Little Haiti Cultural Complex (Miami)
Little Haiti Cultural Complex (Miami)

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Best Black-Owned Hotels in Florida Near Top Attractions

Table of Contents


Florida is one of the most visited states in the U.S.—and it’s also home to a growing number of Black-owned hotels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts. From Miami and Orlando to Tampa Bay and beyond, this guide highlights where to stay in Florida while supporting Black-owned hospitality businesses.

Now lets get to our picks for best lodging:


Top Black-Owned Miami & South Florida Hotels


Dunns Josephine Hotel (Overtown)


Black-owned Dunns Josephine Hotel
Black-owned Dunns Josephine Hotel

A boutique Black-owned hotel inspired by jazz legends, offering culturally immersive lodging in the heart of historic Overtown. Experience the rich heritage and artistic soul of Miami at Dunns Josephine Hotel, a Black-owned boutique hotel in Miami that celebrates the elegance of the Harlem Renaissance. Located in the heart of Historic Overtown, this stylish retreat offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern luxury. Each room pays tribute to the lives of influential African American icons, such as Biliie Holiday, Mom’s Mabley, Nat King Cole King Suite, Cab Calloway, and Nicholas Brothers. From its beautifully curated interiors to its warm, personalized service, Dunns Josephine Hotel is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and inspiring stay.

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The Goodtime Hotel – Miami Beach


Black-owned boutique hotel in Miami Beach, - The Good Time Hotel
Black-owned boutique hotel in Miami Beach, – The Good Time Hotel

Designed to be a “universal passport to a good time,” The Goodtime Hotel is a Black-owned boutique hotel in Miami Beach, co-founded by Pharrell Williams and hospitality mogul David Grutman. Opened in April 2021, this 266-room property spans an entire city block on Washington Avenue, offering guests a vibrant blend of Art Deco aesthetics, whimsical design, and a lively social atmosphere. With its pastel hues, lush greenery, and curated experiences, The Goodtime Hotel has quickly become a standout destination in Miami’s hospitality scene.

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport


black-owned hotel in Miami Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport
Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport

Spacious, reliable, and conveniently located for both business and leisure travelers. Nestled between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, the black-owned hotel & resort in Deerfield Beach Florida Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa is an oceanfront paradise offering stunning beach views, spacious suites, and first-class amenities. Perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations, or business travelers, this resort-style hotel provides an unmatched blend of relaxation and convenience, all just steps from the pristine Deerfield Beach shoreline

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Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort


Black-owned hotel Hilton Cabana Miami Beach
Black-owned hotel Hilton Cabana Miami Beach

The Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort is a 4-star hotel located on Collins Avenue at 63rd Street, within the area known as “Millionaire’s Row”. Situated in Mid-Beach, it offers a quieter atmosphere than the bustling South Beach, with direct beachfront access to the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel features 231 rooms, including suites, with amenities like 42-inch flat-screen TVs and mini-bars.

Pools and beach: Guests can relax at two outdoor pools overlooking the ocean, complete with cabanas. There is also a private beach with daybeds and complimentary paddleboard rentals.


Dining: Allison Restaurant & Bar serves Latin-inspired cuisine and seafood.

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Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa


Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa Black- and Cuban-owned luxury resort in Floridia
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa Black- and Cuban-owned luxury resort in Floridia

This upscale oceanfront resort, co-owned by music legend Gloria Estefan, is Latino-owned and blends Caribbean warmth with luxury service. Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa offers a sophisticated yet soulful getaway in the heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast. This  Cuban-owned luxury resort in Florida is a standout destination, blending South Beach-inspired design with warm, personalized service. The Estefans have infused the property with cultural flair, world-class hospitality, and a commitment to excellence that’s earned the resort national acclaim. Whether you’re looking for a serene escape or an upscale beach retreat, Costa d’Este delivers an unforgettable experience right on the Atlantic Ocean. 

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Key Resort – Key West


Black-owned hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Key Resort – Key West
Black-owned hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Key Resort – Key West

A tropical Hilton favorite with full-service resort amenities near Old Town Key West. Discover the essence of Key West’s charm at the the black-owned hotel / resort in Key West Florida — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Key Resort, where island luxury meets laid-back sophistication. Nestled near the heart of this tropical paradise, the resort offers a tranquil retreat while being conveniently close to the vibrant attractions of Old Town Key West. With lush gardens, top-notch amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for leisure or business travelers alike.

