When you think of
Miami, what do you see? The white sandy beaches that are dotted with palm trees? Its iconic Ocean Drive rendered in its bright neon signs? People dancing and partying right out on the street and on the beach? If all of these come to mind, you're thinking of one specific and hugely popular part of the city: South Beach. The vibrant neighborhood boasts all the fun and lively things people often associate with Miami, from its signature Floridian tropicality to its in-your-face glamour that even drew Versace into its shores. You couldn't have found a more fun and fascinating district in Miami!
Where is South Beach in Miami?
True to its name, South Beach is located on the southern tip of Miami Beach's barrier island. The MacArthur Causeway makes it fairly easy to drive up to South Beach from the mainland, which is why it remains one of the most popular
neighborhoods in Miami. Such central districts tend to be surrounded by other, equally prominent areas, but those on the barrier island remain just as beloved by locals and tourists alike. South Beach may not have the convenience of being surrounded by Miami's central neighborhoods, but that doesn't make it any less of a popular spot.
Is it Safe in South Beach, Miami?
Fortunately, yes, South Beach is a generally safe neighborhood. Even when
Miami's crime rates tend to skew mid-range to high, the area remains a fairly secure place overall. It helps that the neighborhood is well-lit, from the many lightposts that line the streets to the neon signs that light up after dark. Though there are still some sketchy corners here and there, South Beach is still far from a dangerous place. Just make sure to take the necessary safety precautions when you go out at night, especially if you're not entirely familiar with the neighborhood yet.
What's The Vibe in South Beach, Miami?
South Beach defines both the tropical appeal and electric nightlife of Miami. It has all the most popular qualities of the city, that it practically the quintessential Miami neighborhood. Think about what first comes to mind when you hear the name “Miami,” and South Beach will almost always pop up in an instant. Beautiful beaches with the best parties? Check! The iconic Ocean Drive with all its neon-signed hotspots? Check! Luxury shopping on Lincoln Road? Check! With all this in store, it's no wonder many who
move to Miami would always consider living here too.
Is it Expensive in South Beach, Miami?
Without a shadow of a doubt! Since it's one of Miami's most glamorous neighborhoods, it's no surprise that South Beach is an affluent area with fairly high
living costs. You already know that many hotspots here are pretty upscale, from Michelin-starred restaurants to a high-end shopping district. Even rent in South Beach is high, with a median average of about $3,500.00 per month. Not only is this already very expensive in the grand scheme of things, but it's also higher than the city-wide average, which is about $2,800.00 per month. With such prices in store, do you think you can afford it here?
What to See in South Beach, Miami
There's no doubt that the iconic Ocean Drive is the crown jewel of South Beach in Miami. It's practically the most famous part of Miami altogether, almost as if this famous nightlife strip defines the city. Upscale bars, refined restaurants, and luxurious hotels make up this beloved street, luring locals and tourists alike with all the fun and excitement in the world. Paired with white sandy beaches and their glistening waters, you couldn't have asked for a more beautiful paradise. You can take it easy and relax on one side and turn it up and party on the other after dark!
What to Do in South Beach, Miami
South Beach is one of those paradisiacal coastal districts where living here feels like being on vacation 24/7. This isn't to say that locals here only party and take it easy in their day-to-day lives, but the place certainly makes it tempting. Here, you can eat out in the most fabulous restaurants, shop in high-end stores along Lincoln Road, have fun at the beach, and end the day partying on Ocean Drive. The neighborhood even features museums, too, including The Bass Museum of Art and The Wolfsonian-Florida International University, among many others.
The Best Restaurants in South Beach, Miami
Unsurprisingly, South Beach boasts some of the
best restaurants in Miami. Even less surprising is that many of them are located on two of the neighborhood's most famous streets: Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road. The former has such favorites as the American Bistro and Meet Dalia, among many others. The latter, on the other hand, boasts the likes of CVI.CHE 105 South Beach, the Ole Ole Steak House, and Romina's Ristorante Italiano, to name a few. With a diverse range of cuisines and excellent customer service on offer, it's no wonder even those in mainland Miami take the trouble to go here just to eat out!
South Beach has some of the best places to eat in Miami, especially:
- American Bistro on Ocean Drive
- CVI.CHE 105 South Beach on Lincoln Drive
- El Patio Restaurant on Washington Avenue
- Joe's Stone Crab on Washington Avenue
- MILA in the Lincoln Road Shopping District on Meridian Avenue
- Meet Dalia in Park Central South Beach on Ocean Drive
- Sola Miami Beach in Fairwind Hotel Miami on Collins Avenue
- Osteria Positano in The Marlin Hotel on Collins Avenue
- Pane e Vino in Kasa El Paseo, Miami Beach on Washington Avenue
- Pastaiolo in Ocean Reef Suites on Collins Avenue
What to Know About Renting in South Beach, Miami
As already mentioned, rent in South Beach is among the most expensive in all of Miami. The median average rent here is about $3,500.00 per month, which is already much higher than in many other American cities. This is considerably higher than how much it typically costs to
rent a luxury apartment in Miami, which is $2,800.00 per month. Moreover, $3,500.00 per month doesn't even guarantee a big space. This rental price commonly applies to smaller properties, ranging from studio flats to two-bedroom homes at most. If you want a bigger place, expect to pay much more!
From the iconic Ocean Drive to the bustling beach that always has a party, South Beach is the most electric neighborhood in Miami. You truly won’t find any other place in the city that has this level of fun and excitement!
