By Margarita Wells
Miami Beach is a city buzzing with energy and, at its core, is South Beach. This world-famous neighborhood boasts unique dining, culture, shopping, and nightlife experiences with unforgettable views. Here is a 24-hour itinerary to help you maximize your visit and guide you in exploring the best of everything South Beach has to offer.
Sunrise – Morning Walk/Jog
Jump-start your day with a walk or jog along the South Beach coast. Run southbound on the beach or the beachwalk to South Pointe Park where you can stop to enjoy stellar views of the sunrise and of Miami’s downtown skyline. For a longer run, continue west along the cutwalk until you reach 5th Street, then turn back.
9 a.m. – Breakfast at Front Porch Cafe
Sit down to enjoy a delicious and filling breakfast at the Front Porch Café. This restaurant is located on the north end of Ocean Drive at the Z Ocean Hotel and offers a safe haven from South Beach’s hustle and bustle without compromising your ability to people watch. Breakfast favorites include the Front Porch Eggs Benedict, the Beach Breakfast Deluxe, and the Sicilian Omelet.
11 a.m. – Shopping on Collins Avenue
After breakfast, walk a few blocks south and west toward the Collins Avenue/Ocean Drive Shopping District, which is concentrated between 6th Street and 8th Street. Here you can update your wardrobe with selections from popular designers like Armani Exchange and Tommy Hilfiger or from stores like Zara and Gap. You can also pick up a new bathing suit and other beach day essentials from Beach Bunny, Quiksilver, and the Sunglass Hut.
1 p.m. – Visit The Wolfsonian
Continue your adventures in the National Register of Historic Places Art Deco District by visiting The Wolfsonian, a museum known for its galleries of perfectly curated American and European decorative and fine arts produced between 1885 and 1945. If you’re hungry, make sure to stop by The Wolfsonian’s Café for a delicious sandwich hand-crafted by Subatomic Sandwiches.
4 p.m. – Afternoon at the Beach
Make a quick stop to pick up your beach gear and head to the white, sandy beaches of Lummus Park. By now, the crowds will be much smaller and the sun will be more forgiving. You can rent a chair and umbrella from the beach concessionaires before 5 p.m., buy beach equipment at one of the various beach supply stores along Ocean Drive, or bring your own.
7:30 p.m. – Dinner at Juvia
Juvia is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, which sits on the roof of a Herzog & de Meuron-designed structure. The views alone are more than worth the visit, but the food and cocktails make dining at Juvia a million dollar experience. Juvia is a popular dinner spot so make sure you call to make a reservation well in advance, especially if you want to sit outdoors. If you’re hungry for dessert, stop at neighbor Ladurée for an artisan French macaron or walk a few blocks east to pick up ice cream at local favorite, The Frieze Ice Cream Factory.
11:30 p.m. – Dancing at Story
After dinner, hail a cab to South Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood where 24,000-square-foot nightclub, Story Miami, is located. Like other Miami hotspots, Story draws top DJs that cultivate the incredible nightlife ambiance for which South Beach is known. Get ready to dance like nobody is watching!
5:00 a.m. – Snack at Big Pink
Re-fuel after a long night of dancing across the street at Big Pink. This popular diner offers an ample selection dishes to satisfy any appetite from burgers to salads to 24-hour breakfast options. End your night by walking barefoot in the surf and enjoying yet another sunrise.