24 Hours in South Beach: What to See & Do
I love South Beach.
It’s where I first lived when I moved to Miami, and being completely immersed in the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere and laid-back beach culture gave me the perfect introduction to my new life in Florida.
It’s an incredible vacation destination and one I always recommend travelers prioritize visiting in their travel plans. But sometimes, you don’t have enough time for a long vacation. Maybe you’re here for a day before your cruise or maybe you’re here on a day trip from Orlando, Tampa or West Palm Beach.
There are definitely enough activities to keep you busy for more than 24 hours in South Beach, but there’s a lot you can see and do on a short trip, too. If you’re not sure where to go, this South Beach Miami itinerary will help.
Psst! Planning to spend more time in the area? Check out this 3-day Miami travel guide instead.
Morning: Art Deco & Ocean Drive
There are so many iconic things to see in South Beach, and your day begins with two of the most famous ones: Art Deco and Ocean Drive.
This is also a major hotel zone, so if you decide you want to extend your trip and spend the night, this is a great place to do it. But even if you’re only here for 24 hours in South Beach, these are the can’t-miss attractions in the area.
Miami Beach Art Deco District
The Art Deco District is generally considered the part of South Beach that extends from 23rd Street to 5th Street, and it’s super pedestrian friendly. I was just down here a few days ago to get some new photos for this blog, and I was surprised to see how many people were out walking at 7:30 AM.
If you’re visiting Miami on a budget, you can take your own self-guided tour of the area by wandering around and looking at the beautiful Art Deco buildings that line the streets. They’re everywhere, but some of my favorite buildings are on Collins and Washington Avenues.
On the other hand, if you’re a history buff (like me!) and really want to learn about Art Deco, there are plenty of official walking tours you can take to explore this beautiful neighborhood. This popular tour takes you to some of the most famous Art Deco buildings in the area, and you’ll even pass by the Former Versace Mansion.
Ocean Drive
Next, head east to Ocean Drive, a popular road that runs from 15th Street to the southern tip of Miami Beach.
From here, I recommend you spend some time admiring more Art Deco buildings — the ones on Ocean Drive are what you typically see in those “Visit Miami Beach!” promos and Instagram pics.
If your camera roll isn’t overflowing with pictures yet, the best photo ops are from the eastern side of the street. From here, there are 3 activities nearby you can’t miss.
Like a Local: Ocean Drive is full of cafes and restaurants you can pop into for breakfast. I really like Front Porch Cafe for fun, brunchy vibes, and News Cafe is definitely on my list of places to visit. I’m Italian-American and love coffee, and Gianni Versace was known to come here daily when he lived nearby.
Hit the Beach
Honestly, this one’s a given.
If I’m craving a beach day, I don’t usually go to South Beach. However, on my last trip down here, I was reminded of how big of a mistake that is.
The white, sandy beach is wide, which makes the area feel less crowded than it actually is. Plus, you’ll find a lot of Art Deco-inspired lifeguard towers here, which makes for the perfect background to a fun photo op when you’re spending one day in Miami with family.
I also really enjoy coming here as a solo traveler. It’s typically crowded enough that I don’t feel scared walking alone but not so busy that I feel weird being here by myself.
Visit the Miami Beach Boardwalk
Walking along the Boardwalk is one of my favorite outdoor attractions in Miami. This paved pathway runs from North Beach all the way down to South Beach, making it a full 9 miles long.
I’ve never walked the whole stretch at one time (though it’s on my Miami Bucket List — and I plan to do it this year!) but I’m pretty sure I’ve walked on all parts of the Boardwalk at different points when I lived on the beach.
And I have to say, I think the stretch from 15th Street to South Pointe Park is the prettiest.
Each side of the path is flanked by mini stone walls, and the gorgeous palm trees remind me why I love living in Miami.
It’s also super easy to rent bikes down here. Every few blocks, you’ll find a Citi bike station, and you can cruise around South Beach for anywhere from a few minutes to a full day.
While walking on the Boardwalk might not immediately sound like something you need to do during your day in Miami Beach, trust me — it’s a must. The views and vibe alone make it worth it. If you end up going, let me know how you like it!
Head to Lummus Park
Confession time: I didn’t know how famous Lummus Park was until I moved here — likely because I never watched Miami Vice,I can’t do a pull-up and have 0 interest in working out in public.
