Overview of Overtown
Miami remains one of Florida’s greatest attractions hosting ever-increasing numbers of visitors eager to sample its renowned beaches and view the fabulous art deco architecture that has been the backdrop for many blockbusters of the Silver Screen and television series. There are also wonderful dining opportunities in the city and vibrant nightlife, including some fantastic bars with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean towards the Gulf of Mexico.
However, Miami also has some fantastic neighborhoods that are well worth exploring for their cultural and historical significance, as well as great restaurants and other entertainment options. One of the most intriguing is Miami’s Overtown district. Overtown has transformed itself from a neighborhood where black workers (who responsible for the growth of Miami, from railways and streets to the hotels) to one of the most vibrant areas in Miami. This growth was achieved in the face of the notorious Jim Crow laws which restricted the rights of Miami’s black population.
For those who want to explore Overtown (and it is a destination that should not be missed), there are certain attractions that should not be ignored, including shopping destinations and entertainment options. Here are some of the essential stops on any visit to the neighborhood.
Exploring the dining opportunities in Overtown is strongly recommended. There is a huge variety of restaurants – with culinary offerings that span several continents. Don’t miss Jacksons Soul Food which has been part of the neighborhood since 1946. The restaurant has been referred to as ‘the soul of Miami’ – and if soul food is what you are after then this should be on your culinary bucket list. enjoy the fried catfish or conch. The wide variety of wings are also worthy of attention. Enjoy wine or beer with your meal or a great ice tea.
Walk off the calories by a walk around the neighborhood to view incredible street art created in the 1970s by gifted local artist Purvis Young. While exploring the art stop off at one of the great retail outlets in the Historic Overtown Folklife Village. Here wares inspired by styles from Harlem, West Africa and the Caribbean. Set aside Fridays to enjoy perusing the wares during Folklife Fridays, a great market where fabulous handcrafted jewelry to designer clothing are available.
There is much more to enjoy in Overtown. Those who are visiting Miami would do well to set aside some time to explore this fascinating historical district.
Nearby local attractions To The Overtown Area
To get to the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theater located at 100 NW 6th St. Miami FL 33136 from central Overtown, you need to drive south on Interstate 95 for about 0.7 miles staying in left 2 lanes taking exit 2C for Miami Ave. Proceed about 0.4 miles, Stay to the right and merge onto SW 3rd St. Turn north (right) onto SW 2nd Ave. continue for 0.6 miles to NW 7th St where you will turn east (right0 . In the next 348 ft , turn north (left) onto NW 1st Ct and the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theater will be on your right. See Map below:
From the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theater to the RMK Merrill Stevens North Yard located at 1270 NW 11th St Miami, FL 33125 you start off going north on NW 1st CT till you get to NW 8th ST where you turn west (left) and proceed for about 0.6 miles where the street turns slightly right and then becomes known as NW 8th Street Rd. Continue for about 0.3 miles to turn west (left) onto NW 11th ST where you will drive about 0.4 miles when you will be forced to turn south (left) to get to your location. See Map:
Next on our stop from RMK Merrill Stevens North Yard is the Overtown Youth Center which is located about 1.4 miles away at the address of 450 NW 14th St Miami, FL 33136. Start off heading east on NW 11th St for about 0.4 miles until you get to NW 8th Street Rd hanging a slight right (southeast). Continue for about 0.2 miles, then turn east onto NW 9th ST and take your first left going north on 441 for about 0.4 miles to NW 14th St. Turn east (right) and drive another 0.4 miles to the Overtown Youth Center. See Map:
After leaving the Overtown Youth Center, we will head over to Dorsey Park, which is located at 1701 NW 1st Ave Miami, FL 33136. To get there, we will continue east on NW 14th St for about 0.2 miles until we arrive at NW 1st Ave . Turn north (left) and drive 0.3 miles to Dorsey Park on the right hand side. See Map below:
After you leave Dorsey Park, you will drive about 0.4 miles over to appreciate some art at the Art Fusion Galleries located at 2085 NW 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33127. To get there, we will start by heading north on NW 1st Ave for about 0.2 miles to NW 20th St and turn west (left) driving for about 0.1 miles to NW 2nd Ave and turning north (right) proceeding less than 400 ft to the Art Fusion Galleries on the right. See Map here:
After appreciating some art in the local Overtown neighborhood, our car accident law firm in central Miami is only a short 7.1 miles away at 28 W. Flagler St #1200-C, Miami, FL 33130 .
1. Head southeast on I-95 S. Continue for 0.7 mile.
2. Use the left 2 lanes to take exit 2C for Miami Ave. Continue for 0.4 mile.
3. Keep right at the Y junction and merge with SW 3rd St. Drive for 210 ft.
4. Merge with SW 3rd St. Drive for 0.1 mile.
5. Turn right onto SW 1st Ct. Drive for 0.1 mile.
6. Turn right onto SW 1st St. Continue for 230 ft.
7. Turn left onto SW 1st Ave. Continue for 305 ft.
8. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto W Flagler St and continue for 436 ft. Our office will be on the right.
Check our our Map directions below: