A weekend in South Beach goes quickly if you try to do everything. This plan keeps each day to a few anchor activities, leaves gaps for the beach, and stays close to Ocean Drive so you spend your time out and about instead of in traffic.
Friday: Arrive and Settle In
Afternoon. Check in at Winter Haven, 1400 Ocean Drive, and drop your bags. Change into beach clothes and walk across the street to Lummus Park. If you want a reserved beach chair, ask the front desk when you arrive.
Sunset. Take an easy stroll along the sand or the Ocean Drive sidewalk. The street lights up with neon as the sky darkens, and it is the best first look at the neighborhood.
Dinner. Keep it simple tonight with a table at Il Bolognese, our on-site Italian restaurant, so the rooftop or your room is a short walk after dessert.
Saturday: Beach, Architecture, and Lincoln Road
Morning. Spend the cooler hours on the beach. Swim early, then take a slow walk south to see the Art Deco hotels. Our self-guided Art Deco tour gives you the route.
Lunch. Head to Española Way for a shaded, pedestrian-friendly stop with plenty of outdoor tables.
Afternoon. Walk or ride to Lincoln Road, the open-air pedestrian mall designed by Morris Lapidus. It is good for shopping, people-watching, and ice cream. Return to the hotel for a break when the afternoon heat peaks.
Evening. Plan a late dinner and a drink somewhere with live music. See our after-dark guide for ideas.
Sunday: Green Space and a Slow Goodbye
Morning. Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden for a quiet start. It is a small, calm change from the beach, and the shade is welcome.
Midday. Finish at South Pointe Park at the southern tip of the island, where you can walk the pier and watch cruise ships and cargo vessels pass through the channel.
Afternoon. Have a final lunch, collect your bags, and check out. If your flight is late, ask about luggage storage.
Getting Around Without a Car
- Most of the weekend is walkable from the hotel.
- The free Miami Beach trolley loops through the neighborhood and is handy for hot afternoons.
- Bike rentals are available nearby, and our biking guide explains the options.
- Parking on South Beach is limited and fills quickly, so check our parking and directions page before you drive in.
Plan Your Stay
Pick a room that fits your group from our rooms page and look at current specials before you book direct. Not sure about timing? Our guide to the best time to visit South Beach covers the seasons.