Miami Beach

Local news, places and everyday life in Miami Beach.

About Miami Beach

Miami Beach is the barrier island most people picture when they think of Miami. South Beach is famous for Art Deco hotels, nightlife and its long Atlantic shoreline.

Away from the busiest blocks, many streets are quiet and residential, and locals have their own daily routines. Property here is some of the priciest in the county. Downtown Miami is about 25 minutes away across the causeways.

Known for: Beaches, Art Deco and city life
ZIP codes: 33139, 33140, 33141

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Food + Life · Miami Beach

José Andrés brings the Bazaar back to Miami Beach as Bazaar Meat opens Oct. 22

Oct 21, 2026 · 3 min read

The open-fire steakhouse opens Thursday at the Andaz in Mid-Beach, three years after the original Bazaar closed in South Beach.

Development · Miami Beach

Five Park owners sue to get Miami Beach’s promised Buren bridge built

Oct 21, 2026 · 3 min read

The condo association and Jay Newman want a court to force construction of the Fifth Street crossing. A city committee is set to discuss an alternative on October 21.

Food + Life · Miami Beach

Art Basel Miami Beach gets a smaller floor plan and more free outdoor art

Oct 16, 2026 · 3 min read

A new city deal would keep the fair through 2031. This December brings a smaller floor plan and free, playable art in Collins Park.

The Lookout Shortlist

Explore Miami Beach

Where to eat and drink in South Beach

The institution
Joe's Stone Crab
South of Fifth · $$$$
Joe Weiss opened a lunch counter here in 1913. Stone crab claws, hash browns and key lime pie are still the order.
Tip: Joe's Take Away next door has counter service and needs no reservation.
11 Washington Ave.
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Pasta night
Macchialina
West Avenue · $$$
Every pasta is made by hand. The cavatelli with baby meatballs and porchetta is the house signature.
Tip: Book through Resy. Dinner only, from 6 p.m. weeknights and 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
810 Alton Road
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Pizza
Lucali
Sunset Harbour · $$
The Brooklyn pizzeria rolls its thin crust with wine bottles and bakes it in a wood oven. Calzones are big enough to share.
Tip: Open from noon daily. Order takeout online; there are no phone orders.
1930 Bay Road
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Cuban cafecito
Las Olas Cafe
South Beach · $
A neighborhood Cuban cafeteria with a walk-up window. Go for a cortadito, empanadas or a Cuban sandwich.
Tip: Use the window for a quick coffee and skip the table wait.
644 Sixth St.
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Cocktails and oysters
Sweet Liberty
Collins Park · $$
An award-winning cocktail bar near the Bass museum, with oysters and comfort food from Michelle Bernstein.
Tip: Happy hour starts at 4 p.m. Check the menu for oyster specials.
237 20th St.
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Bakery
Bettant Bakery
South Beach · $$
A small Washington Avenue bakery for an early pastry and coffee before the beach gets busy.
Tip: Opens at 6:30 a.m. daily, so it works for an early start.
1043 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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Morning bakery
True Loaf Bakery
Sunset Harbour · $$
Neighborhood bakery for sourdough bread, French-butter croissants and pastries.
Tip: The bakery lists daily opening from 7 a.m.
1894 Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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Things to do in South Beach

Waterfront walk
South Pointe Park
South of Fifth · Free
Bayside views, a public beach, playgrounds and walking paths by Government Cut.
Tip: City park hours are sunrise to sunset.
1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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Free garden
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
City Center · Free
An urban garden with shaded paths and tropical plants near the Convention Center.
Tip: Free admission; currently lists Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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Museum
The Wolfsonian–FIU
South Beach · $ / free for Florida residents
A museum dedicated to how art and design shape daily life.
Tip: Florida residents have free admission; Friday evenings 6–9 p.m. are free.
1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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Explore within South Beach

Sunset Harbour — the bayside pocket of restaurants, gyms and boutiques off Alton Road and Purdy Avenue.

Also in South Beach: South of Fifth · West Avenue · Collins Park

Updated October 16, 2026. Hours change, so confirm before you go.

Miami Beach guide

The three areas

Miami Beach is its own city on a barrier island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Causeways link it to the mainland. Locals split it into three parts.

South Beach. The famous southern end, up to about 23rd Street. It holds the Art Deco district, Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road and most of the nightlife. It is easy to walk, but parking costs more and weekend traffic is heavy.
Mid-Beach. The stretch north of South Beach, up to about 63rd Street. It is quieter, with big oceanfront hotels, mid-century buildings and the beachfront boardwalk. Much of it is residential.
North Beach. The northern end, up to about 87th Street. It feels more like a neighborhood, with wide beaches, the North Beach Bandshell and family-run restaurants near Normandy Isle.

Getting around

Free trolley. The city runs free Miami Beach Trolley routes across South, Mid and North Beach. You do not need a ticket.
Freebee. Freebee runs free, on-demand electric rides in set zones. You book through the Freebee app.
Parking. City garages usually cost less than street meters in busy areas, and they are easier to find on weekends.

Frequently asked questions

Is South Beach the same as Miami Beach?

No. South Beach is the southern part of Miami Beach. Miami Beach is a whole city that also includes Mid-Beach and North Beach.

Do you need a car in Miami Beach?

Not if you stay on the island. It is flat and easy to bike. Walking, the free trolley, Citi Bike and rideshares cover most trips.

Is the beach free in Miami Beach?

Yes. Public beaches are free and open to everyone. Access paths sit along the boardwalk and the streets that end at the sand.