MIAMI - NEIGHBORHOODS
Aventura
Aventura is a lonely residential neighborhood in Miami home to the Aventura Mall which is the largest mall in Florida. It is one of Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s top destinations boasting some great options for accommodations. Visitors can stay in luxury resorts and spas, five-star hotels as well as sleek condos with spectacular views. There are several sweeping golf courses in the area, as well as waterfront restaurants and evening entertainment. There is a horse racetrack in Aventura that offers year-round championship racing. The area is also close to nature and is home to the nearby Oleta River State Park, which is considered to be Florida’s largest urban park filled with fun outdoor activities.
Downtown Miami - Brickell Beach
Downtown Miami and the adjoining Brickell Beach area is a hub of international finance, dining, arts, and entertainment, a place where culture and history meet industry and ent in the downtown area. There are some fantastic accommodations to choose from in these neighborhoods with well-known hotel chains such as the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, and W Miami which are strategically located for both business and leisure. The sparkling towns of Brickell and Downtown offer a plethora of amazing restaurants, and spectacular shopping opportunities as well as nightlife and entertainment. This area also boasts some of the city’s most spectacular views from the gleaming towers with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, and the Miami River. Some of the area's main attractions include; the Freedom Tower which is home to the Museum of Art and Design, Perez Art Museum Miami, the Kaseya Center which is home to Miami HEAT, Bayside Marketplace, Miami Observation Wheel, and parks including Bayfront Park.
Coconut Grove
The beautiful bayside neighborhood of Coconut Grove is the oldest neighborhood in Miami with Bahamian roots dating back to the 1870s. It is home to one of Miami’s historic Black communities recently re-named “Little Bahamas”. Coconut Grove boasts a laid-back tropical vibe where visitors can find art galleries, farmers' markets, historic Black churches, as well as verdant parks and the Biscayne Bay shoreline. In “The Grove” as it's known by the locals there are plenty of accommodations to choose from with swanky hotels, upscale condos, and luxury waterfront resorts. Most of the accommodations in this neighborhood boast high-end amenities, and amazing views, some of the most notable stays include The Ritz Carlton, and Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove. There are endless outdoor dining options, trendy bars, artisanal coffee shops, and tiki bars on the water. Coconut Grove is a famous neighborhood for boating home to the Dinner Key Marina and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. CocoWalk is a nice open-air shopping and dining hub in the Grove, a destination in its own right.
Coral Gables
The charming historic neighborhood of Coral Gables was planned in the 1920s by George Merrick, a visionary developer. It is located just a few miles southwest of Downtown Miami and features stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture set on wide, tree-lined streets named after Spanish and Italian towns. Decorated with stunning plazas such as the pedestrianized Giralda Plaza, and sprawling verdant parks like the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden which is an 84-acre wonderland of tropical plants and trees situated by Biscayne Bay. The accommodation options here are spectacular, and one of the most noteworthy stays is at the historic Biltmore Hotel. There are plenty of options for dining, shopping, and art appreciation in Coral Gables, home to longstanding institutions like the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theater that stages Broaway-caliber shows.
Doral
The neighborhood of Doral is one of the city’s prime shopping destinations, home to the Miami International Mall, and CityPlace Doral. Doral sits just west of the Miami International Airport and offers some great accommodation options. There are some great entertainment complexes and gorgeous parks like Downtown Doral Park, and Doral Glades Park, and there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. There is also a TopGolf in Doral and a Mega Jump Trampoline Park. There is a sizable Venezuelan population in Doral and the neighborhood buzzes with vibrant South American culture which can be enjoyed in its cuisine with dozens of local restaurants such as La Uchirena.
Homestead
The historic city of Homestead is situated 35 miles south of Downtown Miami, it was incorporated in 1913, a hidden oasis that will take you back in time. This neighborhood is known as Miami’s Countryside where visitors can find farms, tropical gardens, and unique historic sites. The town offers some great accommodations to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is home to two major national parks with the mighty Everglades in its backyard, Homestead is an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination. There are plenty of unique places to stay when choosing Homestead as your base as well as an abundance of authentic restaurants and entertainment spots.
