The buildings along Ocean Drive, South Beach - Miami, Florida

South Beach

South Beach


When most people think of Miami Beach, they're envisioning South Beach (SoBe). This area is rife with clubs, bars, restaurants, models and a distinctive veneer of Art Deco architecture. The beach itself encompasses a lovely stretch of golden sands, dotted with colorful deco-style lifeguard stations. The shore gathers a wide mix of humanity, including suntanned locals and plenty of tourists, and gets crowded in high season (December to March) and on weekends when the weather is warm.

You can escape the masses by avoiding the densest parts of the beach (5th to 15th Sts). Keep in mind that there's no alcohol (or pets) allowed on the beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby South Beach attractions

1. Promenade

0.1 MILES

This beach promenade, a wavy ribbon sandwiched between the beach and Ocean Dr, extends from 5th St to 15th St. A popular location for photo shoots,…

2. Art Deco Historic District

0.11 MILES

The world-famous art-deco district of Miami Beach is pure exuberance: an architecture of bold lines, whimsical tropical motifs and a color palette that…

3. Carlyle

0.12 MILES

The Carlyle comes with futuristic styling, triple parapets, a Jetsons vibe and some cinematic cachet: The Birdcage was filmed here.

4. Cardozo Hotel

0.13 MILES

The Cardozo and its neighbor, the Carlyle, were the first deco hotels saved by the Miami Design Preservation League, and in the case of the Cardozo, we…

5. Congress Hotel

0.2 MILES

Close to 11th St, the Congress Hotel is a deco classic, showing perfect symmetry in its three-story facade, with window-shading eyebrows and a long…

6. Crescent Resort

0.21 MILES

Besides having one of Miami Beach's most recognizable neon facades, the Crescent has signage that draws the eye down into its lobby (the better to pack…

7. Art Deco Museum

0.23 MILES

This small museum is one of the best places in town for an enlightening overview of the art deco district. Through videos, photography, models and other…

8. World Erotic Art Museum

0.24 MILES

The World Erotic Art Museum celebrates its staggering but artful erotica collection, including pieces by Rembrandt and Picasso. Back in 2005, 70-year-old…