto SW 22nd Ave which merges into Tamiami Trail. From there go another 1.0 miles where you will arrive at the Versailles Cuban Bakery on the right. See this Map:
After you leave Versailles Cuban Bakery, you must visit Jacalito Taqueria Mexicana, located at 3622 W. Flagler St. Miami, FL 33135. To drive there just drive west on SW 8th St for @ 233 ft and turn north (right) on SW 36th Ave for 0.4 miles to SW 2nd St. Take your next right at SW 36th CT. Then right at Ponce De Leon Blvd to W. Flagler ST and make a right turn heading east and Jacalito Taqueria Mexicana will be on the right. See this map directions also:
From Jacalito Taqueria Mexicana let’s head over for a short 2.5 miles drive to Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services Inc, located at 2810 NW S River Dr. Miami, FL 33125. Start off heading west on W. Flagler for just under 500 ft. Turn north (left) on NW 37th Ave for about 1.5 miles. Turn east (right) on NW 20th ST. go about 0.9 miles when NW 20th ST slightly turns into NW S River Dr. . Drive another 0.1 miles and the Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services Inc will be on the right. Here are the visual directions:
After you leave the Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services Inc, you wanna check out a baseball game by the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park, which is located at 501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125. To get there by car , begin going southeast on NW S. River Dr to turn south (make a right) onto NW 27th Ave. Drive 0.9 miles and then turn east (left) onto NW 7th St. Proceed to drive 1.1 miles to NW 16th Ave where you should turn right and arrive at Marlins Park. Enjoy Your baseball game. Go Marlins. See map:
After you are done watching the Miami Marlins, come visit us in our office to talk to our Accident Injury Law Firm office located at 28 W. Flagler Rd #1200-C, Miami, FL 33130. To get to us from Little Havana area,:
1. Head east on NW 3rd St toward NW 15th Ave. Continue for 0.1 mile.
2. Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto NW 14th Ave. Continue for 0.3 mile.
3. Turn left onto SW 1st St. Drive for 0.7 mile.
4. Turn left onto SW 7th Ave. Drive for 367 ft.
5. Turn right onto W Flagler St. Continue for 0.7 mile. Our office will be on the right.
See map here: