6 unforgettable things to do in Calle Ocho Miami

There’s no doubting the allure of Miami Beach.

However, if you’re on a trip to Miami, pausing to explore the City’s Mainland, Little Havana, is the only way to get the full Latin experience. This Cuban neighborhood is only fifteen minutes away from the ocean, and it might just be the most vibrant part of the city.

Here are some of the top things to do on your trip to Little Havana:

Check Out the Rum and Art at Cubaocho

Photograph: Courtesy of Cubaocho

Cubaocho is a bar, performing arts center, and museum that’s known for having the largest rum collection in all of Florida.

Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy live music, bachata nights, salsa lessons, and take part in their famous rum sampling ritual.

You can check out the center’s events calendar before visiting to see which activities interest you the most. However, whenever you do decide to go, remember to wear your most comfortable dancing shoes because you’re likely to dance more than ever before.

Take a Stroll Down the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame

Photograph: Courtesy of CC/Flickr/Willy Gobetz

Sometimes called the Latin Walk of Fame, the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame was created in 1988 to recognize Latin celebrities with ties to South Florida.

The Calle Ocho Walk of Fame runs between 12th Avenue and 17th Avenue. There you can find the names of heroes such as Celia Cruz engraved into the pink marble stars lining the sidewalk.

Remember to pose for a picture as you discover other big names that have had a major influence on the Latin community in South Florida.

See a Foreign Film at the Tower Theatre

Photograph: Courtesy of Tower Theatre

The Tower Theatre is one of Miami’s oldest cultural landmarks. Previously, it used to be the only place where you could go see an English-language movie.

However, now it’s a cultural hub that displays a regular rotation of foreign-language films.

If you want to get a better feel for the movie industry in Cuba and other Latin American countries, Tower Theatre is the place to be.

Enjoy Some Ice Cream at Azucar Ice Cream Company

Photograph: Courtesy of Azucar Ice Cream Company

Right across from the Tower Theatre, the Azucar Ice Cream Company serves delectable ice cream flavors made with locally-sourced ingredients.

They have a variety of signature flavors to choose from. With any of their flavors you can expect nothing less than a delicious treat. However, we recommend the delectable Abuela María made with vanilla ice cream mixed with guava, María cookies, and cream cheese.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might also want to try their rum-spiked flan ice cream.

Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum

Photograph: Courtesy of the Bay of Pigs Museum

The Bay of Pigs Museum is dedicated to the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961.

During the attempt, around 1300 Americans were defeated by the Cuban army and nearly 100 people died.

The museum displays memorabilia honoring both the survivors and those who did not make it.

Enjoy the Best Coffee and Pastries at Café La Carreta

Although La Carreta is readily available at the Miami International Airport, ordering from one of the numerous stores located in the heart of Calle Ocho is an absolute must.

Order from a ventanita like a true Latino. Take a seat and enjoy a premium cup of Cuban coffee with some of their great-tasting flan and pastries.

When you taste La Carreta’s coffee, you’ll understand why Cuban coffee is so revered among ardent coffee drinkers.

Whether you’re alone, with a date, or the whole family, Calle Ocho offers endless sights, activities, and of course, food.

We have only included some of the most popular activities, but there is so much more to do in Little Havana.

If you are headed to Calle Ocho, let us know in the comments what your place was!