A Quick Neighborhood Guide To South Beach, Miami
While there are heaps of tourists, the bright blue gatorade water, perfectly hot temperatures, and subtle feeling like you are no longer in the US, but in some unidentified Caribbean Island make up for it. While some will argue that Brickell, Wynnwood, or Little Havana capture the cities allure, South Beach is the heartbeat of Miami. Here you will find next level resorts, laid back restaurants, cool shopping, art deco, hidden ice cream parlors, and, of course, the bustling in the best way coastline. Read on to discover Miami's' beautiful and colorful neighborhood of South Beach.
Best Hotels In South Beach
Park Central - Boutique Stay In South Beach
An under-the-radar boutique hotel set on the iconic Ocean Drive. This Art Deco hotel was designed by architect, Henry Housaur in the late 1930s and has a sleek geometric design that has been well preserved. At the hotel you will be met with a beautiful rooftop pool with chaise lounges set aside it and views of South Beach. The rooms are bright with pastel blues and pinks and tons of natural light peaking through. Park Central is a great option if you are looking for a unique off the beaten path stay in the Art Deco District.
Esmé - A Spanish Village In The Mists Of South Beach
Set on Española Way, Esmé sets itself apart from traditional high rise luxury hotels in South Beach as it is made up of several interconnected buildings that make you feel like you have stepped into a Mediterranean village. Here you will find beautifully appointed rooms that draws from its historic architecture (some buildings dating back to the 1920s) and embraces a boho Spanish vibe with bold colors mixed with neutrals and clever texters and tiles throughout.
National Hotel - Iconic South Beach Hotel
This historic hotel built in 1939 is a landmark in Miami's Art Deco district. With its silver cupola atop its 14-story tower, you cannot miss it on Collins Avenue. Aside from its immediate exterior, one of its most prominent features is the 205 foot infinity edge pool set between the hotel and beach among lush palm trees. The National is a adult-focused luxury hotel.
What To Do In South Beach
Tour The Art Deco District
Vibrate colors, geometric shapes, clean lines, and details from and inspired by the 1930s and 40s. Set between 5th and 23rd street (primarily along ocean drive), the unmistakable Art Deco District will take you back to the unparalleled glamor of Miami in the 1930s.
Lounge on South Beach
South Beach is always crowded in the best way. It is full of life and beauty with white sand, bright blue water, and the iconic pastel lifeguard towers. While it is a lively place, it is relaxed and laid back - just many people enjoying themselves in the same place.
South Pointe Park & Pier
Set on the southernmost point of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park is a 17-acre oceanfront park offering beautiful water views, walking paths, a 450 foot fishing pier, and cafe and restaurant options nearby. It is a great place to see the the rise or sunset in Miami!
Explore Espãnola Way
Between Washington Avenue and Drexel/Collins Avenue, Espãnola Way is a bit of the Mediterranean in the mist of South Beach. The pedestrian only street originally built in the 1920s as an artist colony was inspired by villages in Spain and France. Today, it is well preserved with cobblestone streets, red roof tiles, and string lights overhead.
Checkout Española Cigar Bar & Lounge for dinner or drinks!
Bike Miami Beach Boardwalk
This beautiful beach boardwalk runs about 7 miles from South Pointe Park & Pier to Surfside. Perfect for biking or running, and truly so beautiful! The best stretch is from South Point to 41st Street. I recommend going in the early morning - Miami's sunrises are unreal!
Go Shopping
South Beach is full of shopping. Here are some cool shops that aren't your typical souvenir store:
Set on Lincoln Road, Luli Fama, is a beautiful swimwear boutique selling high quality and inventive swim and resort wear.
Royal Resale Boutique is a vintage resale shop on Washington Ave.
Epic Eyewear is a luxury eyewear shop situated on Española Way.
Find Hidden Ice Cream Parlors
Anytime I go to South Beach I am surprised by the amount of little ice cream parlors tucked away on side streets. Here are a few to check out: Ciao Amore, I Scream Gelato, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
Best Restaurants In South Beach
ll Pastaiolo is a quaint Italian joint located on Collins Ave. Perfect for a relaxing low-key dinner after a beach day with checker table cloth, lots of greenery, lemons set around the restaurant, and beautiful dishes.
If you are looking for a fine dining experience Stubborn Seed is a lovely choice. Created by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, Stubborn Seed is an inventive restaurant all about fresh ingredients and creativity.
La Sandwicherie is the perfect spot for a beach sandwich. Set on Collins Ave, La Sandwicherie serves fresh and heavenly French style sandwiches - think brie, smoked salmon, and classics like prosciutto. My favorite is the veggie!
Bar Luca is bright, airy, fun, but still elegant. Set in the historic Alden Hotel building, you will find a beautiful bar with inspiration drawn from Miami's Art Deco carried on throughout the Italian-American restaurant.
Cafes In South Beach
Under The Mango Tree is a little hidden gem coffee and smoothie shop created by a South Beach local located on 5th street.
Cortadito Coffee House on Washington Ave is a charming coffee shop selling health food and delectable coffees in a calm and cool environment. It embodies Miami Beach with its indoor outdoor concept and eclectic, but clean design.
Think craft coffee, inventive smoothies, all day breakfast, all in a boho chic setting. Set on Collins Ave, Blue Lavender is a lovely breakfast and brunch joint that values Blue Lavender and the essence of it (calmness, good conversation, and connection).
Best Time To Visit South Beach
Mid-spring is the best time for perfect weather (March - April). It is typically 70s-80s F and ocean conditions are good.
Late fall is also a good time to visit, just the risk of hurricanes.
Winter is great, it just may be a bit too chilly for the beach (mid 50s-70s F).
How To Get To South Beach
From Miami Airport - The cheapest way is by taking the public bus. Take the free MIA Mover from the airport terminals up to the Miami Intermodal Center (about a 4 min ride). Then catch Metrobus Route 150 (Miami Beach Airport Express) directly to South Beach. Easier, but pricer option is UBER ($30-$50) depending on the time of day.
From Coral Gables - Take the Miami Metrorail to Brickell, then Uber.
There are public buses that go to South Beach. Here are some options: Route 120 - Beach MAX (Downtown ↔ South Beach), Route 150 - Airport Express (Airport ↔ South Beach), Route 20 (Downtown ↔ Miami Beach).
How To Get Around
South Beach is easy to get around once you are there. First, it is very walkable. South Beach Local Bus goes along the main avenue (Washington Ave & West Ave). It goes by main attractions and is cheap!
South Beach Trolly is a free trolly service that runs 7 days a week from 8am - 11pm. It goes all through South Beach - check map here.
Neighborhood Guide To South Beach Wrap Up
We hope this South Beach guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip! If you liked this post checkout our consciously being updated guide to Miami and Coral Gables.