Ahh South Beach Miami, a beautiful, lively and charming place that will always leave you wanting more. South Beach Miami is one of the most sought-after summer vacation places in the country offering plenty to do for both locals and visitors. South Beach is famous for its Cuban influences, rooftop bars, sugar-white sands, luxury hotels – many that feature balconies – outdoor dining, fresh seafoods, bustling art shows, proximity to nightlife and the beach all at once. It’s the kind of place you can visit over and over again without ever getting tired of it.
I’ve personally been visiting the South Beach Miami area for years and still have so much left to see! But I’ve been able to experience a lot of great parts that make for a very well-rounded trip, especially when visiting for the first time. There’s amazing restaurants and bars, colorful art deco buildings, classic Miami palm trees, beautiful green spaces like South Pointe Park, beach clubs, bowling alleys and many other fun activities for both locals and visitors.
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The Ultimate Guide to South beach Miami
One of the best parts about South Beach Miami is you can truly visit this destination year-round. Of course, some months are less humid than others, but overall, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to Miami. It’s especially enticing if you live in colder climates because Florida will immediately make you feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island, any day of the year. While South Beach Miami is typically associated with younger crowds and spring break trips, there’s definitely something for everyone. Regardless of the kind of traveler you are, South Beach is great for friends traveling together, solo travelers, couples and families.
Although Florida is technically laid-back when it comes to COVID restrictions, it’s important to remember that South Beach Miami is a very populated area and can be very crowded at times. Many people still where masks when outdoors and most indoor facilities require it when visiting museums, shopping stores, restaurants and bars. It’s important to stay mindful of these precautions and protocols when visiting such a bustling city.
Transportation
South Beach, aka SoBe is a popular and iconic neighborhood in Miami Beach, Florida, United States located due east of Miami City between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. You can get to Miami by car, plane or train. The best way to get to South Beach Miami by car is to take I-95 all the way down to Collins Avenue. There’s also the option to take Amtrak to Miami as well as the Brightline train from Orlando.
Miami International Airport is only 13 miles away and is the closest airport to South Beach and Lincoln Road. Direct buses, shuttles and ridesharing services are available from the airport. All of these options are great, but taking a private taxi or Uber is the quickest way, landing you in South Beach in an average of 20 minutes. The Miami Beach Airport Flyer bus (Route 150) provides express service between Metrorail and runs from 6am to 11:50pm, 7 days a week. The shuttle costs $2.65 to ride. Ridesharing and Ubers typically cost $20, taxis typically costs $35 and private airport shuttles typically cost $20.
What to Do in South Beach Miami
Spend the Day at the Beach
The sugar-white sands and crystal clear waters are easily accessible when you’re in South Beach, so spending the day or a quick afternoon there is always a great idea. The beach access is easy and quite expansive so there’s plenty of room for everyone. You can bring your own beach chairs and cooler with food and drinks or you can rent chairs at the beach. If you’re staying at a hotel along Ocean Drive (or close-by) they will often-time provide them for you, complimentary. All you have to do is let your hotel know and they will direct you OR they will have huts setup on the beach with employees who help you find a spot with chairs, umbrellas and towels.
Walk along Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is an iconic street that is split between the city buildings, palm trees and beach. It’s a great place to take photos of your trip to Miami and offers a ton of things to do along the strip. Here you’ll find a plethora of Miami history, the famous art deco buildings, restaurants, bars and shopping.
Visit Wynwood Walls
One of the most unique places to visit in South Beach is none other than Wynwood Walls, an Urban Graffiti Art Museum. This special art community was established back in 2009 after Tony Goldman decided there should be a place for the largest and greatest street art in Miami. Some of the greatest in graffiti have been able to display their talents at Wynwood Walls with over 50 artists representing 16 countries, having covered over 80,000 square feet of walls. This is definitely an ideal spot for artist lovers and those looking for unique photo opportunities.
