South Beach
- Home
- Attractions
- South Beach
South Beach is a neighborhood at the southern end of Miami Beach that stretches for two miles. It was farmland until around 1870. The Lum Brothers bought the property and originally planned to grow coconuts on its 160 acres. One of the brothers had a daughter who came up with the moniker "South Beach" for the entire area.
South Beach is home to nearly 40,000 residents and welcomed more than 24 million tourists in 2021. The area is well-known for drawing the rich and famous. However, there are many options for visitors of every budget, such as state-of-the-art museums, botanical gardens, nightclubs, fishing expeditions, hiking trails, restaurants and more.
How to Get There
Miami International Airport is about 13 miles west of South Beach in Miami. Other airports near South Beach include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (41 minutes away), the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (32 minutes away), and the Miami Executive Airport (35 minutes away).
Major cities such as Miami (four miles away), Hialeah (10 miles away), and Nassau (180 miles away) are all within driving distance of South Beach. Free trolleys, the Miami Beach Airport Express Bus, the South Beach bus, limo services, city tours, bicycles, taxis, Uber, and more are just a few of the many modes of transportation available in South Beach.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to South Beach
Visit South Beach
The best time to visit South Beach is between March and May when daytime highs average in the 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit. Visiting in spring allows you to avoid the higher prices of the winter season while still enjoying the beautiful weather. Travelers who arrive in December, at the start of the busy season, will find fewer airline bargains, fewer hotel rooms available, and higher hotel fees.
There are constantly events happening in and around South Beach, so you can plan your trip any time of year. The International Ballet Festival of Miami takes place in July, the South Beach Seafood Festival kicks off each year in October, and the South Beach Jazz Festival occurs every January.
Lummus Park, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, and South Pointe Park are three of the nicest parks in the area. Some of the area's best landmarks are Versace's Mansion, The Goodtime Hotel, Mac's Club Deuce, and Graffiti Gardens Miami. You can even book a reservation at Versace's Mansion fine dining restaurant, Gianni's, where you'll receive a three-course meal and a menu of more than 100 wines. Come early to your reservation to boost your chances of getting a patio table.
Ticket Information
You'll need to purchase tickets for several attractions in South Beach. To visit the country's only subtropical zoo, which is only 40 minutes from South Beach, you'll need to visit the Miami Zoo's website. Adult tickets start at $22.95 with children's admission starting at $18.95 for those between the ages of three and 12. The zoo offers a wide range of ticket upgrades, such as admission + food packages and VIP tours.
The Bass, Miami Beach's greatest contemporary art museum, offers free entry on the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. from October to May. If you visit during other times, tickets cost $15 for adults. Seniors (65 and up), kids between the ages of seven and 18, and students with a valid college ID enjoy tickets for only $8. Kids ages six and under get in free, as do Miami Beach residents, Miami Beach employees, and military personnel (active and retired). Other free access options are available, so make sure to ask about them.
Family-Friendly Options
One of the best kid-friendly attractions to take advantage of when visiting South Beach is the nearby Superblue Miami Immersive Art Experience. Adult tickets cost $36, with children (ages 3–12) $14 each. In contrast to more conventional art museums, you and the kids can engage with the works on display, such as climbing vines and touch-sensitive walls.
The beautiful South Pointe Park on Miami Beach's southernmost edge features everything a family might expect from a park. Youngsters can cool down in the splash pad or run about on the grassy slopes. Under the shade of the palm trees, you'll find plenty of places to relax and have a picnic while watching the passing yachts and cruise ships. The park's beach area showcases shallow waters, making it great for kids.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Beginning your day in Miami with a speedboat tour that takes you past famous mansions and historic sites is a great way to get your camera ready for some incredible photo ops. After that, you can go on a three-hour dining experience to enjoy some of the best Cuban, Italian, and French eateries in the South Beach area.
Once you've finished eating, get on the Big Bus Miami for a sightseeing tour of the remainder of the city. You can hop on and off this bus as much as you wish to see all the local hotspots. To unwind at the end of your busy day, take a sunset sail in Biscayne Bay.
Remember that the golden hour for beach photography is just before dawn or immediately after sunset. This gentle light casts no deep, dark shadows. Always pick a beach with plenty of sand since it works as a reflector. Waiting 15–20 minutes after dusk to begin shooting usually results in the best lighting.
