Five ways Miami has changed: Old photos tell the story

Old Miami photos capture dramatic shifts in the city's identity. Storied landmarks like the Americana and Dupont Plaza once defined the hotel scene, showing off grand lobbies and classic architecture now replaced by luxury towers. Neighborhoods such as Little Havana flourished with Cuban influence and the sounds of Celia Cruz.

Westchester’s archives recall lively days at Bird Bowl and Tropical Park, while bustling hubs like Bayside Marketplace and CocoWalk reimagined social life in the city. Vintage movie theaters like Kelly’s Theater and the Olympia transport us back to an era of ornate venues, revealing how entertainment shaped Miami’s spirit.

Let's take a look at the old photos.

NO. 1: HOTELS IN MIAMI USED TO LOOK LIKE THAT? SEE LANDMARKS THAT HELPED PUT THE 305 ON MAP

Take a look at these photos for a step back in time. | Published October 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

NO. 2: WESTCHESTER USED TO LOOK LIKE THAT? SEE THE SHOPPING, HORSE TRACK AND RESTAURANTS

Several of the attractions are still open. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

NO. 3: LITTLE HAVANA USED TO LOOK LIKE THAT? SEE THE OLD PICTURES FROM THE 1960S, ’70S AND ’80S

The president had lunch there. | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archive

NO. 4: COCOWALK AND BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE CHANGED MIAMI. SEE HOW LANDMARKS LOOKED AT THE START

They looked different in these early photos. | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

NO. 5: DO YOU REMEMBER THESE OLD MIAMI MOVIE THEATERS? SEE WHAT THEY LOOKED LIKE BACK WHEN

They were like palaces. No multiplexes then. | Published March 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.