Miami Beach Area Guide
Miami Beach, with its white-sand shores, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife, has earned its spot as one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Visitors will find an incredible arts scene, phenomenal live music and entertainment, world-renowned dining, luxury brand shopping, and plenty of family-friendly activities that make the city perfect for travelers of all ages and types.
Whether you’re visiting with friends, enjoying a romantic couple’s getaway, planning a family vacation with the kids, or you’re in town for a business trip, there are tons of ways to immerse yourself in the rich culture of this coveted coastal city. Check out our top things to do during your stay, and start planning an unforgettable trip today!
Beaches, Watersports & Outdoor Experiences
The Atlantic Ocean remains at the center of any Miami Beach vacation. With seven miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of room to swim, sunbathe, or relax beneath an umbrella with a good book. At Residences Miami Beach, you can reserve beach loungers and umbrellas and enjoy uninterrupted views of the stunning Atlantic Coast, or relax by one of seven luxury pools.
Popular Beaches include: South Pointe Park, South Beach, Mid Beach, and North Beach
If you’re ready to venture beyond the beach, nearby vendors offer jet ski rentals, parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and private boat charters. Fishing excursions provide the chance to reel in a trophy catch, while sightseeing cruises showcase the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, and the exclusive islands just offshore. For a special occasion, few experiences compare to watching the sun set over the water aboard a private cruise.
If you want to skip the sand but keep the views, the Miami Beachwalk provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, and cycling beside the ocean. Connecting much of the city’s beachfront, the boardwalk makes it easy to explore beyond the resort while keeping you connected to the most scenic areas.
Farther south, Lummus Park places you near the colorful lifeguard stands and Art Deco buildings associated with South Beach. South Pointe Park offers waterfront paths, landscaped green space, direct beach access, and views of passing cruise ships from its pier. Both are excellent places to enjoy Miami Beach’s outdoor beauty beyond a traditional beach day.
Dining, Cocktails & Nightlife
Dining in Miami Beach can be as relaxed or elaborate as the occasion calls for. The city’s culinary scene draws influence from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Florida’s coastal setting. Menus feature locally inspired seafood, modern steakhouse fare, sushi, Cuban flavors, Italian cuisine, and chef-led tasting experiences. Whether you’re dining at the resort or heading out for the night, exceptional flavors and innovation await.
For Brunch, Jaya at the Setai and Palace Bar & Restaurant are unbeatable options. Enjoy features such as caviar stations, bottomless champagne, unlimited mimosas, and incredible entertainment. They’re the perfect start to an exciting weekend on the shore.
For a taste of international cuisine that highlights the diverse culinary backgrounds of Miami chefs, Macchialina is a South Beach Italian go-to featuring handmade pasta and a Michelin-level wine list. At Tropezón, you’ll find traditional tapas and a huge selection of gin. Pao by Paul Qui offers ocean views and food that combines the flavors of the Philippines, Spain, Japan, and France.
When you’re ready to experience the famous Miami nightlife, South Beach is where it’s at. You’ll find spectacular clubs right by your Tresor or Sorrento Tower accommodations, putting you within walking distance of world-class DJs and enthralling entertainment. Mango’s Tropical Cafe features live music, salsa dancing, and the Latin flair that’s synonymous with Miami Beach. Sugar in East Miami pairs quality cocktails with exceptional views of the city, and Sweet Liberty hits the spot when you’re craving something elevated yet approachable. Their drinks and food menu invite you to hang for a while and enjoy the moment.
Ocean Drive, Art Deco & Miami Beach Culture
Miami Beach’s architecture is nearly as famous as its shoreline. The Art Deco Historic District is known for its pastel façades, curved corners, geometric details, porthole windows, and neon signs. Many of its most recognizable buildings line Ocean Drive, creating one of the city’s signature scenes.
The Art Deco Welcome Center offers walking tours that provide a closer look at the architecture and the preservation efforts that helped protect it. Guests can also explore the district independently, stopping for photographs or enjoying lunch with a view of the historic streetscape. The district became the country’s first urban 20th-century historic district listed on the National Register in 1979.
Miami Beach also has a substantial arts scene. The Bass presents international contemporary art in a historic building near Collins Park, while The Wolfsonian–FIU explores how art and design have shaped modern life. New World Center hosts orchestral performances and cultural programming, with select events projected outside at SoundScape Park.
During December’s Miami Art Week, the city welcomes artists, collectors, designers, and cultural tastemakers from across the globe. Art Basel Miami Beach serves as the week’s centerpiece, but exhibitions, installations, and events appear throughout Miami Beach and the greater Miami area.
Shopping on Lincoln Road & Beyond
Lincoln Road is Miami Beach’s best-known shopping district. This pedestrian-only promenade brings together national brands, independent shops, galleries, restaurants, cafés, and entertainment in an architecturally distinctive outdoor setting. It is an easy place to spend an afternoon shopping, stopping for lunch, or simply taking in the city around you.
Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue offer additional fashion, swimwear, jewelry, and specialty retailers. Guests interested in luxury designers can make the short trip north to Bal Harbour Shops, while the Miami Design District pairs flagship fashion houses with public art, galleries, architecture, and acclaimed restaurants.
For independent boutiques and a more neighborhood-oriented atmosphere, Sunset Harbour provides a quieter alternative to Miami Beach’s larger retail districts.
Signature Events & When to Visit
Winter and early spring are among the most popular times to visit Miami Beach, with warm, sunny days offering a welcome escape from colder weather. This is also one of the most exciting times on the city’s social calendar. Art Basel Miami Beach attracts leading galleries, collectors, and artists each December, while the South Beach Wine & Food Festival brings acclaimed chefs and unforgettable dining experiences to the area in February.
Miami Beach Pride adds parades, performances, and celebrations to the spring calendar, followed by Miami Swim Week and its anticipated runway shows and industry events. Summer invites days by the ocean and pool, spa appointments, leisurely dinners, and evenings out. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of entertainment and chances to explore.
Stay at the Center of Miami Beach
Residences Miami Beach places you on Collins Avenue with direct access to the ocean and many of the resort experiences that define a Miami Beach vacation. Spend your days at the beach, explore the city’s celebrated dining and cultural scenes, then return to the space and comfort of your Sorrento or Tresor Tower accommodation.
Browse our Junior Suites and multi-bedroom residences to find the right setting for your next Miami Beach stay.
