Miami in 1 Day for Friends - Meet at the Bay of Pigs Monument for a guided history introduction
In Collaboration with Miami Beach Welcome Center. Updated on February 6, 2026.
A 2 hour 45 minute private walking tour led by a Cuban podcaster and local guide highlighting cigar rolling, Domino Park, CubaOcho museum stories, authentic pastries, fritas and live music at Ball & Chain. Includes coffee/brunch items during the route.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Miami Beach Welcome Center, inspired by the tour Little Havana Tour Private Cuban Podcaster Art, Museums, Music. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet at the Bay of Pigs Monument for a guided history introduction
- Live cigar rolling demonstration and Cuban cigar history
- Watch passionate domino games at Máximo Gómez Park (Domino Park)
- Visit CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts and Tower Theater area
- Taste Cuban pastries / frita-style burger at a classic Little Havana eatery
- Finish with live music & mojitos at Ball & Chain
Itinerary
Day 1
Private 2h45 walking tour with a Cuban podcaster guide — local history, food, cigar craft and live music. Comfortable shoes recommended; this route is mostly flat along Calle Ocho with short walking segments between stops.
Meet at the Bay of Pigs Monument — tour intro
Gather at the Bay of Pigs Monument (Monumento a la Brigada 2506) for a 10-minute orientation. Your guide (a Cuban podcaster with deep family ties to Cuban tobacco and exile history) will introduce the day’s route and share the historical context that frames Little Havana.
Tips from local experts:
- Best group photo: stand on the monument base facing SW 9th St for golden-hour light in spring afternoons.
- Accessibility: the monument area is step-free and shaded — good for quick wheelchair/stroller access while the guide briefs the group.
- Arrive 5 minutes early to meet your guide and avoid blocking pedestrian flow on the sidewalk — the guide will be holding a small sign or wearing a branded cap.
Cigar rolling demonstration & Cuban cigar history
Visit a traditional Little Havana cigar shop for a live cigar-rolling demo and a guided talk on Cuban cigar heritage — learn how Cuban exile communities preserved the craft and how cigars shaped local culture.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask questions — the rollers love showing their technique and will explain tobacco origins (great for group conversations and photos).
- If you plan to buy cigars, bring cash: many small shops accept cash more readily and can offer small-group discounts.
- Camera etiquette: ask before filming close-up rolling — most rollers are happy to let you film a short clip but prefer no flash.
Máximo Gómez Park (Domino Park) — watch dominoes & local life
Stroll to Domino Park to watch the energetic games that are the heartbeat of Little Havana. Your guide will explain the social rituals, point out regulars and share stories tying the park to Cuban exile memory.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand back and watch for a few minutes — the best insights come from listening to the banter and reading body language between players.
- Respect the players: don’t rearrange dominoes or sit at a table unless you're invited. Your guide can facilitate polite interaction if the group wants to join.
- The park has shaded benches — a good quick rest stop for groups; take photos from the walkway for candid shots of the games.
CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts — Calle Ocho stories
Short cultural stop at CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts to see Cuban artifacts, hear founder stories and view the colorful gallery spaces. The guide will also point out the nearby Tower Theater and other Calle Ocho landmarks while sharing lesser-known anecdotes.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for the museum’s highlight — they often have a personal anecdote or connection to a specific exhibit that makes it come alive.
- If the museum is busy, focus on a few standout pieces — the guide will recommend 2–3 must-see items to keep the pace lively for groups.
- Restroom note: if your group needs facilities, the guide will direct you to the nearest accessible restroom — take this short break before continuing the walk.
Local eats — Cuban pastries, frita-style burger & neighborhood market pass-by
Sample Cuban pastries (pastelitos) and a traditional frita-style burger at a classic Little Havana eatery. Your guide will also show a Cuban-owned supermarket and point out everyday staples that locals buy — a compact food crawl to taste authentic flavors.
Tips from local experts:
- Share plates: order a few pastelitos and a frita to split so the group can taste more — many dishes are ideal for sharing among friends.
- Dietary heads-up: many bakeries use lard or butter; tell staff about allergies — most places are used to accommodating reasonable requests.
- If you want iced coffee or agua fresca for the group, ask the server for pitcher-sized options or multiple small cups to share — saves time and keeps the group moving.
Ball & Chain — live music, mojitos & Cuban nightlife vibe
Head to Ball & Chain for an extended stop to enjoy live music, salsa rhythms and the venue’s storied atmosphere. Your guide will recommend drinks and seats, and you’ll have time to dance or simply soak up the local scene.
Tips from local experts:
- Best group seating: ask the staff for a table near the stage if you want easy access to dancing and the band — they routinely reserve small group areas for private tours.
- Drink hack: the house mojitos are a crowd favorite — ask the server about shareable options or pitchers for groups to keep costs down.
- Photo tip: the colorful façade is iconic for group shots; go early in the stop for photos before the interior gets busier during live sets.
Wrap-up on Calle Ocho — Q&A, local tips & photo round
Finish with a 15-minute debrief along Calle Ocho where your guide will answer questions, point out other local favorites and offer personalized recommendations for the evening or next day.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for local-after-dark suggestions (late-night cafecito spots, salsa clubs) tailored to your group’s energy and plans.
- If you’re buying souvenirs, the guide will point out reputable shops along Calle Ocho to avoid tourist-markup stalls.
- Plan your onward journey: your guide can arrange a short taxi/ride-share pickup right from Calle Ocho — great for groups with purchases or tired walkers.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Experience, Culture, Restaurant, Nightlife, Neighborhood |
