Fellow explorers! Ready to embark on a sun-soaked adventure along Miami’s most iconic shores? From the historic Art Deco gems to the trendiest hotspots, come along with me as we dive into the vibrant tapestry of South Beach’s rich culture, history, and pure beachside bliss.
Note: This blog article is purely based on personal preferences, and there is no sponsorship involved. The recommendations provided are entirely independent, reflecting genuine experiences and choices.
Let’s begin by locating ourselves on the map!
Our exploration will focus on the areas marked in red and green below.
Positioned east of downtown and to the south of Bayshore and mid-beach.
Red : South Beach, Flamingo – Lummus
Green: South Beach, “SoFi” (pronounced So-FEE) for “South of 5th Avenue”
Do I need a car?
Here’s a golden rule for many US cities: when it comes to short trips, Uber or Lyft are your trusty sidekicks. South Beach is no exception – you can even explore it on foot. The area we’re venturing into is a neat 2.4 miles by 1 mile (3.9 km by 1.6 km).
Is Miami expensive?
If you’re hunting for wallet-friendly eats, South Beach and Miami, in general, might throw you a curveball.
Doing a bit of biz geeking, here’s the scoop: I think it is safe to say that the average retail space in a prime location runs around $150-$200 per sqft/year. That’s the kind of cost that skyrockets operating expenses for businesses. So, when your beachfront meal feels a bit hefty, blame it on the high-stakes game of retail space rates in the Magic City.
Accommodations – Hotels
Without a doubt, the northeastern part of South Beach is my top choice for accommodations. Having explored Miami extensively, including stays in Coral Gables (southwest of downtown), I can attest that the unique “Miami Vibes” are truly captured in South Beach. Specifically, the northeastern part offers a distinctive charm, ideal for families with hotels slightly removed from the lively evenings of Ocean Drive.
Kimpton Surfcomber, my go-to
Having spent countless nights at this hotel, I can confidently say it’s my home away from home in Miami. Nestled in an Art Deco building, the place exudes true Miami style with its vibrant energy. The staff, always welcoming and friendly, adds a personal touch to the experience. This beachfront resort is a youthful and casually hip haven, perfect for both couples and families. Its prime location, close to restaurants and shops, makes exploring the local scene a breeze. The courtyard, a lush greenery garden, provides a serene escape with easy access to a well-sized pool offering drink and food service. What seals the deal is the direct beach access at the back, where you can conveniently rent chairs and umbrellas for a perfect day by the sea. This hotel encapsulates the essence of Miami living, making every stay a memorable experience.
In the same vein
SLS – Delano – The Ritz Carlton – Loews
Within a 5-minute walk, you’ll discover hotels somewhat larger than the Surfcomber, yet offering equivalent services. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to stay at these hotels, I’ve had the chance to either dine or explore within their premises. While I haven’t experienced an overnight stay, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them based on my positive experience and their location.
Restaurants – Quick bites
As a creature of habits, I tend to stick to what I know – those tried-and-true gems that never disappoint. Allow me to share my favorites, each of these establishments offers a distinct culinary journey, guaranteeing a delightful experience for fellow food enthusiasts in search of the finest flavors that South Beach has to offer.
Planta, South Pointe
With its large windows allowing natural light to flood the space, the restaurant feels like a chic oasis, surrounded by the lush greenery typical of Miami.
