Most people picture South Beach at night. The better-kept secret is the morning, when the sand is cool, the light comes straight off the Atlantic, and Ocean Drive feels like a small town. If you have a free morning on your trip, use it like this.
Why Morning Works Better
Ocean Drive faces east, so the sun rises over the water right in front of the hotel. The air is cooler, the beach is nearly empty, and the street is washed by crews before the day crowd arrives. Photos taken before 8 a.m. also have soft, warm light and almost no people in the frame.
A Simple Morning Plan
Before sunrise
Set an alarm for about 30 minutes before sunrise, since the exact time moves through the year. Walk across the street to Lummus Park and stand near the water as the sky lightens. Bring a layer, because the breeze off the water can feel cool even in warm months.
First coffee
Coffee and a pastry taste better after a sunrise walk. Look for a cafe on or near Ocean Drive that opens early, or ask our front desk what is open that morning. For a full, sit-down start to the day, check the current hours at Il Bolognese before you plan on it.
A bike ride
The flat, wide paths in Lummus Park are easy for beginners. Read our biking in Miami guide for the rental options near the hotel, and be back before the sun gets high.
Beach time
Between 8 and 11 a.m. is the sweet spot for swimming and reading. Ask about a reserved beach chair when you check in, so you have one waiting. Put on sunscreen before you go out, and put it on again after you swim.
What to Pack for the Morning
- A light cover-up or jacket for the first hour
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A small towel and a dry bag for your phone
- A camera or a phone with a charged battery
Turn It Into a Full Day
Once the sun is high, head back inside for a rest, a pool break, or a late brunch, and save the walking for the afternoon. Our Art Deco walking tour fits well after lunch. See the amenities available during your stay, or look at our rooms and pick one with a view toward the ocean for the best wake-up.