Discover Upper Buena Vista

One of the most under-the-radar shopping and dining destinations in Greater Miami and Miami Beach is Upper Buena Vista. Located just north of Wynwood and the Miami Design District, the open-air shopping oasis features lush tropical foliage, with winding pathways through banyan trees that lead to specialty micro boutiques, restaurants and unique experiences.

Shopping

Wanahat

One step inside Wanahat, and you’ll immediately want to buy a Toquilla straw hat, widely known as the Panama hat. Three Ecuadorian childhood friends are behind the boutique that carries these stylish hats lined along the walls, all of which are ethically handmade by Indigenous artisans. Wanahat is also a great shop for gifts, with options ranging from handmade jewelry and home goods to beach totes and resortwear.

Lovely Plant Nursery

Plant shopping in Miami doesn’t get any cooler than at Lovely Plant Nursery. The garden shop spills out onto the pathways, inviting seasoned plant collectors and first-time plant parents alike. Selections vary by the day, but you’ll always find succulents, monstera, orchid arrangements and a mix of other indoor and outdoor plants.

La Linterna U.S.

Part print shop and part gallery, with a whole lot of Colombian history, La Linterna U.S. brings Cali’s colorful tradition of handcrafted poster-making to Miami. Its secret is a historic 1800s printing press, which brings traditional letterpress artistry and hand-printed posters to life. Visitors can watch wood-carving and letterpress demonstrations, browse vibrant prints and get an up-close look at a craft that has been preserved for generations.

Hidden Gems

The Bodhi Tree

A giant 130-year-old banyan tree serves as the centerpiece of Upper Buena Vista, offering natural shade. It’s said to transmit positive energy to its visitors. At the Bodhi Tree, or wish tree, guests can pay a small donation to write a wish on a ribbon, then tie it to the tree, an ancient Asian tradition believed to bring good luck. Proceeds from the ribbon ceremony benefit nonprofit partner One Tree Planted, which supports reforestation and conservation efforts across North America, Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Aura Portal

Discover what color your energy radiates at Aura Portal, where specialized cameras and sensors replicate your electromagnetic field. It’s then printed on a Polaroid with your specific color shade, and you’ll receive an explanation and interpretation of the colors that appear around you.

Dining

El Turco

Widely considered one of the best Miami restaurants, El Turco whips up bright Turkish cuisine on a breezy patio space near the wishing tree. Stop by the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant for a healthy breakfast or all-day dining, with plates such as the Turkish breakfast tray, generous enough for two. The spread comes with your choice of eggs, along with cherry tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, feta and kashkaval cheeses, black and green olives, homemade jam, butter and simit, all served on blue-and-white porcelain dishes and silver platters.

Panini & Fromage

Stop by Panini & Fromage when you’re in the mood for slowing down and savoring a handmade panini. The menu leans into French and Italian influences, with bestsellers including the Della Pistacchio, featuring layers of thin mortadella, and the Parisienne, the rustic sandwich shop’s take on a French baguette sandwich with ham, butter, mustard and pickles. Chocolate lovers should save room for the Notte di Nutella, a warm panini filled with creamy Nutella and served with strawberries. Panini & Fromage is one of those Miami restaurants where you can easily chat up the owners and leave feeling like you’ve made a new friend.

Yoso Sushi

Once a food truck in the Miami Design District, Yoso Sushi has evolved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, where skilled sushi chefs delicately prepare Japanese favorites such as nigiri, sashimi, handrolls, maki, poke bowls and seasonal specialties made with sustainably sourced ingredients. Order at the counter and grab a table inside, surrounded by nods to Tokyo’s vintage charm and Miami’s Art Deco style, or sit outside and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Beauty and Wellness

The Chic Beauty & Wellness

Make a day of your Upper Buena Vista visit with a little pampering at The Chic Beauty & Wellness. Choose from a head-to-toe lineup of services, including non-toxic manicures and facials, waxing, body treatments and wellness offerings such as IV therapy. Book a treatment before lunch or wind down with one after an afternoon exploring the shops.

KŌV Cryotherapy

Give your body a little R&R at KŌV Cryotherapy, a wellness boutique specializing in recovery and relaxation treatments. Step into the whole-body cryotherapy chamber after a tough workout, warm up in the infrared sauna, or explore treatments such as facial cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage and salt therapy. There’s also localized cryotherapy and activated oxygen therapy.