By: Matthew Meltzer
Way back in 1962, Miami Beach closed off its popular Lincoln Road shopping district to automobile traffic, creating an eight-lane pedestrian mall in the heart of the city. Since then, it’s been the social hub of South Beach, where shops, restaurants, theaters and street performers make for one of the destination’s most unique experiences.
Of course, most visitors are in on the secret, and knowing where to go with your time on Lincoln Road can help you make the most of your experience. Here’s a locals’ guide to the best places to eat, shop and take in the culture.
Find shops, restaurants and art on Lincoln Road
Art, Culture and Things To Do on Lincoln Road
The Mall Itself
Though Lincoln Road is best known for its shopping and restaurants, if you’re looking for a little slice of Miami Beach culture, you’ll find it here too. The open-air mall itself is a work of architectural mastery. Famed art deco architect Morris Lapidus filled the wide pedestrian mall with public gathering spaces, sculptures and landscaping.
Catch a performance by Miami New Drama at the Colony Theatre
Colony Theatre
The Colony Theatre is a historic art deco gem and home to Miami New Drama, a leading producer of original theater offering a rotating schedule of local productions.
Enjoy a Wallcast at SoundScape Park
New World Center and SoundScape Park
New World Center, home of the New World Symphony, sits just off Lincoln Road, fronted by lush SoundScape Park. On many weekends, you can catch a movie from the comfy confines of the park’s lawn, projected on the side of the symphony hall. From October to May, New World Symphony also has monthly wallcasts, where the night’s performance is livestreamed on the building. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic.
Explore Romero Britto's colorful art
Romero Britto Gallery
The colorful work of Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto is everywhere in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, but you’ll find the largest collection of work at his Lincoln Road gallery. Collectors can discover plenty to take home, but even those who aren’t looking to buy are welcome to come in and enjoy the showcase.
Experience Peruvian fusion in Chotto Matte's vibrant, tropical dining space
Eating and Drinking on Lincoln Road
Abbey Brewing Company
Abbey Brewing Company, a block south of Lincoln Road, is an old-style brewpub that’s been pouring craft beer in South Beach since before it was cool. The dark, cool confines are especially welcoming on a warm afternoon. It's the perfect place to pair a giant pretzel with the some of the best beer in Miami Beach.
Chotto Matte
The Nikkei cuisine is top-notch at Chotto Matte, a Peruvian-style spot with a retractable roof. Relax as you surround yourself in tropical plants and dine on fresh seafood and grilled meats. You’ll get the feeling of eating inside a cavern.
Try Dolce Italian's homemade pasta
Dolce Italian
Great Italian food can be found just a block or so away from Lincoln Road at Dolce Italian in the Gale South Beach Hotel. All the pastas are made in-house, and the Maine lobster ravioli and tagliatelle Bolognese are winners.
Dine on Juvia's rooftop to enjoy panoramic views with your meal
Juvia
For food and drinks with a view, head to Juvia at the top of the 1111 Lincoln Road garage, where panoramas of the shoreline and skyline merge with elegant craft cocktails. They’re best enjoyed with truffle ceviche and tuna Nikkei, offering Instagram opportunities aplenty to start a night out in South Beach.
Treat yourself to Neapolitan-style pizza at Mister 01
Mister 01
For a (literally) hidden gem, seek out a meal at Mister 01. Tucked deep into non-descript corridors in an office building, this pizza shop has become a favorite of both locals and visitors with its traditional, Neapolitan-style pies.
Spend a Sunday at Lincoln Road's farmer's market
Shopping
Shopping doesn’t mean all retail, all the time. Lincoln Road hosts a weekly farmer’s market on Sundays, where you can grab a fresh-pressed juice or smoothie and find delicious, fresh produce up and down the mall. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival also hosts a monthly artisan market during the winter and spring, where some of the area’s best local restaurants have pop-up stands. If you’re into hunting for antiques, the Lincoln Road Antique and Collectible market welcomes more than 100 vendors two or three times a month from October to May.
Of course, Lincoln Road’s reputation as a shopping destination also stems from the abundance of stores you can find. There are outposts of plenty of major brands, such as Ted Baker, Zara, Lululemon, American Eagle, Express and more. Lincoln Road is also home to some beautiful boutiques like Red Zebra, carrying items you won’t find elsewhere. You can peruse the stalls at Showfields, where art, food, and independent retailers make for a truly unique shopping experience.
Pamper yourself with a spa day
Spas and Self-Care on Lincoln Road
Exhale Spa
On the far eastern end of Lincoln Road, you’ll spot the unmistakable spire of the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Venture inside and downstairs to exhale Spa, which also offers access to its state-of-the-art gym to anyone who books a spa treatment.
Spa E
For an indulgent day spa experience, check into Spa E for a couple of hours of pampering. From hot stone massages to facials and exclusive skin care products, tucking in here for a brief respite will recharge your system for more shopping and dining.