Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Are you looking for the best things to do in South Beach Miami? If so, this is the post for you!
Miami’s South Beach is a fun, trendy, and vibrant neighborhood with a hopping nightlife, amazing restaurants, and tons of best places to visit and great activities.
Get active, treat your tastebuds to amazing food, go snorkeling in the ocean, and catch a show.
Read on to discover the top activities South Beach Miami has to offer!
Table of Contents
Top Things To Do In South Beach Miami!
1. Visit South Pointe Park
One of the top things to do while on a trip to South Beach is to visit South Pointe Park.
This 17-acre park is jam-packed with beautiful green spaces, awesome vistas, and top-notch amenities.
South Pointe Park is a perfect place to spend a few hours or the entire day. Take pictures of the Obstinate Lighthouse–a playful sculpture.
Wander the promenade, enjoying views of the water, passing yachts, and Fisher Island.
Take your bathing suit and sand toys and swim or relax on the lovely beach (all under the careful eye of the lifeguard).
Buy frozen yogurt, or take your dog to meet other furry critters at the dog park.
You can also play volleyball, surf, paddleboard, play on the splash pads, go fishing off the dock, or relax on a park bench beneath swaying palm trees. Awesome!
2. Enjoy Lummus Park
Lummus Park Beach is another prime spot to visit in South Beach Miami. This 25-acre park is located on Ocean Drive between 5th Street and 14th Place.
At this park, you’ll find playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions, volleyball courts, walking trails, a beachfront, and two outdoor fitness gyms.
If you’re looking for a great place to work out, this is it! Head to Muscle Beach and enjoy outdoor weight-lifting and gymnastics.
You can also rent bicycles and skates and zoom along the paths. Your kids are sure to love the playgrounds.
If you’d rather relax, spread a towel on the sand and kick back with a good book. Life is good!
You can pair this activity with a meal at Ocean Drive, which is jam-packed with a whole slew of restaurants ranging from fast food to high cookery.
3. Hit The Beach
Florida sunshine, white sand, and gorgeous water await at South Beach Miami! Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, building sandcastles, or enjoying some morning yoga or a refreshing run!
I’ve already mentioned two top spots to hit the beach: Lummus Park and South Pointe.
If you’ve already visited those beautiful beaches, or are looking for a different vibe, consider going to the Lincoln Road beach access (known for the Lincoln Road Shopping Mall).
Collins Park is another great choice with public restrooms easily accessible from the waterfront.
If you opt for Collins Park, take some time to check out the art installations and baobab trees. You can’t go wrong with some ice cream either!
For a full day of fun, pack an umbrella, beach blanket, and a cooler full of salty snacks and cold drinks. And don’t forget to slather on sunscreen!
4. Check Out Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is one of South Beach Miami’s most legendary streets. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it is also an epicenter for art, restaurants, bars, and shows.
At night, Ocean Drive is a happening place full of brilliant lights illuminating Art Deco buildings.
As you walk, you may come across some movie set locations, such as the filming location for the chainsaw dismemberment in Scarface or various scenes from Dexter.
The Versace Mansion is also a famous Ocean Drive feature. This über-luxury boutique hotel belonged to designer Gianni Versace.
It features a 24-carat gold-lined swimming pool. The bedrooms were custom designed for Versace’s friends including Princess Diana, his sister Donatella, Elton John, and Madonna.
Stroll the streets, take pictures, and eat to your heart’s content!
5. Art Deco Food & Walking Tour
At the heart of Miami, South Beach is famous for its amazing varied cuisine and its Art Deco style.
So what better way to experience the area than by combining these two facets of Miami into one awesome tour?
Get the inside scoop and the chance to eat at five of the most popular South Beach venues. Along the way, you’ll learn about Art Deco architecture, Miami’s history, and culture.
Join an expert tour guide on this 3-hour tour. You’ll hit spots on Art Deco Welcome Center, Lincoln Road, Española Way, and Ocean Drive, plus get the chance to eat everything from empanadas and Cubano sandwiches to specialty ice cream.
As one reviewer put it,
“I would recommend this tour with my eyes closed. Truly wonderful experience!”
6. Stroll, Jog, Or Bike The Beach
Another fun way to explore and enjoy South Beach Miami is to go for a short walk, jog, or bike along the beach!
Get your limbs moving, and fall into a rhythm as you breeze past gorgeous sandy beaches and stunning vistas of ocean, islands, boats, and historical landmarks.
Make stops along the way for cold beverages, tasty meals, or mouth-watering snacks.
Alternatively, pause at park benches to catch your breath, soak in the panoramic views, and enjoy life.
If you need a bike rental, consider opting for a South Beach Bike Rental.