South Beach Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
Some of the area's best campsites include Boca Chita Key Campground, Oleta River State Park, and Encore Miami Everglades.
Encore Miami Everglades offers more than 300 RV sites. Amenities available at this park include:
327 RV sites with grass pads
Wi-Fi access
Pet-friendly
65-foot maximum RV length
Free parking
Swimming pool
Mini golf
Outdoor play areas for kids
Laundry service
Campgrounds Nearby
Located on the shores of Desoto Lakes and a few blocks from Interstate 95, Embassy RV Park offers plenty of nearby amenities to keep everyone in the family occupied. In addition to the fun you can have while staying at the park, you’ll be just minutes from a range of shopping possibilities at both Diplomat Mall and Aventura Commons. There are also numerous eateries near the park, many within walking distance.
Located in Hallandale, which is just due south of Hollywood, Holiday Park is a medium-sized RV campground with short- and long-term options. Visitors appreciate that it’s less than a mile from Hallandale Beach, which has white sandy beaches and warm water most of the year. Even if you come to spend a weekend, you may end up staying much longer.
From the grand sign at the entrance to Lake Trinity Estates RV Park, you know that you’re getting something special. Whether you stay there long-term or just need a place for the night, Lake Trinity is a good bet. This facility has all the amenities and enough space for everyone.
Activities Near South Beach
Things to Do
Fishing
If you're looking for a good fishing pier in South Beach, go to South Pointe Park Pier. The waters of Government Cut are rather deep, making this part of South Beach an ideal spot for fishing. You can also fish from the rocks extending into the sea.
Boating
Fisher Island, Haulover Sandbar, Nixon Beach Sandbar, Star Island, and Stiltsville are some of the best boating destinations in South Beach. You can capture great photos of the area's most luxurious high-rise residences. Boating around Star Island also provides an excellent way to commemorate a special occasion with loved ones, whether it's a birthday, a workplace party, or a romantic date.
Swimming
South Beach has more than a few swimming spots with the best located at Lummus Park and South Pointe Park Pier. The latter has permanent lifeguard coverage and various amenities, including changing rooms, showers, umbrellas, sun loungers, a snack bar, a fishing pier, and a splash area for children.
National Parks
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
The climate in South Beach is subtropical. The temperature seldom drops below 39 degrees or rises above 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, there are several packing tips you can use to ensure you pack the right way for your next trip to South Beach.
If you're visiting Miami Beach's South Beach casually, you just need to bring a swimming suit, one or two pairs of flip-flops, some shorts and a few T-shirts. You'll also want to bring plenty of sunscreen, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. To keep you warm during cool nights, bring a sherpa pullover hoodie or jacket.
Safety & Accessibility
There are various ways to keep your family safe in South Beach. Keep an eye out at all times for wallet snatchers, and avoid nighttime strolling alone. Always stay at a safe hotel, and avoid taking your eyes off the beverages that you order.
South Beach is an accessible tourist attraction. A level walk leads down to the sand from South Beach's parking lots, providing barrier-free access to the beach for those with disabilities. Bayside Market, the Art Deco Design District, Wynwood Walls, and the Miami Seaquarium are some of the area's other top attractions for visitors with disabilities.
Conclusion
South Beach attracts millions of visitors with its exotic mix of sand, surf, and culture. The area's brilliant white sands and clear blue sea provide a picture-perfect setting for lounging and engaging in water sports and outdoor activities. The city's vibrant nightlife scene delivers exciting music, dancing, and gourmet dining. If you're looking for a vacation spot that has it all — sun, culture, and nightlife — look no further than South Beach.
FAQ
In addition to the lively city vibe, South Beach also offers a diverse range of camping experiences.
Due to the high population density, there is little room in South Beach for RV parking and other amenities designed for RVs. Travelers with recreational vehicles should look for campgrounds in the area that can accommodate their vehicle types.
Public transit and rideshares are good alternatives to South Beach's expensive and challenging parking. The beach is busy, so try your best to get there early and avoid crowds. South Beach's nightlife is notorious, so if you prefer a quieter experience, head elsewhere.
South Beach caters to families, and the beach itself is a fun and secure place for kids to run about. The neighboring parks and promenades offer even more entertainment possibilities.
There are rules on bringing pets to South Beach. The beach and ocean are off-limits to most dogs, but the area is home to many off-leash dog parks where you can meet new friends. The majority of local hotels and motels also welcome dogs.