The best things to do in South Beach, Miami's iconic oceanfront neighborhood

One of the country’s first pedestrian malls, Lincoln Road is continuously overrun with tourists in search of the quintessential South Beach shopping experience. To wit, it makes for fantastic people-watching if you’re a local. Expect a ton of sidewalk cafes and restaurants, public art installations, big brand stores and a Sunday sidewalk market stocked with fresh produce, vintage furnishings and more.

Time Out tip: The Lincoln Road Antique Collectible Market is one of the best places to shop for vintage and one-of-a-kind items. Having just completed its 33rd year, the seasonal market runs from October through May.

Address: Collins Avenue to Bay Road, between 16th and 17th Streets, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 15, 20, 101

South Beach’s southernmost tip includes a spectacular waterfront park with plenty of green space for picnics or lounging as you watch the cruise ships sail by. It boasts ample metered parking, plus the park features access to both the beach and a walkable pier. There's also a splash pad with water cannons for the little ones. Controlled chaos, anyone?

Time Out tip: It’s walking distance from Joe’s Take Away, Joe’s market-style counterpart, where you’ll get Miami’s freshest crabs to go for the ultimate beach picnic.

Address: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 14, 150

Just as great as enjoying a Joe's Take Away picnic at South Pointe Park is the real-deal experience at Joe's Stone Crab. Open since 1913, Joe’s remains a Miami institution, a rite of passage, and quite possibly the only place in town where waiting two hours for a table feels like part of the charm. Cracking claws at Joe's is as essential to the city as all-night clubs and humidity.

Time Out tip: Call ahead to add your name to the waitlist—it won’t guarantee you a table, but it might save you an hour of standing around, wondering if stone crabs are really worth all this effort. (Spoiler: They are.)

Address: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 14, 100, 150

Bear with us here: Ocean Drive is fun. The touristy strip gets a bad wrap for its overpriced drinks (hello, $65 margarita) and we wouldn’t really advocate eating or drinking at one of the sidewalk cafes (unless it’s an epic drag brunch at Palace Bar, of course). But Ocean Drive is the absolute best place for weird Miami people-watching.

Time Out tip: While you’re there, check out the Versace Mansion, which is now officially called the Villa Casa Casuarina. It’s a luxury hotel with a public restaurant where you can still gawk at the frozen-in-time decadence of the late designer’s home.

Address: Between South Pointe Dr and 15th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 14, 100, 150

Whether it’s browsing modern-day artifacts or perusing mid-century propaganda, visitors exploring the Wolfsonian-FIU’s permanent and traveling exhibitions learn about the myriad ways art and design have helped shape the contemporary world. The Art Deco era building also houses youth programs, and admission is free every Friday from 6 to 9 pm.

Time Out tip: Across the street, the Wolfsonian also hosts member-discounted movie nights at O Cinema, an indie theater housed in the historic city hall.

Address: 1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 14, 100, 150

Don’t discount the bitty museum for its size—The Bass is a renowned contemporary art institution that packs incredible collections and traveling exhibitions into its diminutive edifice. Patrons should also keep an eye out for the colorful public art that constantly moves through the museum lawn. Every third Thursday brings the opportunity to explore the museum in the evenings (6–9pm) for free, while the last Sunday is perfect for families, offering free admission and art activities for kids.

Time Out tip: Time it right and you can hit up Sweet Liberty’s happy hour (4–8pm, daily) after having yourself a cultured afternoon. Who’s in for $1.25 oysters?

Address: 2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 14, 36, 79, 100, 150

A trendy boutique hotel chain—yes—but the Standard is also a hangout for South Beach scenesters. Monthly memberships hover in the hundreds of dollars and access to the pool requires booking a spa service, but neither one keeps the locals from filling its loungers or sipping rosé poolside. The Standard often hosts fun pop-up events and dockside barbecues on Sundays.

Time Out tip: Dine at the Standard’s waterfront restaurant, Lido, to soak in the vibes and scenery. It’s an ideal spot to unwind as the sun melts into the bay.

Address: 40 Island Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 15, 101

This quieter pocket of South Beach, overlooking the sailboat-dotted Intracoastal Waterway, is populated by locals who live in its high-rise condos, as well as in-the-know visitors who come to enjoy the charming scenery and a smattering of excellent restaurants, bars, and outdoorsy activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and scooter rentals. The recently completed Maurice Gibb Memorial Park (named for the famous Bee Gee brother) is located at 18th Street and Purde Avenue, featuring green spaces, a living shoreline and a brand new music-themed playground. And, yes, there's even a disco ball.

Time Out tip: For a breezy, seafood-centric brunch, Stiltsville Fish Bar is a great option. Local coffee institution Panther has a home here, along with the popular Pura Vida cafe.

Address: Purdy Ave, between Dade Blvd and 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 15, 20, 101

This charming pedestrian boulevard is home to one of our favorite South Beach cafes, A La Folie. A bohemian hideaway for more than 20 years, it serves homey, locally hard-to-find French classics like tartiflette, a gooey potato-and-onion gratin dotted with cubes of fatty bacon and layered with pungent Reblochon cheese.

Time Out tip: Newer spots have revived the promenade, including arty steak house The Joyce, and the buzzy Roof at the Esmé Hotel. Longstanding dive Kill Your Idol is a solid late-night proposition, especially for karaoke on Thursdays.

Address: Between 14th and 15th Sts and Jefferson and Washington Aves, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 36, 79, 100

The 62-year-old, 2.6-acre urban garden underwent a facelift in 2011 and has since become a popular spot for visitors and locals alike to escape the city's bustle. It hosts a variety of yoga and meditation classes, orchid exchanges, horticultural seminars and live music events on the weekends. Native Florida plants include bromeliads, palms and cycads, but there's also a Japanese garden and wetland with mangrove and pond apple trees.

Time Out tip: Yoga in the garden is truly magical. Check the schedule of events for your next opportunity to get zen.

Address: 2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 15, 20

The 20-year-old museum explores millennia of sex through classical art, ancient artifacts and a trove of naughty toys. In addition to housing numerous exhibits of erotic art from around the world, WEAM features a sizeable collection of antique penises and Instagram-worthy phalluses in all sizes and states of arousal.

Time Out tip: The new George Daniell Museum is also located in the same building. Known for his portraits of Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and others, the gay American photographer and artist worked for Time and Life magazines.

Address: 1205 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 100

New World is home to America’s only full-time orchestral academy, so fellows from around the world regularly put on concerts here. Looking to keep it casual? The adjacent SoundScape park hosts free outdoor Wallcast concerts and movies throughout the season, perfect for packing a picnic and enjoying a screening under the stars. New World’s concerts are often fun collaborations with local DJs, famous composers and more, so things don’t feel as stuffy as normal orchestras.

Time Out tip: A couple of times a season, NWS hosts special hour-long concerts for kids aged 4 to 9. A great way to introduce children to orchestral music, the family-friendly event includes interactive activities before the show.

Address: 500 17th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 14, 15, 20, 29

Billed as a "social to cinema" with locations around the globe, the rooftop theater sets out to present more than just flicks. Miami's gorgeous candy-colored sunsets will greet guests (adults only) as they're escorted to their comfy seats (either single Adirondack chairs or loungers) to watch on a giant LED screen. Everyone receives wireless headphones to ensure the sound is crystal clear and the volume is just right. 

Time Out tip: This isn't your average movie-watching experience. Rooftop Cinema Club hosts dog-friendly screenings, sing-alongs and special singles' nights. Popcorn for two, anyone?

Address: 1212 Lincoln Rd 6th Level, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Nearest public transport: Bus 9, 15, 36