Along with Upper Buena Vista just north of it, the Miami Design District dates back to the 1890's when it was a small village, home to cracker's who migrated from Georgia and North Carolina to farm pineapples in Florida. Along with Lemon City and Little River, Upper Buena Vista and the Miami Design District are the oldest settlements in Miami. Many of the homes here date to Florida's land bloom years of the 1920's when the first subdivisions were built.
Twenty years ago Miami native Craig Robins recognized the potential of this part of Miami and he started purchasing buildings in the neighborhood for the purpose of creating a place with exceptional architecture, design and experiences. L Catterton joined Robins as a partner in 2011 and encouraged luxury brands to move into the Design District. Today there are more than 120 flagship luxury stores in the district along with restaurants, public art, event spaces, museums, and galleries.
There are four parking garages in the design district. I \have only used the Museum Garage and it is only $3 to park. There is also some limited street parking. I love to come here to nosh, window shop, take pictures, and see free art. It is also a pretty awesome place to people watch. If you are looking for something different to do in Miami, the Design District is full of fun surprises. You can subscribe to the Miami Design District newsletter on their website, follow them on Instagram, or like them on Facebook to stay on top of all the happenings.