South Beach, Florida's most celebrated coastal neighborhood, draws visitors with its Art Deco architecture, white sand beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene.
South Beach sits within the Art Deco Historic District, a nationally recognized area containing hundreds of preserved buildings from the 1930s and 1940s. The neighborhood's architectural heritage draws design enthusiasts from around the world, and guided walking tours offer a closer look at the ornate facades, neon signage, and geometric detailing that define the style.
The beach itself runs for roughly a mile and a half, with lifeguard stands painted in tropical colors and clear, warm water that stays swimmable for most of the year. Lummus Park, a narrow green strip between Ocean Drive and the sand, provides shade and open space popular with locals and visitors alike.
Dining in South Beach reflects the city's diverse cultural influences, with menus ranging from fresh ceviche and wood-fired Cuban dishes to contemporary American fare. Lincoln Road, a pedestrian-only stretch a few blocks inland, offers a relaxed setting for outdoor meals and people-watching.
South Beach rewards visitors who look past the postcard image and take time to explore its neighborhoods, history, and shoreline at their own pace.
Visit South Beach early in the morning to claim a prime spot on the sand before the crowds arrive and the midday heat sets in.
Try a Cuban coffee from one of the cafes along Espanola Way for an authentic taste of Miami Beach's Latin-influenced food culture.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a reusable water bottle, as the beach can get intensely hot from late spring through early fall.
Walk or rent a bicycle along the beachfront path to take in the full stretch of the Art Deco Historic District at a comfortable pace.
Head to Lummus Park in the late afternoon when the light is golden and the ocean breeze makes the temperature ideal for a stroll.
Ride a Yamaha jet ski on a guided Biscayne Bay tour
Fly private over Miami landmarks with non-alcoholic champagne
Fly a private 40-minute airplane tour over South Beach and the Miami skyline
Private 50-minute sunset flight over Miami with non-alcoholic champagne
Snorkel two Miami reef sites on a 4-hour boat trip
Toast to Miami skyline views with unlimited Tinto de Verano
Pair a Miami Beach jet ski ride with an off-road ATV tour
Fly over Miami’s night skyline on a private airplane tour
Glide Ocean Drive with a guide and see South Beach landmarks in 30 minutes
Walk South Beach in Spanish with Art Deco stops, Lincoln Road, and Espanola Way
Walk South Beach highlights with an English-speaking local guide and Cuban coffee sample
See the Miami skyline from Biscayne Bay on a pirate ship cruise
Walk Little Havana with food stops, a cigar factory visit, and local landmarks
Pair Miami Beach jet skiing with an off-road ATV ride through the Redlands
Sail Biscayne Bay at sunset on a spacious catamaran
Fly over South Beach, Key Biscayne, and Miami’s skyline on a private 30-minute tour
Paddle South Beach waterways on a 2-hour guided clear kayak tour
Explore Miami neighborhoods by bus, then cruise Biscayne Bay with free time at Bayside Marketplace
Explore South Beach landmarks and splash into Biscayne Bay
See South Beach, Little Havana and more from a panoramic-roof bus
See Miami, Downtown and Wynwood illuminated after dark from an open-top bus
Explore Miami landmarks and the Everglades on an airboat adventure
See the Florida Keys' bridges, islands and turquoise waters from above