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South Beach

South Beach is a district in Miami Beach from South Pointe Park to around 23rd Street.

[edit] Get in

To get to South Beach, there are several ways to do it:

By car- Take I-95 North or South to 395 over Biscayne Bay which turns into 5th Street.

By plane- Miami Beach is served by two airports: Miami International Airport which is 10 miles west of Miami Beach and all major domestic flights and some international flights arrive daily at the airport. The other airport is Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and is 25 to 30 miles from Miami Beach and all major domestic and international flights serve this airport.

Shared Taxi/Shuttle Service- For a cheaper ride to your destination in South Beach, you can opt to use a "shared taxi/shuttle service". The cost of this is about $18/per person plus a tip (about $23/person). You can find the shuttles outside of the baggage claim area. No need for reservations. For your trip back to the airport, you can contact the company to pick you up from your hotel and take you back at the same rates.

Taxi- Initial rate is $2.50 and $0.40 for every 1/6 mile and there is a flat rate from the airport to Miami Beach based on 5 different zones and ranges from $24 to $52.

Give yourself an opportunity to enjoy South Beach while lodging in a condo rental or your own rental villa. Visit sites like Lincoln Road pedestrian mall, considered South Beach's premier shopping area. It is home to many restaurants and several nightclubs, such as Score and Function, as well as many retail outlets. Ocean Drive is the easternmost street in South Beach, and stems from south of First to 15th Street, running in a north-south direction. Ocean Drive is responsible for the South Beach aesthetic that most out-of-town visitors expect. It is a popular Spring Break and tourist area, including the famous, yet predominantly local, Pearl and Nikki Beach night spots. It is also home to several prominent restaurants (including "News Cafe," "Mango's," and the MTV-popularized "Clevelander") and is the site of Gianni Versace's former ocean front mansion. South Beach has a very active club and bar scene. It is host to over 150 clubs and other destinations, most of which close at 5AM.

Dining opens up a great variety for all taste and culinary preferences. With the most known restaurants of South Florida, South Beach has the best reputation in international cuisine. Classic dinners, cafeterias and fast food restaurants give more option to a day by day casual meal. South Beach is also home to all kind of variety of cultural, art and exhibition events. Miami Beach Convention Center hosts most of the events, and conventions that you could find in Miami.

[edit][add listing] See

• Wolfsonian-FIU Museum: Museum on American history and Miami history. Run by Florida International University, it is one of Miami's must-see museums.

• Miami Beach Cultural Campus(The Beach to Park Avenue, between 20th and 22nd St): Known as the museum district which includes the Miami City ballet building, the Bass Museum, Miami Beach Regional Library and Collins Park.

• Miami Beach Botanical Garden (2000 Convention Center Drive): A collection of subtropical palms and plants and includes a Japanese Garden, orchid collection, exotic plants and varieties of subtropical palms.

• Jewish Holocaust Memorial (1933-1945 Meridian Avenue): An idea conceived by Holocaust survivors in Miami and was funded by a private, non-profit organization that was dedicated on Feb. 4, 1990 and includes 11 different areas.

• Flamingo Park (11th St. and Jefferson Ave): Lush outdoor park that offers facilities such as tennis, racketball and basketball courts.

• Lummus Park (Ocean Dr. from 5th to 15th St): Huge grassy area with volleyball courts and pull up bars.

• South Pointe Park (1 Washington Ave): Good park to sit and watch the cruise ships as they pass by.

• Casa Casuarina aka Versace House (1116 ocean Drive): Built by Gianni Versace in 1993 and the site of his tragic death is the most photographed landmark and was sold to Peter Loftin and it is not open to the public. It is now a members only hotel.

• Art Deco District (1001 Ocean Drive): World's largest collection of modern Art Deco architecture.

• Espanola Way (Collins West to Pennsylvania): Modeled after Mediterranean villages found in France and Spain.

[edit][add listing] Do

• GoCar GPS Tours [1](1661 James Avenue, just off Lincoln Road between Collins and Washington): See Miami Beach in the world's first Storytelling Car. The GoCar will guide you to see what most visitors never see, while telling stories and history along the way that bring the city to life. It's like having your own private tour guide with you. Tours take place at your own pace in a fun to drive, open-air, 2-person scooter car. Rates begin at $29 per hour. Discounted daily rates are also available.

