
South Beach
When the world hears the word Miami, they close their eyes and see South Beach. They see sloshing mojitos and miles of bright neon. They also see dollar signs— a lot of them. And they’re not entirely wrong. Miami’s biggest tourism hub still offers popped-collar nightlife and sandal-friendly sidewalk cafés. But the last decade has seen South Beach diversify in delightful ways. Locals no longer avoid it and tourists aren’t the only people wiggling toes in the sand. Nightlife options have grown plentiful and veered from the velvet rope elitism of the early 2000s. Now, each pocket of the neighborhood holds something new, and you’re as likely to find five-star dining, world-renowned cocktail dens and breathtaking art as you are a bartender wielding a water gun full of tequila. Welcome to the new South Beach.
Eat
Time Out Market Miami
The very first North American location for Time Out Market is here—right in the heart of South Beach. Stop by if you want options. Browse through 21 different kitchens (which have been curated by Time Out’s editorial eaters) featuring some of the best restaurants and chefs in Miami: Pho Mo (of Phuc Yea), Little Liberty (of Sweet Liberty), Crew-Do (by Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Ford) and a lot more. From cocktails to tacos and even ice cream, you’ll find something to satisfy here.
Stubborn Seed
This South of Fifth restaurant (run by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford) recently earned a Michelin star for its exquisite balance between relaxed comfort and culinary ambition. The menu changes with the seasons and ingredient availability, but expect regionally inspired dishes like crunchy truffle bravas and spring asparagus and blue crab noodles that are best experienced via Ford’s tasting menu. It’s, hands down, the best restaurant in South Beach.
Drink
Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co.
Sweet Liberty is both a place to start and end your night—stop in early for $0.95 oysters and $5 drinks during happy hour or stumble in late for live music and plenty of dancing. Every cocktail on the menu is a home run, especially what’s usually an overpriced no-no around these parts, the piña colada. Sweet Liberty makes its own blend of spiced rums and coconut cream and finishes it with a special sherry floater.
El Salón
El Salón’s attention to detail and material has a truly transportive effect. Plush booth seating, bespoke ceramic tile, marble counters and wooded ceilings make this hidden-away cocktail bar inside the Esmé Hotel the ideal spot for an intimate date or decadent nightcap. El Salón also creates its own nuanced spirit blends and serves up an extensive list of simple, refined cocktails from the tiny bar.
Do
Wolfsonian-FIU
For a touch of culture, go to the Wolfsonian-FIU. Its myriad exhibits span multiple floors and highlight global art and artifacts from the Industrial Revolution through WWII. On weekends, the place is crawling with creative types stopping in for free programming like live music, art workshops and film screenings.
Lincoln Road Mall
When the world hears the word Miami, they close their eyes and see South Beach. They see sloshing mojitos and miles of bright neon. They also see dollar signs— a lot of them. And they’re not entirely wrong. Miami’s biggest tourism hub still offers popped-collar nightlife and sandal-friendly sidewalk cafés. But the last decade has seen South Beach diversify in delightful ways. Locals no longer avoid it and tourists aren’t the only people wiggling toes in the sand. Nightlife options have grown plentiful and veered from the velvet rope elitism of the early 2000s. Now, each pocket of the neighborhood holds something new, and you’re as likely to find five-star dining, world-renowned cocktail dens and breathtaking art as you are a bartender wielding a water gun full of tequila. Welcome to the new South Beach.
Stay
The Betsy Hotel
You could go big with a hotel but with so many boutique properties to choose from, The Betsy is our pick in South Beach. Situated on the quieter north end of the oceanfront Lummus Park, The Betsy boasts live jazz in its stylish lobby bar, plus cool art installations and a rooftop pool. There’s something about the conviviality of a good boutique that blends so well with the Art Deco vibes of SoBe. No 20-story elevator rides or doormen—just a few quick steps and you’re out in the salty air where you belong.
If you do just one thing…
Stay out until 5am. Nightlife is what made South Beach what it is today, so it’s only right that you go see it for yourself. You might as well go to a club if you’re planning on pulling an all-nighter since most don’t get going until 3am anyway. Try Story for a packed roster of famous DJs year-round or, for a truly interesting evening, Mac’s Club Deuce, the neighborhood’s oldest dive bar.