10 Places to Visit Across the US in Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, National Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to highlight the many historical and cultural achievements of the Hispanic and Latinx populations in the United States. National Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 under President Lydon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week and in 1988 President Ronald Regan extended it to a month-long celebration.

Today, there are festivals and community events across the country that mark the important month-long celebration — as well as museums, national parks and lively neighborhoods that can be visited year-round. From Miami to Los Angeles, consider visiting these 10 sites across the United States during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.

One of Miami’s most visited neighborhoods, Little Havana is filled with Cuban restaurants, cafes, bakeries and art galleries. It’s also home to Maximo Gomez Park, also known as Domino Park, where locals gather to play dominos. Visitors should also check out Versailles, Miami’s beloved Cuban restaurant, for a classic Cuban sandwich. Every March, Little Havana comes alive with the Calle Ocho Music Festival which features a lively street party and big musical acts. A visit to Little Havana should also include a visit to El Titan De Bronze to see Cuban cigars being rolled by hand.

Located in Chicago's Humboldt State Park, The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture is a repository of rotating exhibits that showcase Puerto Rico’s vibrant artwork. Along with work from new artists, the museum has a permanent collection of art that dates back to the late 18th century. The museum opened in 2000, and guests can look forward to the many oil paintings, photographs and sculptures that tell the story of Puerto Rico’s rich heritage.

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Olvera Street is a colorful, tree-lined lane in the oldest part of the city. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles, the main attraction is a marketplace that dates back to the 1930s where visitors can spend an afternoon watching folklore dancers, listening to Mariachi bands and shopping the family-owned vendors selling Mexican folk art. Several times a year, residents take to the streets for festivals like Cinco de Mayo, Dia De Los Muertos and Fiestas Patrias, which celebrates Mexican Independence Day.