South Beach

Exploring South Beach, Miami

Discover South Beach

Exploring South Beach offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Art Deco architecture, where the designs and hues are as striking as the people you’ll encounter. On South Beach’s shores, you’ll find all the classic American clichés come to life: surfers riding the turquoise waves, models flaunting their physiques on golden sands, rollerbladers, bodybuilders, and drag queens. Experiencing South Beach is like stepping into the very essence of Miami.

Distance from Miami International Airport (MIA): 12.4 miles (approximately a 25-minute drive)

About the South Beach Neighborhood

Overview of South Beach South Beach is a vibrant neighborhood located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, nestled between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It was the first area of Miami Beach to be developed, originally a sandbar accessible only by boat. The first structure built here was a farmhouse in 1870. Over time, more homes and farms were constructed, and in 1912, the Lummus brothers, notable entrepreneurs, launched a project to transform South Beach into a seaside city. This involved connecting Miami to South Beach via a bridge, and from that point forward, South Beach grew rapidly. By the 1920s, it had become a popular tourist destination, and the 1930s saw the construction of hundreds of Art Deco buildings. The eclectic architecture throughout South Beach reflects its rich history and transformation.

To fully appreciate South Beach, take time to explore the streets beyond the beach to observe the diverse architectural styles that tell the story of its unique development.

For a complete South Beach experience, wander through its streets and avenues, ending your tour with a drink at one of the trendy bars or lounges in this glamorous Miami neighborhood.

Must-See Attractions in South Beach

Ocean Drive Ocean Drive is the epicenter of South Beach’s iconic Art Deco style, making it an ideal starting point for your visit. As you stroll along Ocean Drive, you’ll not only see rollerbladers and fit bodies, but you’ll also pass by over 800 Art Deco buildings built between 1930 and 1940. The stretch between 6th and 9th streets is home to some of the most iconic hotels, known for their vibrant colors, pink flamingos, sun motifs, and neon lights. Notable hotels include the Cardozo, Park Central, Imperial, Beacon, and Avalon. To dive deeper into this unique architectural style, visit the Art Deco Welcome Center at 1200 Ocean Drive and 12th Street, where you can find more information and audio guides.

Distance from MIA: 12.4 miles

Lummus Park Beach

If you have the chance to spend a little more time in South Beach, we recommend taking a break at the well-known Lummus Park Beach, the most popular park-beach in South Beach, stretching almost the entire length of Ocean Drive (from 6th to 14th streets). It’s a large park, and a full walk can take about three hours, but it’s a very enjoyable experience.

This area epitomizes all the classic South Beach stereotypes: it’s filled with sunbathers in trendy bikinis, celebrities, bodybuilders, and supermodels. Volleyball courts, shops, and kiosks blend with palm trees to create the iconic scene often depicted in movies. The grassy area connecting Ocean Drive to the beach has a paved path that attracts famous rollerbladers, runners, and cyclists. Lummus Park is a great spot to relax, take a walk, or simply sit and watch the world go by, soaking in the authentic South Beach atmosphere.

The beach directly in front of the park, known as Lummus Park Beach, is ideal for swimming, especially if you’re traveling with children, thanks to its wide range of services and amenities.

Distance from MIA: 13 miles

South Beach’s Beaches

Most tourists visiting Miami are drawn to South Beach’s famous beach, and during peak season, this stretch of sand becomes bustling with activity. The area up to 5th Street is often crowded with surfers, so if you’re looking for a quieter swim, we recommend the stretch between 6th and 14th streets. Don’t forget to capture photos of the colorful lifeguard stations!

Distance from MIA: 13 miles

Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue

Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue are two of the main thoroughfares in South Beach, lined with trendy clothing stores, the latest fashion accessories, tattoo parlors, and, of course, the best clubs and nightlife spots in South Beach. You’ll also find plenty of Art Deco architecture along these avenues. At 1200 Collins Avenue, you’ll find The Marlin Hotel, one of the most famous buildings in the neighborhood. Just behind it, at 1300 Washington Ave, is the South Beach Post Office, a building worth visiting.

Distance from MIA: 12.1 miles

Casa Casuarina – The Versace Mansion

One of the highlights of visiting South Beach is the chance to see Casa Casuarina, located at 1116 Ocean Drive. This mansion was once the residence of renowned designer Gianni Versace and is the site where he was tragically murdered in 1997. Andrew Cunanan took the designer’s life as Versace was returning home after a morning walk in the Miami sunshine. Today, Casa Casuarina is known as The Villa Casa Casuarina, home to a boutique hotel and the Il Sole restaurant.

Distance from MIA: 12.4 miles

Española Way

Española Way is a charming street with a distinct Mediterranean flair, located between Washington and Drexel Avenues. It’s a beautiful and unique place to explore, transporting you to the Mediterranean with its arches, balconies, and salmon-colored stucco facades. Today, Española Way is home to upscale boutiques, outdoor restaurants, and art galleries, making it a must-visit spot in South Beach.

Distance from MIA: 12 miles

Holocaust Memorial

Located within the small South Beach Botanical Garden is the Holocaust Memorial, a powerful monument featuring an extended hand reaching towards the sky, symbolizing a final cry for help. The arm is covered in about 100 life-sized statues honoring the victims of the Nazi genocide. Admission to the garden and memorial is free. It’s important to note that Miami Beach has a significant community of Holocaust survivors, and the Jewish population is an integral part of the neighborhood. The first synagogue in the area, now a museum, is located at 301 Washington Avenue.

Distance from MIA: 11.5 miles

Lincoln Road Mall

One of the first commercial streets in the United States, Lincoln Road Mall is a lively destination both day and night. It’s filled with shops from well-known brands, as well as bars and restaurants offering great deals during happy hours. This pedestrian avenue is located north of South Beach and is a must-visit if you enjoy shopping.

Distance from MIA: 11 miles

World Erotic Art Museum

The World Erotic Art Museum in South Beach is a fascinating place to visit. It houses an extensive collection of erotic toys, paintings, and artifacts from various eras and locations around the world, including Africa and China. If you’re visiting South Beach, it’s worth taking a couple of hours to explore this intriguing museum filled with art and erotica that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The museum is located at 1205 Washington Avenue, and admission is $20.

Distance from MIA: 11.8 miles

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