It doesn’t get more “Miami Beach” than Lummus Park, a ten-block South Beach stretch bisected by the winding Beach Walk and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and iconic Ocean Drive on the other.

The action at this urban oasis stretching along Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 14th Place starts early as runners, walkers and cyclists gather to catch the sunrise while they log their morning miles. If you’re not feeling quite so energetic, don’t worry. Just cross over to the beach and climb the steps of one of the lifeguard towers for bird’s-eye views of the beach and uninterrupted sunrise selfies. As the sun rises and Miami Beach wakes up, so does Lummus Park, coming to life with early risers in search of morning coffee. Families call early dibs on the park’s playgrounds, one for little ones (ages 2-5) and the other for bigger kids, up to age 12. Active types meet on the sand for heart-pumping volleyball games before it gets too hot.

Park Activities

There’s plenty to do here when you visit. Rent a chaise and umbrella on the nearby beach (or just bring your towel; the park has changing facilities) and settle in for a few hours of sunbathing, swimming and people watching. Rent a bike or skates and enjoy refreshing breezes as you navigate the beachfront path. For the fitness-minded, Lummus Park features two outdoor gym areas. On “Muscle Beach” at 9th Street, you can perfect your L-Sits, muscle ups and handstand push-ups on an assortment of bars and rings, as well as MyEquilibria’s sculptural Leopard Tree and Beast structures, which serve as multi-workout stations and public art. The park also offers drop-in fitness classes and bootcamps.

At 10th Street, you’ll find the Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Welcome Center, which offers walking tours focused on Miami Beach’s Art Deco and MiMo architectural styles.

Lummus Park also hosts weekend artisan markets and marquee annual events, including Art Basel Miami Beach satellite fairs, Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Weekend, the Hyundai Air & Sea Show and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting Village.

Where to Eat

When hunger strikes (and it will), you’re mere steps from refreshment. Just cross the lawn to Ocean Drive, where sidewalk restaurants and swanky hotels serve everything from burgers to sushi and grab-and-go fare to fine dining.