Take a boat cruise
A trip to Miami wouldn’t be complete without a boat cruise. Miami is notorious for having amazing boat tours and parties, most of which take place on Biscayne Bay. There’s historic cruises, sightseeing tours, party boats and private boats all ranging from about $30 to $500 for a group. Of course, private yachts are thousands of dollars, but you can ultimately decide which kind of boat is best for your trip.
Where to Stay in miami
The Betsy Hotel
Looking to stay at a prime art-centric hotel at the heart of South Beach, Miami? Look no further, because The Betsy Hotel might be the one for you. I’ve heard about The Betsy for quite some time now, having friends who live and travel in the area, and knew I had to visit this iconic hotel one day. Initially, I expected the hotel to be newer but the hotel itself is actually very historic with an older, classic Miami feel. I decided to stay at this boutique hotel to see what the experience was like and if it was worth the hype. Well, it certainly is because I had the most pleasant experience while staying here.
The Betsy Hotel is located on the iconic Ocean Drive in South Beach where toursits attractions and interesting things to do are at every corner. The emblematic architecture and overall ambiance make the hotel stand out from the rest in the Art Deco District and possesses a magical touch. Being in such a prime location allows you to have access to a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars and of course the beach, just a few steps away.
Check out the full hotel review on The Betsy Hotel HERE.
Book your hotel stay HERE to access VIP perks & benefits with a trusted travel advisor, at no extra cost to you.
The Local House hotel
The Local House Hotel is perfect for any Miami getaway, regardless of how long you plan to visit. This South Beach quaint and charming hotel resides just a couple hundred feet away from Miami Beach and makes for an amazing tropical retreat.
This super laid-back, elegant and heavy beach-vibe hotel is perfect for small groups, girls trips or even a little staycation. It’s small enough for a more intimate experience, but offers an excellent atmosphere between the in-house restaurant, cozy rooms, private balconies and stunning rooftop views and pool. You really get the best of all worlds between the hotel accommodations, proximity to the beach and other hot-spots worth visiting.
Check out the full hotel review on The Local House HERE.
Book your hotel stay HERE to access VIP perks & benefits with a trusted travel advisor, at no extra cost to you.
The Plymouth Hotel
The Plymouth Hotel is located at 336 21st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and is centrally located around Miami’s most recognized restaurants, shopping, nightlife and more. It’s one of two Small Luxury Hotels of the World on the East Coast. And was also the 2019 Condé Nast Best Urban Hotel Winner. Aside from it’s prime location, tourists are attracted to this hotel in particular because of it’s intimacy, charm, aesthetic and insta-worthy patio & pool. The Plymouth stands out from other luxury hotels in the area and around the country with a rich history dating back to the 1940s. As a classic Art Deco Hotel with just 110 rooms, the intimate clubhouse feel with it’s oval-shaped lobby, cabana-inspired bar, onsite restaurant and outdoor European vibes makes for a truly unique experience.
Check out the full hotel review on The Plymouth HERE.
Book your hotel stay HERE to access VIP perks & benefits with a trusted travel advisor, at no extra cost to you.
Where to Eat in South Beach Miami
A trip to South Beach Miami would not be complete without the food. Believe it or not, Miami is considered as one of the best food cities in the world. One of the best parts about South Beach other than its culture, is the fact that there are a variety of restaurants both indoors and outdoors that include fresh local seafood, grilled chicken, roasted pork, tacos, chips & guacamole, key lime pie, strong coffee, and more. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
If you’re into outdoor seating, beautiful architecture, good vibes and delicious eats, South Beach is definitely for you. Whether you’re looking for breakfast lunch, dinner or dessert suggestions, we have you covered.
The Local House Restaurant
The Local House happens to be one of my favorite spots in South Beach. Not only is it a brunch and seafood restaurant, but it’s also a hotel! Make sure to check out my hotel review if you’re interested in staying at The Local House. It’s truly the perfect place for a South Beach getaway because of the accommodations, laid-back atmosphere, delicious food and proximity to the beach.
