The city of Miami Beach is located on a barrier island due east of the city of Miami and is separated by Biscayne Bay, a lagoon covering 428 square miles. Miami Beach includes 18.7 square miles and a population of about 88,000 people. Miami Beach also hosts the largest Art Deco district in the world, located in the city’s famous South Beach neighborhood. Miami Beach is also more than just sunny skies and endless beaches – it’s also a consistent presence on Forbes’ list of the ‘Happiest City in the World in which to Work’.

The Boardwalk

Miami Beach provides the backdrop and climate in which to enjoy a wide range of water sports, creative arts, cultures, and miles of beautiful beaches.  

Miami Beach’s Boardwalk runs from 5th Street to 46th Street (approximately four miles). The boardwalk is perfect for early morning jogs with a vibrant sunrise backdrop or strolls at dusk to observe a spectacular glowing moonrise that can only be described as breathtaking. Weather permitting, those walking the shoreline can safely watch a ‘lightning show’ over the Atlantic Ocean, courtesy of the tropical weather systems 50+ miles off the coast.

Getting Around Miami Beach

When visiting Miami Beach’s northern sections, it is best to have a car or be prepared to depend on cabs. When visiting South Beach (generally defined as locations south of Dade Blvd) or as the locals call it – SoBe, you can walk the famous Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive, and Washington Avenue. Lincoln Road is an outdoor mall designed for pedestrians and is home to many restaurants, nightclubs, stores, and movie theaters within its ten-block span. Try the South Beach Local Ride for only 25¢ per trip.

The Citi Bike program is a bike sharing/rental system available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Citi Bike is intended to provide locals and visitors with additional transportation options. Bike sharing is fun, efficient, and convenient. The solar-powered bike sharing system consists of a fleet of thousands of specially designed, durable bikes anchored by a network of docking stations.

Biscayne Bay

Biscayne Bay is a shallow estuary between Miami Beach and Miami. It is here that freshwater from the mainland mixes with salt water from the sea. Biscayne Bay is a nursery for marine life, attracting all kinds of fish due to its lush sea grass beds, providing hiding places as well as food for a vast array of sea life. Biscayne Bay is comprised of coral reefs, mangrove forests, and beautiful islands, all navigable by kayaks, canoes, or guided boat tours.

Where to Eat

Photo Courtesy of Sylvano

Miami Beach offers hundreds of delectable dining experiences, even for those with the most discriminating palates. For truly astonishing meal, head to Pao by Paul Qui in Mid-Beach. Chef Paul Qui, Top Chef winner and James Beard Award recipient, whips up inimitable Pan-Asian cuisine with a Spanish twist and with ocean views to boot. Head to Lincoln Road for scrumptious, authentic cuisines from around the world, ranging from sports bar fare to Cuban cuisine to bakeries. Miami Beach also stays true to its beach-centric lifestyle by offering up an array of seafood restaurants, including the highly lauded Sylvano.

Get Cultured

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Miami Beach locals would be remiss not to venture across the Biscayne Bay to check out Miami. Wynwood is a former industrial district that now displays colorful murals on buildings. The streets of Wynwood overflow with lively artwork, nightclubs, restaurants, breweries, and retail stores.

The Design District is a creative neighborhood and shopping district dedicated to innovative fashion, design, art, architecture, and is home to a wide range of dining, entertainment, public art installations, and shopping. The Design District acquired international attention as it played a major role in the development of Art Basel Miami Beach and Miami Art Week. 

There are over 50 museums to visit in the area. There are institutions dedicated to art, history, and science, among others. Perhaps the most famous is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a lavish villa built in 1916 as a tribute to the Italian Renaissance.