They say that the best creative projects are born from nothing, and that couldn’t be more true when talking about the beloved Miami neighborhood of Wynwood. Today, the district is stuffed to the gills with stimulating art and galleries galore, and it has enough restaurants to satisfy any dining critic — and leader of Miami food and culture tours!
You can easily spend an entire day here; the same number of hours you could while away just lying on the beach. But you will get so much more in terms of art, dining, shopping, and culture in Wynwood than you could in a prone position on the sand.
So, let’s get started on our picks for the best things to do in Wynwood, from sun up to sundown. And if you have any questions about our Miami tours as we go, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Before we dive into the best things to do in Wynwood, let’s get to know the area’s history a little better. When you’re here, you’d never guess that the area had very humble beginnings. Originally an enclave for working-class families at the beginning of the 20th century, Wynwood has had many iterations.
By the 1920s, it was primarily a garment district employing many of Miami’s newly arrived Cuban population. In the 1970s, Wynwood experienced a decline and unfortunate circumstances such as drug trafficking and crime became commonplace. But by the 1980s, small groups of artists saw beyond Wynwood’s seedy reputation and began to plant the seeds of what we know and love today.
But it wasn’t until the 2000’s that visionary and developer extraordinaire, Tony Goldman, owner of Goldman Properties, propelled Wynwood into a turbo-charged art mecca for Miami residents and visitors alike. It was his commitment (not to mention a heck of a lot of cash) to revitalize a once down-and-out neighborhood that transformed Wynwood into one of the most visited places in Miami today.
This neighborhood is a truly fascinating place bursting with creative energy, and it’s one we explore on our Wynwood Food and Street Art Tour. There’s no better or tastier way to immerse yourself in the best that Wynwood has to offer.
Arrive early before the crowds to enjoy the solitude over a rich drip of espresso accompanied by a healthy avocado toast that no one prepares better than Zak the Baker. Let’s face it, avocado is delicious, but it’s the bread that holds it that’s the main attraction here. And it better be good! Zak the Baker is THE bread supplier of so many Miami restaurants and it’s packed high on the shelves of practically every Miami supermarket, so you know you’ve come to the right place to start your day in Wynwood.
If a savory breakfast is not your thing, then you’ve still come to the right place. Put a slice of their chocolate babka or one of their gooey cinnamon rolls in front of me, and I probably won’t talk to you for a full 10 minutes because I’m otherwise preoccupied with every taste sensation going on in my mouth with those sweet treats.
Grab a coffee to go from Zak’s and head for the crown jewel of Wynwood…
There aren’t many better examples that great art doesn’t need to be housed in a building and that viewing larger-than-life pieces can seep deep into your soul. Not a typical art fan? Well, the Wynwood Walls will make you one because each huge mural, crafted by some of the greatest local artists in Miami, is so stimulating and thought-provoking that you just can’t help being drawn in.
To visit, you’ll have to purchase a ticket and reserve a time slot. Once those formalities are complete, then it’s off to explore several distinct areas within the walls to choose your favorite colorful pieces. The murals change over time, so you can come here on subsequent visits and have a whole new experience. Take your time and study each piece as you enjoy the Miami sunshine and the last sips of that morning café latte.
As you emerge from Wynwood Walls and begin walking the neighborhood, you quickly realize that the ENTIRE neighborhood is swathed in impressive murals. You just can’t get away from the art, and that’s a good thing! You can happily get lost in time as you round the next corner and discover yet another creative mural poking out behind a fence or painted on a restaurant wall.
Our Wynwood Food and Street Art Tour includes a visit to the Wynwood Walls. So, if you want us to take care of the logistics and then immerse you in the full Wynwood experience, book your spot before it’s too late!
After a morning of exploring, you’ll be ready for a midday meal! The good news is that you’re spoiled for choice. So much so, in fact, that we aren’t providing one recommendation, but several. All you need to do is choose!
