South Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
South Beach
Photo provided by Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
Espanola Way and Washington Avenue showing dining out, night scenes and nightlife
Photo provided by Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

Party with the rich and famous in possibly the most glamorous ocean-front setting.

At the southern end of Miami Beach, South Beach, or SoBe to those in the know, is a beautiful stretch of pristine sand looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. This is undoubtedly the place to see and be seen as the top-quality beach and legendary nightlife draw in the rich and famous wanting to let their hair down.

Behind the seafront, you’ll discover a wealth of architectural gems. South Beach grew out of developers’ plans to create an independent city to rival Miami. The first houses date back to 1912. The famous Art Deco District is a must-see for anyone interested in the style of 1930s. You’ll discover the iconic resort-style apartments and Mediterranean Revival-style houses.

For daytime entertainment, nothing beats a stroll along Ocean Drive, Miami’s answer to LA’s Venice Beach. With celebrity residents past and present including Jenifer Lopez, Anna Kournikova, Jackie Gleeson and the late Gianni Versace, you never know which famous face you might spot. For a spot of retail therapy, head to Lincoln Road Mall to browse the many boutiques, cafés and art galleries. Food-lovers should try the Sunday Farmer’s Market for fresh local produce.

Once the sunsets, the party begins. For a luxury dining experience, head to one of the many celebrity-owned restaurants such as Nobu Miami, a Japanese restaurant co-founded by Robert De Niro, or Gloria Estefan’s beachside Cuban-themed restaurant Larios. Keep the night alive by joining the crowds of beautiful people and VIPs in the dazzling night clubs, lounges and bars. Before you know it the sun will be rising again!

Wander down to the beach to relax and recover. Simply lay back, top up you tan and watch the world go by. However, if you are still looking for thrills, South Beach is a top spot for water sports, including parasailing, scuba diving and even swimming with dolphins.

At the southern end of Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, South Beach is best explored on foot. The Art Deco Welcome Center offers walking and bicycle tours of the area, as well as self-guided audio tours.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best South Beach Hotel Deals

Mondrian South Beach

Mondrian South Beach

4.5 out of 5
1100 West Ave, Miami Beach, FL
The price is NZ$423 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$423
28 July - 29 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Miami Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,303 reviews)
"Love this hotel and staff"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Mondrian South Beach
1 Hotel South Beach

1 Hotel South Beach

5 out of 5
2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
The price is NZ$1,042 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
NZ$1,042
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Miami Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,239 reviews)
A+++ Service
"The property is beautiful and well located, but the standout was the service. Wow - the only word to describe the service is EXCEPTIONAL."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

1 Hotel South Beach
citizenM Miami South Beach

citizenM Miami South Beach

4 out of 5
1200 Lincoln Road, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL
The price is NZ$225 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$225
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Miami Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Collins Avenue Shopping Area ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,149 reviews)
"Very conveniently located. Absolutely very clean. My only concern was a lack of a wheelchair for guest that has mobility issues."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

citizenM Miami South Beach
Loews Miami Beach Hotel – South Beach

Loews Miami Beach Hotel – South Beach

4.5 out of 5
1601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL
The price is NZ$507 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$507
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Miami Beach. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,714 reviews)
"Large pool area...Friendly and professional safe. Food and drinks are excellent and plentiful. Excellent choice. We will stay again. (Every trip to Miami)"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Loews Miami Beach Hotel – South Beach
Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach

Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach

4.5 out of 5
1825 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
The price is NZ$356 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
NZ$356
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Miami Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (914 reviews)
"We absolutely loved it the staff were awesome, beach access was so convenient, food was great. Will be back"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach
The Miami Beach EDITION

The Miami Beach EDITION

5 out of 5
2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL
The price is NZ$1,066 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$1,066
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Miami Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Excellent property and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

The Miami Beach EDITION
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South Beach

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South of Fifth

If you're spending some time in South of Fifth, Collins Avenue Shopping Area and South Pointe Beach are top sights worth seeing.

South of Fifth
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Flamingo/Lummus

If you're spending some time in Flamingo/Lummus, Collins Avenue Shopping Area and Espanola Way and Washington Avenue are top sights worth seeing.

Flamingo/Lummus
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Miami Beach City Center

If you're spending some time in Miami Beach City Center, Collins Avenue Shopping Area and Fillmore Miami Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Miami Beach City Center
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Bayshore

Bayshore is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Miami Beach Golf Club and 41st Street while you're in town.

Bayshore
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Mid Beach

4/5(13 area reviews)

Miami Beach Boardwalk and Miami Beach Beaches are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Mid Beach. Travellers also love the stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and popular shops.

Mid Beach
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Nautilus

Though Nautilus may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fontainebleau and 41st Street.

Nautilus


South Beach Travel Guide

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