There are so many unique neighborhoods in Miami Beach that we could write pages about each of them.  South Beach just happens to be the largest neighborhood with all the action. South of 23rd street not only will you find most of the popular and trendy shops, restaurants, and hotels, but also the most diverse neighborhood. 

South Beach is large enough that from block-to-block one can really find a different vibe.  For example, when people come to visit they tend to spend time on the eastern side (Atlantic side) on famed Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Street, where the beaches and most of the hotels, shops, and nightclubs can be found.  Walk the streets south of Fifth Street in “SOFI” and you will find a quiet neighborhood of luxury waterfront high-rise condominiums, South Point Park, and a mix of exclusive restaurants and boutique hotels.  To the West, along Alton Road and West Avenue is where one can find many service related retailers and bay front condos where locals often find solace from the hustle and bustle of the touristy eastern portion of South Beach. There are many great restaurants on the western side that are mostly frequented only by locals.  Of course, to the north there is Lincoln Road, a pedestrian street that connects Alton Road to Washington, and one of the hottest areas in town for shopping, dinning, and people-watching. 

I believe South Beach has played a significant part in helping Miami to become a truly international city, and will continue to be the #1 entertainment destination of Southeast Florida.

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My husband, I and two young boys (ages 9 and 12) are taking an Eastern Caribbean cruise out of the Port of Miami in early April.  We are flying into Ft. Lauderdale Airport.  We are trying to find a hotel close to the Port of Miami (Carnival) so that we do not have far to go the morning of.  We just need a hotel for one night and are not familiar with Florida at all.  Our sons are excited to see “the Strip” and “all the lights”.  Can you suggest a hotel that is near all the action, but safe for our family?  We will not have a vehicle so it would need to be where we can safely walk and get to our port the next morning.  We are wondering also if there is a hotel you can recommend (or shuttle service) that picks up from FLL Airport and takes you to your hotel either inexpensively or free....and then possibly to the Port?  If not, we will rely on taxi.  This will be for my 40th birthday so I want it to be special.  We would love to find a hotel that is right on the beach or across the street from.  My husband loves the show “Miami Ink” so we were wondering if that is also on the strip, do you know?  We look forward to your respone and thank you!  Molly R.  - Colorado

Hi, Molly, thanks for posting here. I’d be happy to make some hotel suggestions. What are your travel dates?

To answer your question about Miami Ink, the studio is on Washington Ave. in South Beach, within easy walking distance to all the hotels. For more info about the local tattoo scene, use the search box at the bottom of the page.

Hi Gus:  Thanks for responding back so fast...truly appreciate it.  Our travel dates are April 7-8, just one night.  I have been searching your website (very informative!) and I am thinking I really like the hotels on Ocean Drive.  It looks like a lot of fun there.  Do you think ok for 2 young boys?  So far the only ones I am finding that have vacancy and are in our price range are:  Colony Hotel (but it doesn’t specify each room has a bathroom/shower....odd!) for $170; Waldorf Towers Hotel for $159; and Hotel Shelley for $166.50 - but they don’t have a pool so that would be my last pick.  I like the look of Ocean Drive - kind of Miami looking and artsy fartsy.  What can you recommend?  I am guessing taxi from FLL and then taxi again to Port of Miami?  I am guessing Port is not too far..2 to 3 miles??  I’m trying to stay at $150 or less a night and hotel must have a pool/jacuzzi.  Would love to find a hotel that offers 2 QUEEN beds but so far am only finding “double” beds.  Is Ocean Drive a pit though?  I heard Collins St. is.  I don’t want to be in a “pit” for my boys’ sakes.  I hope you can help me narrow it down or give me more ideas.  Looking forward to the warm weather as we are snowed in here in Colorado.  :( Thanks!  Molly

Another unique aesthetic attribute of South Beach is the several colorful and unique lifeguard stands, still used today by South Beach’s lifeguards.