But either way, once I took my first trip to South Beach back in 2017, I realized why Lummus Park is a must-see for so many first-time travelers to South Beach. It’s a sunshine-and-outdoor-lover’s paradise.
Here, you can play a game of pickup volleyball, test your strength at the famous Muscle Beach on 9th Street or, if you’re traveling to South Beach with kids, hit the playground.
When I’m traveling by myself, I also like coming here with an iced coffee to people watch on a bench and enjoy the good weather.
Like a Local: Like most things in South Beach, parking is expensive. When I come here, I usually park in the 17th Street Garage and either walk or use the free Miami Beach trolley to get around.
Afternoon: Lincoln Road & The Bass
To kick off your afternoon adventure, head north toward Lincoln Road. This outdoor mall sits just below 17th Street, and it runs from Collins Avenue in the east to Alton Road in the west.
Explore Lincoln Road
I’ve spent a lot of time on Lincoln Road over the years. I used to come here for CELTA classes when I was studying to become an ESL teacher, and I eventually worked at the school once I got my certificate. I can’t even count the amount of times I’ve walked from one end of Lincoln Road to the other.
Beyond the fact that this part of South Beach holds a lot of memories for me, I always recommend travelers come here for two reasons:
- There’s so much to do on Lincoln Road.
- The street is super pedestrian-friendly.
This is a great place to visit if you want to window shop or if you’re purchasing souvenirs for your friends and family back home. You can find tons of stores here:
- Shoes/Accessories – Adidas, Crocs, Foot Locker, Havaianas, Hoka, Journeys, Nike, Oakley
- Clothes – 7 For All Mankind, All Saints, Anthropologie, Armani Exchange, Athleta, Gap, Guess, H&M, J. Crew, Lacoste, Luluelemon, Macy’s, Mango, Marshalls, Pink, Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Valiant Paris
There are also a few of those smaller beach stores if you’re looking for a last-minute bathing suit or towel.
Like a Local: Lincoln Road is a popular street in South Beach, and there are tons of restaurants here if you want to grab a bite before you head to the museum. I’ve always liked the paella at Tapelia, and Havana 1957 is fun if you want to try Cuban food. Lincoln Road is in a touristy part of town, though, so expect to pay higher prices than you would in other parts of Miami Beach.
Wander Through The Bass
The Bass Museum of Art is only a few short blocks away from Lincoln Road, and it’s an easy walk up Collins Avenue to get there.
You’ll know you reached The Bass when you see Miami Mountain, a towering (and brightly colored) stone sculpture by Ugo Rondinone. This is one of my favorite photo ops in all of South Beach, so make sure you take a picture.
Entry costs $15 per adult unless you visit on the last Sunday of the month or the third Thursday from 6-9 PM when tickets are free.
No matter when you visit, your ticket allows you to visit the contemporary art collections located throughout the museum. I’m not usually a contemporary art fan, but I really appreciate how The Bass has a variety of mediums on display.
Last time I was here, there were video exhibits, photography displays, sculptures and a variety of works that relied on light to tell a story. Whether you’re traveling to Miami Beach solo or you’re visiting South Beach with teens, this is a great way to spend the afternoon inside to get a break from the Florida heat.
Evening: SoFi & Sunsets
As you near the end of your one day in South Beach, it’s time to wind down and get ready to watch an incredible sunset.
And to do that, there’s no better place than South Pointe Park.
Hop on the free trolley and head to to SoFi, the “South of Fifth” region of Miami Beach. It’s all the way at the bottom tip of the island, and it’s considered by locals and tourists to be one of the best spots for catching a sunset.
Even though Miami Beach faces east, South Pointe Park is a great place for watching the sunrise because it has a lot of open sea and sky around it.
Choose a spot in the grass on the western side of the park and watch as pinks, oranges and golds melt into the Miami skyline — a calm closing to your 24 hours in South Beach.
Like a Local: After you watch the sunset, you’re in the perfect spot for dinner. Joe’s Crab Shack is a famous seafood restaurant nearby on Washington Avenue. It’s a local favorite, but it can be pricey. If you’re looking for good ambience and lower-cost options, head back toward where you started your day and check out the restaurants on Española Way.
Conclusion
Your perfect day in South Beach involves careful planning and a mix of easy activities like lounging on the beach and more active options, like exploring Lincoln Road. Maximize your time in the city by dividing your day into sections (morning, afternoon and evening) so you can get a taste of all South Beach has to offer.
