A Complete Family Guide to South Beach with Kids
A lot of people ask me if it’s possible to visit South Beach with kids, and my answer is always YES!
Even though the city has a reputation for being party central, it can also be a great vacation destination if you know where to go.
I’m a Florida travel expert based in Miami, and I often explore the city with my godkids. Personally, I think South Beach is one of the best places for families to visit in the county because it’s pedestrian friendly, close to the beach and home to plenty of outdoor activities and playgrounds kids of all ages will enjoy.
When to Visit South Beach Miami with Kids
The weather’s always beautiful in South Beach, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good time for families with little ones to visit.
Hurricane season can put a dangerous damper on your vacation, Spring Break turns the neighborhood into party central, and snowbird surges around the holidays can make even a simple hotel room painfully expensive.
For these reasons, I always recommend travelers plan a trip to Miami Beach in late February or October. These shoulder seasons are my favorite times to explore the city, and they’re when you’re most likely to find the best combination of weather, low crowds and good deals.
I’m not a drinker or a partier, and I don’t like to expose my godsons to those types of environments either. Over the years, I’ve found visiting South Beach in February and October gives us the greatest chance of avoiding what we don’t want to see while still getting in plenty of sun, shopping and fun.
Like a Local: October is technically still hurricane season. I’ve lived here since 2017, and we haven’t had a hurricane hit South Florida in October for as long as I’ve been here. It can happen, but it’s not the norm.
How to Get Around South Beach
I spent years living on Miami Beach, and I definitely consider South Beach the best place to be if you don’t have a car. The neighborhood’s super walkable, the sidewalks are stroller-friendly, and there’s plenty of public transportation to help you get around once the kids get tired.
Whether you’re visiting Miami on a budget or simply don’t want the hassle of having a car during your stay, here are some transportation tips to keep in mind:
- If you fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), the Route 150 Airport Express takes you to South Beach with minimal stops. Bus fare is $2.25 per person each way, making this the cheapest way to get from the airport to Miami Beach.
- The Miami Beach trolley is free and can get you anywhere you’d want to go on South Beach. And if you want to travel to North or Mid Beach, the Collins Express can get you there at no cost, too.
- If you want to visit mainland Miami on your trip, South Beach has city buses that can get you there for $2.25 per person each way. When I lived in South Beach and worked in Edgewater, the S (119) bus was my favorite way to cross Biscayne Bay. And if you want to go shopping at Aventura Mall, the 100 bus can take you there.
Where to Stay in South Beach with Kids
Vulnerable moment: When I lived in South Beach before, I’d just moved to Miami and stayed in hostels until I saved up enough for a place to rent. I love visiting South Beach and do a lot of travel writing about the area, but I haven’t stayed in a hotel yet with my godkids.
Based on my research and word-of-mouth reviews, here are some of the best family hotels in South Beach:
- Budget – Life House or Hotel Bellezza
- Mid – Sagamore Hotel South Beach or The Palms Hotel & Spa
- Luxury – Loews Miami Beach Hotel or 1 Hotel South Beach
Family-Friendly Restaurants in South Beach
Outdoor dining is your friend when it comes to choosing great places to eat with kids on South Beach. You’ll find a lot of sidewalk cafes on Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road and Española Way. These spots can be pretty touristy and are often overpriced, but they’re fun to visit with kids. Here are some of my favorites:
- Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza is my go-to pizza spot in Wynwood, and they combine bold flavors for adults to sample and fun pizza shapes (I love the Star Luca) for kids.
- Groovy’s on Lincoln Road has classic comforts like burgers, wings and pasta, which is especially great if you’re traveling with a picky eater. I used to always come here for a quick snack when I got off the bus after work.
- Tapelia is a great choice on Lincoln Road if you want to try a big, shareable Spanish paella. I always prefer the seafood options, but you can order chicken instead if your children prefer it.
- Havana 1957 is a chain with locations all around South Beach. It’s great place to visit if you want to try traditional food like ropa vieja, a Cuban sandwich or croquetas (my favorite.)
The Best Things to Do in South Beach with Kids
If this is your first time visiting South Beach, here are some can’t-miss activities your family should try.
Hit the Beach
The beach is free to visit, and there are plenty of lifeguards around so you and your kids can enjoy the water safely. Some beachfronts are closed off to resort guests only, but it’s not hard to find a spot where you can build sand castles or play in the water.
Like a Local: The beaches down here are kid-friendly, but you’ll generally find quieter beaches the farther north you go.
Bike or Skate on the Boardwalk
The Miami Beach Boardwalk runs from North to South Beach by the ocean, and it’s one of the best outdoor things for families to do in Miami. Rent one of the Citi bikes and cruise in the ocean breeze or visit a skate shop and roller blade in the Florida sunshine.
Explore South Pointe Park
I always enjoy coming to South Pointe Park for the awesome views of Miami Beach, but it’s also a great spot for kids who want to run around. There’s an open playground where kids can burn off some energy, and if you’re traveling with dogs, there’s a bark park here, too.
Visit Lummus Park
Lummus Park is one of South Beach’s more famous parks, and it’s located right on Ocean Drive. Parents can come here to work out on the free outdoor machines, and kids can enjoy the playground here. There are also three sets of public restrooms throughout the park, as well as a pavilion area.
Play in Flamingo Park
Flamingo Park is definitely more of a local’s park than a tourist’s one, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go here. Here you’ll find everything from pools and a water playground to a free-standing rock wall and sports courts.
Head to the Botanical Garden
If you need a quiet escape amidst the busyness of South Beach, head to the Botanical Garden. Visit the tranquil koi pond, stroll over the bright red bridge and lull your kids into naptime after a fun day exploring Miami Beach.
Have questions about planning your trip to South Beach with kids? Let me know in the comments!
