Exploring Miami with the Miami Tourism Board: Little Havana, Wynwood and South Beach
By Amy Davoli, CTA, Owner and Travel & Cruise ConsultantWritten October 2026 · 10 min read
Quick takeaways
- Bayside Marketplace is just across the water from PortMiami, so it is an easy pre- or post-cruise stop for shopping, food, live music and boat tours.
- Take a guided walking tour of the Art Deco Historic District to see the pastel hotels, the former Versace mansion and The Carlyle.
- Little Havana is best explored on a food tour: mojitos at La Casa Del Mojito, Domino Park, fresh guarapo and live music at Ball & Chain.
- Wynwood is a living canvas of street art. Try a one-hour graffiti class, then grab lunch at 1-800-Lucky, Miami’s first Asian food hall.
If Miami is on your itinerary as a pre- or post-cruise stop, or you’re simply looking to spend some time in the city, trust me: you’re in for a vibrant blend of culture, history, art and mouthwatering eats, all wrapped up in sunshine and ocean breezes. I explored most of these on an educational trip hosted by the Miami tourism board, along with some of my own return visits. Here are my favourite places to explore and some of the coolest spots that have made my visits to Miami so much fun!
Bayside Marketplace: waterfront shopping and fun
Super close to the Miami Cruise Port, Bayside Marketplace instantly excited me with its lively, open-air vibe right on the water. With over 150 specialty shops, restaurants, and bars, it is the perfect place to unwind after travel or get energized before setting sail. I love browsing unique souvenirs, savouring fresh food, and sipping cocktails while live music plays in the background. They even offer fun sightseeing boat tours right from the marketplace, like checking out Millionaire’s Row, which is family-friendly and packed with energy. A wonderful way to kick off or wind down a Miami adventure!
Advisor tipWe always recommend flying into Miami at least a day before your cruise. It takes the stress out of flight delays and gives you time to enjoy spots like Bayside before you board.
The Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream completely surprised me—it’s more than just ice cream; it’s a joyful, whimsical experience! What started as a New York City Pop-Up in 2017 has blossomed into an immersive playground in Miami and across several US cities. I found myself feeling like a kid again as I wandered through vibrant, interactive exhibits—and yes, unlimited ice cream was part of the fun! It’s a fantastic self-guided experience whether you’re with family or just craving some serious nostalgia.
Fun fact: while it’s great for the whole family, the creators actually designed it with adults in mind, as a place for grown-ups to embrace their inner child and feel young again. Mission accomplished!
The Art Deco Historic District
I’ve been to Miami Beach a few times but only recently took the time to fully appreciate its Art Deco Historic District—and wow, what a pastel paradise! Taking a 90-minute walking tour opened my eyes to the beauty of over 800 colourful buildings, all within just a square mile. From the sleek curves and chrome accents to quirky “eyebrow” windows, the architecture is a feast for the eyes. Highlights for me included snapping photos of the famous Victor Hotel, catching a glimpse of Versace’s former mansion now transformed into a boutique hotel, and standing outside The Carlyle, which you might recognize from Miami Vice. It was a fresh way to see a familiar city with new wonder.
Advisor tipBook a guided walking tour and go in the morning, when it’s cooler and the light is perfect for photos of those pastel buildings.
South Beach and Ocean Drive
Of course, no Miami visit would be complete without spending some time in South Beach. Soak up the sun on the iconic sandy beach, watching colourful beachgoers, and admiring the classic pastel Art Deco hotels lining Ocean Drive. The energy here is contagious—whether you’re lounging on the shore or strolling Ocean Drive’s cafés and shops. It’s a lively, stylish area where you can enjoy everything from casual beachside bites to vibrant nightlife. I found it the perfect place to relax a bit and just take in the Miami vibe.
A food tour of Little Havana
Little Havana was one of my favourite places to visit—what a vibrant neighbourhood full of culture and incredible food!
I decided on a two-hour food and walking tour of the area, and it was such an immersive experience. We kicked off the tour at La Casa Del Mojito, a lively spot famous for its perfectly crafted mojitos and Cuban sandwiches. Watching the bartenders expertly prepare mojitos in a steady rhythm was mesmerizing—each sip was refreshingly authentic and instantly set the festive tone for the tour.
The bartenders here are so busy that they prep rows and rows of glasses ahead of time just to keep up with the mojito demand. Watch them in action!
As we wandered through the colourful streets, we made a special stop at Domino Park, a local gathering place where you can watch passionate locals play intense games of dominoes. Domino Park, founded in 1963, was a place for locals to socialize, drink Cuban coffee, and play some serious dominoes! I learned that you have to be 50+ to play here and be a member. It’s free to be a member, but you have to register to play. You also have to be a local resident; no guests. And no alcohol can be present here either. Gameplay is fast, seriously competitive and exciting – watching is highly encouraged! It’s fascinating to see the community spirit and friendly competition unfold there—a perfect glimpse into the heart of Cuban culture right in Miami.
We also visited Los Pinareños Fruteria, a family-run market that has been a heritage site since 1963. This charming fruit market serves up fresh fruits, vegetables, juices, and their famous guarapo—a sweet, fresh-pressed sugarcane juice that’s a true local favourite, but WOW! Was it incredibly sweet? To my surprise, I couldn’t finish my little glass. The warmth and authenticity of the place made me feel like I was stepping back in time, connecting with generations of Cuban families.
