Just over a decade ago, Wynwood was a collection of derelict warehouses sprawling out east of I-95. Now you can find art galleries, top restaurants and stylish shops.
Through the 2010s and into this decade, it has transformed into one of the most vibrant art neighborhoods in the world, where block after block of colorful murals welcome visitors to world-class restaurants and boutique shops. Though art galleries and studio spaces aren’t common anymore, what remains is a walkable neighborhood where you’ll find something fascinating around every corner. Wynwood is a feast for every sense, whether listening to live music, dining on international cuisine, or wandering through street art byworld-renowned muralists.
Wynwood sits about a mile and a half north of Downtown Miami and just southwest of Midtown. It’s not readily accessible off any expressways or main public transit lines, so the best way to get there is either to call a taxi or rideshare or drive there yourself. The easiest exit is N. Miami Ave off of I-195, which you’ll take south into Wynwood. You can also take Biscayne Boulevard north from downtown and turn left on NE 20th Street, then continue until you start seeing murals.
Wynwood is the only place you’ll go in Miami that never looks the. Even locals will go back every few weeks to see what new art has popped up.
The biggest attraction in Wynwood is its famous street murals, adorning warehouses between NW 20th St. and NW 29th St., between NW 5th Ave. and N. Miami Ave. They are constantly changing so every time you visit, you’re likely to see something new. It’s the largest concentration of street murals anywhere in America, and an afternoon in Wynwood is like visiting an outdoor museum filled with bars, shops, and restaurants.
While most of the neighborhood is open to the public, the Wynwood Walls park charges a small admission fee. It allows you a chance to walk around a cooler, quieter space and appreciate the murals without any traffic.
When you’re surrounded by street art, getting a little context can add another layer to the experience. The Museum of Graffiti tells the story of street art’s beginnings and includes 11 murals outside the building, a rotating exhibition space, and a fine art gallery for traditionalists. And as Banksy would insist, the exit goes through the gift shop.
Converse with a piano, take pictures of yourself working out upside down, and try walking through a room while it spins around you. These are just a few of the optical illusions and mind-bending tricks inside the Paradox Museum. More than a simple Instagram Museum, the space educates as well as entertains, explaining why your brain sees illusions the way it does. It’s filled with 70 exhibits that make you question if what you see is real, and offers endless photo ops of the strange and surreal.
Wynwood boasts Miami’s best – and closest – collection of local breweries, each one far enough away that walking between them gives you a substantial tour of the neighborhood. Start at Wynwood Brewing, the first craft brewery in the City of Miami and a gold medal winner for its Pops Porter. Next, venture east to J. Wakefield, a former home brewer whose creations were so tasty he raised enough to open his own spot. From there, stop into Veza Sur, where Latin Style lagers taste especially refreshing on the brewery’s sunny patio. Finally, hit La Cerveceria Tropical, Cuba’s oldest brewery that emigrated to the United States, and offers fantastic food alongside its tropical lagers.
To get a further sampling of the best food in Wynwood, with some occasional live music, check out The Oasis. It’s a big outdoor music venue with food stands from a bunch of local restaurants.
Wynwood could make a case as Miami’s best neighborhood for foodies, as no matter your budget there’s something spectacular to try. The Asian food hall 1-800 Lucky offers everything from Chinese food to poke, with a cool cocktail bar in the middle. Pizza lovers should make a stop for a slice at Zazzy’s, a New York import that dishes up Wynwood’s top slice. For a longer meal, enjoy the Turkish treats at Doya, whose outdoor space feels like eating in an Aegean garden. Stop in for quick sushi at Udon, whose happy hour will fill you up for about $4. Or splurge on the omakase at Uchi, a multi-course sushi feast that’s among the best in the city. On the weekends, make sure to grab a bite at Smorgusburg, a busy outdoor market filled with local food vendors.
Wynwood is the top spot for boutique shopping in Miami, and though it doesn’t boast high-fashion brands or big box chains it offers the most unique collection of stores in the city. Stroll through graffiti and pop into Miami’s prominent streetwear boutique at UNKNWN, or find men’s topical clothing at Basico. You’ll also find curious objects and artsy souvenirs at the Wynwood Shop. Or you can peruse stalls from local artisans at the Wynwood Marketplace.
Wynwood has only one full-service hotel, Arlo on N. Miami Ave. It fits into the neighborhood perfectly, with murals covering the walls and a tropical cocktail bar looking over the art-filled streets. Its restaurant, Mary Gold’s, comes from renowned local chef Brad Kilgore, who’s serving up brasserie-style food made with local ingredients like tagliatelle with homestead tomato sauce and sweet crab.
Wynwood has taken the mantle of Miami’s cultural and nightlife hub. So anyone who wants to be within walking distance of art, restaurants, bars, and nightlife would do well staying here. It’s a bit of a trip to the beach and isn’t walkable to much of anything other than the stuff you’ll find in Wynwood. But for those looking to immerse themselves in Miami’s unique street art and creative spirit, no other neighborhood comes close.
