Maximo Gomez Park

Where Cuban Heritage Comes Alive

Found in the vibrant heart of Little Havana, Maximo Gomez Park - or as the locals affectionately call it, Domino Park - might be small in size but looms large in cultural significance. Perched on the corner of Southwest 8th Street (Calle Ocho) and 15th Avenue, this urban hideaway has been the soul of Miami's Cuban community since the 1970s.

Established in 1976, the park honors Máximo Gómez, a revered hero from Cuba's War of Independence. What started as a simple gathering space quickly evolved into something much more meaningful - a little piece of home where Cuban-American seniors could connect, share stories, and keep their cherished traditions alive through the click-clack of domino tiles.

Covered pavilion provides shade for domino players in the heart of the park

Photo: Phillip Pessar (CC BY 2.0)

What You'll Find

Despite covering just 5,460 square feet (roughly the size of two tennis courts), the park packs in plenty of character. You'll immediately notice the domino-themed tilework that gives the space its personality, alongside comfortable shaded pavilions great for those marathon game sessions. Oak and Brazilian beauty trees provide natural canopies, while splashes of color come from decorative plants like the exotic bird-of-paradise.

The park's visual centerpiece is undoubtedly the impressive mural stretching across the back wall. Created by Dominican artist Oscar Thomas, it depicts the presidents who attended the first Summit of the Americas in Miami back in 1994 - a subtle nod to the park's historical context.

Practical amenities include clean restrooms and those all-important shaded areas that offer refuge from Miami's relentless sun. Trust us, you'll appreciate this thoughtful design when temperatures soar!

The park is nicknamed Domino Park as seen here above the main entrance

Photo: Phillip Pessar (CC BY 2.0)

The Heart of the Community

The domino games that unfold here daily aren't casual pastimes - they're serious business. The park maintains a certain exclusivity: to participate in the official games, you need to be over 55 and a Miami resident. This preserves the space as a genuine community hub rather than just another tourist attraction.

Don't let that deter you from visiting, though. You're more than welcome to watch the action unfold. The concentration on players' faces as they strategize their next move is fascinating, and occasionally, a friendly regular might even explain the finer points of the game if you show genuine interest.

Bust of Máximo Gómez welcomes visitors to the small park

Photo: Phillip Pessar (CC BY 2.0)

Beyond the Games

On the last Friday of each month, cultural celebrations spill onto the surrounding streets with music and festivities that showcase Little Havana's rich heritage.

Fridays also bring an artisan market right next to the park from 11 AM to 7 PM, where you can browse local crafts and soak in even more of that authentic Cuban atmosphere.

Painted dominoes on the ground next to the park

Photo: Phillip Pessar (CC BY 2.0)

The Neighborhood

Maximo Gomez Park sits perfectly positioned within Little Havana's colorful landscape. Step outside the park's boundaries and you'll find yourself surrounded by family-owned Cuban restaurants, aromatic coffee shops, traditional cigar stores, and vibrant street art. It's the ideal jumping-off point for exploring everything Calle Ocho has to offer.

As the domino tiles click and Spanish conversations flow around you, you might momentarily forget you're in Florida altogether - which is what makes this place feel so authentic.