1. Miami Beach - South Beach
We’ve all heard of Miami’s South Beach. Featured heavily in iconic films such as Scarface, Miami Vice, Baywatch, Goldfinger, and Ride Along, it’s one of the world’s most famed and instantly recognizable beaches. With its iconic Ocean Drive, renowned restaurants, luxury shopping, opulent hotels and resorts, and bustling nightclubs, South Beach is possibly the world’s most popular beach destination. Additionally, Miami Beach – South was named theBest Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach.”
Centrally located in Miami, South Beach is not the place for beachgoers that want an escape from the big city. Popular with partiers, college students, and singles, it’s a rowdy and energetic party beach with unrivaled energy. Tourists and locals flock to the beach for its legendary history and top-tier amenities, so it’s often busy and parking can be a struggle. However, beachgoers can bypass the battle for street parking by visiting the G1 parking lot on 7th St which offers 646 parking spaces.
When you arrive at South Beach, you’ll immediately notice the beach’s incredible views. From the sand, beachgoers marvel at Miami Beach’s skyline. With its art-deco architecture, dramatic modern high-rises, and sky-scraping palm trees, the skyline is arguably South Florida’s most iconic sight.
Once you walk onto South Beach’s glistening golden sand, you’ll see that South Beach is more than just a tourist destination. It’s a naturally stunning beach in its own right. With vibrant turquoise water and glistening golden, it’s the perfect place to lounge and enjoy nature while just steps from the big city. While you’re there, be sure to catch South Beach’s vibrant sunsets, which peak at around 7 pm.
After the sun sets and the beach starts to get dark, South Beach beachgoers are overwhelmed with possibilities. Seeking a night of shopping? Just minutes away, the Lincoln Road Outdoor Mall offers youthful high-fashion brands such as Y-3, Zadig & Voltaire, Armani Jeans, Diesel, 7 For All Mankind, All Saints, John Varvatos, Marciano, and Zara. Prefer an even more exclusive shopping experience? Visit the Miami Design District, fashionista paradise hosting coveted brands including but not limited to Cartier, HERMÈS, Burberry, Celine, Fendi, Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany & Co, Tom Ford, Versace, and Isabel Marant.
Looking for a night of fun you may or may not remember? South Beach offers a diverse selection of nightclubs and lounges where locals and celebrities come together to celebrate. Frequented by celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Drake, and the Kardashians, the ultra-exclusive Club LIV fuses the appeal of a high energy nightclub and a lounge. At local favorite Cameo, experience an ultra-modern club centered around music and its legacy in hip-hop culture. Prefer a more laid-back atmosphere? Visit the Rose Bar at Delano, a luxurious lounge known for its top-notch cocktails and intimate atmosphere.
An internationally renowned foodie paradise, South Beach’s dining scene is unbeatable. Craving legendary seafood? Head to Joe’s Stone Crab, a local icon that has served South Beach’s best Steak and Stone Crab for over a century. Prefer a night of adventurous fine dining? Visit The Bazaar, Miami’s culinary crown-jewel led by renowned chef Jose Andres, who was recently named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. At The Bazaar, feast on a globally inspired menu with inventive takes on Vietnamese, Spanish, French, and Mediterranean comfort food. For some of Miami’s best desserts, visit Yardbird Southern Table & Bar and order their Deep Fried Oreos.
Looking to spend the night by South Beach? There are an overwhelming number of resorts and hotels to choose from. But three stand above the rest. For a modern hotspot just steps from South Beach, check-in at SLS South Beach, a youthful hotel with top-notch service, spacious newly renovated rooms, and a lively atmosphere. Prefer classic luxury? Visit The Setai, an oceanfront Polynesian and Asian-inspired resort with spacious suite-style rooms, ultra-luxe rooftop pools, and panoramic views of the Miami skyline. For a stay that offers unbeatable value, head to The Albion, a colorful and modern art-deco boutique hotel with spacious rooms and a central location.