This restaurant in particular is super popular for brunch because of the menu options, aesthetic and of course the mimosas. It’s a beautiful and quaint little restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s also an ideal insta-worthy spot. Make sure to have your phone or camera ready because all the dishes are displayed so beautifully.
Now on to the food! The menu offers an array of choices ranging from brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour drinks. A few dishes I recommend trying include the seafood scramble, avocado toast, key lime pie french toast, caramelized banana french toast, the lobster mac & cheese and the Mahi tacos. They have excellent drinks too so whether you’re looking for an iced coffee, mimosa or cocktail for happy hour, they have some great selections.
The Local House offers in-room dining, takeout and delivery through third party apps like Uber Eats, Grub Hub and DoorDash. Get directions to the restaurant here.
Pura Vida
If you’re looking for a healthier option in South Beach, Pura Vida is the way to go. This street-side, surf-themed restaurant is the perfect spot for lunch to grab some health-conscious juices, sandwiches and salads. Pura Vida is beautifully decorated and offers outdoor seating alongside a more local and non-touristy street.
This restaurant specifically thrives off their philosophy of using fresh and simple ingredients. Shopping consciously and responsibly and serving up local and sustainable food, is something they take pride in. It’s also meant to feel like an extension of home where you can eat in comfort with your friends and family.
Another great thing about Pura Vida is they offer all-day breakfast including different kinds of breakfast toasts like avocado, salmon and berry as well as bagel sandwiches, fruit salads, acai bowls and overnight oats. I highly recommend ordering the mango salmon bowl or the summer grilled chicken bowl for lunch, as both are excellent and filling choices. They also have fresh pressed juices to help with nutrition and hydration, especially in the heat of Miami.
Pura Vida offers outdoor dining (seat yourself), takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.
Koa Poke and Burrito
This highly rated sushi restaurant with poke bowls, sushi burritos and acai bowls is a must-try for sure. Koa Poke and Burrito brings a healthy and fresh Hawaiin-style take on sushi and has a variety of options to choose from. With its hip, upbeat and casual Miami beach vibe, it’s the perfect place to stop in for a quick lunch before or after a day of shopping or being at the beach.
Highly recommend making your own poke bowl with high-quality, fresh ingredients or one of their tasty acai bowls. They serve all different types of beverages as well, including alcohol!
Koa Poke and Burrito offers outdoor dining, takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.
Malibu Farm
Located right behind the luxurious Nobu Miami, you’ll find Malibu Farm located right on the beach with break-taking ocean views. Malibu Farm Miami is defined as the epitome of laid-back luxury and is an organic, American restaurant offering the taste of Hawaii in simple, straight-forward ingredients. The menu includes seafood, sandwiches, flatbreads, nachos and delicious finger foods. It’s the perfect spot for a light lunch or appetizer if you’re feeling a little hungry a few hours before dinner.
Popular food items include the avocado pizza, chicken ricotta burger and the fish and shrimp tacos. As if the appetizers and stunning views aren’t enough, they also have a wide array of signature cocktails with some of the most fresh and delicious drinks I’ve had. Highly recommend trying the Passionfruit and Watermelon cocktail (also available as a mocktail!)
Malibu Farm offers outdoor dining, takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.
LT Steak & Seafood
Hotel restaurants are some of my favorite and I believe they are highly underrated. While I also love venturing off to try restaurants in the area, I do believe the on-site restaurant of a hotel says a lot about the integrity of the hotel between the food, decor and staff. LT Steak & Seafood is an indoor and outdoor restaurant in the lobby of The Betsy offering a casually elegant New American style. After having 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner here, I came to the conclusion that it’s a fabulous restaurant, indeed. I love the ability to sit outdoors to enjoy the fresh air on Ocean Drive while people watching, but I also love the option to sit indoors where it’s cool. The staff is extremely kind and accommodating, so you’ll be taken care of regardless of where you choose to sit.
For breakfast they offer classic sweet & savory brunch dishes, fresh juices, coffee made the way you like it as well as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free options. The breakfast each morning was well-balanced and delicious with all the important food groups you need to start the day.
