Miami: Places to Explore

Wynwood/Midtown/Design District

These three trendy, creative neighborhoods are 3 to 4 miles north of downtown and have developed an impressive mix of one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, see-and-be-seen bars, and slick restaurants.

Midtown (midtownmiami.com) lies between Northeast 29th and 36th streets, from North Miami Avenue to Northeast 2nd Avenue.

Just southwest, the funky and edgy Wynwood Art District (www.wynwoodmiami.com) is peppered with galleries, art studios, and private collections accessible to the public. Though the neighborhood hasn't completely shed its dodgy past, artist-painted graffiti walls and reinvented urban, industrial buildings have transformed the area from grimy and gritty to fresh and trendy. The Wynwood Walls on Northwest 2nd Avenue between Northeast 25th and 26th streets are a cutting-edge enclave of modern urban murals. Visit during Wynwood's monthly gallery walk on the second Saturday evening of each month, when studios and galleries are all open at the same time.

To reach the Design District (www.miamidesigndistrict.net), head north up Miami Avenue just beyond Interstate 195. From about Northeast 38th to Northeast 42nd streets, east to North Federal Highway, you'll find 18 blocks of clothiers, antiques shops, design stores, and bars and eateries.