• Miami Duck Tours [2] (1665 Washington Avenue): A unique way to sight-see by riding on a boat equipped with wheels via water and street and it lasts for 90 minutes. Have to buy tickets before boarding boat. Tickets Info: Different price range based on individual or group rate, but generally rates are $32 for adults; senior (65+)/military are $26; children (4-12) are $18 and children under 3 are free.

• Art Deco District [3] (1001 Ocean Drive): A tour that explores the famous buildings of this district and has a limited schedule of operations. Operates Wednesday at 10:30AM; Thursday at 6:30PM; Saturday at 10:30AM and Sunday at 10:30AM (reservations only)and the cost is based on a guided tour or a self guided audio tour (which is cheaper). The guided tour costs adults: $20; seniors/students (with I.D.): $15; kids/members: free and the audio tour costs adults: $15 and seniors/students/children under 12: $10

• The Beach (Ocean Drive and 5th St. to Collins Ave. and 21st St): A trip to South Beach would not be complete without going to its beautiful beach. You will be able to find food and drink concession stands; rent beach chairs and umbrellas; find restrooms and shower facilities; walking trails; volleyball; rent watersports; and feel protected with lifeguards and beach patrol.

• Miami Beach Golf Club [4] (2301 Alton St): Home to some of the best golf courses with the best weather around. Rates are based on seasons and the peak season (Dec. 23, 2006 to April 30, 2007) costs $200 and the summer season (May 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007) costs $95. Club rentals costs $55 and shoe rentals costs $15 (prices are subject to a 7% sales tax).

[edit] Spas

• Spa at The Setai, 2001 Collins Ave., [5].  edit

• Sanctuary Salon & Spa by Agnes, 1745 James Ave., [6].  edit

• Ritz-Carlton Spa South Beach, 1 Lincoln Rd., [7].  edit

• Nirvana Spa, 8701 Collins Ave, [8].  edit

• The Standard Spa, 40 Island Avenue, ☎ +1 (305) 704-3945, [9].  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Lincoln Road Mall (runs east-west from Collins Ave. to Bay Road between 16th and 17th St.): One of the hottest shopping streets you can find in the country. Home to a 7 block pedestrian mall with 400 businesses and it is located outside. You can also find the Lincoln Road Market as well which is a farmer's market that is open from 9AM to 6PM on Sunday year round.

Collins Avenue Fashion District (Collins Avenue from 5th to 9th St.): Max out your credit card on this strip which plays host to plenty of hip designers from Versace, Nicole Miller, Armani, etc.

Ocean Drive (Along the entire street of Ocean Drive): You will find a collection of funky, youthful boutiques and unique accessories.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are a bunch of street side cafes on Ocean Drive that though prohibitively expensive offer specials for Lunch (1/2 off certain menu items). Be warned though, most of the items they offer are vegetarian and low toppings (Cheese Pizza, Fettucine Alfredo w/o Meat etc). Also the drinks menus do not list prices because they charge outrageous amounts (25 bucks / drink @ Casanova) and the buy 1 get 1 'special' is per person. So be careful what you're ordering and find out the exact cost before doing so.

• The Van Dyke Cafe 846 Lincoln Rd. +1 305 534-3600. This alfresco style restauraunt serves an eclectic, moderately priced menu of dishes such as grilled fresh tuna and pasta with portobello mushrooms, artichokes, spinach and roasted peppers. The umbrella shaded tables are located right on the sidewalk, which is prime for people watching! Located right on Lincoln Road, you can put your name in for an outside table and go shopping while you wait. Upstairs there is an amazing jazz club, quite possibly the best in town. Every Sunday they start a week of nightly jazz. As the week rolls on, big-name regulars like pianists Brian Murphy and Mike Orta, vocalist Nicole Henry and drummer Don Miller make appearances and rock through the night. The cover charge at the door usually runs from about $5 to $15.

