While Miami Beach may be small in size, it’s undeniably huge on personality. From sun-soaked beaches and world-famous Art Deco architecture to vibrant nightlife and oceanfront dining, this iconic destination offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re strolling along the sands, exploring trendy neighborhoods, or hunting for the best local bites, Miami Beach is a place where every corner has a story to tell.
As locals and expert guides in all things Magic City, the team at Miami Culinary Tours has put together the ultimate Miami Beach travel guide. We’ll help you navigate where to stay, what to see, and, of course, where to eat while making the most of your time in this Floridian gem.
Keep reading for our insider tips and tricks for visiting Miami Beach, or feel free to contact us for more details on our Miami food and culture tours.
Miami Beach is located just off the coast of Miami, with transportation such as taxis frequently traveling between the two. While in Miami Beach, you can make use of the public buses or the free Miami Beach trolley services. There are four trolley routes on the island, and they operate every day from 8 AM to 11 PM, with several distinct loops covering South Beach, Mid‑Beach, North Beach, and other key corridors.
You can easily get around Miami Beach on foot, with plenty of pedestrian-friendly pathways available, such as the Miami Beach Boardwalk. If you’d prefer to travel on two wheels, you can rent a bicycle through the Citi Bike program. With around 1,100 bikes in service, including some electric‑assisted bikes, the scheme is widely accessible. Because bikes can be picked up and dropped off at many docking stations around the island, it’s often faster than driving and more flexible than waiting for a taxi.
If you’re staying in Mid‑ or North‑Beach, the local free ride‑sharing service Freebee can be a handy alternative — especially for late‑night rides, when waiting for other transport could get tricky. Freebee serves parts of Mid and North Beach and connects with the trolley and local bus networks.
While summer may seem like the obvious answer, with high temperatures perfect for hitting the beach, it’s also the wettest and most humid time of year. Winter is, in fact, the peak season in Miami Beach, with cooler temperatures and dry weather providing optimal sightseeing conditions. The shoulder seasons provide a happy medium in terms of weather and prices, but expect the partygoers to arrive in spring for a break.
For a more detailed overview of this all-important topic, check out our guide to the best time to visit Miami.
Miami Beach is divided into three main areas, each with its own vibe and appeal. South Beach is the most vibrant, offering iconic Art Deco streets, lively nightlife, and a wide selection of restaurants — perfect for first-time visitors or those who want to be in the heart of the action. Mid Beach is quieter and more upscale, with stylish hotels and relaxed beaches, ideal for families or travelers seeking a slower pace. North Beach has a laid-back, local feel with more affordable accommodations and less crowded shores, great for longer stays.
Accommodation options suit all budgets, from luxury resorts like The Setai or 1 Hotel South Beach, to boutique hotels such as The Betsy, and cozy Airbnbs scattered throughout the island. South Beach hotels put you within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and nightlife, while Mid and North Beach offer peaceful retreats with easy access via the city’s free trolley routes.
No matter where you stay, you’ll be well-positioned to enjoy the best of Miami Beach, including our immersive and tasty South Beach, Miami, Food and Art Deco Tour.
Miami Beach is a food lover’s paradise, influenced by Cuban, Peruvian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and modern American cuisines. From casual bites to fine dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Our Ultimate South Beach Dining Guide is the perfect resource for this topic. Rather than repeat our recommendations here, be sure to read them when you have finished this blog. Our guide covers everything from cafes and casual bites to mid-range restaurants and fine dining.
For a deep dive into the city’s culinary scene, consider joining our South Beach, Miami, Food and Art Deco Tour. Walk and eat your way through Miami Beach, sampling signature dishes from Peruvian ceviche to Cuban classics, all while learning the stories behind each flavor from knowledgeable local guides.
Insider Tip: For the best dining experience with a view, look for oceanfront or rooftop restaurants along Collins Avenue, and try to avoid peak dining hours if you prefer a quieter meal.
Whether you’re a beach bum or a cultural connoisseur, Miami Beach has something for you. Below are just some of our top picks for things to do in Miami Beach, but believe us when we say there’s so much more!
Miami Beach is famed for its Art Deco Historic District, where you can find over 900 buildings in the architectural style that defined the 1930s. These buildings, with their summery pastel colors and geometric lines, are a photographer's dream and a piece of history. In fact, it’s in this district where Giovanni Verscae was assassinated.
If you want to learn more, read our guide to seeing the Art Deco District.
Lincoln Road is one of the most iconic streets in Miami Beach, lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Anything you need you’re bound to find here. Even if you’re not interested in a little retail therapy, walking along the bustling palm-lined avenue is an experience in itself.
And if you work up a thirst with all that shopping, why not check out one of our picks for the best happy hour spots on Lincoln Road?
A 74-acre park along South Beach, Lummus Park is the perfect place for some outdoor activities. Kids can have fun on the playground, while adults may use the public gyms. Along the pathways, you’ll come across walkers, cyclists, and skateboarders all soaking up the breezy atmosphere.
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a green oasis at the heart of the island. In this 3-acre garden, you’ll find a peaceful contrast to the buzz of the city. Discover beauty in the Butterfly Garden or admire the tranquility of the Koi Pond. You can also enjoy a range of events in the garden, such as yoga classes and live jazz.
South Pointe Park offers some of the best views of South Beach and Downtown Miami. This park is idyllic for picnics and afternoon lounging. You can also walk along the South Pointe Pier and do some fishing, or head straight into the waters of South Beach.
If you happen to encounter a day of bad weather, The Bass Museum of Art is sure to brighten your day. Featuring an eclectic collection of classical and contemporary art, with sculptures, fashion pieces, and design exhibitions, The Bass is intended to reflect the spirit of Miami Beach and its international influences.
Looking for more ways to inspire your creative side? We think you'll love our Art Lover's Guide to Miami.
Of course, you have to hit the water while in Miami Beach. Jet skiing, flyboarding, wake surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more are all on offer. Rental shops line the shores, meaning you can easily access equipment at nearly any point along the beaches. You can also opt to go on private yacht charters or treat yourself to a stunning sunset cruise.
Miami Beach may only span around 40 square kilometers, but there’s no shortage of action on this island. With its diverse array of attractions, Miami Beach is a highlight of any visit to Florida.
Do you want to join Miami Culinary Tours as we explore the foodie paradise that is Miami Beach? Our South Beach, Miami, Food and Art Deco Tour is the perfect experience for you! Find out more about the trip by visiting the tour page, and if you have any pre-booking questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
This site uses Google reCAPTCHA V3. Read the privacy policy and terms of service for more information.