For dinner, they specialize in steak & seafood (hence the name) so we ordered sushi. The sushi was fresh and delicious and paired well with the wine and beer we ordered. The prices of the meals are on the more expensive side but the portions are huge and the flavors are delicious. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
The restaurant is open from 7:30-11am for breakfast, 11-2:30pm for lunch, 5:30-10pm for dinner and open at 11am on the weekends for brunch.
LT Steak & Seafood offers indoor and outdoor dining, takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.
Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant
No proper visit to South Beach is complete without a trip to Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant. The 100-year, family-owned restaurant has been attracting crowds longer than anyone can remember and it’s obvious why. It’s a fabulous restaurant in Miami that has created some of the best memories for people when visiting, in general. They even have an entire page dedicated to sharing your Joe’s Memories. Whether you’re visiting for a celebration, family gathering, romantic dinner or dinner just because, Joe’s Stone Crab has something for everyone.
Now when it comes to menu selections, you really can’t go wrong. But crowd favorites over the years include stone crab claws, friend chicken, skirt steak and of course, any of their fresh seafood dishes. They also have excellent key lime pie for dessert, an absolute must-try in South Florida.
Joe’s Stone Crab offers indoor dining, takeout and no-contact delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.
Española Way
No foodie visit to Mimai is complete without a trip to Española Way, otherwise known as “historic Spanish village.” The palm-tree lined street with string lights hanging throughout goes back to the 1920s, creating a European feel and culture. Here you’ll find a ton of charming outdoor restaurants, shops, live entertainment and boutique hotels. It’s an extremely quaint and lively part of the city that you’ll want to experience at night.
We grabbed a table for dinner at Mercato Della Pescheria where we enjoyed happy hour specials and an Itlalian meal complete with fresh bread, Fettuccine Alfredo and a delicious aperol spritz.
Serena Rooftop
The famous Moxy Hotel, just a few blocks over from Ocean Drive, hosts one of the hottest restaurant & bar, Serena Rooftop. This classic and laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere makes for a great night out under the sun and then the stars once you watch the sun go down. The rooftop offers vibrant colors filled with lounges, seating areas and lush greens to make for a truly cozy and fun place to hangout.
As far as the menu goes, you’ll get a variety to taste including chips and guacamole, salsa verde, traditional Mexican ceviche, roasted pork, tostados and more. The drinks are definitely flowing here. So put on a cute outfit, head to the rooftop and treat yourself to some margaritas with salt on the rim.
Serene Rooftop offers indoor and outdoor dining and takeout but they do not offer delivery. Get directions to the restaurant here.
The Sugar Factory
The Sugar Factory on Ocean Drive is a classic stop for a sweet treat. In fact, The Sugar Factory offers grab-and-go selections with novelty bulk candy, snow cones, gelato and ice cream sandwiches. They also offer a full menu with delicious food like pancakes, crepes, salads, and burgers. Famous treats to order include the King Kong Sundae, hot chocolate, frozen hot chocolate and decadent shakes.
One of the most appealing and fun elements, however, are their premium cocktail mixes with spiked adult beverages, including Sugar Factory’s signature alcohol-infused smoking candy goblets. These are so fun for a hot afternoon outdoors and make for a great experience on Ocean Drive.
The Sugar Factory offers indoor and outdoor dining, as well as delivery options. Get directions to the restaurant here.
What to Wear in South Beach miami
This travel guide may have you ready activities in South Beach Miami, but what should you wear? Since the weather is quite predictable year-round, it’s easy to pack when you know what to expect. Even though South Beach is ideal year-round, the best warm weather and less humidity is during the spring between March and May. Regardless of when you visit Miami, it will almost always be sunny with bits of rain here and there.
For a trip to Miami, you’ll want to be sure to pack dresses, crop tops paired with pants and/or skirts, bathing suits and cover ups, jeans for cooler evenings and accessories like beach bags, sunglasses, head scarves and jewelry. Check out the full guide for what to wear in Miami here.
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