• David’s Café II, 1654 Meridian Ave (off of the Lincoln Road Mall), +1 305 672-8707 [10] – Open 24 hours. Cuban. The same fare as the original David’s Café, but at a convenient location for tired Lincoln Rd shoppers en route to the cheaper or the more expensive stores at the mall. $2-$19 per person, per meal.

• ISHQ, 530 Ocean Dr, +1 305 532-4747 [11] – ISHQ serves the best Indian and vegetarian/vegan cuisine in South Beach. They have a great brunch on Sundays, and serve delicious cocktails $5-$23.

• Mango's Tropical Cafe 900 Ocean Dr, +1 305 673-4422. This exotic restaurant is situated right on Ocean Drive. Feel free to sit outdoors or inside, both will provide you with a fun and exciting experience. After 6PM it is a 21+ only establishment. Mango's Caribbean/American inspired meals will satisfy your tastebuds, and their tasty tropical drinks will have you coming back for more. There is live music every day, all day. There is a cover charge that ranges from $5-$20 after 6PM, depending on the entertainment. The staff is incredibly fun and sexy, constantly shaking their hips and grooving to the music until close at 5AM. Whether you go for just a drink or a meal, you will not regret visiting Mango's. It is an experience you will remember and hopefully come back for!

• Joe's Stone Crab 11 Washington Ave, tel (305) 673-0365. Opened in 1913, this Miami landmark claims to have discovered the original stone crab. You have to try one of these crabs served with Joe's famous sauce, but be prepared to wait, their lines are as infamous as their crabs. Stone crab claws range in price up to $50 per serving, depending upon the size of the claws. If you're looking for something different, there are plenty of other seafood and meat entrees on the menu in the $20-$30 price range.

• Porcao 801 Brickell Bay Dr, tel (305) 373-2777. A fixed price ($41) offers a variety of food options, but vegetarians beware, this is a meat lovers mecca. Although you can snack on healthy options at the buffet - caesar salad, sushi, pasta, and various vegetables and cheeses, the main event is the meat. Roaming waiters present you with various types of meat carved for you at your table (rodizio service). All cuts of meat are exceptional and tastes even better accompanied by Chilean wines offered on the wine list.

• Pizza Rustica, 863 Washington Ave + 1 305 674 8244 (e-mail: contact@pizza-rustica.com) [12] – Pizza. This small chain is also branching out in LA and locations all over South Florida. In Miami, there are locations in Downtown Miami, Cameo and Lincoln Road Mall. It serves Roman-style pizza. Pizza is made by the foot and cut to a desired length and then folded over like a sandwich. Salads are also served. Accepts cash only. $3-$18 per person, per meal.

• David’s Café, 1058 Collins Ave +1 305 534-8736 (e-mail: info@davidscafe.com) [13] – Open 24 hours. Cheap, legendary Cuban food. Free delivery on South Beach. $2-$19.

• Big Pink, 157 Collins Ave (near and across from Privé and Opium Gardens), +1 305 532-4700 [14] – Comfort food. Once you enter this restaurant, head for its large menu near the entrance to see its selection of burgers, breakfasts and other items that have been brought to the present day. Stay if you're interested in what's playing on the televisions. If you’re not in the mood to head to the restaurant, Big Pink offers free takeout in a pink VW bug (and occasionally to bouncers at Privé). $3-$20.

• News Café, 800 Ocean Dr [15] – Open 24 hours. Breakfast, pizzas, sandwiches and paninis, burgers, Middle Eastern cuisine, appetizers, entrees and dessert. Because of its location on the corner of 8th St and Ocean Dr, News Café is the perfect place to see anything from models to shoppers to Duck Tour buses. Note: a 15% tip is added to your order automatically. Internet access also available here for a fee. $2-$25 per person, per meal.

• Larios on the Beach , 820 Ocean Dr, +1 305 532-9577 – Sun-Thu 11:30AM-12AM, Ffri-Sat 11:30AM-1AM. Cuban. One of Gloria Estefan’s many restaurants in South Florida, this place is said to have some of the best mojitos in South Beach. $8-$27 per person, per meal.

