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$357 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$357
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (2,270 reviews)
"expensive"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Mondrian South Beach
1 Hotel South Beach
1 Hotel South Beach
5 out of 5
2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
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! (1,211 reviews)
"Todo vien"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

1 Hotel 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$509 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$509
14 July - 15 July
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! (4,732 reviews)
"beatiful large loved it highly recommended but also very expensive"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Loews Miami Beach 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$216 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$216
21 July - 22 July
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! (1,097 reviews)
"It’s always a pleasure staying at Citizen M"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

citizenM Miami 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$341 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$341
28 July - 29 July
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! (883 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay, amazing service. Everyone was very friendly. Housekeeping was fast to come if needed, and also very friendly. I loved the ice machine and water bottle refills available."

Reviewed on 10 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$1,070 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$1,070
14 July - 15 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! (999 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 1 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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