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Cardozo Hotel, South Beach


Latino owned hotel in South Beach Miami --Cardozo South Beach
Latino owned hotel in South Beach Miami –Cardozo South Beach

Historic Art Deco gem in South Beach, owned by Latino entrepreneurs who preserved its cultural charm. Perched along the legendary Ocean DriveCardozo South Beach is a Latino owned hotel in South Beach Miami, a luxury boutique hotel that blends Miami’s Art Deco charm with modern sophistication. Owned by music icons Cuban-American couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan, this stylish retreat offers an intimate yet vibrant stay in the heart of South Beach.

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Top Black-Owned Hotels in
Orlando Area


DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, Orlando Disney Springs™ Area


black-owned hotel in Disney, Orlando Florida - DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs Area
black-owned hotel in Disney, Orlando Florida – DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs Area

Family-friendly suites close to the magic of Walt Disney World, with dependable Hilton service. For a magical stay near the magic, the black-owned hotel in Disney, Orlando Florida DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs™ Area offers an all-suite experience with spacious accommodations and family-friendly amenities just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort. As an Official Walt Disney World® Hotel, this black-owned property provides exclusive perks, including early theme park entry and complimentary shuttle service to the parks.

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Florida International Drive Convention Center


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black-owned hotel in Orlando Florida: Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center

Ideal for conventions and family vacations, with two-room suites and complimentary breakfast. This black-owned hotel in Orlando Florida is located in the vibrant International Drive entertainment districtEmbassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center offers a prime location, spacious two-room suites, and thoughtful amenities perfect for business travelers, families, and theme park explorers alike. With complimentary made-to-order breakfast, a nightly evening reception, and an outdoor pool, this hotel ensures a comfortable and convenient Orlando experience.

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Top Black-Owned Hotels in
Palm Beach, Tampa & West Coast


Embassy Suites by Hilton West Palm Beach


Black owned Hotel Embassy Suites by Hilton West Palm Beach Central
Black owned Hotel Embassy Suites by Hilton West Palm Beach Central

All-suite accommodations with easy access to beaches, shopping, and downtown. Experience the perfect blend of convenience and comfort at the Embassy Suites by Hilton West Palm Beach Central, a black-owned all-suite hotel in Florida located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach and the Palm Beach International Airport. With modern amenities, spacious accommodations, and exceptional service, this hotel provides an ideal home base for both leisure and business travelers.

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center


Black-owned Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center
Black-owned Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center

Located near the Riverwalk and major venues, this hotel is great for business and leisure travelers alike. This black-owned hotel in Florida is located in the heart of downtown TampaEmbassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center offers a sophisticated all-suite experience with spacious accommodations and top-tier amenities. Connected via skybridge to the Tampa Convention Center, the hotel is ideal for business travelers, event attendees, and leisure guests exploring the city. With its prime location near the Tampa Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, and vibrant dining and nightlife, this black-owned Tampa Florida hotel blends convenience with upscale comfort.

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Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key


Black owned Hotel Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
Black owned Hotel Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key

All-suite waterfront property offering relaxed luxury with Gulf Coast views. Perched on the scenic shores of Sand Key, the Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites is a serene waterfront oasis perfect for family getaways, romantic retreats, and relaxing vacations. With stunning views of Clearwater Bay and a short walk to the famous white sands of Clearwater Beach, this black-owned beachfront resort in Clearwater Beach Florida offers a blend of coastal charm and modern comfort.

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Black-Owned Hotels in Florida
Gulf Coast & Panhandle


Hampton Inn Ft. Walton Beach


black-owned hotel on Walton Beach, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico -Hampton Inn Ft. Walton Beach
Black-owned Hampton Inn Ft. Walton Beach

Trusted Hilton hospitality just steps from the sugar-white sands of the Emerald Coast. This black-owned hotel on Walton Beach, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, is located directly on the pristine white sands of Florida’s Emerald Coast, Hampton Inn Ft. Walton Beach offers a relaxed and welcoming retreat for families, couples, and business travelers. With stunning Gulf views, easy beach access, and modern amenities, this hotel ensures a memorable stay filled with comfort and convenience.