• Mango’s Tropical Café, 900 Ocean Dr, +1 305 673-4422 [16] – Sun-Sat 11AM-5AM. Caribbean and American. Mango’s appearance in the cinematic bomb From Justin to Kelly—sparsely populated, well-lit at night and quiet enough to have a conversation about conniving girlfriends, this is the exact opposite of how Mango’s is on a typical day. This infamous South Beach spot is known for its dancers/bartenders in cat suits gyrating on the center bar to live music. There are also two side bars and plenty of tables if you want to be away from the action in the middle of the restaurant.

[edit] Splurge

• Barton G. the Restaurant, 1427 West Ave, +1 305 672-8881 [17] – Sun-Sat 6PM-12AM. Experimental American cuisine. Barton G., also a well-known caterer in South Beach, uses the same showy presentation and food in his restaurant as he does with his catering. Reservations are requested. $8-$30 per person, per meal.

• BED, 929 Washington Ave, +1 305 532-9070 [18]. Dinner Mon, Wed-Sat 8-11PM, bottle service Mon, Wed-Sat 11PM-3AM. Fusion. BED (which actually stands for Beverage, Entertainment and Dining) is the only small chain club/eatery where patrons can eat food on beds. The food is excellent, but be aware that BED has a dress code and no signage during the daytime (like most South Beach clubs). BED unfortunately attracts hipsters that may not have the ability to get into South Beach’s more exclusive clubs, but to ensure you at least have a spot at dinner BED accepts same-day reservations. $12-$38 per person, per meal.

• China Grill, 404 Washington Ave, +1 305 534-2211 [19] – Lunch M-F 12-5 PM, dinner Sun 5PM-11PM PM, Mon-Thu 6PM-12AM, Fri-Sat 6PM-1 AM. Chinese-fusion cuisine. Courses are served in family style (order to share). $20-$40 per person, per meal

• Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Ave, +1 305 673-0365 [20]. Lunch and dinner hours depend on the time of year. Appetizers, seafood, steaks, poultry, lamb, vegetables and dessert. Famous for three things: stone crabs, key lime pie and the long lines for its dinner service, but there are plenty of other options to order from the menu. Lines are shorter or non-existent when the restaurant is serving lunch or at its sister restaurant, Joe’s Take-Out. The waiters will be dressed to the nines, but you don’t have to be. $5-$69 per person, per meal (prices of stone crabs vary but are between $23-$63 per person, per meal depending on the size ordered and current market prices for stone crab).

• Tantra, 1145 Pennsylvania Ave (on the corner of Espanola Way), +1 305 672-4765 [21]. Sun-Sat 7PM-5AM. Middle Eastern/Mediterranean/Indian. This restaurant/club is heavy on the Middle Eastern vibe—grass land its floors. Booths can be closed in this eatery for privacy and hookah pipes and aphrodisiac cocktails are passed around. $24-$52 per person, per meal.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Caffè Tramonto, 235 Washington Ave (Between 2nd and 3rd), +1 305 672-2137. Opens at 6PM daily. A bar with a fun international atmosphere in South Beach.

• Laundry Bar 721 Lincoln Ln, Miami Beach, tel 305-531-7700. It's a one of a kind bar, a bar that lets you do your laundry while you have a drink with friends. Listen to some dance music while you wash your clothes, and drink while your clothes dry. Happy Hours 4PM-9PM, 7 days a week.

• Mac's Club Deuce, 222 14th St , +1 305 673-9537 – Sun-Sat 8AM-5AM. Miami Beach’s oldest bar, founded in 1926, is not as pretentious as several other bars around Miami. An affordable, local hangout with a jukebox and a pool table.

• Mansion, 1235 Washington Ave, ☎ +1 305-532-1525, [22]. 10PM-5AM. Large popular nightclub set in the heart of Washington Avenue. Set over two floors, the slightly-pretentious yet buzzing club is a display of urban chic and is popular largely with tourists and locals depending on the night. The club boasts big name DJ's that you would find in any Ibiza superclub, such as Roger Sanchez. The club is part of the Opium Group which owns some of the other clubs in South Beach. There are a mixture of nights ranging from techno/commercial house to hip hop and RnB. If you are visiting Miami, your hotel should be able to provide you with concierge passes which will get you to the front of the line, although on big events expect to argue with the doorstaff about the wait. Expect to pay $50 for entry when big names appear, $15-30 midweek, well worth a visit.  edit

