12 Essential Things to Do When You Visit South Beach for the First Time
Whenever I talk to friends who are planning a trip to Miami, they always mention wanting to visit South Beach.
And for good reason!
This part of Miami Beach is famous for its white sandy beaches, laid-back lifestyle and vibrant atmosphere.
It’s also well-known for being a major party hub, but as someone who doesn’t drink or party, it’s still a worthwhile place to visit on your trip.
From visiting contemporary art museums to exploring the natural scenery, this part of Miami Beach is full of surprising places to enjoy. If you’re visiting South Beach for the first time, there are some can’t-miss spots that should definitely have a place in your travel itinerary.
1. Visit the Beach
Why come all the way to South Beach and not actually spend any time near the ocean? The beaches down here are famous for a reason, and the first thing you should do during your trip is visit them.
These beaches are great for solo travelers, and they also give off a family-friendly vibe — especially if you head to the sand between 23rd Street and Lincoln Road. While these definitely aren’t the quietest beaches in Miami, they’re super lively and are definitely something you should see during your trip.
2. Explore the Art Deco District
As a history lover with an appreciation for architecture, I love visiting the Art Deco District. And while there are Art Deco buildings all around Miami Beach, you’ll find the highest concentration of them between 15th and 5th Street and Ocean Drive.
There are some Art Deco tours you can take if you really want to learn about the history of the area, but if you’re visiting Miami on a budget, I recommend heading out on your own. This is an awesome, free way to see some of Miami Beach’s most iconic pastel hotels, shops and restaurants and soak up the sunshine while you’re at it.
3. Visit Ocean Drive
You’ll naturally be walking along Ocean Drive if you go on a self-led Art Deco tour, but this famous street is well-worth visiting in its own right. When I want to feel like a tourist in my own city, I’ll even come down here to stroll beside the famous buildings.
If you get tired of seeing the Art Deco sidewalk cafes and hotels, you’ll never be without something exciting to see. Ocean Drive runs parallel to the Atlantic, so you’ll also have a great view of the ocean while you walk.
4. Wander Along Española Way
The first time I visited Española Way, I thought I was in the Mediterranean instead of Miami Beach. This pedestrian-friendly street is lined with palm trees and glittering lights in the evening, making it a cozy place to visit whether you’re traveling solo or visiting Miami with family.
As you stroll down the street and snap photos, you’ll almost definitely hear servers from the sidewalk restaurants asking you to check out their menu. While Española Way is beautiful, I don’t necessarily recommend eating here unless you really want to enjoy the ambiance. There are cheaper (and, honestly, tastier) options in less touristy parts of South Beach.
5. Shop on Lincoln Road
Stores, restaurants and public artwork. What’s not to love about Lincoln Road? This is another South Beach street that’s entirely closed to cars, so you can window shop (or shop for real) here in the beautiful Florida sunshine.
While Lincoln Road is a fun place to visit any time of the week, it especially shines on Sundays. On this day, the walkway transforms into a farmer’s market and antique mall, making it one of my favorite places to shop for unique items or grab a fresh fruit juice.
6. Hang Out in South Pointe Park
If you love sunshine, visiting South Pointe Park is one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami. This park is especially family-friendly and is great to visit whether you’re visiting Miami with teens or small children.
While you can ride bikes or walk along the scenic paths, I especially recommend coming here for the views. There are some lovely public sculptures you can enjoy while you walk among the greenery. Plus, if you head out on the pier, you’ll have sweeping views of the Miami Beach shoreline and cruise ships leaving Port of Miami.
7. Visit Lummus Park
If you’re a movie buff (I am not), you’ll likely recognize Lummus Park. This palm-tree-lined stretch of greenery was featured in films like Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Trip and the classic show, Miami Vice.
Stretching 10 blocks long and sandwiched between the Atlantic and Ocean Drive, this park is especially great if you want to squeeze in a quick workout. There are two free outdoor gym areas, including the famous “Muscle Beach” on 9th Street.
8. Bike the Boardwalk
I spent a few years living in Miami Beach, and I actually learned how to longboard on the Boardwalk. This paved pathway stretches from North to South Beach, and it’s a great place to visit if you want to sip coffee and stroll in the sunshine.
It’s also super bike-friendly. And the best part? You don’t even need to bring your own set of wheels to ride along the Miami Beach Boardwalk. There are plenty of Citi bike rental spots along the way.
9. Explore the Bass Museum
Miami Beach has a lively art scene, and The Bass Museum of Art is a great place to visit if you want to see some striking works from the comfort of an air-conditioned building.
You’ll know you’re at The Bass when you see a bright, towering stone structure in between 21st and 22nd Street on Collins Avenue. And once you’re inside, you’ll be able to explore rooms full of contemporary art.
10. Visit the Holocaust Memorial
If your travels take you to the Miami Beach Convention Center, you’ll undoubtedly see a green-tinted sculpture of a hand reaching up toward the sky. That’s how you’ll know you’ve reached the Holocaust Memorial.
This free memorial is rich in history and gives visitors plenty of opportunities to reflect on the atrocities that happened to the Jewish people in World War II. In addition to viewing the sculpture, there’s also a wall bearing the names of of men, women and children who perished during the genocide.
11. Stop by The Wolfsonian
The Wolfsonian is located on Washington Avenue and 10th Street, and it houses a collection of modern-day design artifacts. This museum is affiliated with Florida International University (FIU), and it’s a fun place for families and solo travelers to visit during your Miami Beach vacation.
I’m not typically a modern art fan, but one of the things I like about The Wolfsonian is just how unusual the exhibits are. They highlight the complexity and relationship between contemporary cultures and show how everyday objects can be considered art.
12. Take the Free Water Taxi
For as long as I’ve lived in Miami, the only way to get from Miami proper to Miami Beach was to travel one of the causeways connecting the two. But recently, the city created a free water shuttle so you can travel from one to another — no car necessary.
I haven’t had a chance to take this water taxi yet, but I’m definitely excited to. Biscayne Bay offers incredible views of the Miami skyline, and this gives you an easy (and free) way to enjoy it during your vacation.
Have any questions about your upcoming trip to Miami Beach? Let me know in the comments below!