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Aloft Sarasota, Boutique Hotel


Black-owned boutique hotel in Sarasota Florida - Aloft Sarasota
Black-owned hotel Aloft Sarasota

A design-forward boutique hotel in downtown Sarasota with modern amenities and a vibrant rooftop vibe. Bringing a fresh and vibrant energy to Florida’s Gulf Coast, Aloft Sarasota is a Black-owned boutique hotel in Sarasota Florida offering sleek accommodations and a lively social scene. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, this stylish hotel puts guests within walking distance of top attractions, including Bayfront Park, St. Armands Circle, and the Ringling Museum. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, Aloft Sarasota delivers a dynamic stay with contemporary design and top-tier amenities.

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Fort Lauderdale Marriott North


Fort Lauderdale Marriott North - led by Warren Fields, a trailblazing Black CEO
Fort Lauderdale Marriott North – led by Warren Fields, a trailblazing Black CEO

Centrally located, this full-service Marriott property provides comfort and convenience. The Fort Lauderdale Marriott North offers a refreshing blend of style, convenience, and thoughtful service—managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality, a major hotel management firm led by Warren Fields, a trailblazing Black CEO and respected leader in the hospitality industry. Located near Florida’s scenic Intracoastal Waterway and just minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s sparkling beaches, this contemporary hotel serves as a welcoming hub for business and leisure travelers alike. Backed by a culture of excellence and inclusive leadership, the hotel delivers elevated experiences for guests from all walks of life.

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The Vibrant Food & Beverage in Florida

Florida’s food scene thrives on diversity—and some of its most exciting culinary experiences come from Black-owned and Latino-owned restaurants, bakeries, breweries, and coffee shops. These businesses serve up bold flavors rooted in African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin American traditions—celebrating heritage on every plate and in every cup. Whether you’re craving a soul food brunch, fresh ceviche, or a small-batch craft beer from a micro brewery, supporting these local entrepreneurs is a delicious way to give back while you travel.

Here is our lineup for best food & beverage spots in Florida:


Las’ Lap Miami


Las’ Lap Miami
Las’ Lap Miami

Las’ Lap Miami is bringing the vibrant energy of a West Indian Carnival and the culinary genius of Chef Kwame Onwuachi, a James Beard award winner, to South Beach. It’s a creative, rhum-based Caribbean-American cocktail bar and restaurant, where you’ll find a sophisticated blend of island soul and urban edge. A “cool older sister” to its NYC predecessor, the Miami location boasts a grown-up, beachy charm. The space is visually appealing, with dim lighting and art that sets the mood for a chic date night or a night out with friends.

Don’t expect traditional Caribbean food—this is next-level, flavor-forward cooking. Creative menu selection highlights include:

  • Truffle Oxtail Cubans: A decadent take on a Miami classic that’s already a must-try;
  • South Beach Snapper: A light and bright ceviche-style dish that captures the coastal setting.
  • Escovitch Crab Claws: This appetizer hits the mark with its bright, scotch bonnet-spiced sauce.

It’s a multi-level experience, with a full-service restaurant, a rooftop bar for taking in the Miami air, and a cozy lobby bar.


Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina


Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina

Experience the soul of Cuba through classic dishes, mojitos, and live music in an atmosphere rich with heritage. Located in the heart of Miami’s Little HavanaLatino-owned Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina transports guests to 1950s Cuba, offering an authentic and vibrant dining experience. With its colorful décor, vintage photos, and warm Latin hospitality, this restaurant embodies the soul of Cuban culture—from the food to the music and atmosphere.


Chef Creole Seasoned Restaurant


Chef Creole Seasoned Restaurant

A Haitian-owned favorite serving up bold Caribbean flavors, fresh seafood, and generous hospitality. For a true taste of Haiti in Miami, Chef Creole Seasoned Restaurant is the go-to spot for bold flavors and authentic Caribbean cuisine. With a well-earned reputation for seasoned-to-perfection seafood, slow-cooked meats, and rich Creole flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers looking to experience Haitian culinary traditions.


El Toro Loco Churrascaria Steakhouse


El Toro Loco Churrascaria Steakhouse Little Havana

Family-owned and authentically Latin, this Brazilian steakhouse group operates six Florida locations offering sizzling rodízio-style dining. If you’re craving juicy, perfectly grilled meats in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana, look no further than El Toro Loco Churrascaria Steakhouse. Known for its high-quality meats, authentic Brazilian churrasco, and vibrant ambiance, this steakhouse delivers an unforgettable dining experience for carnivores and food lovers alike.


