Overview
Overtown is a historically African-American neighborhood located just north of downtown Miami and is considered part of Miami's Central District. It is also Miami’s poorest neighborhood. The majority of its residents (75%) are African-Americans, though the White and Hispanic population has been increasing. The town was formed because of Jim Crow laws restricting where African-Americans could live.
3 sights · 1 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Overtown
Lyric Theater
Built by Geder Walker, this theater was opened in 1913 and was a major African-American entertainment destination until the 1960s. Performers from Count Basie to BB King to Aretha Franklin have performed there. Do not en…
D.A. Dorsey House
Home of the first African-American millionaire in Miami. It is a private home, so don't expect to get a tour of the place.
Old Black Police Precinct
Used from 1950 to 1962, when the Precinct was finally integrated with the main police station.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 61°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Sep. (climate data from nearby Miami)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MIA Miami International Airport, Miami — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
- OPF Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, Miami — 10 mi away. Directions
Overtown is accessible by Metrorail at the Overtown station from Downtown Miami, as well as the School Board station on the Metromover.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Lyric Theater, D.A. Dorsey House
- Lunch Jackson Soul Food Restaurant
- Afternoon Old Black Police Precinct
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Overtown was originally known as Colored Town, and was an exclusively Black neighborhood during segregation.
In its heyday, Overtown had several theatres, nightclubs, schools and other facilities that African-Americans could use without infringing on territory intended only for white people. Famous African-Americans such as Josephine Baker, Zora Neale Hurston and W.E.B. DuBois stayed in Overtown.
When Jim Crow laws were overturned, many African-Americans moved out of Overtown, and the neighborhood began to decline. Demolished buildings in the 1970s and incidents that disturbed the neighborhood in the 1980s made Overtown fall further into disrepair. Today developers are trying to create new housing and businesses in the area to get middle-class residents to come to the area; this is called the Overtown Renaissance.
Get in
Overtown is accessible by Metrorail at the Overtown station from Downtown Miami, as well as the School Board station on the Metromover.
See
See Lyric Theater
Built by Geder Walker, this theater was opened in 1913 and was a major African-American entertainment destination until the 1960s. Performers from Count Basie to BB King to Aretha Franklin have performed there. Do not enter, this place is gated off and it does not function as a theater any longer.
See D.A. Dorsey House
Home of the first African-American millionaire in Miami. It is a private home, so don't expect to get a tour of the place.
See Old Black Police Precinct
Used from 1950 to 1962, when the Precinct was finally integrated with the main police station.
Buy
There are many convenience stores throughout the area as well as some cheap clothing stores and food. However, they may be fake so watch out what you buy out there such as the purses and shoes.
Eat
Eat Jackson Soul Food Restaurant
Stay safe
Despite the Renaissance attempt to revive the community, there are still murders and sex crimes in Overtown. Crime occurs like in any other place, but drug activity is common all day & night, and as the Miami Vice saying goes: "Where there's drugs, there's violence."
Nearby
Miami Beach
City / town · 2 listings · 4 mi away
Coral Gables
City / town · 29 listings · 6 mi away
Key Biscayne
City / town · 7 listings · 7 mi away
Hialeah
City / town · 14 listings · 8 mi away
Surfside
City / town · 6 listings · 8 mi away
Bay Harbor Islands
City / town · 2 listings · 8 mi away
Doral
City / town · 8 listings · 10 mi away
North Miami Beach
City / town · 6 listings · 10 mi away
My experience
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