Thing to do
Art Deco Historic District and Ocean Drive
South Beach's Art Deco Historic District holds hundreds of 1920s to 1940s buildings, with the pastel hotels of Ocean Drive facing Lummus Park and the beach.
Little Havana and Calle Ocho
Calle Ocho, the stretch of SW 8th Street through Little Havana, is Miami's best-known Cuban street, with domino games, cafés, live music and a walk of fame.
At a glance
- Type
- Neighbourhood walk
- Area
- Little Havana, Miami, United States
Good to know
- Free
- Domino Park
- Walk of Fame
- Cuban cafés
Why we recommend it
Little Havana is the neighbourhood most closely associated with Miami's Cuban community, and Calle Ocho, the local name for SW 8th Street, is its main artery. A walk along it is one of the most rewarding free things to do in the city, mixing everyday local life with music, food and a strong sense of history.
Start around the Tower Theater at 1508 SW 8th Street, which hosts films, art exhibitions and educational programmes. Nearby is Máximo Gómez Park, widely known as Domino Park, where older Cuban residents gather to play dominoes, drink coffee and talk; it is fine to watch respectfully, but ask before taking close-up photographs of people. Along the pavements between SW 12th and 17th Avenues, the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame has stars honouring Latin music and entertainment figures, including Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan. Cuban Memorial Boulevard runs along SW 13th Avenue.
Food and drink are a big part of any visit. Ball & Chain at 1513 SW 8th Street has live music from the afternoon, and Azucar Ice Cream Company next door makes ice creams and sorbets in Cuban and tropical flavours. Further east, Café La Trova at 971 SW 8th Street is known for cantinero-style cocktails, while Sanguich de Miami at 2057 SW 8th Street serves Cuban sandwiches. To the west, Versailles at 3555 SW 8th Street has been serving Cuban food since 1971. A cafecito from a walk-up window is a good way to fuel the walk.
The best time to come is late afternoon into the evening, when it is cooler and the music starts. On the last Friday of each month, Viernes Culturales brings outdoor music, art and gallery openings to the street between 14th and 17th Avenues. Each year the free Calle Ocho Festival, held since 1977 as part of Carnaval Miami, draws very large crowds along the street between 27th and 4th Avenues, so check the date if you prefer a quieter visit.
The walk suits couples, solo travellers, food lovers and families, and it is easy to do on your own. Allow two to three hours, including a meal. If you would rather have context and tastings arranged for you, Miami Culinary Tours runs a Little Havana food and cultural tour. A taxi or ride-share is the easiest way to arrive, and you can then explore the central blocks on foot.
Little Havana and Calle Ocho FAQs
What is Calle Ocho?
It is the local name for SW 8th Street, the main street of Little Havana.
Is it free to visit?
Yes, walking the street and watching the games in Domino Park costs nothing.
What is Domino Park?
Máximo Gómez Park, on Calle Ocho, where local residents gather to play dominoes.
Where is the Walk of Fame?
On SW 8th Street between SW 12th and 17th Avenues.
When is Viernes Culturales?
On the last Friday of each month, on Calle Ocho between 14th and 17th Avenues.
When is the best time to go?
Late afternoon and early evening, when it is cooler and live music starts at bars such as Ball & Chain.
How long should I allow?
Two to three hours, including a meal or a coffee stop.
Can I take a guided tour?
Yes, Miami Culinary Tours runs a Little Havana food and cultural tour.