Miami famous beach destination with Art Deco architecture.

About Miami Beach (South Beach)

South Beach (SoBe) is the cultural and architectural jewel of Miami Beach, famous for its Art Deco Historic District — the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world, with over 800 buildings dating from the 1930s and 1940s lining Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and the cross streets. These pastel-colored, neon-lit buildings house boutique hotels, sidewalk cafés, and nightclubs that define Miami's glamorous image.

Ocean Drive, the legendary beachfront boulevard, is a parade of people-watching, vintage cars, and open-air restaurants where the line between dining and nightlife blurs entirely. Behind the Art Deco facades, the beach itself stretches for miles — wide, white sand with warm turquoise water, lifeguard towers painted in pastel colors, and a boardwalk buzzing with joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers.

Beyond the beach and clubs, South Beach houses the Bass Museum of Art (in a restored 1930s building), the Wolfsonian-FIU museum of design and propaganda, the New World Center (designed by Frank Gehry for the New World Symphony), and Lincoln Road — an open-air pedestrian mall of shops, galleries, and restaurants that serves as SoBe's cultural promenade. The Española Way alley recreates a Mediterranean village atmosphere with Spanish-style architecture and festive dining.

Nearby Landmarks

Art Deco Historic District Ocean Drive Lincoln Road South Pointe Park

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35 (flat rate)
Time 25-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $20-30
Time 25-40 minutes

Level 1 rideshare pickup

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Miami Beach Airport Express (Bus 150) from MIA to South Beach. Runs every 30 minutes.

Miami Beach Airport Express

Cost $2
Time 40-55 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes

MIA arrivals level

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 (flat rate) 25-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $20-30 25-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle $2 40-55 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

South Beach nightlife is legendary, with clubs opening at midnight and going until 5:00 AM. Uber and Lyft operate continuously and are the primary transport between South Beach and the airport late at night ($20-35). Taxi flat fare from MIA to Miami Beach is approximately $32. The Miami Beach Trolley (free) runs along Collins Avenue until late evening. Walking along Ocean Drive is safe and common at any hour on the main strip.

Luggage Tips

South Beach hotels, from budget Art Deco boutiques to luxury resorts, universally offer luggage storage. Ocean Drive sidewalk restaurants are not practical with luggage. The Airport Express bus has luggage space underneath. If taking the beach before hotel check-in, some beach services rent lockers. Lincoln Road has no public luggage storage. Most South Beach hotels are compact Art Deco buildings — confirm elevator access if needed.

Accessibility

South Beach has an accessible beachfront boardwalk, and several beach access points have hard-surface paths to the sand. Beach wheelchairs are available at select lifeguard stations (free). The Art Deco buildings are often small and historic, with mixed accessibility in lobbies and rooms. Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue sidewalks are wide and flat. Lincoln Road is fully accessible. The Miami Beach Trolley is wheelchair accessible.