24 Hours in South Beach

You’ve got 24 hours in South Beach—so much to do and so little time! Read on for our guide to get a taste of the very best of this buzzing Miami Beach neighborhood, even if you’ve only got a day. From sunrise yoga to late night eats after the club, we’ve got you covered.

Sunrise Yoga

South Beach is full of fit, health-conscious denizens, so get in on the action and spend your early morning on your mat. South Beach is home to many wonderful locally owned yoga studios like Tropical Vinyasa and Green Monkey in Sunset Harbour, Synergy Yoga on Alton Road and State of Yoga in the South of Fifth neighborhood. You can also practice with your toes in the sand by the lifeguard tower at 3rd Street on the beach, where a free yoga class is held every morning at 7 a.m. (they also host a free evening class).

Healthy Breakfast – Pura Vida

Follow up that morning workout with a healthy, nutrient-dense breakfast to fuel you through the rest of your morning. Pura Vida is a sunny, buzzing cafe in the South of Fifth neighborhood with sidewalk seating. It serves up all-day breakfast, green juices, smoothies, acai bowls, sandwiches, salads and coffee. One of the most popular orders is the perfect egg sandwich made with soft boiled eggs, mozzarella, avocado, arugula and tomato on a toasted bagel.

Morning – South Pointe Park & the Beach

Situated at the southern tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park is a beautifully landscaped greenspace with panoramic views of South Beach’s shoreline, as well as Fisher Island and PortMiami across the channel, and Downtown Miami across Biscayne Bay. The park itself features paved walking trails, a playground and a splash park. Take a stroll down the scenic South Pointe Pier to truly soak in those views. This is also an excellent place to enjoy the morning at the beach. On the sand, you’ll experience a relaxed atmosphere in an area that’s popular among locals. If conditions are right, this is also the stretch of beach where you’ll spy surfers along the jetty.

Lunch with a View – Smith & Wollensky

While a steakhouse might seem like a dinnertime destination, don’t overlook Smith & Wollensky as your South Beach spot for a uniquely picturesque lunch. Located in South Pointe Park overlooking the channel, Smith & Wollensky provides prime daytime views of the massive ships sailing in and out of PortMiami. Snag a table at the outdoor bar and patio where cafe tables face the water. You can also reserve a table by the jetty right along the water’s edge. The restaurant specializes in prime steaks, fresh seafood and lobster with an award-winning wine list and strong cocktails.

Afternoon – Cruise Along Lincoln Road

Head to Lincoln Road in the heart of South Beach for an afternoon stroll through this pedestrian-only promenade where you’ll find boutiques, art galleries and restaurants to explore. Swing into locally owned indie bookstore Books & Books, indulge in a scoop of homemade ice cream from The Frieze and take in the impressive architecture of Herzog & de Meuron at the westernmost end of the street. You’ll find stores ranging from H&M and Zara to Ted Baker and Apple, as well as two exciting food halls, Time Out Market Miami and Lincoln Eatery.

Dinner – Sunset Harbour

For a delicious dinner in a hip neighborhood loved by locals, head to Sunset Harbour, overlooking Biscayne Bay at the northwestern edge of South Beach. If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, Stiltsville Fish Bar is your destination. This spot offers locally caught fish and Southern comfort-inspired side dishes by celebrity chef power couple Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth. If you’re craving sushi, snag a table at Pubbelly Sushi for Chef Jose Mendin’s unique take on the Japanese staple with a Latin flair. For Brooklyn-style pizza, Lucali is a hotspot serving brick-oven pies, wine and cocktails in a stylish setting.

Nighttime – Hit the Club or Hang with Locals

Of course, it’s not a night in South Beach without hitting the town. For megaclub diehards, LIV remains the longstanding nightlife hotspot. Located in the nearby Mid Beach neighborhood at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort, the 18,000-square-foot club boasts a domed ceiling, impressive light show and VIP tables lining the dance floor and mezzanine. World-class DJs like David Guetta, Steve Angello and Tiësto spin here. If a low-key night is more your style, make your way to the Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel, a Mid Beach cocktail bar and lounge serving inventive cocktails in kitschy backyard patio.

Late Night Bite

When late night hunger strikes, make your way to Bodega to sate your taco craving. Open until 5 a.m. with a food truck-style façade, this taco stand boasts picnic table seating indoors and out. For serious revelers, the taco stand acts as a front to a secret speakeasy dance club with live DJs and an approachable, yet high-energy vibe specializing in tequila cocktails. Just remember, when hunger strikes, the taco stand is right outside!