Exploring South Beach with kids on Española Way

As I explain in my guidebook Miami for Families, the South Beach neighborhood on Miami Beach can be a fantastic destination when you're traveling to Miami with kids. You simply need to know where to go! The book details the beach itself, Lincoln Road, parks, and children's attractions, but today post focuses specifically on beautiful Española Way. This pedestrian street has a long history of attracting tourists and travelers. Its Spanish-style architecture make for a pretty backdrop for a family meal, for lunch or for dinner, when strings of lights create a fairytale like atmosphere.

(Pretty, historic Española Way on Miami's South Beach. Photo (c) Zickie Allgrove.)

You'll find Española Way two blocks away from the popular waterfront strip, Ocean Drive. The street begins just off Washington Avenue, one block south of 15th Street. Dating from 1925, it was designed to appeal to an upscale crowd and to mimic the Mediterranean charm of southern Spain. Some of the people it attracted were notorious in their own right, including famous gangster Al Capone, who allegedly gambled in the building now called The Clay Hotel.

(A pink flamingo greets you at the Clay Hotel. Photo (c) Zickie Allgrove.)

Today you won't find gambling, of course, but shops and restaurants which feature both indoor and outdoor dining. It's the outdoor dining that often appeals to children, because they get to watch people and pet poochies amble past, and it just feels less confining. And while Española Way can become pretty lively at night, it's still quieter and calmer than Ocean Drive. So why not head here for a nice break and the historic vibe?

(The entrance to Española Way. Photo (c) Zickie Allgrove.)

What kind of dining can you expect to find here? Well, there's Oh! Mexico, with its yummy Mexican specialties (including a tasty margarita should one of the grown-ups want to indulge). Havana 1957 evokes Cuba of yesteryear and serves up Cuban classics with sides of black beans and rice. You can enjoy European cuisine with flair at Nuvo, or Spanish dishes and plate-sized snacks at Tapas & Tintos. Children and adults alike love the crepes at A la Folie, a French cafe. If you're just looking for a little dessert, Milani Gelateria will cater to your craving with its Italian ice cream. Or check out MYC, my yogurt cafe, for a healthy treat.

(A delicious sandwich on French baguette at A la Folie. Photo (c) Zickie Allgrove.)

With its international cuisine, relaxed attitude, and quaint setting, Española Way makes for an easy, welcome break during a South Beach adventure. Ready for more family-friendly tips? Get a copy of Miami for Families for a complete chapter on South Beach, with attractions rated according to children's ages and advice on everything from transportation to what to do on a rainy day.