Rejoice in the sun on the white sands of Miami Beach and enjoy a blend of delicious Latin American food and diverse cultural experiences.
This Southern Florida holiday destination offers a perfect combination of ocean access and exciting attractions, far enough from Miami to have a different, more relaxed vibe and its own distinguishing features.
Visit Miami Beach itself the sandy shoreline is generally the must-see destination for all types of travellers. If you want to swim, settle near a colourful lifeguard tower. When green or yellow flags are flying, the water is open to the public. For activities out of the water, choose space along 11 kilometres (7 miles) of soft white sand. Stay fit with a morning jog, build sand castles, play beach volleyball or simply relax on sun-loungers under umbrellas. Be sure to lather up with sunscreen for protection from Florida’s strong rays.
For other outdoor activities, enjoy more than 40 parks, two golf courses, two tennis courts, community pools and even a winter ice rink. November to April are the most popular tourist months to visit Miami Beach, when many travellers want to escape cold weather in more northern climes. Special deals and discounts are often available during the less busy but much hotter and wetter season from June through August. Besides temperatures shifting by up to 10 C (15 F) between winter and summer, seasonal differences include more rain likely from May through October.
Things to do in Miami Beach
When you visit Miami Beach, you’ll actually see three distinct neighbourhoods on the barrier island of Miami Beach. Running the length of the island, Collins Avenue has spots to shop, eat, drink and be entertained in each neighbourhood.
Stay in South Beach or SoBe for the palm trees and art deco architecture you’ve seen in the movies. Lummus Park offers convenient access to the South Beach shoreline. The outdoor Lincoln Road Mall and Espanola Way feature shopping, dining and people-watching opportunities.
Plan ahead to enjoy a local highlight, a massive art show. Art Basel has become a notable festival, held over several days in December at the Miami Beach Convention Centre. Book tickets online to see exhibits from hundreds of global galleries, focusing on modern, contemporary and emerging art and artists.
Mid Beach has Millionaire’s Row, worth visiting to view palatial homes built between 1910 and 1940. More recently, the Faena District has injected a modern touch, with the Faena Forum landmark building for concerts and special events. The Faena Bazaar invokes the feeling of a Middle Eastern souk.
North Beach is a family-favourite destination for its quieter vibe. You’ll still find plenty to do during the day at North Beach Oceanside Park and in the evening at the Miami Beach Bandshell open-air amphitheatre. Attend a North Beach Social music event on the third Thursday of any month.
Dining and nightlife in Miami Beach
This southern region has been influenced by immigrants from Caribbean islands and Latin American countries, bringing exciting food and customs to Florida. Order a Cuban sandwich for lunch, accompanied by a yerba mate herbal tea. Savour the unique combination of pork, ham, cheese and pickles on toasted, slightly sweet Cuban bread. Complete your meal with a slice of sweet yet tart Key lime pie, a Florida original made with tiny limes from the Florida Keys.
If you prefer a DIY Miami Beach lunch, stop at the Lincoln Road Farmers Market for fresh produce every Sunday. Smorgasbord Miami happens along Lincoln Road on Friday nights, with food vendors, a full bar and live music. During the holiday season, the St. Nicholas Market brings about 100 vendors selling Christmas toys, artisan crafts and delectable food and beverage treats.
While you stroll along the main shopping streets during your Miami Beach visit, look for shops where workers hand-roll tobacco leaves into long, fat cigars. As skilled workers have retired, some workshops have transitioned to strictly cigar sales or cigar and cocktail clubs. Step in for a smoke or drink or return after dark for a relaxing evening.
After you end a day of Miami Beach water or retail activities, get dressed in your summer finery and head to the Fontainebleau Hotel in Mid Beach to pose on the “stairs to nowhere” before dinner. The architect built this attractive but mostly unnecessary staircase so celebrities could pose for photos at the landmark luxury hotel in the posh Millionaire’s Row area. Eat here or at other elegant restaurants along Ocean Drive offering waterfront dining.
For casual meals, find Miami Beach bars, cafés and pubs mixed in along the foreshore and main streets throughout the three neighbourhoods. Besides Cuban foods, Latin American fusion combines flavours from African, Caribbean and Spanish cuisines. Taste cumin, garlic and spicy salsa on empanadas, arepas and tortillas featuring fresh Florida seafood. Dulce de leche and alfajore cookies complete the meal with the perfect sweetness.
Long days transition to vibrant nights in Miami Beach. Dance to a Latin beat in South Beach nightclubs or sip cool cocktails at the lounges along Ocean Drive. If you want to watch live theatre in air-conditioned comfort, see what’s playing at the Colony Theatre.
Getting around Miami Beach
The three Miami Beach neighbourhoods are easily accessed by several bridges from the much larger mainland city of Miami. Arrive at Miami International Airport or Miami-Dade Transit, Florida’s main public transport hub. Ride the cool and convenient Metrobus just 10 to 20 minutes to get to South Beach, then travel to Miami Beach attractions by trolley, bicycle or walking. The free trolley operates from early morning to late evening, servicing several routes from South Beach to North Beach.
You’ll also find wide promenades along the busiest dining and shopping streets and the oceanside Miami Beach Boardwalk and Beachwalk for walkers, joggers and bikers stretching the length of the island. Buy an ice cream and find a shaded bench to watch activities on the water. One of the most important travel tips from locals for a Miami Beach visit:Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the hot and humid climate.
