Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Miami Beach, Florida
See and be seen. That's the philosophy at South Beach, where people-watching is a great pastime on the wide, white sand covered beaches. In addition to being a popular spot for fashion photo shoots, SoBe is known for its clubs, wild nightlife, and excellent restaurants. Long the home to elite celebrities, from the Rat Pack to Versace, the experience at Miami Beach's South Beach is summed up best by the words of one of its long time fans, actor Jackie Gleason, who is known for having exclaimed, "How sweet it is!"
Daytime on South Beach is usually spent lounging on the soft, nearly-white sand, gazing out into the green-blue waters, taking a dip in the perfect ocean warmth, or enjoying the shade of the swaying palms, under the blue skies. Part of South Beach's uniqueness comes from its multi-colored, deco-style lifeguard towers dotting the sandy shore, while another aspect is all the beautiful people you can see gracing its shores. The Miami area is the model shoot capital of the country, and South Beach is one of the world's foremost locations for fashion shoots.
It comes as no surprise that South Beach is not for the modest, and topless bathing is permitted in most places here (though this may be largely due to the large number of European tourists, who tend to be inclined towards topless sunbathing). However, if you do decide to take your chances and bring the kids with you to SoBe, be sure to take advantage of the playground available here. Small kids will also enjoy running across the boardwalk, which stretches from 4th-21st Streets, and along the Promenade, which runs between 5th and 16th Streets, and is a great walkway for pedestrians, skaters, cyclists, and roller-bladers. Note that parking is restricted and usually requires a fee. If you're very lucky, you may find a meter spot - but remember to feed it regularly!
When the sun goes down, get ready for a whole other side of SoBe. This 24-hour-a-day playground boasts hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants, and Art Deco hotels. If shopping is more your thing, look no further than Lincoln Road, an open-air pedestrian mall, which is considered South Beach's trendiest shopping area, with its unique boutique shops and restaurants. While here, don't miss taking a walk down classic Ocean Drive (the easternmost street in South Beach). This famous street, responsible for the South Beach aesthetic, is a popular Spring Break spot, as well as the site of the late Gianni Versace's ocean front mansion. If you're planning to spend some time here at South Beach, be sure to book a room in one of the awesome Art Deco hotels. The Carlyle, for example, is both an iconic landmark and a sought after setting for photo shoots and films.