South Beach is famous for the bright art deco architecture, nightlife and parties, beautiful people and world class hotels, but none of that would be there if it wasn’t for the beach. South Beach’s natural attraction remains the top reason why people from all over the world visit Miami in winter, spring, summer or fall. South Beach is Miami’s most popular beach and a must-see during your visit here.
The eclectic neighborhood around South Beach’s free public beach, beginning at Ocean Drive and 5th Street and stretching up to 21st Street and Collins, includes some of the best and most tourist-friendly shopping, dining and people watching in all of Miami. Pick up your touristy T-shirt, pack a towel and sunscreen and head out to South Beach for the day. No matter the season, you’ll see a blend of long time locals, new international transplants and visitors. The beach is always busy and the vibe is quintessential South Beach. It’s party-filled, fun and you’ll almost certainly see small planes overhead with banners advertising parties in the area that night.
If you’ve seen the iconic pastel-colored deco lifeguard stands in pictures and movies, this is where you’ll find them. Don’t skip South Beach, the place where Miami’s art deco history, beautiful beaches and popular nightlife come together in just a few blocks.
Lummus Park
Lummus Park is a public beachfront park on Ocean Drive, between 5th and 15th Streets. You’ll find beach volleyball courts, sidewalks for rollerblading, power walking or jogging - a beautiful place to get in your workout. So forget the gym, and just go for a swim in the ocean or for a jog with a view that will make the miles tick by.
Lummus Park also has free public restrooms and a playground for the kids, among other amenities.
The Neighborhood
Take a walk along Ocean Drive for an up-close look at the art deco buildings you’ve seen on television and in movies so many times. These buildings are home to everything from sidewalk cafes and bars to boutique hotels; high-end designer stores to fun touristy shops where you can get almost anything, including a henna tattoo.
Lincoln Road, just a short walk away, is an outdoor pedestrian mall where you’ll find even more eclectic shops and eateries, bars, and entertainment.
Beach Tips
Don’t forget to pack your own beach essentials or stop at a drug store along the way where you’ll find a section with towels, flip-flops, sunscreen and other beach paraphernalia such as toys for the kids and umbrellas. You can rent a lounge chair on the beach, but be sure to take water and other supplies to stay hydrated in the sun.
There are lifeguards on duty every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., who will provide appropriate warnings when necessary. There are also plenty of municipal parking lots in the area as well as some nearby street parking.
Miami’s beaches are famously flat and calm, but along this stretch of beach you may see novice surfers looking for that occasional wave.
Staying on Miami Beach? Rent a DecoBike for the day - what a great way to go exploring while getting some exercise at the same time.