Best Photography Locations in Little Havana Miami

Not knowing Little Havana's prime photography locations can lead to wasted time searching for the right backdrops and mediocre images. Based on my experiences as a fashion, lifestyle, and commercial photographer, I'm sharing the best Little Havana photography locations in Miami, so you can photograph the neighborhood's thriving Cuban-American culture.

Best Little Havana Photography Locations in Miami

Cultural hubs like Calle Ocho, Cubaocho Museum, Futurama 1637, and Miami-Dade College's Tower Theater capture the neighborhood's heritage. For lively settings, Cafe La Trova, Azucar Ice Cream Factory, Life House Boutique Hotel, and Selina Miami River Hotel offer interesting perspectives. Outdoor spaces like LoanDepot Park, Domino Park, and José Martí Park also provide ample space for lifestyle shoots.

Little Havana features a diverse range of photography locations that showcase its rich history and culture. Whether you're looking for something to highlight local heritage or add a touch of urban modernity, there's a place in the neighborhood for your photos.

Table containing location and its best features

1. Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, Street Life, Landmarks, and Historical Insights

The colorful street life of Little Havana offers a variety of photo opportunities. From the bustle of local markets to the lively chatter of cafes, every corner of Calle Ocho tells a story. Street vendors, musicians, and artists line the sidewalks, giving you a chance to capture everyday moments.

Note that Miami's annual Calle Ocho Festival happens every March. The celebration draws around one million attendees every year, so make sure to plan your timeline properly if you really need to book your shoot around this time. Despite that, Calle Ocho remains popular among photographers because of its:

  • Street art and murals that provide colorful backdrops

  • Authentic Cuban restaurants and cafes

  • Historic landmarks and buildings that showcase Little Havana's heritage

  • Lively street life and local characters that add energy to photos

A couple sitting outside with a man performing music in front of them

2. Life House, Little Havana

Life House, Little Havana, is another unique spot for capturing memorable photographs. The guava-pink-hued building makes it instantly eye-catching. The tropical vibe of the exterior is perfect for colorful shots.

The hotel also has a garden area, which offers a lush, green backdrop, which is an excellent spot for nature-themed photo sessions. I recommend organizing your photo shoot at Life House if you're looking to incorporate these elements in your photos:

  • Stylish, tropical-inspired design elements throughout the property

  • Rooftop terrace with city views for skyline shots

  • Vintage-meets-modern decor in rooms and common areas

  • Lush courtyard with palm trees and local plants

3. LoanDepot Park

Located in the heart of Little Havana, LoanDepot Park is a state-of-the-art stadium that offers fantastic photo opportunities. Being the home of the Miami Marlins, it has a lively ambiance perfect for action shots.

Suppose you need a photography location for your sports equipment or activewear brand, these stadium's elements can improve the storytelling of your images.

  • Striking modern architecture with a retractable roof

  • Colorful Miami Marlins branding and artwork throughout

  • Palm trees and tropical landscaping around the exterior

  • Panoramic views of the Miami skyline from upper levels

4. Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center

Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center is one of the top photography spots in the neighborhood because of its fusion of art, music, and history. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Cuban art from the 1800s to 1956. 

You'll also find unique settings inside the center, including a fine art gallery, a bar, and a cigar shop. These diverse elements offer plenty of opportunities for creative shots.

  • Extensive collection of Cuban art for cultural backdrops

  • Ornate interior with vintage furniture and decorations

  • Live music performances can add atmosphere to shots

  • Outdoor patio with murals and tropical plants

Four women taking a picture outside

5. Futurama 1637 Art Building

Established in 2011, Futurama 1637 Art Building offers a creative space right in the heart of this colorful neighborhood. The building itself is home to 12 artist studios and several galleries, making it a hub for creativity and artistic expression.

Futurama is a great place to experiment with photography themes, letting photographers maximize the building's unique elements:

  • Converted warehouse with industrial-chic aesthetics

  • Rotating exhibitions of contemporary art for diverse backdrops

  • Large-scale murals on exterior walls

  • Open, well-lit spaces ideal for indoor shoots

6. Máximo Gómez Park

Máximo Gómez Park, also called Domino Park, is a lively spot in Little Havana. Named after a Cuban revolutionary, this park is ideal for capturing the spirit of Miami's Cuban culture. Hispanic ancestry is prominent in the neighborhood, with 38% coming from Cuban ancestry.

