Twenty years ago, the only people who visited South Beach were relatives of the many aging retirees who lived there, or kids going to party at the clubs along Washington Avenue. The city had more of an underground vibe, housed a large gay population, and yet still offered a sort of small town charm that you often see in island cities, even if they are considered part of a massive metropolitan area. In the 90’s, all that changed. Today, South Beach is a Mecca for A-list celebrities from around the globe, 5-Star luxury resorts and hotels, and some of the most exclusive dining and shopping destinations in the world.
South Beach proper is actually a fairly small area considering the number of visitors it receives on a daily basis. It’s roughly 23 blocks long and 12 blocks wide, yet it offers thousands of restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and stores that cater to an international clientele. You’ll find everything from the world’s trendiest designer boutiques and restaurants to the more well known chains, including a Starbucks for what seems to be every 100 residents. The beating heart of all this glamorous shopping and dining is of course seven miles of pure white, pebbly sand along the Atlantic Ocean. The beach itself is an almost 24-hour a day scene, starting with early morning joggers and yoga enthusiasts to afternoon swimming and volleyball and a variety of themed parties that last late into the evening.
If you’re planning a visit to South Beach, be prepared to experience a dazzling array of sights and sounds 24 hours a day. This is a city that never sleeps, and it is a favorite playground of the international party circuit. A car rental is not recommended, as the traffic is usually so busy you can get most places faster by simply walking. That being said, South Beach has a variety of public transportation options including buses and trolleys, and a taxi is never more than a whistle away.
Still looking for things to do in South Beach? Trust me, just come visit. I promise you’ll find something exciting to do any time of the day or night, every day of the year.