These super-friendly folks will hook you up with a beach cruiser bicycle, helmet, and bike lock, and send you off with local tips and suggestions.
7. Enjoy Music And Drinks At The Clevelander
If the sun and heat are getting to you, take a break at the Clevelander Beach Club. This venue is tailored to a young crowd with a penchant for parties.
The beach club is right in the heart of Ocean Drive and has a pool and a patio complete with a great selection of food, frozen drinks, and three different bars.
Catch a game, swim in the pool, or join in the karaoke! Guests loved the vibe and music at the Clevelander, including the drinks, great location, and tasty menu.
They are also open at night and offer dancing and other entertainment.
Photo credit – Food Tours World LLC
8. Go On A Food Tour
If you’re a foodie, you’re going to love South Beach Miami! This bustling neighborhood is home to all sorts of delicious cuisine from around the world.
Taste your way through Peruvian, Mediterranean, Cuban, French, Haitian, Italian, and American food!
While you walk and eat on this food tour, you’ll learn about Art Deco architecture, South Beach culture, and rich history, and hit some of the top streets.
You’ll visit Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, SoFi, Flamingo Park, Espanola Way, and the Art Deco Historic District.
You’ll get to eat a Cuban sandwich, pastelito, patacones, yucca fries, and more! Plus learn a ton of fascinating information to help you work up an appetite.
Hungry yet? Check rates and book the Taste Of South Beach Food Tour! 🍽️
Photo credit – Cycle Party Miami
9. Go On A Wynwood Cycle Party Pub Crawl
Hop aboard a fun cycle-bus contraption for a pub crawl of a lifetime! This fun tour will have you pedaling, laughing, and drinking at three different Miami bars.
In between drinks, you’ll be traveling in style on the party bike, with an awesome soundtrack keeping things upbeat.
This tour takes place in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. Craft breweries, art galleries, boutiques, and Wynwood Walls street art define this neighborhood.
It’s an energetic place and is a cultural and creative hub in the city at the best way. Travelers loved the fun vibe on this tour, the drinks and bars, and the chance to see beautiful Wynwood.
As one reviewer put it,
“The host was perfect and had the best energy ever! I really enjoyed this excursion and will definitely rebook this again when in Miami! Thank you cycle party for your hospitality!!”
Photo credit – Dolphin Water Sport
10. Go On A Private Boat Tour
Although hanging out on the beach is fun, getting out onto the ocean in South Beach Miami can take your vacation to a whole new level.
Going on a private boat tour in Miami is a great way to get out on the water and have fun. On this excursion, you can customize the water activities and itinerary to ensure you have the best possible time.
Sail through Biscayne Bay, pass by celebrity mansions, drink the included champagne and enjoy the picturesque views, search for dolphins, or hop in the water for a swim and snorkel session!
As one reviewer put it,
“Our family really enjoyed the bay views and cool ocean breezes. The best part was opening up a coconut on Flagler Island!”
11. Catch A Show
South Beach Miami is famous for its vibrant nightlife. So whether you are into parties or are looking for a classy evening immersed in the arts, Miami has something for you!
One of the top spots to catch a show and live performances in Downtown Miami is at the New World Center. It’s a great spot to enjoy concerts by talented musicians or see a free film showing.
Mango’s Tropical Café offers vibrant entertainment ranging from magic shows to salsa lessons to dance performances and live band concerts.
The Bass is another cool spot to visit. It features an outside art exhibit, light shows, and sound and wall murals.
Photo credit – Miami Beach Botanical Garden
12. Visit The Miami Beach Botanical Garden
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is another excellent place to stop and spend some time.
This urban garden is a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy tranquil nature at its best.
The botanical garden is 50 years old and features Native Floridian plants as well as apple trees, a mangrove wetland, and a Japanese garden.
Events are held here as well, including family craft days, Japanese celebrations, yoga classes, Tai Chi, and sound bath meditations.
Check the Botanical Gardens events page for upcoming activities.
Tip: Before or after your time at the Botanical Garden, head next door to see the Miami Holocaust Memorial.
This beautiful and moving memorial captures the atrocities of the holocaust. It is definitely worth seeing.
Photo credit – Wikimedia by Alexf
13. Go To The Jewish Museum Of Florida
Miami is culturally eclectic, so why not spend some time delving into the different histories of various Miami ethnic groups?
One way to do that is by visiting the Jewish Museum of South Florida. This interesting museum is housed in a former synagogue that has been restored.
While at the museum, you’ll learn about local Jewish history through over 100,000 photos and artifacts.
Being in the building is interesting in and of itself, as it was built during the Art Deco era.
