Going to South Beach Miami but not that interested in sitting on the beach every day? Or is the weather not what you expected? Well, as a non-beach person I came up with some hidden gems in Miami instead of going to the beach!
I came up with this list of things to do in South Beach Miami because my family LOVES the beach. No seriously, my sister is like a mermaid irresistibly drawn to the ocean. I’d say I’m adopted but I look exactly like my parents… So, while my family enjoys their beach vacation, I have to find other ways to spend my time in South Beach Florida.
There are surprisingly a lot of South Beach activities that aren’t beach related. A lot are even within walking (or biking) distance from the beach so you won’t even need a car.
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
Useful Florida Resources
Book a Flight: AirCanada | Google Flights
Book A Hotel: Booking.com| Expedia
Rent a car: Car Rentals (expedia.ca)
Digital & Printable Travel Journal: Afternoon Tea Reads The Shoppe
You might also be interested in reading…
Simple Travel Hacks For Couples (To Save You Money) | 5 Money Saving Tips For Booking Direct Flights Online
Top Things To Do In South Beach Miami
Shop Along Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is one of my favourite outdoor shopping streets. It reminds me a lot of the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica but better (never been to Santa Monica? Check out my guide here).
Lincoln Road in South Beach Florida has restaurants you can stop at for lunch, ice cream, candy, and clothing stores galore. I love it because it has a Madewell, which we don’t have in Canada yet, or anywhere else that’s close to us in Montreal.
Plan the ultimate vacation
My digital travel planner template has everything you need to plan your vacation: research templates, travel planner itinerary, travel budget templates…etc. . You can print it out or use it digitally on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Stroll Along Collins Avenue (AKA Florida State Road A1A)
Florida State Road A1A, also known as Collins Avenue is the main avenue you’ll want to walk down in South Beach Miami. It’s also where you’ll find all the entrances to all the fancy hotels (which are attractions in themselves!). It’s like walking down the Strip in Vegas.
Visiting the hotels on Collins Av. is one of the best non beach South Beach activities. The hotels aren’t themed like you’ll find on the strip, but they’re just as extravagant. It’s a fun activity to check out the different architecture and decor or grab a bite to eat at one of the fancy hotel restaurants. I like to debate which one is the fanciest at the end of the day.
Aside from hotels, you can also stumble upon different statues and monuments along Collins Av. If you manage to make it to Collins Park, there are bunch there. They even have the lost 8th magic mountain (you know, the painted rocks that Instagrammers love near Vegas), among other sculptures.
Walk/Bike Along The Boardwalk In South Beach
Behind all the fancy hotels on Collins Av. is the South Beach boardwalk. The boardwalk takes you the entire way down the beach without ever having to step foot on the sand. It’s both pedestrian and bike-friendly. So you can walk down the boardwalk or bike it!
There are a few places to rent bikes in South Beach Florida. Your hotel might even offer bike rentals with your stay. We were staying at the AC Hotel by Marriott (which I recommend, see rates and availability here) and bike rentals were included in our stay. Ask your hotel if they offer anything extra, it’s a good way to see the entire boardwalk and South Beach!
You can also rent bikes in advance through Viator. They give you everything you need for a day of biking, included a helmet, bike lock, and even a water bottle to stay hydrated!
P.S. Looking For A Place To Stay In South Beach Florida?Booking.comRent Some Bikes In South Beach Miami
- Use of helmet
- Beach Cruiser Bike
- Bike lock
- Local tips and suggestions
- Self-guided bike tour
South Beach Bicycle Rental – Miami (viator.com)
Tour The Art Deco District (& Versace’s Mansion)
On Ocean Drive, next to Lummus Park is the art deco district of South Beach Florida. You won’t find any more high rises here; instead, it’s all about pastel coloured, 20’s style boutique hotels. I’ll admit, it’s a nice change from the giant fancy hotels on Collins Avenue.
One of the beautiful art deco buildings is Versace’s Mansion. This is the infamous home of late fashion icon Gianni Versace and the stairs where he was shot dead in 1997. Today, it’s a restaurant and hotel. You can see the outside for free but to get a look inside you’ll have to either eat at the restaurant or stay at the hotel.
Apparently the inside is absolutely magnificent, but the food isn’t great…
You can go on a self-guided walking tour of the Art Deco district in South Beach, or go an official guided tour.
You might be interested in a guided tour of the Art Deco District
- Guided tour through the Art Deco district of South Beach
- Admission to the Art Deco Museum
- Headsets are given for the duration of the tour
The Official Art Deco Walking Tour by The Miami Design Preservation League
Take In Some Rooftop Views Of South Beach
The beach is great if you’re enjoying it from afar. The best way to do that is to go to a rooftop terrace and relax, taking in those beach views from above (and it’s especially beautiful at sunset!). There aren’t too many rooftop options in South Beach but it’s worth tracking one down.
Our hotel (AC Hotel Marriott) had a rooftop pool with a view of South Beach so we got in our fix there. But, you can also go to Watr at the 1 Rooftop for sushi, cocktails, and a view of course.
Looking For A Place To Stay In South Beach Miami?
I stayed at the AC Hotel Marriot and love our stay there. It’s a modern hotel that was very clean and comfortable. Although it isn’t a beach front hotel, it is just a short walk across the street and they have a relaxing rooftop pool to enjoy. Other perks we enjoyed were free bike rentals with the hotel and continental breakfast buffet! See room rates & availability.
Here are some other alternatives I’ve heard about with great reviews and perks;
If I could afford it, I would have loved to have booked a room at The Miami Beach EDITION. My cousin had her wedding here, and you’ really get celebrity treatment from the moment you walk in. Did I mention they also have a nightclub and bowling alley in the hotel? See room rates and availability.
If you still want luxury without the insanely high bill, book a room at the Leows Miami Beach Hotel. It’s also in a prime location on Collins Avenue and has the beach access in back. See room rates & availability.