Looking for the best places to visit in South Beach? South Beach (SoBe) is Miami’s sizzling heart—where vibrant culture meets neon-lit nights, Art Deco meets ocean breeze, and the food scene is next-level delicious. Whether you’re here to relax, party, or explore, there are so many iconic (and surprising!) things to do on a vacation.
We’ve rounded up our 10 favorite places to visit in South Beach, plus:
- 🌴 Must-do tours we’ve loved (with trusted links!)
- 🍽️ Restaurants you can’t miss!
- ☀️Tips on where to stay!
- 🧳 What to pack so you’re comfortable & SoBe-ready
Our Favorite South Beach, Miami Spots to Visit on Your Next Trip
- 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 – A Dive into Art and History
- 5. Eat at Big Pink – A Retro Diner Experience
- 6. Admire the South Beach Art Deco architecture
- 7. The Bass Miami – Contemporary Art in a Historic Setting
- 8. Stroll the Miami South Beach Boardwalk
- 9. Learn more about history at the Holocaust Memorial
- 10. Enjoy al fresco dining at Espanola Way
- 🍽️ South Beach Restaurants You Can’t Miss
- 5 Hotels to try on your South Beach, Miami trip:
- Our Favorite South Beach Tours for Your Trip
- 🧳 South Beach Essentials – Don’t Forget These!
- Bottom Line on places to visit in South Beach Miami
- Related Travel Articles for More Inspiration
Affiliate disclosure: We only recommend companies we trust. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks so much for you support!
🍷🌴Find the best stylish resort wear outfits for your South Beach Miami trip that are still budget-friendly on Amazon! ☀️
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.
📸 Photo Tip: Snap an Instagram-worthy shot at the Japanese red bridge!
The onsite Japanese Garden is one of the best places in Miami for photo ops, 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🌴Quick Tip: Book a Food & Art Deco walking tour on your first day. It helps you discover local gems you’ll want to revisit (and you’ll meet fun people too!).
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.
🍴 Dine Al Fresco: Grab a bite at one of the quaint outdoor cafes and soak in the warm South Beach vibes.
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.
🌴 Planning your South Beach adventure? We always recommend checking out GetYourGuide to find the best tours, day trips, and unique things to do in Miami. It’s the site we trust for easy booking, great reviews, and flexible cancellation.
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 getting a great pic of the beach shoreline looking back from the pier!
You can also spot big fish swimming just below the pier because the water is so clear!
🏖️ Don’t Miss: Pack a picnic and catch the sunset over the Miami skyline!
4. Tour The Wolfsonian – A Dive into Art and History
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.
☕ Bonus: 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 – A Retro Diner Experience
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.
🕒 When to Visit: Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night cravings!
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 South Beach 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.
📸 Photo Op: Capture the vibrant architecture at night when the neon lights are glowing! (Here’s a quick video short of South Beach lights at night on our Instagram)
7. The Bass Miami – Contemporary Art in a Historic Setting
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.
🌟 Highlight: Don’t miss the sculpture garden and public art installations.
8. Stroll the Miami South Beach Boardwalk
If there’s one thing you have to experience 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 South Beach hotels, parks, and condos on the other.
Also known as the South Beach Boardwalk, this walkway is home to several waterfront hotels, places to stop and get great pictures, and lovely views, making this one of the best places to visit in Miami to go jogging, biking, 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 foodie village.
🌸 What to See: Twinkling lights, pink stucco buildings, and colorful awnings make this a photographer’s dream. 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.
🍽️ South Beach Restaurants You Can’t Miss
South Beach is a foodie paradise with incredible dining options. From upscale seafood to laid-back Cuban spots, here are our favorite restaurants you must try.