Do you want your photos to represent Cuban culture? Here’s why Máximo Gómez Park is the perfect spot for your photo shoot:

  • Cuban atmosphere with locals playing dominos

  • Colorful tiles and mosaic artwork

  • Lush tropical vegetation surrounding the park

  • Iconic Little Havana landmark with cultural significance

A set of relaxing chairs outside

7. Cafe La Trova

Cafe La Trova is best known for its vintage Cuban atmosphere and lively ambiance. The decor and atmosphere give a genuine feel of Havana, enhancing the storytelling aspect in your photos. The presentation of traditional Cuban dishes can be a feast for the eyes.

Whether it's for a print or digital advertisement shoot, I can add a sense of motion in your photos as I include this restaurant's:

  • Vintage Cuban-inspired decor and neon signage

  • Live music performances for dynamic action shots

  • Ornate bar area with expert mixologists at work

  • Outdoor seating area capturing street life

8. Azucar Ice Cream Factory

Azucar Ice Cream Factory is an ice cream shop that offers more than just delicious treats. It provides a picturesque backdrop bursting with color and culture.

The natural light during the day complements the exterior mural, while the indoor lighting is ideal for evening shoots. Perfect for youthful commercial shoots, I can take your photos at Azucar to add a pop of color by maximizing the building's:

  • Whimsical ice cream cone sculpture on building exterior

  • Colorful interior with Cuban-inspired artwork

  • Variety of ice cream flavors for food photography

  • Bustling street corner location capturing neighborhood energy

9. Miami-Dade College's Tower Theater

Built in 1926, Miami-Dade College's Tower Theater blends old and new with its classic architecture and modern updates. The historic landmark's classic design elements are perfect for dramatic, timeless photos.

When your photo shoot needs more architectural aspects, I recommend scheduling your shoot here at the theater to take advantage of these elements:

  • Iconic Art Deco facade with neon signage

  • Historic movie theater with vintage charm

  • Cultural events and film screenings add liveliness

  • Landmark status in Little Havana's cultural landscape

10. José Martí Park

José Martí Park is a hidden gem in East Little Havana. Named after the famous Cuban poet and freedom fighter, this 8.9-acre park offers a mix of nature and culture, perfect for most photography themes.

The park is filled with lush green spaces along the Miami River. It's a great spot for nature shots, especially with the beautiful waterfront views. Consider this as your photography location if you need these outdoor elements:

  • Waterfront location along the Miami River

  • Statue of José Martí for historical context

  • Open green spaces with tropical foliage

  • Views of downtown Miami skyline

11. Selina Miami River Hotel

Nestled by the river, the Selina Miami River Hotel offers a charming and picturesque setting for photography. The hotel is surrounded by pastel-colored, 1920s Old Florida bungalows. When looking for a nostalgic ambiance, this hotel is perfect for capturing photos with a vintage flair.

In my experience as a fashion photographer hotels often provide relatable context in most kinds of clothing, from ready-to-wear lines to haute couture. At Selina Miami, I can make your brand and products stand out in the pictures while having these features serve as timeless backdrops:

  • Modern, artistic interiors with eclectic furnishings

  • Rooftop pool with panoramic city views

  • Riverside location with water vistas

  • Co-working spaces and common areas with diverse aesthetics

A woman sitting beside the pool

Related Questions

Why Is Little Havana Popular for Photo Shoots?

Little Havana is popular for photo shoots due to its Cuban-American culture, colorful street art, and iconic landmarks that provide unique and visually striking backdrops. The neighborhood's authentic atmosphere, historic architecture, and lively street scenes offer photographers a diverse range of subjects and settings to capture the essence of Miami's cultural heritage.

How Can I Have Good Pictures in Little Havana?

To have good pictures in Little Havana, focus on capturing the neighborhood's colors, unique architecture, and lively street scenes during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for optimal lighting. Engage with residents (with their permission) and explore hidden gems off the main streets to capture authentic moments and lesser-known perspectives of this culturally rich area.

How Can I Choose the Best Photography Location in Little Havana?

To choose the best photography spot in Little Havana, research popular spots like Calle Ocho, while also exploring underrated areas to find unique settings. During the planning stage, I can also show you my portfolio of photo shoots in Miami to explain how factors like time of the day, lighting conditions, and certain themes can influence your choice.

Conclusion

From iconic landmarks to vibrant cultural hubs, Little Havana can bring your photo session ideas to life. As you explore these stunning spots, I can create a professional and attractive portfolio for your brand that incorporates the neighborhood's rich culture, history, and contemporary life.

Zachary Good