A day in South Beach in the mid-1960s for my grandpa and his dear friends consisted mostly of some card playing, a visit from the grandkids, and multiple applications of zinc oxide to prevent these wise elders from getting a sunburned nose. Today, remnants of that time are practically all gone. Over the years, South Beach has morphed into a district that never sleeps.
South Beach, not to be confused with the entirety of Miami Beach, runs east to west from 1st Street and South Point Drive to Lincoln Road at 17th Street, and north to south with 13 various roads and avenues. This concentrated area is where it all happens! You can spend an entire day just in this compact tangle of streets… and that’s exactly what we’re doing in this blog!
Let’s get started on the best way to spend a day in South Beach, Miami. And if you have any questions about our Miami food and culture tours, please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need.
Start your day at the southern end of South Beach at the beautiful South Pointe Park. Head for this peaceful and picturesque spot first thing in the morning to take in a stunning panoramic view of the sparkling Miami skyline, the calming shoreline, and the ritzy Fisher Island. Plop yourself down on any part of the lush green lawn to sip a to-go cup of coffee while you contemplate the rest of your day.
Take a stroll along the wide promenade with a cool ocean breeze to mist your sun-drenched skin. If that doesn’t cool you off, there is a mini water playground that should bring down any hot temperature. You can even watch the many fishermen from the pier as they wait patiently for a Florida fish to bite. It’s a great introduction to the sea, sand, and mesmerizing swaying palm trees before the action heats up.
If you can pull yourself off the luxurious lawn, let’s get those muscles activated by grabbing a rental bike and making our way up Ocean Drive. Burn some calories in anticipation of a nice lunch and pedal your way from South Pointe Park to the heart of South Beach, around 11th Street and Ocean Drive.
Ditch the bike and head into the Miami Beach Visitors Office, the home of the Miami Design Preservation League, to learn a thing or two about what South Beach is most famous for: its Art Deco history and architecture. Visit the compact, but very informative museum to understand how Art Deco transformed South Beach from a sleepy enclave into one of the most visited destinations in the world.
After a few spins around the exhibits, exit into the world of Art Deco hotels and admire design elements used for the many stores and restaurants. Read our blog How to See Miami’s Art Deco District? to find out more about exploring this historically and culturally rich area.
By this time, you’ll be ready for a little nosh to eat, and you have many options to choose from! I’d say skip the overpriced and not-too-interesting cuisine spots that line Ocean Drive and head for something a little off the beaten path.
You may have heard about Espanola Way, a pedestrian street located at 15th Street and Washington Avenue. This beautiful walkway, bursting at the seams with Mediterranean architecture, is a perfect place to enjoy a calm lunch away from the beach side of South Beach. Head for one of the last restaurants in the row of dining outlets as you stroll through this foliage-packed walkway: À la Folie Café.
When one heads to Miami, well-meaning friends will almost certainly urge you to sample the Cuban food. And why not? The Latin culture in Miami is in full force and it’s what Miami is known for. But there are plenty of opportunities to chow down on a Cuban sandwich or a plate of ropa viejo in other parts of the city, which is a topic we explore in our blog What are the Best Places to Try Authentic Cuban Food in Miami?
So, why not enjoy a European-style mid-day meal here at this French-centric dining establishment? Since Miami is also one of the most diverse multicultural communities in the United States, the city is not just limited to Latin American residents. We have a lovely little Gallic community as well, and this sweet, tucked-away lunch spot will fill your belly with delicious crepes and other French fare.
It’s always serene here, so you and your dining buddies can actually converse without the blaring music so many other places seem to think is necessary, but can take away from the ambiance.
After a tres bon repast, it’s time to head back up beachside and get your towel unfurled for some sunning and dipping. It’s better to enjoy the sand and sea without the fear of turning red like a lobster! So, come to the beach after 2:00 pm and the sun, while still mighty, won’t be overwhelming. Spend time soaking it all in; whether you want to simply laze in a prone position or go for an active swim, no trip to South Beach is complete if you don’t spend actual time on the beach!
For those who have some energy to spare, dust off the sand particles for some apres beach time, and head for the Wolfsonian FIU Museum located between 10th and 11th street and Washington Avenue. This small, but extremely impressive museum highlights the eclectic collection of Mickey Wolfson, including furniture, art, jewelry, art, and posters from the 1920s and 30s. It’s all displayed so beautifully and you will absolutely be transported to one of the most glamorous eras of Miami Beach. It’s well worth saving a bit of stamina for this visit after your sunning session.
Looking for even more travel inspiration? We think you’ll love the local recommendations in our blog Top Things to Do in Miami's Art Deco District!
As night falls and all the Art Deco buildings turn to shades of neon pink, blue, red, and purple, dinner awaits! During the 1940s and ’50s, the Italian community was quite prominent in Miami Beach. Today, good Italian restaurants still dot the entire area and a lovely place to enjoy a good-sized wine glass filled with a juicy red is an incredible restaurant called Il Pastaiolo, located at 1130 Collins Avenue.
Upon approach, you will know you made the right decision as the romantic lighting beckons passersby to its threshold. Dig into perfectly sauced pasta, fresh from-the-sea broiled seafood, well-prepared garden vegetables, and plenty of who-cares-about-calories desserts to have you linger long.
There is no rush here, so just sit back and sip your rich espresso and maybe some sweet Italian liqueur slowly and review your day well spent in the heart of Miami Beach.
But wait… do you want to hear even more stories about South Beach’s intriguing history? Join our South Beach, Miami, Food and Art Deco Tour and let our master storytellers engage you in all the tales. You’ll be treated to cuisine representative of our Miami culture while hearing about the past, present, and future of South Beach. Be privy to the insider information we reserve for our special guests!
Do you have any pre-booking questions for our team? Please just get in touch for all the answers you need.
Originally written by Robyn Webb.
This site uses Google reCAPTCHA V3. Read the privacy policy and terms of service for more information.
