ONE Sothebys International Realty presents Spotlight Series, timely, in-depth looks at specific neighborhoods throughout its vast Florida network. Discover lifestyle tips and news about your areas dining, wellness, culture and more with these useful, convenient guides.As locals, were often asked what are the best things to do in South Beach, and what are the best South Beach hotels, restaurants, shops and places for culture and nature? Timed for peak season in South Beach, were sharing our curated guide about one of the worlds most famous tourist destinations. Its also a great way for new and part-time residents to discover whats in their backyard. Enjoy!
South Beach Hotels
In a crazy coincidence, South Beachs two iconic hotels are closed for renovations. But there are plenty of posh options as we await the reopening of the Raleigh and the Delano. Vibing with the wellness movement, neighboring properties 1 Hotel South Beach and W South Beach feature serene, natural dcor of wood, pale colors and plants. Their spas alone are worth a visit. For more of a pool scene, the Mondrian South Beach and SLS South Beach fit the bill; reserve a cabana and call some friends! The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, which unveiled its fabulous full renovation last year, hosts the Dead Rabbit NYCs pop-up cocktail lounge November 30-December 30. Cheers!
South Beach Restaurants
Even locals have a hard time keeping up with South Beach dining news. Joes Stone Crab, NY import Carbone and Milos for Mediterranean fare remain hot tables, while several newcomers are making waves for an array of international cuisine. Brazils Kosushi brought its Michelin-starred omakase stateside; the adorable Abbal Telavivian Kitchen specializes in Israeli cuisine such as homemade mezzes and fire-baked pita bread, and local celebrity chef Michael Schwartz opened an outpost of his Harrys Pizzeria chain. Dave Grutman (LIV, Swan, Papi Steak) took over a former Firestone car garage for triple-header Winkers Diner, Sushi Fly Chicken and Toothfairy Bakery, while the couple behind Miamis beloved Mandolin expanded their Aegean repertoire with The Drexel, whose pan-Mediterranean menu adds pizza, pasta and crudos. Their restaurant is part of the reinvention of Espaola Way, a historic, Spanish-inspired corridor. Tropezn also opened here for stunningly beautiful gin cocktails and sangrias to chase Spanish tortillas, among Andalusian dishes.
Located on the bay near The Standard, Miami Beach hotel and spa, Sunset Harbour caters to independent eateries. Locals frequent the neighborhoods Pubbelly Sushi, Naiyara for upscale Thai, Brooklyn-born pizzeria Lucali and oh-so pretty Sushi Garage. Standard fans should also check out its brand-new Caf Standard and Monterrey Bar.
For casual, fast bites, try food halls Time Out Market and The Lincoln Eatery. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival launched SOBEWFF Artisan Food Market, a monthly series with rotating food vendors at Lincoln Road and Michigan Avenue. Markets take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., on November 28, December 19, January 23, March 27 and April 24.
South Beach Culture
In line with Miamis cultural renaissance, Miami Beach has it all too. The Bass museums permanent contemporary art collection extends to large-scale installations in its Collins Park locale. New exhibits are Alex Israel x Snapchat, where the apps augmented reality brings the Los Angeles artists Self-Portraits painting series to life; and Perimeters, Naama Tsabars new site-specific works that intersect architecture and music. Next door to the Bass, Miami City Ballets headquarters give passers-by a sneak peek through its dance studios large windows. (To see a performance, youll have to go to the Arsht Center on the mainland.)
Housed in the Frank Gehry-designed New World Campus, New World Symphony concurrently broadcasts its classical music concerts on the Wallcast facing Soundscape Park. The Wallcast screens free films and other programs, too. Arrive early to get a spot. More cultural treasures are the Wolfsonian-FIU design museum, the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU and O Cinema for arthouse films.
South Beach Outdoors
South Beach is obviously most famous for its namesake, but dont miss these other nature gems. Stroll the Beachwalk, which spans from just north of the Eden Roc hotel to South Pointe Park at the southern tip of South Beach. Beyond Smith & Wollenskys popular waterfront dining, South Pointe Park has been significantly upgraded with incredible amenities and landscaping. Join anglers on its South Pointe Pier with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami Beach, Fisher Island and the Miami skyline. Entertain children at its playground and splash pad. Work out on its steep, serpentine berm and stadium-style stairs, or head toward the bay for daily yoga and slackline meetups. Pack a picnic or order takeout from Joes Take Away and watch the sunset on the expansive lawn.
Located in the heart of South Beach, the newly revamped Flamingo Park features an Aquatic Center for serious swimmers to toddlers, basketball courts and the renowned Flamingo Park Tennis Center with 17 clay courts. Chances are youll see some famous faces on the court, and make sure to reserve since members get first dibs.
Featured prominently on the cover of landscape architect Raymond Jungless new book Beyond Wild, Miami Beach Botanical Garden was redesigned by none other than the legend. Meander around its lagoon and themed gardens including a native Florida habitat while spotting orchids, butterflies, turtles and birds. Pick up souvenirs at the lifestyle boutique and plant shop, and check the website for events such as cool concerts, al fresco dinners and gardening workshops.
South Beach Shopping
Lincoln Road pedestrian mall and its side streets serve as South Beachs main shopping attraction for major brands. Stores include Apple, Nike, Sephora, Intermix, lululemon, Jo Malone, M.A.C., Taschen and Lacoste.
For independent boutiques, head to Sunset Harbour. Beach carries womens contemporary fashion collections such as Ulla Johnson, A Piece Apart, Closed Denim, Skin, Dodo Bar and Raquel Allegra. Owner Patricia Costa also focuses on fine jewelry. No wonder its a must-stop for well-dressed locals and yacht owners docked at the Sunset Harbour Yacht Club marina. Down the street from Beach, Toronto-based Gee Beauty operates a branch of its chic, hybrid beauty spa and boutique. After one of its heavenly facials or brow services, among several treatments for men and women, browse brands such as Augustinus Bader, Sunday Riley, SkinCeuticals, Goop, Dr. Sebagh and Tata Harper, in addition to Gee Beautys in-house line of cosmetics and makeup tools. Other fun shops for womens wear in Sunset Harbour are Eberjey, Market and Frankie.
One of the best things about living in South Beach is that you have a large variety of grocery and big-box stores fr convenience. Find Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Publix, The Fresh Market, Macys, Target, Michaels, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Office Depot and Total Wine all right here.
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