Mercato della Pescheria (Española Way)


Latino-owned-Mercato della Pescheria (Española Way), Miami
Latino-owned-Mercato della Pescheria (Española Way), Miami

A Latino-owned Italian seafood market and restaurant serving vibrant Mediterranean-style dishes in South Beach. Located at 412 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139 this seafood restaurant and market brings the charm of a classic Italian coastal fish market to South Beach. Operated by the V&E Restaurant Group—founded by Latino restaurateurs—it blends fresh seafood, cured meats, house-made pasta, and artisanal cocktails in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. With both casual market-style stations and full-service dining, it’s a vibrant culinary destination on the historic pedestrian walkway of Española Way.


Pilón Miami (South Miami-Dade)


Pilón Miami, - Latino-owned restaurant
Pilón Miami, – Latino-owned restaurant

Latin fusion kitchen and bar with lively events, cocktails, and shareable Latin-American fare. Pilón Miami is a vibrant Latino-owned Latin American fusion restaurant located in the heart of South Miami–Dade. Helmed by Chef Yudiming Puche and backed by mixologist Marvin Vásquez, the eatery blends bold Latin flavors, Neapolitan-style pizza, handcrafted cocktails, and live music in a stylish indoor-outdoor setting overlooking Hidden Lakes.


Smith & Webster Restaurant & Bar


Smith & Webster Restaurant & Bar - Black-owned in Miami
Smith & Webster Restaurant & Bar – Black-owned in Miami

Nestled in Miami’s vibrant northeastern corridor, Smith & Webster is a Black-owned restaurant and bar delivering elevated American cuisine with Southern and Creole influences. Launched under the leadership of local hospitality entrepreneurs, this intimate hotspot offers a sophisticated yet approachable menu of comforting staples and creative plates.


Cervecería La Tropical, Wynwood, Miami


Latino-owned - Cervecería La Tropical, Craft Brewery, Miami
Latino-owned – Cervecería La Tropical, Craft Brewery, Miami

One of Miami’s first Latino craft breweries, with live music, garden seating, and bold tropical brews. A vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, Cervecería La Tropical in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District stands as one of the city’s first Latino-owned craft breweries. Rooted in Cuban brewing heritage that dates back to 1888, La Tropical was revitalized in the U.S. by a partnership led by Manny Portuondo, a Cuban-American entrepreneur on a mission to preserve his family’s brewing legacy. The result is a dynamic, Latin-forward brewery and gastropub offering bold tropical brews, contemporary Cuban cuisine, live music, and lush garden seating. It’s not just a taproom—it’s a destination for flavor, culture, and connection.


Los Félix Miami


Los Félix Miami, Restaurant - Latino-owned restaurant

A Michelin-recognized Mexican restaurant bringing elevated traditional cooking like tamales and al pastor.

Los Félix is known for its modern, indigenous-inspired Mexican cuisine. The menu, led by Colombian-born chef Sebastián Vargas, centers on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a focus on heirloom corn. Accolades includes:

  • Michelin Star (since 2022): The Michelin Guide recognizes Los Félix for its high-quality cooking and creative, organic, and youthful Mexican fare.
  • Michelin Green Star: The restaurant is also noted for its exceptional dedication to sustainable, eco-friendly practices, including partnerships with local farms and minimizing waste.

Top Black-Owned Cultural Attractions


Cultural pride is alive and well across Florida, where heritage sites, galleries, and neighborhoods keep the stories of the African American and Latino communities thriving.

This is our collection of must visit / do cultural Attractions in Florida:


Miami & South Florida:


Tours


Little Havana: Cigar & Rum Tasting Experience


Little Havana Cigar & Rum Tasting Experience
Little Havana Cigar & Rum Tasting Experience

Step into the soul of Miami with the Little Havana Cigar & Rum Tasting Experience—an unforgettable guided tour that brings you face-to-face with the rich traditions of Cuba right in the heart of Florida. This immersive cultural experience takes you through the colorful streets of Little Havana, where music fills the air, hand-rolled cigars come to life, and premium Cuban-style rum is yours to savor. More Details


Lively Havana Food and Culture Walking Tour


Lively Havana Food and Culture Walking Tour
Lively Havana Food and Culture Walking Tour

Get ready to taste, see, and feel the vibrant soul of Miami on the Lively Havana Food and Culture Walking Tour. This guided experience blends Cuban flavors, stories, and traditions into one unforgettable journey through Little Havana’s iconic Calle Ocho. Perfect for foodies, culture lovers, and curious explorers, this tour offers an authentic taste of Miami’s Cuban-American heartbeat. More Details


Ybor City (Tampa)


Ybor City (Tampa)

Ybor City (Tampa) – Once the cigar capital of the world, this historic Latin neighborhood is filled with museums, murals, and multicultural spirit.


