Looking more like it belongs in Southern Europe than in South Florida, Española Way is a narrow, four-block long pedestrian-only street located in the heart of South Beach. With Mediterranean Revival architecture dating back to the 1920s, this charming calle is in stark contrast with the Art Deco buildings that have made the rest of the neighborhood world-famous.
It’s fun to stroll down the middle of the lane, admiring the pink and peach-colored buildings with their Juliet balconies, striped awnings and terracotta-tiled roofs. Lined with art galleries and boutiques, Española Way is also a perfect place to just relax with a cortadito (Cuban coffee) or cocktail at an outdoor café. Restaurants offer everything from Cuban and Spanish to Italian, French and Mediterranean cuisine. We enjoyed a terrific breakfast at Havana 1957, located right on the corner of Española Way and Washington.
By night, the street is alive with locals and tourists dancing to salsa music beneath twinkle lights. On weekends the whole area becomes one big open-air farmers market, where you can buy fresh produce as well as handicrafts, flowers and more.
The National Register of Historic Places designated Española Way a historic site in 1979.
| Where: Española Way is located between 14th and 15th Streets, and bound by Washington and Jefferson Streets in the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, Florida. |
This is my submission for Travel Photo Thursday. For more great shots from around the world, be sure to check out Budget Travelers Sandbox!
Michael Figueiredo is a freelance travel writer based in Los Angeles, California. When he’s not gallivanting around the world, he’s enjoying the laid-back lifestyle and perfect weather of Southern California. So far he’s visited thirty-six countries and territories on five continents. His goal is to see at least one new country every year! . Read more from this author
Twitter: @vagabond3live
Great shot! Was just in the Miami area this weekend- I would love that tapas bar!!
jade recently posted..Animals of the Everglades
Beautiful photos
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These shots are beautiful, Michael. Love the palm trees — they soften the buildings and invite you to stop for that cortadita.
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I have only driven through Miami on a through-way but the more I see of it the more I’d be happy to go and explore. I love the pink buildings and the architecture. It looks like a very inviting spot to wander.
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I have not been on Española Way, but will make it a point next time in Miami. It really does look like southern Europe – so much character captured in your photos.
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I was last in Miami Beach in 1961. (See my post “Remembering MLK: Riding to Freedom.” I wonder how much Espanola Way has changed since then.
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Espanola Way looks great! I love the colors and you’re right, it does have a Mediterranean feel to it.
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It does look like Europe, I would never guess this was in Florida. Very pretty.
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This looks like a lovely spot to visit. Maybe I’ll make it to Miami someday
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I love the way you’ve captured the soft colors of Miami. And the slide show is great. What plug in do you use for that? I do slide shows with Picasa but am not entirely satisfied with them.
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This looks like a great place to hang out especially during the weekends. Beautiful photos!
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Looks like a sweet, little area. Also like the slideshow!
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It’s such a fun place. I like it there. Where did you eat, if at all? Did you go dancing at the weekend?
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Great that they’ve preserved this area. Looks beautiful in your photo series.
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Love that photo of the coffee ^^
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FUN! I love how you captured the palm trees. That’s what I miss most from FL. Thanks for giving me a taste of “home.” (It’s not where I’m from, but it feels most where I belong…besides maybe AZ.)
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What a pretty street! I haven’t been to Miami but will someday
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Lovely pictures and a little taste of south beach
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Was thinking of you today and your trips cross country from California and thinking you live in a special place with San Diego and all of Northern California and wondering about the trips to Florida . But Florida does have warmer beach water but so does Mexico – must be something else that draws you here
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