Kendall
Kendall is a neighborhood in the suburbs of southwest Miami, a great place for families to stay when visiting the city. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from here including some great hotels, there are endless shopping options with the nearby Dadeland Mall. It boasts a thriving restaurant scene, several golf courses, family-friendly parks, and easy access to transportation into the city. Kendall is located about 15 miles southwest of Downtown Miami, it has a small-town feel with some big draws. There are plenty of things to see and do outdoors when staying in Kendall including Kendall Indian Hammocks Park where you can play disc golf on two courses, or skate at the Action Sports Plaza, as well as scenic nature trails that wind through the tropical hardwood hammock. The Kendall Ice Arena is a great place to take the kids ice skating, and the retro Arcade Odyssey is where kids of all ages can play. There are some great restaurants in Kendall with plenty of options to try different cuisines.
Key Biscayne
The island paradise of Key Biscayne is just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Miami across the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway. This subtropical paradise invites visitors to an island oasis of sandy beaches, nature preserves, and amazing accommodations with breathtaking views. It was once a coconut plantation owned by the Matheson family, who donated 800 acres of land to create what is not Crandon Park. This little slice of paradise is perfectly positioned off the coast of the mainland with idyllic views of Downtown Miami’s skyline. There are some opulent neighborhoods here with equally luxurious accommodations such as the Ritz-Carlton and other high-end hotels, to luxury waterfront mansions and condos with spectacular amenities and amazing views. Key Biscayne is home to some of the best beaches in Miami and some of the city’s best waterfront restaurants. It is a nature lover's dream with hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, kiteboarding, and more.
Miami International Airport
The Miami International Airport area is more than just the airport area. This neighborhood offers visitors everything they need for a seamless and enjoyable stay, whether it be for business, pleasure, or a quick stopover. This popular airport hub is the gateway to Miami, and Latin America there is an abundance of things to do including golfing, shopping, dining, and entertainment. The airport area's central location and connections to public transportation make it easy to connect with the other neighborhoods in the city. Visitors can choose from an exceptional offering of top hotels including the luxurious Hilton Miami Airport, and the budget-friendly Courtyard by Marriott, there are options for everyone.
Miami Lakes & Hialeah
Hialeah is a vibrant, thriving neighborhood located in northwest Miami-Dade County, home to the famous Hialeah Park Casino which has been a landmark for almost a century. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is also in Hialeah where visitors can spot pink flamingos roaming the grounds. The Amelia Earhart Park is a sprawling oasis offering multiple lakes for boating, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding along with spaces for soccer, volleyball, mountain biking trails, a playground, and a petting zoo. This area is great for families with lots of child-orientated activities and some great family-friendly hotel options. Miami Lakes is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown Miami, it is bordered by Hialeah in the south and west and is part of the Miami metropolitan area of South Florida. Both neighborhoods put visitors in a rich historical, and cultural environment with a wide range of attractions including the burgeoning Leah Arts District mural-splashed area brimming with art galleries, and more. Miami Lakes features a traditional Main Street anchored by curvy residential streets, and verdant parks and outdoor spaces, it's also decorated with 23 lakes, which gives many properties lakefront views.
Miami Springs
Miami Springs is located adjacent to the Miami International Airport, Hialeah, Virginia Gardens, and Medley. It is nestled along Florida’s Turnpike, a peaceful neighborhood with a laid-back small-town vibe. The architecture of the homes and buildings here represents a Pueblo Revival and Mission Revival. The town was founded in 1926 by Glenn H. Curtiss an aviation pioneer, inventor, and land developer. It has earned recognition as a Tree City USA, and is home to Curtiss Mansion where he once resided, it is now an important Miami landmark and event venue and represents the city’s architectural style. Visitors staying here have a selection of well-known chain hotels to choose from. It is also home to a good selection of restaurants, an aviation museum, parks, a prestigious golf course, and a country club.
