1 day
Best of South Beach
What you'll do
Discover top things to do, where to eat and places to visit with our top attractions and hidden gems of South Beach itinerary.
Day 1
Sightseeing
Art Deco Visitor Information Center
Miami Beach Tourist Office & Gift Shop
The Art Deco Visitor Information Center is your go-to spot for all things Miami Beach vacation planning. Located in the lobby of the Art Deco Welcome Center in the heart of the Art Deco Historic Disctrict at 10th Street and Ocean Drive, this friendly concierge hub offers assistance with things to do, places to eat, attractions, tours, and adventures to make your trip a breeze. Stop by for info, maps, brochures, and event guides – no admission fee required! The Center also houses the Official Art Deco Museum and the Art Deco Gift Shop filled with original Art Deco posters, t-shirts, books, cards, vintage items, jewelry, memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind art. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the vibrant culture and architectural heritage of Miami Beach. The Art Deco Visitor Information Center is open daily from 9AM-5PM. Admission to the museum is $7/person but you receive complimentary admission with your booking of any tour from SoBeach Tours!
tours
Miami Art Deco Walking Tour
Art Deco Tour by SoBeach Tours
South Beach is an Art Deco paradise. In fact, South Beach has the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Most of these structures were built between 1934 and 1941. However, South Beach wasn’t always this glamorous. It once was riddled with high crime and vacant buildings. It wasn’t until the late 1980s and 1990s when TV series Miami Vice revived the city and popularized the Art Deco district. Embark on a captivating journey through Miami's iconic Art Deco district with the Art Deco Tour or the Best of Miami Beach Tour by SoBeach Tours. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you on a vibrant exploration of the colorful architecture and rich history of the area. Discover the unique designs, pastel hues, and intricate details that define Art Deco style in Miami. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you stroll past historic buildings, trendy cafes, and bustling streets, offering a fun and engaging way to experience the charm and character of this beloved neighborhood. The tour focuses on small groups and exclusive access to the interiors of historic hotels, rooftops, speakeasies, museums, and many other landmark places in South Beach. Join the tour and uncover the hidden gems and fascinating stories that make Miami's Art Deco district a must-see destination for all. Don't miss out on this memorable and fun-filled exploration of one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods.
hotel
Versace Mansion
Dine in sumptuous Gianni's restaurant
World-famous Ocean Drive is one of the most photographed stretches of Miami Beach. Here we find, nestled among low-rise Art Deco hotels, Villa Casa Casuarina – better known as the Versace Mansion, the former Miami Beach home of fashion designer Gianni Versace. The Versace mansion is the third most photographed house in the United States behind Elvis’ Graceland and the White House. The Mediterranean Revival style palace, lined with the designer’s signature Greek mythology Medusa logo in gold bas relief, has been the subject of fascination for locals and tourists alike on Ocean Drive ever since Gianni Versace’s untimely murder on its front steps in 1997 at age 50. What many tourists don’t realize is that the former home of late fashion designer Gianni Versace is not a museum or private home but a boutique hotel. It’s a hotel where guests can sleep in what was Versace’s bedroom or in the bedroom of his sister Donatella. Today, Casa Casuarina has 10 luxurious suites plus a restaurant and bar. Access to Versace’s sumptuous world can be gained by booking a room or by booking a table at the restaurant Gianni’s for lunch or dinner in the courtyard by the pool or in the dining room served on Versace-designed Rosenthal china. The restaurant Gianni's offers a three-course lunch special everyday from 11AM-3:30PM for $38/person! Take a tour of the Versace mansion here. Don't miss out on this unique and unforgettable South Beach experience – it's where luxury meets fun in the sun!
park
South Pointe Park Pier
Beautiful urban park and pier in Miami Beach
South Pointe Park is a vibrant green space at the southern tip of Miami Beach, offering stunning views of the South Beach shoreline, Port of Miami’s cruise ships, and Downtown Miami’s skyline. You might get lucky and spot the Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, docked at the Port of Miami's Dodge Island. For photo-worthy views, take a stroll along the 20-foot wide promenade and see Fisher Island across the water as yachts pass by, then continue on to South Pointe Pier. The 450-foot pier is a popular gathering spot for visitors and locals to fish and watch kayakers, surfers and jet skiers. Retrace your steps back around the tip of the island to the western side to find the scenic Miami Beach Marina and several restaurants including Smith & Wollensky's and Monty's South Beach. Monty's is a South Beach institution and one of the best places to watch the gorgeous Miami sunset. Go for the Sunset Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 5-8PM. There's live music on Friday, Saturday & Sunday 6-9PM. So come on down to South Pointe Park Pier for a day of leisure, entertainment, and relaxation by the sea!
bar
Mango's Tropical Cafe South Beach
Top nightlife with Latin flair
Mango's Tropical Café in South Beach is the ultimate hotspot for dining, dancing, and entertainment in Miami. With a lively atmosphere that keeps the party going until 5 AM every night, guests can enjoy a Latin Cabaret Revue show, sip on delicious mojitos, and groove to the beats of live music in the #1 nightclub in South Beach. Mango’s became one of the world’s most famous nightclubs in the 90s and is regularly frequented by celebrities such as Will Smith, George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Tiger Woods, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony and Andy Garcia. Live entertainment ranges from Brazilian samba, hip hop, salsa, Cuban conga and tributes to Michael Jackson and Celia Cruz. Dinner and a show are every day at 8PM. Skip dinner at Mango's and get there before 9PM for no cover charge and ask to be seated at the bar. No reservations needed to sit at the bar. The show is absolutely fabulous!