If Espanola Way seems oddly familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen it before. To jog your memory, this eclectic area (once a hangout for the wealthy in the Roaring Twenties), has served as the backdrop for numerous TV series and films, including Miami Vice. It has an accessible location north of 14th Street, between Washington and Jefferson Avenues. The history of Espanola Way is an interesting one: It has gone from being at the top of the heap to being just a heap, and is now right back on top again. It first reached prominence in the 1920s as a place for the wealthy to meet, greet and make deals. Desi Arnaz helped bring the rumba and conga into vogue, as the rich and famous danced the nights away. The area later became popular with writers and the gangsters who controlled nationwide gambling syndicates, such as Al Capone. With time, the rich moved on, and glum replaced glam.

By the ‘70s, Espanola Way was largely dilapidated, but it soon saw a renaissance. By the middle of the ‘80s, full-scale development projects gave the neighborhood back its groove and preserved historic buildings. Restoration advocates including Linda Polansky and Barbara Capitman led the way for revitalization. These days, Espanola Way boasts a decidedly bohemian edge, with a variety of fascinating nooks and crannies. There is the famous Clay Hotel, whose peach-sherbet-colored walls now house a massive youth hostel. Outdoor cafes such as A La Folie and a wide array of street vendors hawking their wares make it an ideal place for a weekend stroll. There are also several excellent art galleries that help to further enrich your experience with works by both locals and international figures – try the Espanola Way Art Center or the Miami Beach Cinematheque and Gallery.