Experience Allapattah

Founded in the mid-1850s by settler and homesteader William P. Wagner, Allapattah (which is the Seminole Indian word for “alligator”) is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Greater Miami and Miami Beach.

Spread across 5 square miles, this slice of Miami is small in size, but rich in culture. Heavily influenced by both the diversity of Miami and the primarily Dominican heritage of its residents, Allapattah – or “Little Santo Domingo” – has become a vibrant hub of art, food, music and community.

Rubell Museum

1100 NW 23rd St., Miami, 33127

Contemporary art aficionados will find a gem in Allapattah. What was once an industrial complex of interconnected warehouses is now home to one of the largest private art collections in North America, all belonging to the Rubell family. The Rubell Museum contains 7,700 works by more than 1,000 artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, video, photography and art installations in 36 rotating exhibits. Unlike other Miami museums, the Rubell Museum has a beautiful garden of native Florida plants, as well as an Italian restaurant, performance space, bookstore, lecture series, global art loan program and an art research library with 40,000 resources.

Museum of Sex

2200 NW 24th Ave., Miami, 33142

It goes without saying that – in terms of museums in Miami – the Museum of Sex is one of a kind. Brought here from New York City, this cultural institution is committed to preserving and presenting the evolution and significance of human sexuality throughout history. Through more than 50 exhibits, a lecture series, publications and events, visitors are encouraged to speak freely about sex-related topics and explore human sexuality through an arts and science lens. Walk through the Museum of Sex and get a peek of art, photography, video, costumes and technology that might otherwise be censored due to their sexual content.

Club Típico Dominicano

1344 NW 36th St., Miami, 33142

Most Miami restaurants don’t double as a nightclub – that is, unless you’re dining at Club Típico Dominicano. A fixture in the Allapattah community since 1985, it was founded by Luis De La Cruz (a native of the Dominican Republic) and is applauded for serving some of the most authentic Dominican food in Miami. Before or after they eat, guests of Club Típico Dominicano can sing and dance to salsa, merengue and other Latin music, as well as see impressive live performances from those same genres. Despite the nightclub feel, this local spot is great for the whole family.

Eat Fresh-Caught, Affordable Seafood At Plaza Seafood Market

3114 NW 17th Ave., Miami, 33142

Plaza Seafood Market, which has been an Allapattah staple in Miami since 1980, sells some of the freshest seafood in South Florida. Part market, part no-frills restaurant, locals go here to buy that morning’s catch of grouper, shrimp, snapper and more. There’s always a line of hungry regulars ordering lunch from the take-out window, too. Plaza Seafood Market is known for its affordable, mile-high lunch portions of fried fish or shrimp served with rice, beans and made-to-order tostones. Insider tip: Don’t skimp on the pink sauce. It makes your fried seafood even better.

Hometown Barbecue

1200 NW 22nd St., Miami, 33142

If you like barbecue, then Hometown Barbecue is an absolute must. A second outpost of the famed Brooklyn barbecue spot from restaurateur Billy Durney, Hometown Barbecue is known for its smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey and spicy sausages. If you want to try something different (but just as delicious), order a smoked turkey BLT or charred plancha broccoli and wash it all down with a craft beer or seasonal cocktail. Located in a spacious, open-air warehouse, Hometown Barbecue is filled with picnic tables and even features an outdoor area with additional seating. This spot is as casual as it gets; just walk up to the counter, take a number and wait until your number is called.

Superblue

1101 NW 23rd St., Miami, 33127

The 50,000-square-foot Superblue is one of the coolest art galleries in Miami, if you can even call it that. Using cutting-edge technology to showcase immersive art by world-renowned artists, visitors will find everything from a labyrinth of mirrors in a human-sized maze to digital waterfalls, massless floating “clouds” and a room where sensors pick up your heartbeat and replicate it (and everyone else’s) in a sea of 3,000 flashing lights. When you’re done exploring, check out the concept store or get something to eat at the cafe. Check for special events before you visit so you don’t miss anything special.

Juan Pablo Duarte Park

1776 NW 28th St., Miami, 33142

Juan Pablo Duarte Park is a popular neighborhood hangout in Allapattah – especially with Miami’s gorgeous year-round weather. Those looking for a relaxing visit can soak up the sun or read a book under one of the park’s giant trees. More active visitors can play baseball, soccer or basketball, take advantage of jogging trails or break a sweat at the outdoor gym. Keep your kids will enjoy the on-site playground or splash pad. Invite friends and family and end your day at Juan Pablo Duarte Park with a cookout; there are BBQ grills that anyone can use.