September 9, 2024, 6:58 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The world-famous beaches and nightlife are just two of the many reasons why vacationers from all over the world are constantly drawn to Florida. However, the southern tip of Miami Beach is particularly popular with US and foreign tourists: the South Beach district stretches all the way to South Pointe Park. TRAVELBOOK reveals where to find the coolest corners and stores in this area.
South Beach has been one of the hippest neighborhoods and one of the hottest tips in Florida for years. And since the redevelopment of the southernmost point, South Pointe Park – or South Pointe for short – the area has become an absolute must-see.
But that wasn’t always the case. In the 90s, South Pointe, which at the time had only been designed a few years earlier, was anything but popular – it was considered an impoverished neighborhood, and the walls of the houses were covered in graffiti.
Millions invested
Years later, a new attempt was made to make the park attractive to visitors – millions of dollars were invested. The investments have paid off: since the renovation in 2008, more and more locals and tourists have been drawn to the southern tip of Miami Beach. The park areas are used for jogging, picnicking, and cycling. In the high season from October to May, you can lie on the almost white sandy beach, go for a swim, or surf in the turquoise sea.
The hotel industry has also recognized the new potential of the area, and numerous hotels have opened. Larger hotels right by the sea, but also many smaller boutique hotels in the “South of Fifth Street” district, or “SoFi” for short, between the beach and Biscayne Bay, have also opened.
Those who can afford to pitch their tents here forever will also find luxurious residential complexes. Cool and expensive cars can be seen driving along the famous Ocean Drive and the beach promenade. The former problem district has become a hotspot.
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The best tips for South Beach
Miami expert Suzie Sponder, Head of Media Relations at “Greater Miami And The Beaches”, knows where the hottest clubs, beach resorts, and restaurants are in South Beach. She revealed the spots to TRAVELBOOK. These are her best tips for South Beach:
The most beautiful beach locations
For example, the almost 4000-square-meter location of Nikki Beach is not far from Pier Park. There is a restaurant and bar right on the beach, as well as a nightclub and boutiques.
Where the nightlife rages
A highlight is Story Miami on Collins Avenue. Famous DJs such as David Guetta and Jamie Jones play at this huge luxury club.
The Bamboo Nightclub is also popular. Night owls are treated to elaborate shows with dancers and trapeze artists.
The hippest restaurants
A legendary restaurant in South Beach is Joe’s Stone Crab at the end of Washington Avenue. The regional stone crabs have been served here seasonally from May to October since 1913. “This restaurant is an absolute must for all fish lovers,” says one Tripadvisor user.
But you can also enjoy delicious delicacies from the sea further north at My Ceviche. Here you can put together your own ceviche, a dish originally from Peru made from fish or seafood, with the side dish of your choice.
Steak lovers are sure to get their money’s worth at Red, The Steakhouse. Prime 112 on Ocean Drive, in the historic The Browns Hotel, is also popular – but you may have to wait in vain for a free table without a reservation.
Where to sleep?
If you want to spend the night directly at South Pointe, you will have to dig deep into your pockets. Luxury accommodations can be found on Ocean Drive, such as The Hilton Bentley. Here, an overnight stay in a normal standard room starts at around 420 euros.
Another South Beach tip is an overnight stay at the Sense South Beach Hotel south of 5th Street, which starts at around 200 euros. The stylish and modern boutique hotel Blanc Kara also costs around 200 euros in the high season.