Just some of our top recommendations for lunch in Wynwood include:
Looking to sample some traditiponal Cuban cuisine while you’re in town? Check out our blog What are the Best Places to Try Authentic Cuban Food in Miami? Our picks include the famous Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop in Wynwood.
Boho Hunter (314 NW 24th Street)
While Miami is mostly known for its Cuban population, this little gem of a shop is actually the collective work of four friends from our other cultures represented in Miami-Peru, Venezuela, and Mexico. Get your Instagram-worthy goods such as straw handbags, tassel earrings, and beautifully embroidered clothing so you’ll be all set to look Miami cool.
The Wynwood Shop (196 NW 24th Street)
This is the epitome of Wynwood displayed in an airy atelier. Offerings of art, home decor, fashion, and accessories are yours to purchase created by hand-picked local artists and emerging designers. This is truly a small business that you want to give your hard-earned dollars to as the owners imagined this endearing shop to give a voice to those who create from the heart first, rather than just with sole profit in mind.
Here you will find something for yourself or that special person who deserves a one-of-a-kind gift that only The Wynwood Shop could provide.
You’ll most likely visit Miami when the temperatures are definitely higher here than in the place you call home, so it would be perfectly normal to crave “something cold”. The perfect place for a cool down is at Morelia Gourmet Paletas. Forget yet another ubiquitous ice cream cone, and instead go for these intensely fruity ice pops made with 100% natural ingredients and a lot of love. You can even create your own flavor!
When the sun goes down in Wynwood, the fun goes up! Even if you cannot spend an entire day in the neighborhood, at least come for nocturnal merriment. The great thing about Wynwood is that it’s pretty much come as you are, so there’s no need to don fancy clothes. Most evening venues are as relaxed as they come, you’ll be as at home here in shorts and a tee as you would with a pair of high heels and sparkly attire.
Your actual dinner can wait just a bit — first things first, let’s quench your thirst! Forget the fruity tropical drinks that are associated with Miami, and indulge in what Wynwood is known for — great craft beer. And there is no better place to enjoy a brewski than at J. Wakefield Brewing.
Upon approach you might think this is another art gallery, but behind the graffiti-laden facade lies a 15-barrel brew house that uses local ingredients twisted into unique beers utilizing tropical mangoes, spicy ancho peppers, farm-fresh peaches, and many more interesting flavors. If you love the sours, then this sweet spot will fit the bill for some pre-dinner fun.
End your day at one of the most sought-after restaurants in Wynwood, if not Miami. Its popularity isn’t an indication that you haven’t found a gem. Some jewels have to shine bright, as they are unique and very special. And that’s KYU Miami for your dinner destination.
The menu is tapas-style with more than ample portions for one, two, or even three of you. This is the type of restaurant where you can have fun discovering the palates of your fellow diners, but I’d definitely recommend a portion of their out-of-this-world Korean Fried Chicken, Crispy Tuna Tartare, and Thai Fried Rice Stone Pot.
As Mama always says, eat your greens! Fortunately, that’s easy here at KYU. The alluring vegetable menu includes, Whole Grilled Maitake Mushroom with Ginger and Soy, Japanese Sweet Potato with White Miso and Black Sugar, and Thai Coconut Creamed Spinach with Crispy Shallots. What a scrumptious way to get in your 5-a-day vegetable rations.
Stay and soak up the ambiance for a while and then take your final stroll through the Wynwood streets to mop up any murals you may have missed and revel in a day and night well spent in Wynwood. If this final Wynwood walk re-ignites a desire to see more art, be sure to check out our Art Lover’s Guide to Miami.
But wait… you don’t have to make Wynwood discoveries on your own! Come join us on a Wynwood Food and Street Art Tour! Our carefully crafted tour led by expert storytellers will regale you with insider secrets about Wynwood art and you’ll be treated to the best culinary offerings the neighborhood has to offer.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Wynwood from a local’s point of view. Ready for some incredible arts and eats? Join us today! Please just contact us if you have any pre-booking questions.
Originally written by Robyn Webb.
This site uses Google reCAPTCHA V3. Read the privacy policy and terms of service for more information.
