Latino Culture

Miami and Little Havana: Latin Culture by the Sea

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Cuban and Caribbean culture of one of the most prominent Latino-majority big cities in the United States

8 min read Miami, Florida

Quick summary

Best time to visit

December to April

Best for

Culture, beaches, food

Recommended days

4-5 days

Nearby airport

Miami International (MIA)

Miami is one of the most prominent Latino-majority big cities in the United States, where Cuban, Venezuelan, Colombian, and Caribbean cultures shape a unique tropical metropolis. Little Havana, the city’s Cuban cultural heart, is a vibrant neighborhood where the aroma of Cuban coffee floats in the air, colorful murals tell stories of exile and hope, and salsa music resonates from open windows. Beyond Little Havana, Miami offers white sand beaches, Art Deco architecture in South Beach, and a culinary scene that celebrates Caribbean and Latin American flavors.

Why visit

  • The southernmost point of the U.S.
  • just 90 miles from Cuba
  • Daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum with its six-toed cats
  • Historic "Conch" architecture and palm-lined streets
  • Coral reefs for world-class snorkeling and diving

Top things to do

Explore Little Havana

Walk Calle Ocho (8th Street), the heart of Little Havana. Visit Domino Park where older Cubans play dominoes under the trees, try Cuban coffee at Versailles Restaurant, buy hand-rolled cigars, and admire murals honoring Cuban heroes. On Fridays, Viernes Culturales transforms the street into a party of music, art, and food.

Enjoy South Beach

Miami's most famous beach combines white sand, turquoise waters, and 1930s Art Deco architecture. Ocean Drive is lined with restored pastel buildings, outdoor cafes, and historic hotels. Walk the boardwalk at sunset to see the color show.

Discover Wynwood Walls

This former industrial district is now an open-air museum of urban art. Giant murals by international artists cover entire buildings. The neighborhood also houses galleries, craft breweries, and Latin fusion restaurants.

Try authentic Cuban cuisine

Beyond the classic Cuban sandwich, try ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce), roasted pork, yuca with mojo, tostones, and rice with black beans. Finish with a cortadito (Cuban coffee with milk) and guava pastelitos.

Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami

This contemporary art museum celebrates Latin American and Caribbean art. Its modern architecture with hanging gardens offers spectacular views of Biscayne Bay.

Latino Miami

Miami transformed into a Latino metropolis starting in 1959, when thousands of Cubans fled the Castro revolution. Little Havana became the heart of this community, preserving Cuban culture, language, and traditions. In subsequent decades, waves of immigrants from Venezuela, Colombia, Nicaragua, Argentina, and other Latin American countries made Miami their home. Today, more than 70% of Miami’s population is Hispanic or Latino, and Spanish is part of daily life in many neighborhoods. Latino culture shapes the city’s music, food, business, and public identity.

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