Miami Beach in a nutshell

• Endless stretch of white sanded beaches
• Glamour and celebrity spotting
  
• First-class hotels and beach resorts
• Multicultural and diverse identity
• Relaxed, friendly atmosphere
• Nightlife from dusk-til-dawn
  
• Beautiful art deco buildings on Ocean Drive

 

Miami Beach with a closer look

1. Beaches
In essence, Miami Beach is a 10 km single stretch of sand along the barrier island and surely is a magnificent spectacle from above. This beach is enormous and therefore it can never be too crowded. You will find that the waters there are shallow and surprisingly warm, unlike chilly sea waters in other places.   

Miami South Beach
South Beach is the southern part of the beach between 1^st and 23^rd Street. The beach is next to Lummus Park, which spans between 1^st and 14^th Street and is an impressive park with palm trees and other tropical vegetation. Beach safety flags and signs alert to water conditions and lifeguards are also patrolling the beach. Sunbed rentals don’t come cheap here. You can buy food and refreshments from beach shacks all around South Beach. 

[Photo by Flickr user Phillip Pessar] 

Miami North Beach
North Beach spans between 63^rd and 87^th street at the north part of the barrier island. The beach is shallow and sandy just as the other parts and people can find all short of amenities in close proximity. It is far more residential than the other two and is much less crowded than South Beach and Mid Beach and therefore more appropriate for those looking for more laid-back vacations. 

[Photo by Flickr user Jimi Photog]

Miami Mid Beach
It is practically a stretch of sand that connects South Beach with North Beach. It is less touristic than the cosmopolitan South Beach but there is definitely more “action” than in North Beach. It offers a great alternative for those wanting to keep some distance from lively South Beach.

2. Nightlife
USA Today has ranked Miami Beach as the best beach for nightlife and Miami lives up to its reputation. South Beach is the center of the city’s night scene. Miami Beach is also known as the Latin Riviera and this is evident in the city’s vibe. Most of the bars and beach clubs are located on Ocean Drive with great views of Lummus Park and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many live music bars, lounges and restaurants with live entertainment and of course, Miami’s hippest nightclubs. If dancing till sunrise is your idea of having a great time, then this is the place for you.

3. Food
Miami is home to more than 150 ethnicities and this is evident in its cuisine; an exquisite blend of Latin, Caribbean and American flavors.  From traditional Mexican Tacos, to Italian Pizza or Pasta, Chinese noodles and of course American burgers, in Miami you will find whatever you might be craving for. 

4. Weather
Miami’s climate is tropical which implies that summers are very hot and humid. It is also one of the few places in the United States that has never snowed! The water temperature at this beach is surprisingly high. In August, it can reach as high as 30 °C (86 °F)! Miami weather can become very hot, so even if your plan is to soak up the sun, be aware of how long you are exposed and don’t ever forget your sunblock lotion.