• Nikki Beach Miami, 1 Ocean Dr (behind a gray building that houses Pearl Restaurant and Champagne Lounge), +1 305 531-5535 [23]. Teepees and beds surround this outdoor space, which feels smaller in person than it does in television shows and movies such as From Justin to Kelly. This club is infamous for welcoming the likes of celebrities such as Brooke Hogan (Hulk Hogan’s daughter and a singer in her own right). Part of a small chain of Nikki Beach clubs, others most notably in St. Tropez and Hollywood, Ca. The nightclub has a fun yet pretentious vibe, the doorstaff often operate a strict 70/30 rule on women to men on busy nights, which can often mean male groups having difficulty gaining entry. The only way to ensure entry is to purchase a table costing anywhere between $500-$1000. The clientele is a mix of socialites, models and some tourists. Sundays are the most popular night, definitely worth a visit.

• Opium Garden 136 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, tel (305) 531-5535. This 32,000 sq. foot Asian inspired nightclub is a well-known hot spot in South Beach. With two levels, this nightclub has a capacity of up to 2000 guests. Opium is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 11PM to 5AM. There is always a line to get in so get there early! If you make it through the doors, there is a $20 cover charge. This beautiful Zen-like nightclub plays dance, hip-hop, and Top 20's music all night long. They feature 16 different specialty drinks and they offer table service with a $200 minimum. Opium is a little pricey, but it is worth the experience!

• 'Tantra 1445 Pennsylvania Ave, Miami Beach, tel 305-672-4765. A sensual Middle Eastern atmosphere complete with real grass on the floor, Tantra is the place to feel sleek and sexy. Aphrodisiac martinis add to the ambiance, while the house music playing makes you feel that you've found the 'it' spot in South Beach. Open from 7PM to 5AM.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget　

• The Clay Hotel and Hostel, 1438 Washington Ave, +1 305 534-2988 (toll-free +1 800 379-2529, fax +1 305 673-0346) [24]. 120 rooms. Member of the International Youth Hostel Federation. Dorm rooms are single sex and have four to eight beds per room. Some rooms have balconies, TVs, phones and baths. Kitchen, laundry, TV, refrigerator,air conditioning. $74-$133 per night (off-season, hotel rooms), $150-$240 per night (winter, hotel rooms), $24-$28/bed.

• Jazz on South Beach Hostel in Miami, 321 Collins Ave, ☎ +1 (305) 672 2137, [25]. New hostel in the former Hotel Atlantica, just 1 block from the beach.  edit

• Miami Beach International Travelers Hostel , 236 9th St, +1 305 534-0268 (toll-free +1 800 978-6787). This hostel has 100 rooms. Dorm rooms have four beds. Half of the non-dorm rooms are private. Kitchen, internet access (on a dated computer), video rental library. $13-$15 per room (dorm rooms), $32-$59 per night (regular rooms, low season), $49-$89 per night (regular rooms, high season).

• South Beach Hostel 235 Washington Ave. Miami Beach 33139, 305-534-6669. If you are looking for the most affordable way to do South Beach, Miami Beach Hostel is a great place to stay and save money. Located only 2 blocks away from all the excitement, you will be within walking distance to all the major clubs and restaurants in the area. The hostel offers shared or private rooms for 4, 6 &8 people. The average bed costs about $24-28/night. They also offer 2 Bed private room for an average of $40/night. They have free lockers available to lock up your valuables while you stay, free welcome drink & free transportation to Miami International Airport (twice a day).The hostel has a large kitchen and TV area with pool table and internet access. They also have a large bar that is open until 5AM for the party animals with lots of great drink specials. If you are traveling on a tight budget, this is a great opportunity to experience South Beach without going overboard.