⛲️Gianni’s Restaurant at Villa Casa Casuarina (former Versace Mansion)
📍 Address: 1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Why Gianni’s is Great:
Dine in one of South Beach’s most iconic buildings — the former Versace Mansion, (The Villa
Casa Casuarina). The stunning atmosphere, complete with mosaic tiles and lush courtyards, makes it a unique dining experience. We love visiting for brunch or lunch and dining outside near the pool. The Cacio e Pepe is the best that we’ve had (even better than Rome!). Read Reviews here →
🦀 Joe’s Stone Crab
Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Iconic seafood institution. Don’t miss the legendary stone crab claws and Key Lime Pie. Read Reviews here →
🥪 La Sandwicherie
229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Perfect for a quick, fresh sandwich packed with premium ingredients—great for lunch on the go. Read Reviews here →
🔥 Stubborn Seed
101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Modern and upscale, this restaurant from Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford delivers bold flavors and innovative dishes. Read Reviews here →
🥐 Rosetta Bakery
929 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Stop here for pastries, savory focaccia, or a cappuccino. Ideal for a light breakfast or mid-morning snack. Read Reviews here →
5 Hotels to try on your South Beach, Miami trip:
Finding the perfect hotel in South Beach is key to enjoying your stay. Here are our top picks for hotels that we’ve stayed in that offer style, comfort, and prime locations to explore the iconic neighborhood.
1. Marriott Moxy South Beach
📍 Address: 915 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Why It’s Great: Read our recent review of the Moxy South Beach here! (you can use Marriott points here too!)
Trendy, playful hotel with rooftop pool, tropical vibes, and free bikes. Great for couples and groups. It’s a couple of blocks from the ocean, but the unique qualities of this hotel make it perfect! We love the lobby bar and quirky porthole swimming pool too! Read More Reviews here →
2. The Colony Hotel
📍 Address: 736 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Why It’s Great:
Classic Art Deco style right on Ocean Drive. Insta-worthy neon lights at night and a prime location. Read Reviews of The Colony Hotel here →
3. Marriott Stanton South Beach
📍 Address: 161 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Why It’s Great:
Luxury with direct beach access and quieter surroundings. Excellent amenities and beachfront views. Read Reviews of Stanton South Beach here →
4. Loews Miami Beach Hotel
📍 Address: 1601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Why It’s Great:
Family-friendly with poolside service, beach access, and spa. Great for both couples and families. Read Reviews here →
5. The Betsy Hotel
📍 Address: 1440 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Why It’s Great:
A sophisticated boutique stay with literary flair, rooftop pool, and frequent art exhibits. Read Reviews here →
Find even more great South Beach Hotel options for your Miami trip: ✨
Our Favorite South Beach Tours for Your Trip
The are our “best of the best” for South Beach –highly-rated, easy-to-book tours that we took and loved through GetYourGuide.
🏫 South Beach Art Deco Walking Tour
Why It’s Great:
This tour dives into the history, culture, and design of the neighborhood’s famous buildings, making it a great way to appreciate the unique Art Deco style of South Beach Miami.
🥘 South Beach Food and Walking Tour
Why It’s Great:
Taste your way through South Beach on this food-focused walking tour with multiple tastings.
🛥️ Miami Skyline Cruise on a Vintage Yacht
Why It’s Great:
For an amazing view, hop on this classic yacht from the harbor near Joe’s Stone Crabs to see Miami’s stunning skyline from the water. We loved it and would do this tour again!
🥗 Little Havana Cultural Tour with Food Tastings
Why It’s Great:
While not directly in South Beach, we just had to experience Little Havana. It is unique with delicious food and street art!
☀️ Miami South Beach Private Golf Cart Tour
Why It’s Great:
We ended our day in South Beach with this tour. It is a great way to cover a lot of ground in South Beach without too much walking!
🧳 South Beach Essentials – Don’t Forget These!
We always pack these for every South Beach trip:
- Cooling Towels (Amazon) – Lifesaver in the Miami heat. Grab this 4-pack here » [Amazon]
- Travel Hairdryer – We love this one for thick hair. See our Babyliss fave »
- Comfy Sandals – We walk 10+ miles in these Birks with no pain. Check our Gizeh fave here » [Amazon]
- Power Bank – Keep your phone alive for photos, GPS, and food orders. View our top-rated fave »
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 again!
Also, visit our trip planning tips article if you need help planning your next vacation.
Don’t forget to bring comfortable travel shoes! The Walking Company has a huge selection and great sales!
