No matter what you’re looking for, South Beach offers the best of it all, Miami Beach-style. From perfect beach, pool and spa days, to rich culture and amazing restaurants, these are the best things this sun-soaked neighborhood has to offer.

goodtime hotel's pink pool area — Experience the goodtime hotel's pool

Enjoy a Beach or Pool Day

Every trip to South Beach should involve floating in the calm, clear waters and basking in the sun on soft, sandy beaches. Most hotels offer inviting pools as well as beach chairs and umbrellas for a relaxing toes-in-the-sand experience.

You can also rent loungers, umbrellas and cabanas from Boucher Brothers, or simply unfurl a towel wherever there’s a free spot on the beach. Check out hotels that offer day rooms and cabanas. Those who want to make a splash at a pool party should check out the goodtime hotel, Miami Beach for weekend pool parties filled with champagne, sparkling bottle service and DJs.

South Pointe Park by the water — Panoramic views at South Pointe Park

Play Outdoors

If you’re looking for a place to let the kids run wild or a picturesque spot to catch some rays and relaxation, head to South Pointe Park on the southern tip of South Beach. With its sprawling green spaces and oceanfront views, it’s the place to spread out a blanket on the grass for a picnic or laze under the shade of palm trees. Kids can race up and down the grassy hills or cool off in the mini water park. Stroll the South Pointe Pier to soak up unmatched panoramic views of South Beach’s shoreline.

Miami’s best side is seen from the water, and you can’t come to South Beach without exploring the turquoise-hued waterways. Rent a boat or join a charter cruise out of Miami Beach Marina to gawk at mansions and admire the area’s natural beauty. Fitness buffs can rent a paddleboard, kayak, or surfboard at any of the various water sports rental places like BouYah or Miami Beach Paddleboards.

Nikki Beach's seating area on the sand — Sunbathe and party at Nikki Beach

Sunbathe or Party at Beach Clubs

For a day of lounging in the sun or a party after the sun goes down, retreat to one of Miami Beach’s many beach clubs. Head to longtime favorite, Nikki Beach, to join its day-to-night party and rent beach loungers, daybeds or cabanas. Dine and dance at Tulum-inspired 1 Beach Club at 1 Hotel South Beach.

Pool at The Standard Spa — Relax by the pool at The Standard Spa

Rejuvenate and Relax

South Beach is a haven for relaxing spa days. Indulge in pampering treatments and rich amenities at top spas like Valmont for The Spa at The Setai, Away Spa at W South Beach and The Standard Spa, a tropical oasis tucked away on Biscayne Bay. Time your visit for Miami Spa Months in July and August to enjoy special savings on spa treatments.

Aerial of The Bass — Don't miss The Bass museum's Art Outside collection

Explore The Arts

Lovers of art and culture should spend a few hours perusing The Bass, a contemporary art museum with a stellar roster of permanent and new exhibitions, as well as its immersive experience called Art Outside. Public art is sprinkled around South Beach – keep your eyes open for sculptures, murals and interactive artworks.

If you're in town for Miami Art Week 2023, immerse yourself in the monumental installation of a 45-foot tall burning man sculpture. R-Evolution™ by Marco Cochrane will be on display on Lincoln Road from November 14, 2023 to April 30, 2024.

Depending on when you’re in town, you may want to attend a free outdoor Wallcast concert in SoundScape Park at the New World Center, where guests of all ages spread towels on the lawn to watch musical magic happen on the big screen. On Wednesday evenings from October through May, you can catch a free outdoor movie on the wall beginning at 8 p.m.

Beautiful day on Lincoln Road — Take a stroll on Lincoln Road

Stroll Iconic Streets

Don’t miss strolling South Beach’s famous Lincoln Road, where you can pop in and out of name-brand stores and boutiques. Have a meal at al fresco cafes and restaurants with rooftop terraces, like MILA Restaurant, and check out the weekend farmers market. Lincoln Road is also a culinary dream with Havana 1957 and Issabella's food halls, both packed with dining options.

Shops and cafes on Espanola Way — Shops and sidewalk cafes on Española Way

Continue your shopping and dining spree on nearby Española Way, dotted with eclectic restaurants and several shops. The historic street is abuzz at night when live music wafts from restaurants and dancing breaks out at cafes. Have a gin-and-tonic cocktail and delicious tapas at the popular Tropezón bar, and stay or play at boutique gems like the Esmé hotel.

Stroll South Beach’s hip Sunset Harbour neighborhood to shop at posh boutiques selling the latest fashions and to dine at buzzy restaurants, such as seafood-centric Stiltsville Fish Bar and longtime neighborhood staple Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante.

Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive — Learn about Art Deco architecture on a tour

Take a Tour

Experience a delicious immersion into South Beach's culinary cuisine on a private or public walking tour with Miami Culinary Tours. Knowledgeable foodies guide guests on a tasting tour of dining gems and offer insights into the area’s famous Art Deco architecture. For a more in-depth tour centered around South Beach’s architectural history, the Miami Design Preservation League offers guided walking tours that lead guests past landmark buildings and storied spots.

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