Historic Hampton House (Brownsville, Miami)


Historic Hampton House (Brownsville, Miami)
Historic Hampton House (Brownsville, Miami)

A landmark of the Civil Rights era, once host to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sammy Davis Jr., and other luminaries. Today, it’s a museum honoring Black history and activism in Miami.


Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater (Overtown)


Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater (Overtown)
Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater (Overtown)

Miami’s oldest legitimate theater (opened 1913), now a cultural arts complex offering live performances, community events, and a tribute to Black heritage in Overtown.


Little Haiti Cultural Complex (Miami)


Little Haiti Cultural Complex (Miami)
Little Haiti Cultural Complex (Miami)

Little Haiti is a historic and vibrant neighborhood in Miami that is the heart of the city’s Haitian and Afro-Caribbean community. Known for its colorful art, authentic Creole cuisine, and lively music, the area is an important hub of Haitian culture outside of Haiti itself. The neighborhood was officially recognized by Miami commissioners in 2016, though it has been a center for Haitian immigrants since the 1970s.

Culture and landmarks

  • Little Haiti Cultural Complex: This arts center and museum is a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s cultural scene. It offers exhibits of Haitian painting, sculpture, and crafts, as well as classes in Afro-Caribbean folk dance and music.
  • Caribbean Marketplace: Adjacent to the Cultural Complex, this colorful, 9,000-square-foot marketplace replicates the Iron Market in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It hosts events with vendors selling Haitian and Afro-Caribbean arts and crafts, food, and music.
  • Libreri Mapou: Founded by Haitian playwright and activist Jan Mapou, this landmark bookstore offers rare books in French, Creole, and English, along with international newspapers.
  • Street Art and Murals: Little Haiti is known for its vibrant street art and colorful storefronts, many of which depict scenes and figures from Haitian culture.
  • Statue of Toussaint L’Ouverture: A 13-foot bronze statue of the Haitian Revolution’s leader stands at the intersection of North Miami Avenue and 62nd Street, commemorating Haitian history.

A Little History

  • From Lemon City to Little Haiti: The area was originally known as Lemon City, a pioneer community founded in 1869, long before the city of Miami was established. In the 1970s, as Haitians began to immigrate to Miami, the neighborhood was revitalized into what is now Little Haiti.
  • Activist Viter Juste: The name “Little Haiti” was coined by Haitian businessman and community leader Viter Juste in an article for the Miami Herald.
  • Gentrification: In recent years, Little Haiti has experienced pressure from developers due to its location and elevation, leading to concerns about gentrification displacing residents and altering the neighborhood’s character. This has resulted in a mix of new commercial developments alongside long-standing, family-owned businesses

Food and Experiences

  • Authentic Creole cuisine: The neighborhood is a destination for flavorful Haitian dishes, with many restaurants offering dishes like pork griot with traditional spices.
  • Monthly cultural events: Free, family-friendly events like “Sounds of Little Haiti” on the third Friday of the month allow visitors to experience Haitian culture through live music, dance, and food.
  • Tap Tap Tours: For those looking for a guided experience, golf cart tours provide a chance to explore the neighborhood’s history, landmarks, and hidden gems with an expert guide.

Little Havana & Calle Ocho (Miami)

An energetic Cuban-American district known for its art, music, cigars, and street festivals.


Little Havana & Calle Ocho (Miami)
Little Havana & Calle Ocho (Miami)

Little Havana is the cultural and political heart of the Cuban American community in Miami, established by exiles fleeing Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution. Centered on the vibrant street of Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street), it is a hub of Cuban music, cuisine, and traditions. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized the neighborhood as a National Treasure in 2017.

