The Neighborhood of El Portal

Community Info

The Village of El Portal is a small village tucked away in a small forest. The neighborhood is roughly bounded by West Little River to the south, Miami Shores to the north and east, and Miami to the west. Mediterranean inspired architecture hidden by the thick greenery and tall oak and poinsettia trees, making it one of Miami’s most undetectable – but beautiful – neighborhoods. A tiny bit isolated from the hustle and bustle, it’s a quick 2-minute ride to food and entertainment you will find in Miami Shores and West Little River. If you like being incognito, and want to be surrounded by nature, El Portal awaits.

Here are just a few things that make the El Portal neighborhood stand out:

Lost village feel: El Portal is so small, most people drive by it without ever noticing. It’s not even a half square mile in size! But what it doesn’t have in wide open spaces, it has in natural beauty. The neighborhood is under a hundred-year-old canopy, the streets are winding, and the homes hidden behind wild foliage. If what you want is seclusion, look no further. Hide in El Portal.

Live in a protected forest: El Portal has been designated a bird sanctuary by the state for over 50 years, which means that trees cannot be cut down, and birds cannot be harmed in any way. So when a peacock crosses the street, we suggest you let it pass. There is also a nature trail that runs through the village – probably for bird watching.

Active community: The tiny community is very environmentally conscious, and has workshops on growing and taking care of your plants. That, and annual picnics for just about everything – Arbor Day, Armed Forces Day, July the Fourth BBQ – it’s a friendly place.

Location: We love how close you are to other great communities – and the ability to burrow back into the El Portal’s warm bosom. It’s a great place to either make your home base for new adventures or just live a hermit-like existence. We approve.

A short history of the El Portal neighborhood:

  • Incorporated on December 6, 1937, this tiny village was formerly the capital of the Tequesta tribal area.
  • “El Portal” is Spanish for “the gate” – relating to the two massive wooden gates at the entrance of the village that were taken down in the 1940s.
  • Soul singer Betty Wright and her family were longtime residents of El Portal.
  • Comedian Clerow “Flip” Wilson of the “Flip Wilson Show” and “People are Funny” made El Portal his home for a while.

Restaurants & Attractions

Some of our favorite places to dine around El Portal:

Sherwood’s Bistro: If you’re a big portions type of person, you need Sherwoods. Serving thick, delicious America fare, it will be a meal that satisfies. First, take in the environment – most of the interior is adorned in repurposed tile and hardware from France. It’s like being transported to a family-run restaurant outside of Paris. It sets the mood for the deliciously un-French meal coming your way. Eat. Come for brunch and they offer bottomless mimosas. Go ahead. Say no to that. That’s what we thought.

Taquiza: Deep in the back of the Citadel Food Hall is an amazing taco shop – Taquiza. The hand-made tortillas using blue masa – gluten-free tortillas and chips – is ground every day onsite. Blending traditional taco recipe with a season-rich twist makes every bite a new day in taco heaven. Our favorite – the quesadillas – made with squash blossom, chihuahua and cotija with beans. Try them.

Palma Juice Co.: Also in the Citadel, the Palma Juice Co. creates freshly-squeezed juice concoctions that can lift you from any doldrum. Feeling a little tired. There’s a juice for that. Coming down with a cold? There’s a juice for that. Plus, they have smoothies and acai bowls. Healthy vittles.

Favorite things to do in and around El Portal:

The Citadel: This new addition to the West Little River neighborhood on the edge of El Portal is not only a 15-restaurant food hall, but also a rooftop bar and music venue. A convenient stop for food, gelato, baked goods and a much needed glass of wine. Mornings you can join a yoga class on the rooftop, and evenings you can watch great Miami musical artists take the stage until the wee hours – on the rooftop.

The Mound: The Tequesta Indian Burial Mound lies in the heart of the El Portal Village, in the Sherwood section. It is the first archaeological site to be publicly recognized and preserved in Miami-Dade County – go by and contemplate this prehistoric wonder.

Miami Shores Recreation/Community Center and Aquatic Park: We know – this is a Miami Shores joint – but the good news is that it’s open to all. Considering you are neighbors, why not share the cool stuff? Programs for kids and adults – including soccer, baseball, basketball, sewing, tumbling, bridge, dance, and much more. You can also use the Aquatic Center and do some laps in their 8-lane competition pool while the kids shoot water cannons at each other in the water park. It’s the neighborly thing to do.

Miami Shores Downtown: You’re so lucky. As an El Portal resident you will be sandwiched between two hip areas. The aforementioned Citadel to the south, and Miami Shoes Downtown to the north. Stroll the small shops, restaurants and parks to jump – generally within a walking distance from your home.

El Portal Demographics

  • There are 2,325 people living in El Portal.
  • The median age is 36 years old.
  • The average family size had 3.59 members.
  • Median household income is $101,047.00

Distance to popular areas
South Beach: 10.9 miles
Design District: 3 miles
Midtown: 3.5 mile
Wynwood: 4 miles
Downtown Miami: 7.2 miles
Brickell City Center: 7.7 miles
Miami International Airport: 8.6 miles
Aventura Mall: 8.6 miles

Neighborhood Schools

Public Schools
El Portal Elementary School (K-5)
Horace Mann Middle School (6-8)
Miami Edison High School (9-12)
Doctors Charter School (6-12)

Private Schools
Miami Country Day School
El Portal Presbyterian Church School
El Portal Baptist Church Academy
El Portal Community School
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School

Colleges and universities
Barry University

Are you in love with El Portal?

Email or call me (305.318.8557) to learn more, talk about what’s available and hopefully visit a few of these amazing homes. I can’t wait to show you around.