- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
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Why Visit Miami Beach
Once a mangrove swamp, this barrier island was developed by visionaries like Carl Fisher. Its identity is the Art Deco Historic District, with over 800 protected buildings. Notice the unique Tropical Deco motifs like portholes on Ocean Drive.
Beyond the 7 miles of shoreline, the experience of visiting Miami Beach includes the elevated boardwalk connecting peaceful Mid-Beach. For panoramic ocean and city views, walk the pier at South Pointe Park, a local favorite at sunrise and sunset.
The city's culinary pulse is Cuban. Order a strong cafecito and handmade croquetas from a ventanita, a walk-up coffee window. From October to May, indulge in the local delicacy of fresh stone crabs, a true taste of South Florida's waters.
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- Miami BeachUnited States
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Dec-Aprmild, peak tourist season
- May-Octhot, humid, summer crowds
- Novcooler, fewer tourists
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimwear
- #LightClothing
- #ComfortableShoes
- #BeachTowel
- #Sunglasses
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #SouthBeach
- #ArtDecoDistrict
- #LincolnRoad
- #OceanDrive
- #VizcayaMuseum
- #WynwoodWalls
- Sunset at South Beach
- Explore Ocean Drive
- Visit Art Deco Historic District
- Kayaking in Biscayne Bay
- Dine on Cuban cuisine
- Shop at Lincoln Road Mall
Recommended Hotels in Miami Beach by Experience
Things to do in Miami Beach
Discover
Discover what to see in Miami Beach, from the pastel-hued buildings of the Art Deco Historic District to the contemporary art at The Bass. Enjoy panoramic ocean views from South Pointe Park Pier and stroll along the iconic Ocean Drive.
Experience
Cycle along the boardwalk, enjoy jet skiing, or relax on the sand. Experience cultural events like Art Basel, shop at Lincoln Road Mall's outdoor promenade, or find tranquility at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.
Art Deco Historic District
Architectural district with 800+ pastel-colored buildings.
South Beach
Iconic sand beach for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching.
South Pointe Park
Urban park with a pier, walking paths, and ocean views.
The Bass
Contemporary art museum in a historic Art Deco building.
Lincoln Road Mall
Pedestrian road with shops, galleries, and public art.
Miami Beach Boardwalk
Scenic oceanfront path for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach
Outdoor memorial with moving sculptures and a meditation garden.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Miami International Airport (MIA). The Miami Beach Airport Express bus is the most direct public transport to the city center, costing ~$2.25. For a train to Miami Beach, take Brightline to MiamiCentral, then a rideshare.
Getting Around
Utilize the free Miami Beach Trolley for easy local travel. For wider trips, public transport in Miami Beach includes the Metrobus, payable with an EASY Card. Citi Bike rentals and walking are excellent for exploring the Art Deco district.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Miami Beach, know that driving in Miami Beach means heavy traffic and costly parking; car rental isn't essential. Always use marked crosswalks. Most places accept cards, but carry some cash for small vendors or tips.
Where to Stay in Miami Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Miami Beach's culinary scene, a fusion of Latin and coastal flavors. Taste fresh ceviche and iconic stone crabs. Locals embrace late dinners, often starting their nights with a craft cocktail before a late meal.
Enjoy
The best restaurants in Miami Beach include Joe's Stone Crab, a classic spot, go early. For drinks, MILA has chic rooftop views, dress code. Rosetta Bakery is a busy Italian cafe, perfect for grab-and-go.
Joe's Stone Crab
A Miami institution for stone crabs. Expect long waits.
Cvi.che 105
Modern Peruvian food with vibrant flair. Reservations a must.
Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine
Authentic Cuban dishes and lively music. Often very busy.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Famous for its fried chicken and bourbon. Book well ahead.
Smith & Wollensky
Iconic steakhouse with waterfront views. A classic choice.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Miami Beach's heritage through Art Deco Weekend's architectural tours and classic car shows. Must-see events also include the vibrant Miami Carnival, a bold celebration of Caribbean culture with masquerade bands and lively music.
Enjoy
Discover modern Miami Beach attractions through a diverse lineup of contemporary events. Enjoy world-class electronic music at the Ultra Music Festival or experience international cinema at the Miami Film Festival.
Art Deco Weekend
January festival with tours celebrating Art Deco architecture.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Star-studded culinary festival with tastings and demos.
Winter Party Festival
March LGBTQ+ celebration with music, dance, and beach parties.
Miami Beach Pride
April festival and parade with live entertainment.
Miami International Film Festival
Showcases international and Ibero-American films in April.
Model Volleyball
A free co-ed beach volleyball tournament in March/April.
Sun, Sand, and Sights
Miami Beach is just fantastic for a getaway. The beaches are stunning with that famous turquoise water. We spent hours walking along Ocean Drive, admiring all the pastel-colored Art Deco buildings. It's such a unique and beautiful place.
Amazing Energy After Dark
The nightlife in South Beach is incredible. So many cool rooftop bars and clubs to check out. The energy is just contagious. We found some amazing places to eat with great music. It's a perfect spot if you love a lively social scene.
More Than Just a Beach
Miami Beach has such a distinct architectural style. Exploring the Art Deco Historic District felt like stepping back in time. The preserved buildings are beautiful. It's a great city for just walking around and soaking in the cool designs.
So Relaxing and Beautiful
A wonderful place to unwind. The public beaches are so clean and the water is warm and clear. South Pointe Park was my favorite spot for watching the cruise ships go by. It's a very peaceful way to end the day with some great city views.
Great Food and Shopping
So many good places to eat, especially the Cuban food. A morning cafecito is a must! We did a lot of shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall, which was great because it's an outdoor pedestrian area. A really fun mix of stores and restaurants.
A Walker's Paradise
I loved how walkable everything was. We strolled down Española Way at night and it was so charming with all the lights and cafes. It's easy to get from the beach to great restaurants on foot. You can discover so much just by wandering.