Known for its glamorous nightlife, top-notch restaurants, stunning beach areas, and fantastic shopping opportunities, South Beach is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Miami. There are many places to visit in South Beach that are amazing and it is an absolute foodie paradise!
Between South Beach’s Art Deco architecture, outdoor activities, and thriving food scene, dancing, and nightlife experiences, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Keep reading to discover the ten best things to do (and our favorites) in South Beach Miami, Florida.
Our Favorite South Beach, Miami Spots to Visit on Your Next Trip
Also, make sure to check out our Marriott Moxy South Beach hotel review to help with planning your trip!
Table of contents
- Our Favorite South Beach, Miami Spots to Visit on Your Next Trip
- 1. Explore the Miami Beach Botanical Garden
- 2. Shop at Lincoln Road Mall
- 3. Relax at South Pointe Park and Pier
- 4. Tour The Wolfsonian
- 5. Eat at Big Pink
- 6. Admire the Art Deco architecture
- 7. Admire artwork at The Bass
- 8. Stroll the Miami Beach Boardwalk
- 9. Learn more about history at the Holocaust Memorial
- 10. Enjoy al fresco dining at Espanola Way
- Bottom Line on places to visit in South Beach Miami
- Related Travel Articles
1. Explore the Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Perfect for nature lovers, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is one of the best free attractions in South Beach. This 2.6-acre green space has been around since 1962, featuring native plant life, a palm garden, several water features, blooming orchids, and abundant wildlife.
The onsite Japanese Garden is one of the best places in Miami for photo ops; the picturesque red bridge connecting two ponds is especially Instagram-worthy! Throughout the year, this garden also offers yoga classes, workshops, and cultural events, so be sure to check out the Miami Botanical Garden website for more details!
Tip: Take this amazing cultural and food tour while you’re in South Beach! It’s the best way to find the most amazing restaurants and meet a fun group! We love to do food tours at the beginning of a trip to find places we want to revisit!
Tip: Check out the prices of a Big Bus Tour in Miami to get a feel for the area in the beginning of your trip!
2. Shop at Lincoln Road Mall
Lincoln Road Mall, a pedestrian-only street, is South Beach’s premier destination for outdoor entertainment, shopping, and dining. This world-renowned shopping street is home to local boutiques, big department stores, and designer brands.
You’ll also find plenty of al fresco dining, from quaint cafes and high-end restaurants to trendy bars and dessert shops. On Sunday mornings, you can browse the local Farmers’ Market, a great place to pick up fresh produce, locally-made baked goods, and fresh-cut flowers.
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3. Relax at South Pointe Park and Pier
Whether you want to relax at the beach or take in incredible views of the downtown Miami skyline, South Pointe Park and Pier has something for everyone and is one of the great places to visit in South Beach. Encompassing 17 acres, this park offers access to the beach, numerous walking trails, dining options, a water playground, and picnic areas.
The 450-foot pier is an excellent spot for walking along the water, people-watching, and fishing. There’s no better place in South Beach to soak up the sun and splash in the water!
4. Tour The Wolfsonian
Located at Florida International University, The Wolfsonian is a library, museum, and research center themed around art and design. Ideal for both history buffs and art enthusiasts. The Wolfsonian has exhibits based on the 1850s-1950s, showcasing over 200,000 objects, including architectural plans, household appliances, and iconic artwork.
The fun doesn’t stop at this museum’s intriguing exhibits – you can also enjoy the stunning art deco architecture throughout this thoughtfully-curated space, grab a coffee at the onsite cafe, and check out unique souvenirs at the gift shop.
5. Eat at Big Pink
After a full day of shopping, exploring, and sightseeing in South Beach, you’ve likely worked up an appetite! There’s no better place to visit in Miami to recharge during breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late at night than Big Pink. This retro diner experience features over 200 menu items, so there is something here for even the pickiest of eaters.
Morning menu favorites include the chicken and waffles, brioche french toast, and steak and eggs. However, the real star of the show is the “TV Dinner,” rotating daily. This special includes a massive portion of food for an extremely affordable price, so there’s no way you’ll leave hungry.
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6. Admire the Art Deco architecture
It’s not a trip to Miami without a visit to the Miami Historic District, home to several restaurants, cafes, and stunning architecture. With over 800 Art Deco buildings within the span of a mile, showcasing neon lighting, terrazzo floors, eye-catching colors, and curved edges, this is an excellent spot to explore on foot.
You can visit the Art Deco Welcome Center to learn more about this neighborhood’s buildings and history in the onsite museum. After experiencing the vibrant architecture, don’t forget to check out one of the many restaurants, shops, and bars throughout this district.
7. Admire artwork at The Bass
Located in Collins Park, The Bass is a contemporary art museum dating back to 1964. This Art Deco space is an ideal destination for art connoisseurs, featuring a sculpture garden, art pieces, and several artifacts.
While you’re here, you can view mid-career and established artists’ collections throughout the rotating exhibitions. One of the best parts about an afternoon at The Bass is the outdoor public art throughout the lawn, ranging from vibrant sculptures to unique murals.
8. Stroll the Miami Beach Boardwalk
If there’s one thing you have to see while visiting South Beach, it’s the Miami Beach Boardwalk. This postcard-worthy scenic pathway begins at South Point Park and stretches 7 miles to the Surfside border. As you’re walking down this iconic path, you can enjoy a view of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on one side, and Miami’s luxurious hotels, parks, and condos on the other.
Also known as the South Beach Boardwalk, this walkway is home to several waterfront eateries, places to shop, and lovely views, making this one of the best places to visit in Miami to go jogging or walking.
9. Learn more about history at the Holocaust Memorial
If you love history, Miami’s Holocaust Memorial is a must-visit. Established in 1985, this powerful and moving memorial details the story of those who lost their lives during this horrific time in history.
This memorial features a series of outdoor pieces and sculptures, including a bronze statue of an outstretched hand tattooed with an Auschwitz number, bordered by other bronze figures of Holocaust victims. The onsite Memorial Wall serves as a sacred spot where families and survivors can remember those who lost their lives.
10. Enjoy al fresco dining at Espanola Way
Walking down Espanola Way will make you feel like you have been transported to a historic Spanish village. With pink stucco, twinkly lights, pink and white awnings, and brown tiled roofs, Espanola Way is one of the most charming neighborhoods in South Beach.
Located between 14th and 16th Streets, this pedestrian-only street is one of Miami’s top spots for shopping and dining. The dozens of sidewalk cafes, outdoor patios, and restaurants serve incredible Spanish fare and several other international cuisines, like Cuban, Mexican, and Japanese. Excellent food options and lovely al fresco dining makes this one of Miami’s best food hubs.
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Bottom Line on places to visit in South Beach Miami
South Beach has so many options to choose from it’s hard to fit it all into one trip! It’s best to just take it easy and have fun. You can always come back for another trip to catch anything that was missed.
We’re already planning to go back to South Beach!
Also, visit our trip planning tips article if you need help planning your next vacation.
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