Española Way in Miami Beach

A brief history of Española Way

Española Way dates back to the Roaring '20s. In 1925, near the end of the Florida land boom, real estate developers William Whitman and N.B.T. Roney conceived The Historic Spanish Village, drawing inspiration from the romantic villages of the Mediterranean. It was initially meant for the rich and famous.

However, that notorious decade saw mafia bosses actively leading gambling rings around the area throughout the years. Al Capone himself notably set up his at The Clay Hotel on Washington Avenue, which is now known as Esme Miami Beach.

The land boom turned to bust and the crippling hurricane of 1926 brought Miami and Miami Beach to a state of disrepair. Eventually, Española Way rose from the ashes in the early ‘80s. Renovations and restorations were carried out to its historic structures – down to their every old-world-inspired details.

What’s to see along Española Way?

The strip successfully recaptured some of the bohemian vibes of the artists' colony that its founders originally envisioned. After the turn of the millennium, a $2.5 million revitalisation brought new cobblestone paths and fresh sidewalks, as well as improved landscaping and street lighting.

The colonial architecture-filled Española Way today is a walking street you can enjoy any time of day – it gets truly vivid after sunset. Almost a century old, The Clay Hotel was transformed and eventually became a sort of crown jewel. It’s the unofficial landmark where you can start your strolls along the walking street.

As South Beach’s hippest hangout spot, it features cool bars, clubs, and restaurants that mostly stay open all night throughout the week. The striking architecture, the legendary hotel, and the Cameo Night Club have all served as a backdrop for various TV shows, Hollywood movies, and music videos, including for the ‘80s hit series Miami Vice.

Where to shop along Española Way?

Notable speciality stores on Española Way include White Cotton Club with its resortwear collection using fine white Egyptian cotton, made for ladies, gents, and kids. Another variety of tropicalwear and exotic jewellery is featured at Sobe Wear, a short stroll west.

Española Bar & Lounge Cigar Shop is a speciality boutique and a world-class craft cigar bar and lounge, which preserves a part of Española Way’s Prohibition-era vibe with full-service hand-rolled cigars and hookahs paired with Southern-influenced cuisine and cocktails.

Stroll along Española Way on a weekend and you’ll come across its Saturday or Sunday marketplace. These weekly occasions feature vendors selling everything from fresh-cut flowers to handcrafted jewellery and nifty gear like sunglasses that you can pick up before hitting the shore.

Where to eat on Española Way?

Many spots have rows of parasol-shaded table setups that flow onto the sidewalk, allowing you to dine or sip cocktails alfresco. Check out the osteria-style Hosteria Romana for wine and pasta, or Mercato Della Pescheria for Italian seafood and Aperol Spritz.

Hit Havana 1957 for Cuban bites and rum cocktails against a buzzing backdrop of old Havana memorabilia. For casual Parisian vibes with French delights like crêpes and coffee, grab a sidewalk table at A La Folie Café.

Good to know about Española Way

Española Way is right in the heart of South Beach, a 5-minute walk north along Pennsylvania Avenue or a 7-minute walk west from South Beach’s sandy shoreline and the iconic Ocean Drive. It’s a 15-minute drive east of Downtown Miami via MacArthur Causeway.

Española Way’s weekend farmers’ market is usually held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 4 pm and 10 pm, between 14th and 15th Streets.