Midtown Miami
Midtown Miami also known as Wynwood and used to be called El Barrio is one of the trendiest in Miami. The neighborhood is situated just north of downtown, Midtown is a small but hip neighborhood nestled between the city’s two most iconic art districts; with the street-art-famous streets of Wynwood to its west, and the luxury waterfront Edgewater to its east, and the chic Design District to its north. It sits just 5 miles east of South Beach over the Intercoastal Waterway. Hotels in this area are chic and contemporary, many filled with colorful art and great amenities. It is home to a major urban shopping area “The Shops at Midtown”, a popular town center complex brimming with luxurious buildings and upscale shopping, with markets and factory outlets. Midtown offers a broad collection of restaurants and bars.
North Miami Beach
North Miami is a residential neighborhood located near the Dade-Broward County line, a multicultural city midway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. A “Crossroads of South Florida” area with a central location allowed easy access to other South Florida neighborhoods. There are some good accommodations here to choose including the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel with spectacular amenities and views. There are some stunning waterfront properties in this neighborhood. There are some great cultural attractions here, beautiful sprawling public parks, and a generous collection of authentic Caribbean, and Latin American restaurants. North Miami is home to The Museum of Contemporary Art, the large Dezerland Park, Oleta River State Park, and a Medieval monastery.
South Beach
Miami’s famous South Beach is a fashionable neighborhood with Art Deco style hotels, and sleek iconic beachfront resorts with names such as Kimpton Surfcomber, and Eden Roc Miami Beach that have been welcoming guests since the 1950s. These fantastic accommodations feature celebrity chef-helmed restaurants sprawling poolscapes and stunning beach views. South Beach also known as “America’s Riviera” is the perfect place to base yourself for your Miami vacation, the area is simply gorgeous with its stunning stretch of sand, insane party nightlife scene, extravagant shops, and award-winning restaurants. It is a very desirable neighborhood and one of the most fabulous in Miami with the largest concentration of Art Decor architecture in the world, most noticeable along the famed Ocean Drive. Much of South Beach was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Lincoln Road is another iconic street in South Beach, a pedestrian-friendly place lined with charming outdoor cafes.
Spring Garden
Spring Garden is one of the oldest single-family residential neighborhoods in Miami, located in the Great Miami area. This historic neighborhood is bounded by the Dolphin Expressway, and Seybold Canal on the north bank of the Miami River. This quaint neighborhood is a great place to stay when visiting the big city with a good variety of accommodations, a pristine beachfront, and beautiful nature preserves. The shady tree-lined streets are quiet and peaceful, it is a charming, historic community. Spring Garden boasts several parks and green spaces great for picnics and outdoor activities. It is also home to the largest Roman Catholic Church in Florida, along with several historical sites worth seeing.
Sunny Isles Beach
Sunny Isles Beach is called Flrodia’s Riviera home to towering, opulent condominium resorts that stretch along the 2 miles of pristine white sand beach. This luxurious neighborhood is situated just north of Bal Harbour, and Haulover Park, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and home to some lovely oceanfront parks, like Samson Oceanfront Park. Also home to the Newport Fishing Pier that spans 700 feet, the only public fishing pier in the city, also the site of a casual restaurant with some fantastic views. There are some amazing accommodations here to choose from many offering beachfront views and easy access to seaside dining and other leisure activities. Sunny Isles Beach draws visitors to its lavish resorts like the Acqualina Resort and Residences nested right on the beach. There are some sought-after dining opportunities, as well as plenty of delis, and casual eateries.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is a multidimensional city filled with huge hotels, and resorts dotted along the seven miles of white sandy beaches. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic hotels, attractions, and museums. It is rich in history, and boats a diverse culture with plenty of things to see and do. The beach area here is large covering everything north of 24th Street and Collins Avenue. The vibrant design district is situated between NE 36th and 41st Streets, and there are many interesting museums in the area too. Shopping at Bayside Marketplace is a great pastime with open-air crafts, retail shops, and half a dozen restaurants. The accommodations in Miami Beach are excellent with a collection of top-notch Miami hotels. There are now some massive beach hotels to choose from that all come with amazing amenities and spectacular views.