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.
