Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in South Beach Miami
- Shoshana Weed
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
Recently, my husband and I visited South Beach Miami to get some sun and celebrate the New Year! Although Miami wasn't initially on my "must-see places" list, it pleasantly surprised me, and we ended up having a fantastic trip!
We chose to spend the New Year in Miami since we were already planning to visit family in Florida. As a sun enthusiast, I was eager to head to South Beach for some much-needed sun, sand, and ocean!
South Beach Miami is known for its wide white-sand beaches, Art Deco architecture, and vibrant nightlife. And so for that reason we decided to head south to experience it for ourselves!
Okay, let's get into the Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in South beach Miami!
How much time should you spend in South Beach Miami?
We spent five days in South Beach, and I believe it was the perfect duration, especially since we visited during a busy period with plenty of events to keep us entertained. South Beach is ideal for a long weekend getaway, so in my opinion, three full days would be enough time there. However, if you want to explore more of Miami, such as visit Everglades National Park to see the alligators, then five days would be sufficient.
When is the best time of year to visit South Beach Miami
South beach Miami is located East of Biscayne bay and the Atlantic Ocean and has a tropical climate with hot humid summers and warm, dry winters making it an ideal vacation spot to escape cold winters!
Summer spans from June to September, featuring temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s, along with frequent afternoon rain showers. Winter occurs from December to March, typically seeing temperatures below 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring lasts from March to May, with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s, and minimal rainfall.
The high season runs from December to April, while the shoulder season spans May to June and September to November. The best time to visit depends on your interests, activities, and preferred weather. March through May is often considered ideal for pleasant weather and avoiding peak winter prices. However, we visited in late December/early January and found the weather perfect—neither too hot nor too cold. We enjoyed plenty of sunshine for walking and relaxing on the beach. Personally, I would avoid visiting in the summer, as it would likely be very hot and humid.
Check out What to do and See in South Beach Miami below!
1. Head to the beach! With miles of sand what more could you want in a Miami vacation?
South beach Miami has about a two mile stretch of sand making it a perfect place to sun bathe! While you're on the beach, check out the MANY colorful lifeguard stations
that stretch all across the sand! I believe there are 36 in total!
2. Head to Espanola Way for dinner for a unique dining experience!
Espanola Way is a historic pedestrian-only street located in South Beach, Miami. It is renowned for its architecture, dining, and shopping. The atmosphere is truly unique, and I strongly suggest having dinner there for an exceptionally enjoyable experience.
Check out the Famous Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is famous for its iconic beach scenery, Art Deco architecture, and café-style dining. The strip stretches from 1st to 15th Street and is lined with pastel-colored hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Grab a blanket and people watch at Lummus Park
Lummus Park is located across from Ocean Drive, offering the ocean view in one direction and Ocean Drive in the other. The park frequently hosts various events. We were fortunate to come across a classical music concert there. We spread a blanket on the sand and enjoyed the music as the sun set. It's a memory I'll always cherish!
Bike, rollerblade or walk to South Pointe Pier Park
South Pointe Pier Park is a stunning green space located at the southern tip of Miami Beach. It offers panoramic views of the South Beach shoreline and Port Miami's cruise ships. It has walking trails, areas to relax and enjoy the views, and even a small water park for cooling off.
It's an excellent spot for reading, chatting with friends, fishing, exercising, and taking in the scenery. This was one of my favorite places in Miami. The views are amazing, and it truly offers a sense of peace away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Where you are staying will depend on how long it will take you to get to South Pointe Pier. We were lucky enough to only be two miles away, and so most mornings we would head to Ocean Drive and begin our walk along the ocean to South Pointe Pier. I loved seeing everybody walking, jogging, running, biking, or even rollerblading along this path!
Check out the Betsy Poetry Rail
Suspended above 14th place and situated beside the renowned Betsy Hotel, the Betsy Poetry Rail pays tribute to 12 poets who influenced the literature, culture, and spirit of Miami.
Spot Alligators at the Everglades National Park Alligator Farm
If time allows and you wish to explore beyond South Beach, consider visiting Everglades National Park's Alligator Farm for an airboat tour for a thrilling alligator experience. It's a little over an hour from South beach. Although we didn't do this, I would love to return and check it out. A local mentioned that it's a really fun experience.
Check out Miami's food scene!
And last but not least you can't go to South beach and not try the food so here are my top picks below!
My favorite picks
Breakfast
Cafe Americano For typical breakfast food with a twist.
Blue Lavender Cafe for delicious Acai bowls and a cute atmosphere.
Lunch
Rosetta bakery for the most delicious sandwich you'll ever eat! Also ALL the bakery items are delicious (I mean croissants anyone)!!!
Dinner
La Leggenda Pizzeria for truly legendary pizza!
Mercato Della Pescheria for authentic Italian food and get the gnocchi! You won't regret it!
Azteca South Beach for really good cocktails and a fun atmosphere!
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