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Miami Beach Neighborhoods
Miami Beach is a barrier island that is separated from the mainland by the Biscayne Bay. Several causeways connect the two.
From celebrities and models to senior citizens and families with kids, the South Beach area is the most well-known, popular and busiest part of the city. Three main roads run parallel to the shoreline. The hotels and restaurants of touristy Ocean Drive are closest to the water. To its west is Collins Avenue (or State Route A1A), home to a range of art deco-style hotels and a large collection of shopping spots. One more block over, several popular nightclubs and lounges are scattered along Washington Avenue. You'll find the Art Deco Historic District's distinctively pastel-painted hotels, nightclubs and retail shops – about 800 of which are designated historic buildings – from about 5th to 23rd streets, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue.
A few blocks south of Lincoln Road, between the 14th and 15th streets, is the Española Way historic village. Originally a Spanish-inspired artist colony, the charming pedestrian-only street is filled with shops and restaurants housed in Mediterranean-style buildings from the early 20th century. Nearby, Flamingo Park, has plenty of green space for walking, tennis and basketball courts for those who want to work up a sweat, as well as a playground for the kids.
Miami Beach's North Shore – located along Collins Avenue – offers a comparatively quieter and less chaotic coast. The main feature here is the North Shore Open Space Park, which has clean beachfront and green space. A few beachfront art deco buildings remain along Ocean Terrace, and you can catch live entertainment at the Miami Beach Bandshell, a historic amphitheater that hosts local and international musical acts.
Farther north of Miami Beach along Collins Avenue are several other neighborhoods, such as Surfside, which have a distinctly quieter and more family-friendly feel with fewer parties. The accommodations here range from the ultra-luxurious Four Seasons at The Surf Club to moderate hotels that are a bit more cost-effective. Sandwiched between Surfside and Sunny Isles is the Bal Harbour suburb, which is best known for its exclusive gated communities and posh open-air shopping mall.
If you're looking to avoid the crazy crowds of South Beach, head a little more than 12 miles north along Collins Avenue (Route A1A) to Sunny Isles Beach. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracostal Waterway, this small town makes a great daytrip – or even a good home base – for Miami Beach visitors.
Although Sunny Isles Beach is often overlooked by Miami and Miami Beach travelers, this tiny town has plenty to offer, including the luxurious beachfront Acqualina Resort, which is consistently ranked atop the best resorts in the U.S. Sunny Isles' golden stretches of shoreline beckon to sun-seekers, while a variety of local and chain eateries are sure to satisfy any appetite. Golfers can aim for par at nearby Greynolds Golf Course, outdoorsy travelers can kayak amongst the mangroves at Oleta River State Park, and history buffs can head to the Ancient Spanish Monastery (originally constructed in the 12th century).
Safety
Miami Beach is generally a safe city for visitors. However, as with most major tourist destinations, pickpocketing is the biggest concern, particularly during the lively nighttime and along busy Washington Avenue. Walk in groups at night and avoid any unfamiliar territory. If you have a car in town, keep valuables hidden so your vehicle is not made a target for a theft.
When swimming, stay near a lifeguard station and watch for the flags, a system that follows the same pattern for beaches across the state. Green means the water is calm, while yellow signals some moderate surf conditions like stronger currents. Purple signifies the presence of marine animals like jellyfish. Note that you are forbidden from entering the water when a double-red flag is raised, which may be due to rough water conditions, pollution, dangerous marine life or lightning.
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