We were told the market has been run by Abuela and her two sons for about 60 years, and it’s now a protected heritage site, so it stays true to its roots. Watching them press the sugarcane right in front of you is half the fun!
To cap off our delicious journey, we stopped by Party Cake Bakery for a sweet treat—a guava and cheese pastry that was the perfect blend of flaky, fruity, and rich. It was such a delightful finale to our culinary adventure!
Our final memorable stop was the legendary Ball & Chain Lounge, a jazz club steeped in history and soulful vibes, where legends like Ella Fitzgerald once graced the stage. I savoured a guava sangria cocktail—a luscious Cuban twist made with Havana Club rum, almond liqueur, and tropical fruit purée—while soaking in live music and the electric atmosphere. Honestly, I wish I could have stayed longer and can’t wait to come back for a night filled with music, dancing, and pure joy.
A little history: Ball & Chain first opened in 1935 as the Ball & Chain Saloon on SW 8th Street. In the late 1940s and into the early 1950s, it became a safe space for Black musicians and entertainers, and legends like Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald all played here. Miami was a big draw for musicians back then thanks to its vibrant nightlife and lounge scene, and you can still feel that energy today!
Advisor tipCome hungry and wear comfortable shoes. The tour is about two hours on foot, with plenty of tastings along the way.
Wynwood’s street art scene
Wynwood blew me away with its colourful explosion of street art and graffiti—the whole neighbourhood is a living canvas. This was a place I didn’t even know existed! I loved wandering the Wynwood Art Walk, admiring murals that constantly change and challenge the imagination.
On my second visit, I got hands-on and booked the Wynwood Graffiti Experience with Wynwood Art Walk. It’s a one-hour spray paint class right in the heart of the neighbourhood, and it was such a freeing and inspiring experience!
You suit up with an apron and gloves, and your instructor takes you step by step through the basics. You learn how to hold and angle the can, how to control the nozzle, and how to paint dots, lines and letters. Then you move on to the fun stuff, like bubble letters, drop shadows and colour gradients. At the end you get time to create a piece of your own design. It’s great for families too, since kids can join in!
Advisor tipWear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting paint on! Spray paint doesn’t wash out, and even with an apron it can fly. The meeting spot is their shop, which is air-conditioned, sells cold drinks and offers day luggage storage. That makes it an easy add-on for your pre- or post-cruise day.
When you need a break, head to 1-800-Lucky, Miami’s first Asian Food Hall, where I sampled an incredible range of Asian-inspired dishes while enjoying upbeat music and a laid-back atmosphere. The space even has private karaoke rooms, making it a fun spot to linger.
Wynwood’s energy is contagious, and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to explore again and again.
Things I didn’t get to do (yet!)
Miami is bursting with options, and I didn’t get to experience everything on my last trip! If you have more time, be sure to check out some thrilling sporting events—whether it’s catching a Miami Heat basketball game or a Miami Marlins baseball match. For shopaholics, Miami offers incredible shopping, from luxe boutiques in the Design District to sprawling malls like Brickell City Centre. And if you want an easy, hop-on-hop-off way to see the city’s highlights, the Miami double-decker bus tours are a fantastic choice to explore neighbourhoods at your own pace.
Whether it’s your first visit to Miami or a place where your cruise ship calls home, these experiences have offered me the perfect mix of culture, flavour, art, and fun to spark my travel spirit or unwind after the rigours of cruising. If Miami is calling you next, I’d be thrilled to help plan your perfect getaway or cruise!
Sailing from Miami? Whether it’s your first visit or the city your ship calls home, I’d be thrilled to help you plan the perfect pre- or post-cruise stay, from hotels and transfers to tours like these.
Miami FAQs
How close is Bayside Marketplace to the Miami cruise port?
Bayside Marketplace is just across the water from PortMiami in downtown Miami, a short taxi or rideshare away, which makes it an easy stop before you board or after you disembark.
How much time should I spend in Miami before or after a cruise?
We always recommend arriving at least one day before your cruise. With one or two extra days you can easily fit in Bayside, South Beach and a Little Havana food tour.
Is a Little Havana food tour worth it?
Amy’s two-hour food and walking tour was a highlight of her trip. It included mojitos and Cuban sandwiches at La Casa Del Mojito, Domino Park, fresh sugarcane juice at Los Pinareños Fruteria, a guava pastry and a stop at the Ball & Chain lounge.
Can visitors play dominoes at Domino Park in Little Havana?
Players must be local residents aged 50 or older and registered members, so visitors can’t play, but watching the fast and competitive games is encouraged.
What is there to do in Wynwood, Miami?
Wander the Wynwood Art Walk to see the ever-changing murals, try a one-hour graffiti spray paint class, and grab lunch at 1-800-Lucky, Miami’s first Asian food hall.
Can you take a graffiti class in Wynwood?
Yes! The Wynwood Graffiti Experience by Wynwood Art Walk is a one-hour, hands-on spray paint class where an instructor teaches you the basics before you create your own design. It’s suitable for adults and kids about 4 or 5 and up. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.
What is guarapo?
Guarapo is fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, a Cuban favourite. Amy tried it at Los Pinareños Fruteria on Calle Ocho, the oldest market in Little Havana, where they press the sugarcane right in front of you. Be warned, it’s very sweet!
What is Ball & Chain in Little Havana known for?
Ball & Chain opened in 1935 and is one of Miami’s most historic music venues, where legends like Count Basie, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole once played. Today it’s known for live Latin music, its famous pineapple stage and signature cocktails like the guava sangria.
