Miami Beach’s Best Cultural Spots

Miami Beach has so much to offer as a popular vacation destination. Whether you are looking for culture, luxury, or relaxation, Miami Beach has something for just about everyone. 

In 2018 alone, there were over 23 million visitors to Miami Beach. While you may be familiar with the beautiful coastal beaches and vibrant nightlife, you might be surprised to know that Miami Beach also offers many cultural experiences as well. 

If you are planning a vacation to South Florida, you definitely want to hit Miami Beach’s best cultural spots. 

Keep reading to find out what they are, where they are, and why they are a must-visit! 

Little Havana

Little Havana is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a taste of culture on your Miami vacation. 

Little Havana is located very close to Miami Beach, just over the causeway from the beach to downtown.

This neighborhood is filled with delicious Latin-inspired restaurants, fruit stands, rum bars, cigar shops, live music venues, and art galleries. 

The vibrant neighborhood is home to many Cuban-Americans and gives you an authentic Cuban feeling. If you’re visiting Little Havana, eating Cuban food at the local restaurants is an absolute must. Try Cuban coffee at the quaint cafes or a classic Cuban sandwich. 

The art and music scene here is energetic and full of history. There is artwork displayed of Cuban musical legends, along with traditional symbols of Cuba’s heritage. 

Calle Ocho is the most famous street in Little Havana known for its festivals and carnivals, proudly celebrating Cuban holidays throughout the year.

Little Havana is by far one of Miami’s top cultural spots.

Freedom Tower

The Freedom Tower is a cultural and historical landmark that represents the Cold War politics in Cuba and the subsequent escape of many Cubans to the United States during this time. 

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Freedom Tower served as the Cuban Assistance Center for Cuban refugees. They were escaping the regime of Fidel Castro, seeking political asylum. Many fled to Miami because of its geographic proximity to Cuba.

The Freedom Tower opened in June of 1924 and is known to symbolize freedom and democracy. It stands at 17 stories and over 80,000 square feet of space. For its time, it was a very impressive structure.

This is a great spot to soak up some history and heritage in Miami.

Frost Science Museum

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Science Museum opened its doors in May of 2017. It is located in Downtown Miami and boasts a 250,000 square foot facility with amazing exhibitions, a planetarium, and an aquarium. It is actually one of the only institutions in the world with an impressive planetarium and aquarium in the same facility.

The impressive building spans over four acres and overlooks the beautiful skyline of downtown Miami. 

The rooftop observation deck offers telescopes for stargazing, and a beautiful urban garden. There are temporary exhibitions at the museum although it is home to several permanent exhibitions including the biodiversity of South Florida, aviation, and the intricacies of the human body and brain. 

The open water tank gives you a look into some impressive aquatic life. Sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish are all available for viewing in the 30 foot wide Gulf Stream Aquarium. 

If you’re visiting Miami Beach, this incredible museum is less than 5 miles from the beautiful Bentley Hotel in South Beach, located on exclusive Ocean Drive.

Pérez Art Museum Miami

This gorgeous museum offers a beautiful selection of contemporary and modern art. Many of its collections and exhibitions boast international art. 

The Pérez Art Museum is known to be one of the best cultural spots in Miami. Much of the work displayed reflected Miami’s cultural diversity through the 20th and 21st centuries. 

There are also outdoor sculptures and beautiful hanging gardens cascading inside the walls of the museum. 

It was originally known as the Center for the Fine Arts and was founded in 1984. It was later renamed officially Jorge M. Pérez Art Museum of Miami-Dade County.

For a day of art and culture in Miami, this is a must-see!

Wynwood Walls

Wynwood Walls is a public art space in the Wynwood neighborhood. Previously an industrial-looking area filled with old warehouses, Wynwood Walls has transformed the neighborhood into a pedestrian-friendly, street art gallery. 

There are beautiful murals covering the walls of preserved buildings, surrounding a lovely walkable park. As different artists pass through Wynwood Walls, the murals change to new and unique designs. The walls serve as canvases for amazing urban street art.  

On the second Saturday of each month, Wynwood hosts an Art Walk. This entire district turns into an art festival and street party with live music, food trucks, and hangouts at art galleries late into the night. 

There are many hip restaurants and bars in the district, making it a perfect stop for culinary and cultural delights. 

Wynwood Walls is located only six miles from Miami Beach. You can have the best of both worlds by staying at the Kaskades Hotel in Miami Beach and easy access to Miami’s hippest and hottest cultural experience with Wynwood Walls.

Miami South Beach Art Deco Walking Tour

South Beach is so much more than restaurants, beaches and party people! It is also home to a neighborhood brimming with colorful history, culture, and finest examples of art deco architecture.

Art Deco Miami is the city’s artistic legacy, made up of famous architecture and iconic buildings across South Beach.

You can explore this beachside neighborhood by foot where you can see architectural highlights and feel South Beach’s passionate history.

The Low Down on Miami Beach’s Best Cultural Spots

Miami Beach offers some of the best hotel and dining experiences as a vacation destination. But it is also rich in cultural experiences. If you want to know Miami Beach’s best cultural spots, follow our guide and be sure to check them out during your next visit. 

Looking for a fabulous stay in South Beach? Visit our website to book your luxury stay today at The Bentley South Beach.