Upper Buena Vista Is Miami’s Most Charming New Neighborhood

A stone’s throw from Wynwood and the Design District, you’ll find a serene enclave of local shops, restaurants and the area’s first rooftop bar? Surrounded by large banyan trees, Upper Buena Vista has all the fixings for a perfect (and quiet!) Miami afternoon. Here, let us show you.

Founded in the late 1800s, Buena Vista is actually one of Miami-Dade County’s earliest settlements. (Who knew, right?) Today, the Upper Buena Vista district, located at the northern tip of Buena Vista bordering Little Haiti, encompasses one jam-packed block centered around an ancient tree. Its branches extend throughout most of the complex, providing ample shade for a dozen or so shops and restaurants. 

NE Second Ave. between 50th St. and 50th Terrace

Visit Amazonica for a Colombian cholado, a refreshing drink blended with exotic tropical fruit, juice and shaved ice. Kraken Lab is where to go for delicious poke bowls filled with salmon and avocado. Then, top it off with a cappuccino and a freshly baked pastry at Café Crème.

Take a stroll through Upper Buena Vista’s micro-boutiques, stocked with everything from bohemian clothing to sunglasses and home goods. You’ll notice they’re quite small compared to a typical retail store, but for good reason: Upper Buena Vista is all about giving up-and-coming local brands and entrepreneurs a chance to open their own space without shelling out too much cash for rent. Find custom-made jewelry at Sangre de mi Sangre, trendy sunglasses at Wynwood Shades, Haitian-made tropical sandals at Créations Dorées and affordable clothing at Selfish Too.

Stop into nail bar Epoch for a manicure. You can do almost anything here, from gel polish to hands-and-feet combos. The shop specializes in nail art too, adding stripes, sparkles and polka dots for a few extra dollars. A few steps away, Italian-based Contesta Rock Hair has you covered for a blowout or a quick and stylish cut.

From fashion shows to outdoor markets and free yoga classes, myriad of events happening throughout the week inside Upper Buena Vista. Keep a close eye on the neighborhood’s Instagram to stay up to date on the latest happenings.