14. Head To The Bass
If you love art, visiting The Bass is a must-do! This contemporary art museum features a ton of great artwork from multi-media installations to photography to folk art.
The Bass is located inside Collins Park and has an outdoor art installation. Inside, you can see a slew of different exhibits, including interactive exhibits.
Depending on when you are there, you might also catch some art, music, and crafting classes.
People enjoy The Bass, finding the space calming and thought-provoking, and a nice alternative to the chaos of other parts of town.
Tip: Look for a Groupon offer to get in for a cheaper rate!
15. Shop At Lincoln Road Mall
What would a vacation be without a bit of shopping? And nothing says quintessential Miami South Beach Shopping than Lincoln Road.
Known as the “Fifth Avenue of the South,” the Lincoln Road Mall is a hot spot for restaurants, high-end shops, galleries, culture venues, Starbucks, cafés, restaurants, and more.
On Sundays, there is an Antiques and Farmers market here. You can also enjoy a movie at the Regal South Beach Cinema, or enjoy a dance, musical, or theater performance at the Art Deco Colony Theatre.
Where To Stay In South Beach Miami?
There are hundreds of options when it comes to places to stay in South Beach Miami. Here are my two top picks!
The Avalon Hotel is in an awesome location: only a ten-minute walk from the Lincoln Road Mall, and a whole plethora of restaurants, shops, and galleries.
This hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, free Wifi, beach towels, and chairs, in-room bottled water, and a delicious daily continental breakfast.
As one reviewer put it,
“Super location, very nice staff, beach in front is clean and nice, and many bars and restaurants around! staff was super nice and friendly”
Check rates and availability – Avalon Hotel 🏩
For a sophisticated vibe complete with artwork and amazing amenities, consider staying at the Clevelander Hotel.
This adult-only hotel is on Ocean Drive. The rooms feature HDTVs, rain showers, plush bedding, fast wifi, and black-out curtains.
The Clevelander also features 3 different bars, including one with a pool and patio, and a nightclub with live music at night.
There are two rooftop decks with spectacular views of the surroundings. Guests loved the posh rooms, comfy beds, spacious showers, and central location.
Check rates and availability – Clevelander Hotel 🏩
👉 For more hotels and accommodation options near South Beach Miami area, take a look at this post: 15 Incredible Hotels Between Fort Lauderdale & Miami
Where To Eat In South Beach Miami?
One of the favorite things to do in South Beach Miami is to eat! There are many amazing restaurants featuring everything from delicious seafood to dry-aged steaks.
1. A Fish Called Avalon
A Fish called Avalon is an excellent seafood restaurant featuring crab-crusted black grouper, sake & tarragon glazed lobster tails, macadamia snapper, and bam bam shrimp.
People who frequent this restaurant call it “a dream come true” and the food “unreal.”
The combination of incredible food with a fantastic ambiance and great live music makes this restaurant a winner.
I stayed at the Avalon Hotel (which I recommend for a hotel stay) and can attest that their food is phenomenal. I had the citrus chicken and mashed sweet potatoes.
📍 Find it at 700 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139-6220.
2. Smith & Wollensky
Smith & Wollensky is another prime spot to eat in Miami offering delicious dry-aged steaks, fabulous appetizers, and to-die-for desserts.
This restaurant is open for lunches and dinners. Reviewers called eating here an “Unforgettable experience, awesome food, wonderful service.”
📍 Find Smith & Wollesky at 1 Washington Ave South Pointe Park, Miami Beach, FL 33139-7323
3. Nikki Beach Miami
Nikki Beach is a luxury beach club right on the ocean. It is basically a tiki bar, nightclub, high-end restaurant, and beach club wrapped up in one.
The restaurant serves global cuisine and creative cocktails. DJs make sure you’ll enjoy excellent disco music.
Depending on when you’re visiting, you may also be able to catch a burlesque dance performance.
The mouth-watering Sunday brunch is another great reason to head to Nikki Beach Miami.
📍 Find Nikki Beach at 1 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
4. CJ’s Crab Shack
CJ’s Crab Shack is the place to eat crab cakes, grouper, shrimp, and scallops. The food is fabulous and the portions are huge.
This restaurant got its start in 1921 when “Grandaddy Gus” arrived from Greece. He invented the restaurant’s famous “deviled crab”. Could be worth a try!
📍 CJ’s Crab Shack is located at 600 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States.
Conclusion: Things To Do In South Beach Miami
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing activities to enjoy in South Beach Miami!
Whether you want to spend time walking, jogging, or biking the beachfront, going on a food tour, learning about Art Deco history, going on a private boat tour, or exploring some awesome parks.
Which of these things to do in South Beach Miami are you going to put on your list?
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Wayne visiting Miami in February. ☀️
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