Planta stands out as a beacon of culinary innovation, especially for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle. From visually stunning sushi rolls to indulgent plant-based tacos, each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to flavor and conscious living. 🥥🌱
Bar Central @ SLS Hotel, South Beach
Bar Central at the SLS Hotel in Miami Beach is the real deal! This spot has it all—a chill terrace lounge overlooking the pool, serving up killer seafood like oysters. They’ve got you covered from breakfast to lunch and, of course, all the way into the night after 6 pm. The handcrafted cocktails are the stuff dreams are made of, perfect for soaking in the vibes of multiple music and food-centric events. It’s basically the place to be if you’re into good times, good tunes, and soaking in that Miami Beach energy. Super hip, super young, and super ready to make your day or night epic! 🍤🍹
Watr @ 1 Hotel rooftop, South Beach
Watr Rooftop at 1 Hotel in South Beach is like a beach paradise in the sky! Perched on top of this swanky hotel, the 360-degree view is pure magic. The food is just okay, nothing to write home about, but who cares when you’re surrounded by this setting? The vibe is chill, the drinks are cool, and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world – or at least on top of South Beach! Perfect spot to soak in the scenery and let the fancy vibes do the talking. 🌴🍹
Rosetta Bakery, South Beach
Rosetta Bakery on Collins Avenue is my Miami morning ritual! Picture this: a laid-back morning stroll, catching the first rays of sunshine, and ending up at Rosetta for breakfast delights to kickstart the family’s day. Their tomato mozzarella sandwich on turmeric bread is a game-changer, and don’t even get me started on the croissants, focaccia and coffees – pure delight. Bonus: Rosetta’s got multiple spots across Miami, making it my go-to breakfast haven in the city! ☕🥐
La Leggenda Pizzeria, Española Way, South Beach
Alright, let’s get one thing straight – La Leggenda Pizzeria in South Beach is not your run-of-the-mill pizza joint. We’re talking the crème de la crème here. Voted the best pizza in Miami, 11th in the whole U.S., and 36th worldwide. I’ve been borderline obsessed with perfecting pizza dough in my homemade oven for about a year now. When I hit the road, my pizza radar is on, especially for spots certified by AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana), the pizza police of Napoli tradition. Every pie here gets the wood-fired treatment, and trust me, it’s pizza heaven. Grab a spot if you can, or do the smart thing and snag it to-go. And guess what? It’s not just pizza; they’ve got a whole Italian feast going on. Hands down, La Leggenda is my pizza pilgrimage recommendation! 🍕🌟
Ocean Grill, beachfront @ Setai Hotel, South Beach
Picture this: The Ocean Grill just upped its game with an even bigger dining deck, now with bonus beachfront seats. It’s like a front-row ticket to flavor town, where southern European delights, classic American dishes, and specialty Seafood selections sizzle on a wood-fired grill. And that elevated deck? It’s not just for show – it’s your VIP pass to a jaw-dropping view that stretches all the way to the sparkling shoreline of South Beach.This isn’t your everyday spot; it’s an open-air, oceanfront gem in Miami Beach. Think lush tropical vibes framed by tall wood-beamed cabanas with a touch of modern Asian flair. So, if you’re into good food and even better views, The Ocean Grill just became your new happy place. 🌊🌴🏖️
Best Walks in Miami’s South Beach
Below is your treasure map to the best strolls in South Beach. Each one is a unique adventure waiting to unfold. So, lace up those walking shoes, grab the map, and let’s dive into the magic of Miami, one walk at a time! 🚶♂️🗺️
South Pointe boardwalk
Get ready to soak up the good vibes at the South Pointe Boardwalk in Miami! Picture this: as you wander, the pier treats you to killer views of the South Pointe skyline – it’s basically a postcard come to life. And guess what? There’s a playground for the kiddos, making it a win-win for the whole fam. Plus, you’ll stroll through some lush greenery that adds that extra touch of chill. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for Fisher Island across the water – the secret hideout for celebs like Boris Becker and Oprah Winfrey. It’s like a walk in the park, but with a side of glam! 🏞️👶
Ocean Drive, Lummus Park and Muscle Beach
Get ready for a wild ride along Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miami – it’s like a non-stop party with a side of Art Deco glam! By day, you’ll catch the Miami Beach version of Muscle Beach, where folks flex under the sun. But as the night falls, Ocean Drive turns into a fiesta central. The bars along the strip blast tunes onto the sidewalk, making it impossible not to shimmy along as you stroll. Neon lights illuminate the iconic Art Deco buildings, turning the whole street into a vibrant celebration. It’s not just a walk; it’s a dance through the heart of Miami’s nightlife. And when you need a breather, hit up Lummus Park – a chill oasis in the middle of the party madness. So, put on those dancing shoes, hit the pavement, and let the Ocean Drive party unfold!🚶♂️🎉
Note:
Hey there, just a heads-up about Ocean Drive – after 6 or 7 pm, it’s less kiddie zone and more adult playground. Unfortunately, you might catch a whiff of some herbal ambiance (read: weed) in the air, and folks tend to rock some seriously laid-back attire. So, if you’re planning a family stroll, maybe hit it up before the sun starts to set.
Landmarks on Ocean Drive
- Scarface, movie location: Sunray Apartments, 728 Ocean Drive
- 1939 Colony Hotel, most photographed art deco hotel, 736 Ocean Drive
- Clevelander Hotel, another popular art deco hotel, 1020 Ocean Drive
- Villa Casa Casuarina, Gianni Versace house and assassination location, 1116 Ocean Drive
Iconic Miami
South Beach
Miami’s South Beach boasts a stretch of pristine sands where turquoise waters meet pastel-hued art deco gems.
Art Deco
Miami’s Art Deco style, showcased prominently in the iconic buildings of South Beach, is a vibrant tapestry of pastel hues, geometric shapes, and intricate detailing, reflecting the exuberance of the 1920s and ’30s.
