Where To Stay, Dine & Play On Ocean Drive

Every destination has its iconic street, and in South Beach, it’s all about Ocean Drive. Set right along the beach, it’s full of gorgeous views and countless dining options – there’s really no shortage of things to see and do when visiting this lively street that’s also the heart of the iconic Art Deco Historic District.

With so much to explore and take in, Ocean Drive is the perfect place to spend a day when visiting Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Here are our top picks for where to stay, dine and play on Ocean Drive.

Art Deco Historic District

South Beach is home to the country’s largest concentration of Art Deco architecture. Head to the Art Deco Welcome Center to learn all about these unique pastel-hued buildings and geometric facades that date back to the 1920s and 1930s. 

For a deeper dive into the area’s history and architecture, the Miami Design Preservation League hosts two-hour walking tours that explain everything about the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles. You can also download a self-guided tour to do at your own leisure.

Lummus Park

Lummus Park stretches along Ocean Drive from 5th to 14th streets where, at all times of the day, you’ll find runners, walkers and picnicking families. With a playground, volleyball nets and two outdoor gyms, it’s a great place to work off a little energy in a lively setting just steps from the sand.

The wide, paved Beachwalk path runs through Lummus Park, making it easy to enjoy whether you’re on a bike, skates, walking, using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. If you’re looking to relax, bring a blanket and lie under the shade of the many swaying palm trees.

Miami Beach Clock Tower

Located within Lummus Park, the iconic Miami Beach Clock Tower is a fun backdrop for photos and a symbol of Miami’s rich culture. The design captures the essence of South Beach and displays the temperature and date. You’ll find it near 10th Street, where you can enjoy great people-watching.

Nikki Beach

At the southern tip of Ocean Drive, Nikki Beach is a sprawling beachfront destination that’s part restaurant and part beach club, complete with breezy cabanas, daybeds and tables tucked beneath swaying palms.

The weekly Amazing Sunday Brunch is peak Nikki Beach, pairing a lavish buffet with DJ tunes and a lively atmosphere. Indulge in food stations filled with everything from made-to-order eggs and waffles to sushi, seafood, salads, meats, cheeses and desserts, then settle in with a cocktail and soak up the scene. For a quintessential Miami Beach brunch where you can dine with your toes in the sand, Nikki Beach is the answer.

Icy-N-Spicy

Make your way to the Carlyle Hotel where you’ll find Icy-N-Spicy, a family-owned and operated artisan ice cream shop that serves specialty shakes, ice cream, fro-yo and freshly made cotton candy.

The menu boasts fun flavors that rotate often, ranging from classics like red velvet and dulce de leche to cotton candy ice cream tacos and even Dubai chocolate Greek yogurt. It’s the perfect spot to stop for a treat you can enjoy while strolling along Ocean Drive.

Palace Bar & Restaurant

Ocean Drive is known for its high energy and fantastic people-watching, and nobody puts on a show quite like the queens at Palace Bar & Restaurant. This beloved restaurant and bar hosts an incredible drag brunch that’s one of Miami Beach’s can’t-miss experiences. The performers are gorgeous, funny and ready to keep you entertained while you indulge in items from the lengthy made-from-scratch menu. (We recommend the Hangover Club made with crispy chicken, cheddar, avocado, bacon, a fried egg and chipotle aioli on a brioche bun.)

Of course, there are plenty of cocktails as well. You’ll find everything from classic mimosas to beverages with fun names like the Girl Please, which is made with Bombay Sapphire, Giffard Abricot de Rousillon, rosemary syrup, lime juice and bitters. Just remember to bring cash for tipping the performers during the show.

Mango’s Tropical Cafe

Looking to explore a little nightlife and maybe do some dancing? Mango’s Tropical Cafe is for you. With everything from nightly salsa lessons and dance parties to performances by professional singers and dancers, this is the spot to go for a tried-and-true Miami Beach nightlife experience. 

Head to the Voodoo Room for vibey dance music, or the Mojito Room for Latin beats. With a full bar offering fun, colorful drinks and a large restaurant serving Latin fusion cuisine, Mango’s always delivers the complete South Beach night out.

J'Adore Miami Beach

J'Adore Miami Beach brings together dinner, live entertainment and nightlife for a fun night out in South Beach. The glamorous supper club draws inspiration from vintage cabarets, with weekly performances featuring live music, dancers, singers and burlesque shows.

Guests can enjoy Asian inspired dishes that range from drunken edamame to spicy tuna seaweed salad and inventive sushi rolls, along with handcrafted cocktails, before the space transitions into a late-night lounge with bottle service.

The Villa Casa Casuarina

Inside The Villa Casa Casuarina (the former Versace mansion), Gianni’s serves fine Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll be treated to top-notch service surrounded by stunning Italian marble and a breathtaking pool covered in brightly colored mosaic tiles and 24-karat gold (designed by Gianni Versace himself). Feast on lobster, pasta, juicy steaks and more. It’s one of those experiences that’s so lavish, you’ll talk about it for months to come.

The Betsy Hotel

If you’re a fan of art and music, you’ll love The Betsy - South Beach. The family-owned property is home to a well-curated and ever-evolving art collection. Nightly jazz performances are free to attend, even if you aren’t a hotel guest. Grab a cocktail from The Piano Bar, sit back and relax.

If you’d like to stay for dinner, you can go to LT South Beach for steakhouse classics or The Alley for fantastic Roman-style pizza and casual Italian eats.

Plan Your Visit to Ocean Drive

Your best bet for parking around Ocean Drive is in one of Miami Beach’s garages. The garages closest to Ocean Drive are located at 7th Street and Collins Avenue, 13th Street and Collins Avenue, and 16th Street and Collins Avenue.

Metered street parking is available on some nearby streets. Before parking, make sure you’re not in a zone that’s reserved for residents only.

Public restrooms are located in Lummus Park, at 14th Street and Ocean Drive, and at 5th Street and Ocean Drive.