[edit] Mid Range　

• Albion Hotel - South Beach, 1650 James Avenue, ☎ +1 305-913-1000, [26]. Modern Art Deco hotel ideally situated a couple of blocks to Collins Ave, Ocean Drive. The hotel is stylised as an Ocean Liner and is excellent value for money. The hotel has a large mezzanine level pool, hotel bar and rooms with very comfortable beds - you have been warned! The concierge staff are very helpful and will organise most things for you, there is also valet parking available.  edit

• Beacon Hotel 720 Ocean Dr, +1 305 674-8200 (toll-free +1 877 674-8200, fax +1 305 674-8976) [27]. Rooms are equipped with flat panel LCD TVs, cable television, IP-phones with voicemail and dataport features, in-room mini-bar, and Wi-Fi. $140-$460.

• Clevelander Hotel 1020 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. The Clevelander Hotel is known as one of the hottest party places to stay while in South Beach. The pool is surrounded by glass blocks and neon bars, while the dance floors and outdoor stage are often filled with fantastic entertainment. Situated right on Ocean Drive, the sexy outdoor bars are always hopping and they have the highest liquor sales of any bar in Florida. The 54 rooms are well furnished and are all equipped with AC and cable TV (if you have time to watch TV at all). The rooms average at about $120/night, depending on time of travel. If you are ready to party, this hotel won't let you down. There's plenty of drinking, dancing, and contests all day and night. Great location, located close to all the popular nightclubs, restaurants, and shopping you want to experience while visiting South Beach. Due to the party scene at this hotel, no one under 21 can stay here.

• The Hotel, 801 Collins Ave, +1 305 531-2222 (toll-free +1 877 843-4683, fax +1 305 531-3222) [28]. Formerly the Tiffany Hotel (as implied by its spire on the top of the building), it was renovated by clothing and home decorating designer Todd Oldham. The Hotel has a blank façade on the outside but a multi-colored space on the inside. The 53 rooms are decorated with mirrors rather than artwork and have plenty of storage space around the room to compensate for room size. There is also a gem-cut swimming pool and lounge on the upper decks, room service, air conditioning, TV, stereo, and Wish, The Hotel’s French-Brazilian restaurant which also has a bar. $245-$285 (winter rates), $144-$245 (off-season rates).

• San Juan Hotel South Beach, 1680 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, Fl 33139 [29]. The affordable choice to cheap hotels in South Beach, Miami, Florida offering budget traveler's discount lodging accommodations on Collins Avenue near tourist attractions, night life and the beach.

• Hotel St. Augustine, 347 Washington Ave., ☎ +1 (305) 532-0570, [30]. A "boutique" style hotel in the SoFi District with Art Deco architecture and 24 loft-style rooms.  edit

• The Kent Hotel, 1131 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, [31]. A boutique Art Deco hotel offering cool stylish elements of Miami Beach including modern themes, unique colors and furniture.  edit

• The Loft Hotel, 952 Collins Ave, +1 305 534-2244 (fax + 1 305 538-1509, e-mail: thelofthotel@cs.com), [32]. This hotel has 57 rooms. Air conditioning, TV and VCR, clock radio and kitchens in rooms. $99 per night (starting price for room rates).

• Pelican Hotel, 826 Ocean Dr, + 1 305 673-3373 [33]. Pelican Hotel claims it is a “toy-hotel” rather than a hotel because every one of its 30 rooms and suites is designed around a theme rather than the hotel itself being designed around a theme. Magnus Ehrland, a Swedish designer, created rooms like the “Psychedelic(ate) Girl,” “Jesus Christ Megastar” and the “Best Whorehouse” (which is said to be the most popular, and hardest to score, room in the hotel). Ehrland used his imagination and a lot of flea market goodies to design the rooms. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves breakfast well into the day, a bar, a concierge, laundry service, air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, iron, safe, and a stereo. $180-$440 per night (winter rates), $155-$310 per night (off-season rates).

• Townhouse Hotel, 150 20th Street, [34]. Cool, fun, & fresh lodging accommodations steps away from the ocean and Collins Avenue. Modern design & old-fashioned comfort.  edit

[edit] Splurge　

• The Bentley Hotel, 501 Ocean Drive, [35]. Yet another Art Deco Hotel in an oceanfront building dating back to from 1934. The Bentley's meticulously restored art deco architecture provides a luxurious, yet intimate environment. One of few upscale options on Ocean Drive  edit

[edit] Contact