Bustling and infamous, South Beach Miami is an unforgettable keystone to the perfect Miami vacation. This strip of real estate is not all clubs and bars, as some may believe; South Beach also harbors some of South Florida’s best dining and entertainment experiences. Spend a day on the beach and be one of the locals.
7 am, Yoga and a Bite to Eat
Start the day off right with morning yoga on 3rd Street Beach, right off Ocean Drive. At 7 am, I join a group of yoga lovers for a relaxing morning stretch and build up an appetite. After wandering over to Lincoln Road Mall, I grab a table at Balans and order French toast with fresh fruit and drizzled honey. Perfect for people-watching, Balans on Lincoln Road is a comfortable and delicious way to begin the day.
11 am, Shopping and Ice Cream
Most of the early afternoon is spent walking down Lincoln Road, stopping in the Frieze for a quick ice cream to cool me down in the South Florida heat. Distracted by shops like Aldo, Armani, Diesel and Guess by Marciano and many more, I almost forget about lunch.
12:30 pm, Lunch and People-Watching
Local House at Sense Beach House is a refreshingly good spot for any time of day. An order of crispy crab eggs Benedict and a Bellini later, and I’m off to check out Ocean Drive for a bit more shopping to explore. Walking down Ocean Drive is like walking into a party that never ends and you’re always invited. The Clevelander is in full swing with great music, dancers and, always the best adult pool party, a great vibe. South Beach may be a tourist mecca but it’s also home to historical and architecturally diverse hotels and buildings known as the Art Deco District. If you are visiting the beach, don’t ignore the vintage touches to the landscape in such a modern, fast-paced part of town.
A Little Nightlife
Ocean Drive represents the fun and upbeat side of South Beach, stretching from South Pointe to 15th Street. At dusk, South Beach ripples with activity. I change into something more appropriate to enjoy the nightlife ahead. Just off Lincoln Road sits HaVen Lounge, a paradise-like bar set aside from the rest of the bustle, as if it's an oasis of music and lights. After a few pre-dinner drinks, I pop into an Uber ride and head straight to A La Folie Cafe for dinner. Casual and light, this French bistro dishes out one of the best meals (think chocolate crepes, quiche Lorraine) when a night of Miami fun lies ahead. Last stop of the night is SLS Hotel’s Hyde Beach poolside lounge and club to dance the night away in true South Beach fashion.