A Little History

Cuban exile wave: In the 1960s, a large influx of Cuban refugees, many of whom were professionals and business owners, settled in Miami’s southwest, previously a thriving Jewish neighborhood.
Creation of a new community: The area offered affordable housing and the growing Cuban-owned businesses fostered a supportive community for new arrivals. As the diaspora grew, the neighborhood became a thriving center for Cuban culture, business, and political action.
Symbol of resilience: The community has preserved its cultural heritage despite exile, an experience often reflected in its art and landmarks.

Cultural attractions and landmarks

  • Calle Ocho Walk of Fame: Stars embedded in the sidewalk from 12th to 17th Avenues honor Cuban and Latin American icons like Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan.
  • Domino Park (Máximo Gómez Park): This community hub is where local elders gather to play spirited games of dominoes and chess. The park is a social center for the community, where people chat, play, and smoke cigars.
  • Street Art: Calle Ocho is famously adorned with colorful murals, including one dedicated to singer Celia Cruz, and giant, decorated rooster sculptures—a symbol of Cuban pride.
  • The Tower Theater: A restored 1926 landmark, this Art Deco movie house became a cultural center for the community. It was the first theater in Miami to feature Spanish subtitles, helping immigrants learn English.
  • Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center: This unique venue displays a collection of pre-revolutionary Cuban art and offers live music and dancing while guests enjoy a vast selection of rums.
  • Calle Ocho Festival (Little Havana, Miami): The largest Hispanic street festival in the U.S., held each March. Founded by Cuban exiles in 1978, it now celebrates the wider Latin American & Caribbean diaspora with food, music, dance, and color.
  • Bay of Pigs Brigade 2506 Museum: For history buffs, this small museum preserves artifacts and stories from the pivotal 1961 U.S.-backed military operation.

Cuisine and Culture

  • Cuban food: Little Havana is a gastronomic hotspot, with restaurants and bakeries offering classics like the Cuban sandwich, cafecito (Cuban coffee), pastelitos, and croquetas. Iconic spots include Versailles and Sanguich de Miami.
  • Music and nightlife: Live salsa music, rumba, and Afro-Cuban jazz are a constant presence. Venues like Ball & Chain offer dancing, mojitos, and lively bands.
  • Viernes Culturales: On the last Friday of every month, Calle Ocho transforms into a pedestrian-only block party featuring art, music, food, and dancing.
  • Calle Ocho Music Festival: As the grand finale of Carnaval Miami, this annual March festival is the largest Hispanic street festival in the United States, drawing over a million visitors.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum (Plantation)
Showcasing Caribbean art, folk heritage, and storytelling traditions, this museum hosts family-friendly events like the annual Anancy Festival celebrating West African folk tales.

Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts (Eatonville)
Located in the first incorporated all-Black town in America, this museum celebrates Black artists and writers, with annual “Zora!” festivals and rotating art exhibits.


Central & North Florida


Frost Art Museum (Miami, FIU)
Home to significant collections of African American, Haitian, and Latin American art, featuring rotating exhibits that highlight contemporary Black and Caribbean artists

HistoryMiami Museum
Offers “Free Family Fun Day: Caribbean Connections,” an interactive tour celebrating Caribbean influence on Florida’s cultural heritage.

Woodson African American Museum of Florida (St. Petersburg area)
A regional hub showcasing Black history and culture through art, programs, and powerful murals like “Black History Matters”.

African American Museum of the Arts (DeLand)
A boutique museum dedicated to preserving and promoting African American art and storytelling in Central Florida.


Panhandle


These regions host major annual festivals celebrating African American culture:

  • Pensacola JazzFest – Multi-day free jazz festival at Seville Square
  • Springing the Blues (Jacksonville Beach) – Over 25 years of blues music and gatherings
  • Seabreeze Jazz Festival (Panama City Beach) – Top 10 U.S. smooth jazz event
  • Tampa Bay Blues Festival – Three days of blues at Vinoy Park, St. Pete
  • Tampa Caribbean Carnival – Annual celebration with parade, J’Ouvert, steel drums, and vibrant Caribbean culture. For more details – Visit Florida

Why It Matters

These cultural attractions highlight the living legacy of African & Latino American and Caribbean American communities in Florida. They offer more than exhibits—they offer storytelling, celebration, preservation, and community connection. From the heritage districts of Miami to the festivals of the Panhandle, they weave history into your journey and create meaningful travel moments.