"On Miami... South Beach/Coconut Grove/Bayfront" Miami Beach by sunlovey

Miami Beach Travel Guide: 1,031 reviews and 2,075 photos

Ocean Drive when Italy beat Germany - Miami Beach

South Beach

Miami is located about one hour south of West Palm Beach. It is a truly beautiful, hip, fun city worthy of a visit if in Florida.

There are different areas in Miami worth discussing, I will attempt to do this gradually. Our favorite area is of course, South Beach. Awash in pastel hues, art deco architecture, funky restaurants, clubs and bars. Great boutique and national retailer shopping, a stretch of beach chock full of the beautiful people, its asset list goes on and on.

Washington Avenue- This is the street with most of the nightclubs, it comes alive LATE. There are some clothing shops and restaurants too, but it's the main drag where clubs are concerned. Washington is two streets WEST of Ocean Drive, heading away from the beach.

Collins Avenue- This street has a lot of shopping, guesthouses, boutique-type hotels, the famous Loews hotel and apartments. Collins is one street WEST of Ocean Drive, heading away from the beach.

Ocean Drive- As stated already, this is the road that runs along the beach, it is packed with cafes and posh boutique hotels.

Lincoln Mall- This is an outdoor shopping and eating area a bit NORTH and a bit WEST of the main drag. Cool shops and eateries, worth checking out if you have the time.

Espanola Way- Located between the main drag of South Beach and Lincoln Mall. Lined with charming cafes and artsy boutiques. Features a nice little street market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Oh, and a bustling youth hostel!

Incredible sand castles- beach side of Ocean Drive

Coconut Grove & Bayfront

Ocean Drive by night

Fun outdoor area of shops, restaurants and such, a bit more family oriented than South Beach. Featuring restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and Cafe Tu Tu Tango. (I covered Cafe Tu Tu Tango on my Orlando page.) A multi-screen movie theater and a small theater district.

Bayfront- Typically frequented by "cruisers" because it's in walking distance of the port of Miami where all the ships dock, to, from and between sailings. Tons of touristy and mall-type shops, live entertainment along the water, restaurants- recommended- the Nicaraguan one... Los Ranchos!

Pros and Cons

Pros:So lively and multi cultural, fab restaurants, beaches and shopping

Last visit to Miami Beach: Jul 2006
Intro Updated Jul 11, 2006
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Reviews (15)

feet washing after walking the beach - Miami Beach

In a nut shell: a worldly & eclectic mix Local Customs (1)

You'll find that Miami feeeeels very different from the rest of Florida. Heavily influenced by South America, and a bit... more travel advice

outside seating is eclectic posh here - Miami Beach

Cool furniture. Delicious food. Lovely... Restaurants (6)

Why have I not eaten here before?! Loved this little place. It's charming, it's cozy, it's eclectic and tasty. Picture... more travel advice

Not such a good picture of the restaurant... - Miami Beach

A taste of Italy on Ocean Restaurants (6)

This review is based on an impromtu dinner here on New Years Eve without reservations. The restaurant handles massive... more travel advice

Great Location, Pretty decent hotel Hotels (4)

We stayed here for New Years weekend. It was one of the most affordable hotels, directly on Ocean and that's why we... more travel advice

Things to Do (2)
See All Walk along the beachside sidewalk of...
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Comments (7)

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RickinDutch Jul 12, 2006 at 10:40 AM

Excellent tips, especially your restaurant page! Thanks for sharing.
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sue_stone Mar 31, 2006 at 2:21 PM

Glad to read I did some of the important things on my trip!!
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Freebeacher Jan 4, 2006 at 12:43 AM

You didn't go to Haulover Beach??!!
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Kaspian Jan 3, 2006 at 1:42 PM

Nice new pics Sarah Beth! I forgot it was your 30th! Wha! Welcome to our decade. PS: More pics like "Miss New Years Eve" please! ;-)
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HotSpotJ Sep 12, 2005 at 2:27 PM

Very nice pages.. great pics...shows me what I missed this year during the week of the VMA's.
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Siddha3th Aug 31, 2005 at 7:41 AM

Now THIS is a travelogue! A pinch of mojitos, a swimming-pool stage, and a dash of The Bravery. Hey, when can I come on over? :-)
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dmrtn Mar 31, 2005 at 1:47 AM

Oh i forgot to say ... why on earth do you want to work for two weeks? :-p And also you have some great pages here. Makes me feel lazy for not being a better tip builder. I'll try harder!