Miami Beach/South Beach
Discover Miami Beach/South Beach
South Beach is a district in Miami Beach from South Pointe Park to around 23rd Street. It is a resort area that is known for its beautiful beach, lively nightlife, and for having the world's largest collection of modern Art Deco architecture. In 1870, South Beach was predominantly unsettled farmland. In that year, the Lum brothers decided to purchase the 160 acres of land to grow coconuts. A daughter of one of the Lum brothers named the land "South Beach", though the name did not stick until later on.
Taste of Miami Beach/South Beach...
If you're craving a scene with your steak, then South Beach is the place to be. Like many cities in Europe and Latin America, it is fashionable to dine late in South Beach, preferably after 9PM, sometimes as late as midnight. Service on South Beach is notoriously slow and arrogant, but it comes with the turf (of course, it is possible to find restaurants that defy the notoriety and actually pride themselves on friendly service). South Beach has plenty of places to eat. Restaurants and cafes along Ocean Drive are convenient for beach-goers and popular amongst tourists, but they can be prohibitively expensive. You'll want to be a bit discerning about your choice of restaurants, as many establishments offer mediocre food for high prices (same as any other tourist trap-prone locale in the world). On the other hand, Lincoln Road offers a wide range of quality food at good prices and cater to locals and tourists alike. For a more European flavor, check out Espanola Way which looks and feels just like an Italian street. If you plan on eating on Ocean Drive, look for specials: some places offer half off of certain items for lunch, for example, or have promoters out on the sidewalks with flyers advertising deals for the evening. Nightlife in South Beach starts late and ends early in the morning. Getting to a club well after midnight is common.
Culture & Religion
Culture
The city contains an opera company, two dance companies, several arts galleries and theaters. When it comes to musical culture in South Beach there are the popular New World Symphony Orchestra, Bass Art Museum, Miami Convention Center plus many more art galleries. In the Miami area, most clothing shops located away from shopping malls are located in South Beach. If you're craving a scene with your steak, then South Beach is the place to be. Like many cities in Europe and Latin America, it is fashionable to dine late in South Beach, preferably after 9PM, sometimes as late as midnight. Service on South Beach is notoriously slow and arrogant, but it comes with the turf (of course, it is possible to find restaurants that defy the notoriety and actually pride themselves on friendly service). South Beach has plenty of places to eat. Restaurants and cafes along Ocean Drive are convenient for beach-goers and popular amongst tourists, but they can be prohibitively expensive.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Miami Beach/South Beach into what it is today.
In 1870, South Beach was predominantly unsettled farmland. In that year, the Lum brothers decided to purchase the 160 acres of land to grow coconuts. A daughter of one of the Lum brothers named the land "South Beach", though the name did not stick until later on. In 1912, two Miami businessmen bought 400 acres of land in the area, with the goal of building “modest” single family homes. Around 1914, a bridge from Miami to the island was finished. Miami's South Beach was incorporated in 1915, and a land boom in the location began around 1920. With car-accessible roads including the famous streets like Collins avenue, 5th street, Washington Avenue and Ocean Drive, these areas were built for the rich and possibly the famous. During World War II, South Beach became the location for many soldiers as a training location. After the war, many soldiers stayed permanently in Miami Beach, doubling its population. Miami Beach became an area filled with new buildings and had a new reputation as the “Art Deco District” and took on the famous name “South Beach” or nickname “SoBe”. Starting in 1964, the TV comedy show "The Jackie Gleason Show" was filmed from South Beach. Gleason's endorsement of Miami Beach as a sunny, warm, and relaxing location led to a rise in popularity. Many people from northern states planned on retiring in South Beach. Unfortunately, some of them did not take into consideration the upkeep that would have to be put into a property near the ocean....
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Miami Beach/South Beach.
In the Miami area, most clothing shops located away from shopping malls are located in South Beach. If you're craving a scene with your steak, then South Beach is the place to be. Like many cities in Europe and Latin America, it is fashionable to dine late in South Beach, preferably after 9PM, sometimes as late as midnight. Service on South Beach is notoriously slow and arrogant, but it comes with the turf (of course, it is possible to find restaurants that defy the notoriety and actually pride themselves on friendly service). South Beach has plenty of places to eat. Restaurants and cafes along Ocean Drive are convenient for beach-goers and popular amongst tourists, but they can be prohibitively expensive. You'll want to be a bit discerning about your choice of restaurants, as many establishments offer mediocre food for high prices (same as any other tourist trap-prone locale in the world).
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe city contains an opera company, two dance companies, several arts galleries and theaters. When it comes to musical culture in South Beach there are the popular New World Symphony Orchestra, Bass Art Museum, Miami Convention Center plus many more art galleries. In the Miami area, most clothing shops located away from shopping malls are located in South Beach. If you're craving a scene with your steak, then South Beach is the place to be. Like many cities in Europe and Latin America, it is fashionable to dine late in South Beach, preferably after 9PM, sometimes as late as midnight. Service on South Beach is notoriously slow and arrogant, but it comes with the turf (of course, it is possible to find restaurants that defy the notoriety and actually pride themselves on friendly service). South Beach has plenty of places to eat. Restaurants and cafes along Ocean Drive are convenient for beach-goers and popular amongst tourists, but they can be prohibitively expensive....
Getting Around & Staying
Where to Stay
While some of the most famous and well-known hotels and resorts are located in South Beach, the area can be noisy, crowded and expensive. Hotels and resorts are located along the entire length of Miami Beach, so travelers should also consider places further north of 23rd St. Adjacent to the beach (on Collins and Ocean streets, south of 23rd street), pretty much every building is a hotel, so there are many not listed here.
Money & Budget
In the Miami area, most clothing shops located away from shopping malls are located in South Beach. If you're craving a scene with your steak, then South Beach is the place to be. Like many cities in Europe and Latin America, it is fashionable to dine late in South Beach, preferably after 9PM, sometimes as late as midnight. Service on South Beach is notoriously slow and arrogant, but it comes with the turf (of course, it is possible to find restaurants that defy the notoriety and actually pride themselves on friendly service). South Beach has plenty of places to eat. Restaurants and cafes along Ocean Drive are convenient for beach-goers and popular amongst tourists, but they can be prohibitively expensive.