Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Bay of Pigs Monument (Torch) on Cuban Memorial Boulevard - 806 SW 13th Ave, Miami-Dade County Miami 33135, Florida, US
Wheelchair accessible
Free parking available on Cuban Memorial Boulevard
Little Havana offers an immersive journey into Cuban culture, reflecting the vibrant spirit of its community. Visitors can experience authentic traditions, from the sounds of Latin music to the aromas of Cuban coffee and cuisine. It's a place where history, art, and daily life merge, providing a distinctive cultural experience beyond just sightseeing.
Little Havana is renowned for its strong Cuban identity, expressed through lively street festivals, traditional music like salsa and rumba, and vibrant art galleries. It's famous for its cigar-rolling shops, domino games at Maximo Gomez Park, and unique folk art murals. The area also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage.
Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is the undisputed heart of Little Havana, bustling with activity. Essential landmarks include Maximo Gomez Park, famously known as Domino Park, where locals gather to play dominoes. The Walk of Fame along Calle Ocho honors Latin American celebrities, and various vibrant murals depict Cuban history and culture, making these areas crucial for exploration.
Yes, Little Havana, particularly the main stretch of Calle Ocho, is highly walkable, making it ideal for exploring on foot. This allows visitors to fully absorb the street life, live music, and authentic aromas. For covering longer distances or reaching specific points, local trolleys operate throughout the area, offering convenient and accessible transportation.
Little Havana's culinary scene features authentic Cuban sandwiches, strong Cuban coffee (cafecito), and delectable pastelitos from local bakeries. For entertainment, visitors can enjoy live Latin music at venues along Calle Ocho, watch skilled artisans hand-roll cigars, and browse art galleries showcasing Cuban-inspired works that reflect the community's spirit.
To reach Little Havana, visitors can utilize Miami-Dade Transit bus services, with several routes stopping directly along Calle Ocho, the district's main thoroughfare. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also widely available for direct travel. While the Metromover does not directly serve Little Havana, connections can be conveniently made via bus from various Metromover stations.
Visitors to Little Havana can experience a rich array of Cuban traditions, including the ritual of drinking cafecito, the artistry of hand-rolling cigars, and the vibrant rhythms of live salsa and rumba music that fill the streets. The area also celebrates its heritage through memorials to Cuban patriots and traditional festivals like Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays).
Beyond the bustling Calle Ocho, visitors should explore the Cuban Memorial Boulevard, which features monuments dedicated to Cuban freedom fighters and a replica of the eternal flame. The Bay of Pigs Museum offers insightful historical context. Additionally, wandering through the charming side streets reveals smaller, authentic art studios and local eateries that provide a deeper glimpse into the community's daily life.