8th St Southeast, Brickell

is a combination of extreme lifestyles. During daylight hours typically Calle Ocho is a residential environment with individuals and families going about the business of daily life. There is a gated oasis called The Miami River Inn which is a short drive east on Calle Ocho toward downtown Miami. A series of four renovated historic houses, with gardens and a swimming pool, sit nestled on the west side of the Miami River. You get a glimpse of the water from some of the third floor rooms. It's like a little piece of Key West in the city. There are also several historical sights worth visiting. At night is when the street comes alive with live music and good food. This is when the crowd changes to young and hip singles and couples out to have a good time. The restaurants and bodegas in Miami are the best in the world and some of them are located on this street.

SE 8th street is a little road leading onto Brickell Island. The street itself allows drivers an amazing view of the bay. However, the main attraction that I wish to speak of is the Azul restaurant. This is a beautiful restaurant that is right on the coast, and consequently has a breathtaking view. Besides this, though, the food is excellent, and the employees are very friendly. I say this place is a must visit for those visiting Miami!

Calle Ocho is the quintessential tourist spot in Miami for anyone wishing to get a splash of Cuban culture. Calle Ocho is fairly clean and orderly, though traffic can get backed up sometimes. The restaurants and bodegas are a must-visit, as well as Domino Park, the Bay of Pigs memorial, and the Jose Martí statue. Shopping is definitely for the value-conscious (not the fashionable crowd).

Calle Ocho, or 8th St., is the center of Little Havana. Probably everyone identifies Miami with the Cuban expatriate community, and this neighborhood is where they make their home. Eighth St. is littered with monuments to figures in the Cuban community (like Celia Cruz, Jose Marti, and the Bay of Pigs monument).

This area isn't as pretty as other parts of Miami in the sense of impressive architecture. Rather, it's all about the sense of culture.

If you're in the area, you MUST eat some authentic Cuban food. If you're chicken, just get an authentic Cuban sandwich. If you're brave, go to a restaurant and try a little of everything. Versailles is good, but any restaurant that can survive in this area has to be really good to cut it.