Fun Activities & Things to do in South Beach Miami

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Blogs Written By Colin Keohane
Blogs Written By Colin Keohane

Long-time resident of South Florida who loves boating, great restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. I've chosen to make Miami my home because of the city's incredible culture. I love sharing my local knowledge with others through writing.

Planning a trip and looking for the best things to do in South Beach Miami?

South Beach is one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in all of South Florida. There are so many fun things to do in South Beach, that’s hard to list them all. But it’s always helpful to have a list of recommendations before you arrive and start exploring the city.

1. Shopping at Lincoln Road Mall

Location: Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Lincoln Road Mall Miami Beach FL

Lincoln road offers an amazing shopping experience and is one of the best activities in South Beach Miami. The Lincoln Road mall is a pedestrian mall that is completely closed off to vehicles. Lincoln road is full of national brands like Zara, as well as local boutiques. There are also a number of great restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream stores.

The walkability of Lincoln Road gives it an almost European feel. It’s such a nice break from the typical American mall experience.

2. Climb to the Top of the Lincoln Road Parking Garage

Location: 1117 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

24 garage

One of the lesser-known things to do in South Beach is heading to the top of the Lincoln Road parking garage. It’s one of the more unique activities in South Beach that only locals know about. When you make it to the top of the garage, you can see incredible views of South Beach and of downtown Miami. It’s a really fun thing to do in South Beach after a day of shopping at Lincoln Road.

3. Yacht Rental From Miami Beach Marina

Location: 300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

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South Beach is full of numerous water activities, but the best way to experience Miami Beach from the water is on a private yacht charter. Miami Beach Marina has a huge selection of boats and yachts that you can rent with a group of friends.

One of the best things to do in South Beach is to take your yacht rental over to Star Island to see some incredible luxury mansions. Then you can head to one of the Miami sandbars where there are always tons of other boats out there partying.

Check out some amazing options for boat rentals in South Beach Miami here.

4. Stroll through Española Way

Location: 401-499 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Hours: Open 24 hours

espanola way art basel miami beach

If you’re looking for something that feels like a mix of New Orleans and Havana, you’ll find exactly that on Espanola Way. This beautiful pedestrian street is full of cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and amazing restaurants. If you are looking for things to do in South Beach, just take a stroll on Espanola Way and stumble into any restaurant you want.

Espanola way offers a variety of different restaurants that all serve delicious food. When it gets late on the weekends, the energy on this street is electric. It’s perfect if you’re looking for things to do in South Beach, Miami for adults.

5. Walk Down Ocean Drive

Location: Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

ocean drive south beach dan gelber

Ocean Drive is the iconic street in Miami that you are sure to recognize from movies, TV, and popular culture. Walking down Ocean Drive is always a fun thing to do in South Beach because you never know what you might see. You’ll notice the famous Art Deco hotels that shape the architecture of the entire street.

Ocean Drive is the center of the nightlife scene in South Beach. If you are planning a trip to Miami Beach, stopping at Ocean Drive is a must.

6. Grab a Bite at Joe’s Stone Crab

Location: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Hours: Monday & Tuesday – 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Wednesday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
joes stone crab

Joe’s Stone Crab is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in South Beach. It all started as a lunch counter on Miami Beach in 1913. Today, the restaurant is a must visit for anyone looking the best things to do in South Beach.

As you might have guessed, the restaurant is famous for its stone crab claws. The best time of year from stone crabs is from October through May. If you want to eat great food and experience the history of Miami all in one place, than Joe’s Stone Crab has to be on your list.

7. The Bass Museum of Contemporary Art

Location: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The Bass Museum of Art

If you are looking to slow down the pace of your south beach activities, then stopping at the Bass Museum is a great way to do that.

This world-renowned museum hosts over 2,000 works of art from some of the most famous artists throughout history such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Rubens

The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids. This makes the museum family friendly and fun for all ages.

8. South Pointe Park

Location: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park is located at the most southern point of Miami Beach. It’s a 17-acre park that’s a great place to stop if you are looking for fun things to do in South Beach.

The South Pointe Pier juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great place to get views of the crystal-clear waters of South Beach. You can also see Fisher Island and the numerous cruise liners that depart from the port of Miami.

The park also has a playground, dog park, and numerous walking paths to explore. It’s perfect place to stroll on a sunny Miami day.

Final Thoughts

It’s almost impossible to run out of things to do in South Beach, Miami. That’s a big part of the reason that it’s such a popular tourist destination. Plan your next trip to South Beach and be sure to try out a few of the recommendations on this list. You won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Miami is in between March and May.

The weather is hot and sunny in April.

July to October is off season in Miami, making it a little cheap during those months.

January is the coldest month in Miami.

Summer clothes would be comfortable in Miami in April.

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