Miami/South Beach

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South Beach
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 air- 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 arrives 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 your self an opportunity of enjoying a south beach wile lodging in a condo rental or your own rent villa and live your on edge vacation visiting sites like Lincoln Road pedestrian mall, considered South Beach's premiere shopping area. It is home to many restaurants and several night clubs, 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 5 am.

Dining opens up a great variety for all taste and culinary preferences. With the most known restaurants of South Florida, South Beach counts with 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 convention 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.
  • Maurice Gibb Memorial Park (18th St. and Purdy Ave.)
  • Flamingo Park (11th St. and Jefferson Ave.)
  • Lummus Park (Ocean Dr. from 5th to 15th St.)
  • South Pointe Park (1 Washington Ave.)
  • 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(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(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 (1001 Ocean Drive): A tour that explores the famous buildings of this district and has a limited schedule of operations. Operates Wednesday at 10:30 am; Thursday at 6:30 pm; Saturday at 10:30 am and Sunday at 10:30 am (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 (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., [1].  edit

  • Sanctuary Salon & Spa by Agnes, 1745 James Ave., [2].  edit

  • Ritz-Carlton Spa South Beach, 1 Lincoln Rd., [3].  edit

  • Nirvana Spa, 8701 Collins Ave, [4].  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 9 am to 6 pm on Sunday year round.

Collins Avenue Fashion District (Collins Avenue from 5th to 9th St.):Here you will find 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

The Van Dyke Cafe 846 Lincoln Rd. +1 305 534-3600 This al 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 appearences and rock through the night. The cover charge at the door usually runs from about $5 to $15.

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!

[edit][add listing] Drink

Opium Garden 136 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL (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!

Mansion 1235 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL (305) 531-5535 DRESS TO IMPRESS! This modern 40,000 sq. foot nightclub can host up to 2,500 guests. Mansion has two floors that feature five rooms each with a bar, five V.I.P areas, and four dance floors. The club is open from 11pm to 5am, but get there early because there is always a line to get in! There is a $25 cover at the door, and a $200 minimum for table service. Playing rock, hip-hop, latin, and Top 40 songs, you are sure to have a great time dancing the night away! This nightclub is a must-see, you won't regret the experience!

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • The Loft Hotel, Collins Ave., +1 305-534-2244, [5]. Affordable Miami boutique hotel next to area attractions. edit

  • The Palms Hotel, 3025 Collins Ave., +1 800-550-0505 (, fax: 305-534-0515), [6]. Imagine waking up to the glittering ocean, relaxing in a hammock under the bristling palm trees, and enjoying glamorous, tropical nights in the hottest destination. Dreams are within reach at The Palms South Beach. A unique treasure among Miami Beach hotels.

Ideally located on the northern, more tranquil side of South Beach Miami, The Palms Hotel is a stylish ocean front resort boasting lush gardens, luxurious accommodations, and friendly, attentive service.  edit

Clevelander Hotel 1020 OCEAN DRIVE Miami Beach, FL 33139 800.258.7503 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.

Miami 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 restauraunts in the area. The hostel offers small rooms that sleep 4 to 8 people and they also offer large rooms that sleep up to 14 people. The average bed costs about $15-$20/night. They also offer a private room with a double bed for an average of $70/night. They have free lockers available to lock up your valuables while you stay.The hostel has a large kitchen and TV area with pool tables 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 oppurtunity to experience South Beach without going overboard.

[edit] Contact

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