The Best Things To Do In South Beach

South Beach is internationally famous for its white-sand beach edged by clear waters, lively nightlife and Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover culture, watersports and parks for play and relaxation. There’s even a new underwater sculpture park. Whether you’re a first-timer or have been visiting for years, here are the best things to do in South Beach.

Beach, Pools And Snorkeling

You can’t come to South Beach without enjoying a beach day. Bring your own towel or beach chair to sunbathe on the soft sand and float in the calm, clear waters. You can also rent loungers, umbrellas and cabanas from Boucher Brothers. Even if you’re not staying at a South Beach hotel, places like The Savoy offer day passes with access to the beach and pool, and many hotels participate in Resort Pass. Also new in South Beach, you can snorkel The Reefline, an underwater sculpture park about 600 feet from the shore near 4th and 5th streets.

Play Outdoors

With its sprawling green spaces and oceanfront views, South Pointe Park, located on the southern tip of South Beach, is the place to let the kids run free or enjoy a picnic under the palm trees. Children love racing up and down the grassy hills and cooling off in the mini water park. The South Pointe Pier offers fishing and unmatched views of the shoreline. Another popular outdoor spot is Lummus Park in South Beach, a beachfront park with a playground, sand volleyball court and an outdoor gym called Muscle Beach.

Miami’s best side is seen from the water. Hop aboard the Water Taxi Miami for a South Beach cruise around Biscayne Bay to gawk at mega-mansions, or take the taxi to Bayside Marketplace. If you want to soar above the water, book a parasailing trip with FlySOBE. Rent a paddleboard, kayak or surfboard at Miami Beach Paddleboard or BouYah Watersports, which has numerous locations.

Beach Clubs And Pool Parties

For a day of lounging in the sun or an epic pool party, retreat to one of Miami Beach’s beach clubs or hotel pools. Longtime beach club institution Nikki Beach offers a day-to-night party vibe where you can also rent beach loungers, daybeds or cabanas. There are also limited cabana and poolside daybeds for rental at Biscayne Bay stunner Baia Beach Club, which only gets prettier at sunset. the goodtime hotel, Miami Beach is the place for over-the-top weekend pool parties with top DJs and sparkling bottle service.

Rejuvenate And Relax

South Beach is a haven for tranquil spa days. Indulge in pampering treatments and rich amenities at top spas like Valmont for The Spa at The Setai. Afterward, check out Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel South Beach and The Standard Spa, a tropical oasis with a hammam tucked away along Biscayne Bay. Time your visit around Miami Spa Months in July and August to enjoy special savings on spa treatments.

Explore The Arts

Art and culture are a big part of South Beach’s soul. Start your art crawl at The Bass, a contemporary art museum with a stellar roster of permanent and new exhibitions, and the immersive experience called Art Outside with sculptures, murals and interactive artworks. If you’re in town October through May, carve out time to attend a free outdoor WALLCAST concert at the New World Center, where guests spread towels on the lawn to watch musical magic happen on the big screen. On Wednesday evenings, you can also watch a free movie on the wall beginning at 8 p.m.

Stroll Iconic Streets

From shopping and art to delicious meals at al fresco restaurants, you’ll find it all on Miami’s iconic Lincoln Road. Stroll the 8-block, pedestrian-only street to pop in name-brand stores, look at free public art and on Sundays, peruse the long-running farmer’s market. Cap off the day on the rooftop of MILA Restaurant for fiery entertainment and incredible views.

At nearby Española Way, a historic street that used to be an artist’s colony, expect more of a bohemian spirit. At night, live music wafts from restaurants and sometimes dancing breaks out at cafes. With more than a dozen restaurants and sidewalk cafes, favorites include Oh! Mexico, A La Folie Café and The Joyce tucked inside the boutique gem, Esmé hotel.

Move over to South Beach’s hip Sunset Harbour neighborhood to shop at stylish boutiques, dine at trendy restaurants or even take a fitness class.

Take A Tour

With so many great dining options in South Beach, it may be overwhelming to know where to make a reservation. Miami Culinary Tours offers tasting tours with knowledgeable foodie guides who will lead you to under-the-radar gems and the must-eat South beach restaurants. One of the most popular tours in South Beach is a walking tour with Miami Design Preservation League, which highlights the neighborhood’s famous Art Deco architecture, pastel buildings and storied spots.