The South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, Florida is known the world over for its tropical climate, white sandy beaches and clear, aquamarine waters. What also comes to mind are pastel-colored art deco buildings and a happening nightlife. There’s always something going on in South Beach, making it a true vacationer’s paradise.
Here’s my list of the Top 10 Things to Do in South Beach:
1) Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. From your South Beach, Miami timeshare or hotel balcony or while strolling along the beach, this is probably the only time you’ll enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. What a perfect way to start the day!
2) Cruise down Ocean Drive. This is the easternmost road in South Beach, running north-south from First Street up to 15th Street. This colorful stretch has been showcased in many movies and is what most visitors probably imagine when they think of SoBe.
3) Catch some rays on the wide, pristine beaches. When it gets too hot for you, take a dip in the ocean. Of course, in the summer months the water temperature can reach 86° so it might not necessarily be your idea of “refreshing.”
4) Grab a poolside cocktail at one of the many glamorous hotels and timeshares that line the beachfront. Famous names such as the Delano, Lowes, Westgate South Beach, and Tides have been providing luxury service and accommodations for many years.
5) Rollerblade or bike along the beach. Miami is all about looking good. You’ll always see locals out exercising, even in the intense summer heat. You can stretch or do yoga at Lummis Park, wedged between Ocean Drive and the beach, too.
6) Admire the Art Deco architecture. Miami Beach has the largest collection of art deco buildings in the world. You can take an organized walking tour or do it yourself by following a guidebook. Many of the buildings are concentrated on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.
7) Take a stroll down Lincoln Road. On this pedestrian-only promenade, there are plenty of places to shop and you can dine al fresco at one of the many fine restaurants too. It’s a prime location to just chill and people watch.
8)Take an afternoon siesta! Grab a Cuban espresso (called a cortadito) at David’s Café, a fixture of Miami Beach since 1977. Or stop by the new Nespresso Boutique, located towards the end of Lincoln Road across from the movie theater.
9) Swing by Española Way, another pedestrian-only street located off Washington Avenue near 14th Street. Its charming architecture and terracotta-tile roofs are reminiscent of Old Europe. It’s more low-key than Lincoln Road and attracts a Bohemian crowd to its many art galleries, outdoor cafés, and unique shops.
10) Go for a night out on the town. South Beach is famous for its ever-changing club scene. Popular venues like Mansion, Mynt, and BED usually have lines around the block just to get in. Dress to impress and don’t be surprised if guys don’t get the same treatment as the ladies.
And there you have it—my list of the Top 10 Things to Do in South Beach. Do you have any suggestions or hidden gems to share? Write them below in the comments section!
Michael Figueiredo is a freelance travel writer based in Los Angeles, California. When he’s not gallivanting around the world, he’s enjoying the laid-back lifestyle and perfect weather of Southern California. So far he’s visited thirty-six countries and territories on five continents. His goal is to see at least one new country every year! Michael Figueiredo is a newly-minted travel writer based in Los Angeles, California. When he's not gallivanting around the world, he's enjoying the laid-back lifestyle and perfect weather of Southern California. So far he’s visited 36 countries and territories and hopes to see at least one new place every year. He recently traveled to Italy, Croatia, and Turkey with day trips to Montenegro and San Marino. This year he hopes to travel to Cuba! Read more from this author
Twitter: @Laurel_Robbins
I haven’t been to South Beach, but this looks like a great list and with all the snow in Germany, it looks very tempting!
Mmmm… Cuban espresso sounds yummy! Great list! I wish I was there right now enjoying the warmth! Great photos!!
I had a cortadito every day… they are so good!
Twitter: @francefrenchway
Pristine, white sandy beach!! You could sell that anywhere!!! Lovely thanks!
Great article. I hope to visit some day and do some people watching. Love the art deco idea.
Twitter: @InspirngTrvlrs
What a sweet blast from the past! I lived in Miami for about four years (I went to university there)…love South Beach and the Art Deco architecture there. If you visit, be sure to try some Cuban food – whether it is in an upscale restaurant or just a simple Cuban breakfast, it’s delicious!
Nice varied list of activities. It looks particularly nice as I sit here after taking my dogs for a walk in my winter coat, hat, and gloves. I particularly love all the pictures. You have some really good ones in there.
Twitter: @adventureswben
I’d also add going to LIV at the Fontainbleau hotel. It’s hot!
Twitter: @lilygogo
You made me home sick. I have a condo in Brickell but it’s now rented for a year, so I enjoyed this tale about my home truf. A trip to South Pointe is also very nice and North Beach is less populated. I enjoy it there. Great summary. How many nights have I partied in the Delano!!!
Twitter: @budgettravelsac
No LeBron James or Dwayne Wade?
Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone!
Great images! There are few things I crave more than a day on the beach!
you managed to capture the south beach experience in your photos very well!!
Love the pictures, especially the ones of the beach. good to look at when the weather is as cold as it is now.
Great list! I’m leaving for South Beach tomorrow morning, sure wish that you had a print option for this article, it’s fabulous but so much paper and ink.
Twitter: @struxtravel
Thanks, Cynamon! Have fun in SoBe….I’m jealous!
Those are some great options for things to do. I have lived about an hour away from Miami for quite a couple of years now but have not done any of those things. Will have to try a few.
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Twitter: @eileenludwig
Great list to help everyone go to south beach and make the most of it
Love the pics to go along with it
Do you travel to the East Coast often? Or is this research?
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