Miami Beach Florida is one of my favorite vacation spots. South Beach, also known as SOBE, is located next to Miami Beach and is known for its nightlife, restaurants, and beach life, particularly Ocean Drive. Whatever your personality trait, or country, and state you are from, there is something enjoyable for everyone.
Miami Beach vs. South Beach
“South Beach” and “Miami Beach” are frequently used interchangeably. However, they are not the same.
South Beach neighbors Miami Beach, but its nightlife makes it more hip and popular. Miami Beach, on the other hand, is more reserved and frequented by the rich and famous.
In this blog I share a few highlights from my visits to South beach, Florida. Learn about my review of the Starlite Hotel, restaurants, and activities you may love and enjoy.
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SOUTH BEACH
Beach Vibes In SOBE
Beach Life is Real Life, well at least for me. White sand beaches, aqua blue seas, and warm sunny days are what vacation is all about in my book.
The Beach is single-handedly one of the most relaxing places on earth. It immerses me in a state of optimum tranquility.
It is almost like my spirit and soul connects and intertwines with the God of the universe. I am rest assured that everything is going to be alright.
Water excursions are almost a must when you visit South Beach. I love and enjoy Jet skiing. It’s a bit expensive, but the adrenaline rush and fun I experienced is worth it.
The last time I jet Skied in South Beach it cost me around $180 for 1 hour. You can check out BouYah Water Sports for all your water excursion activities.
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The boutique style Starlite Hotel is located on the famous Ocean Drive in the heart of South Beach.
Despite the few issues I experienced during my first stay a few years ago, this is my second time reserving this hotel.
I saw on the internet that the owners had done some upgrades in addition to adding curbside dining. However, the WIFI connection is still weak, making it difficult to connect to the internet at times.
I’m not sure if this is the case across the hotel, but if you work from home, this is something to think about.
The Starlite Hotel is in an ideal position because it is close to many of the exciting activities that South Beach has to offer.
Across the street from the hotel is a 2-minute stroll to the beach. In addition, the hotel is just next door to Wet Willies, one of my favorite of many hangout spots.
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There are numerous restaurants and bars in South Beach. Outdoor or street-side dining and bars are available at many, if not all, of the establishments. SOBE restaurants can be quite pricey. However, there are some fast-food establishments that provide lower-cost menu options.
Wet Willies Ocean Drive South Beach
Wet Willie’s Bar and Restaurant is my first stop when I visit South Beach. Ocean Drive is seen from the roof-top patio restaurant. The bar is well-known for its boozy frozen slushies.
They have a variety of flavors available, including “Call A Cab” and “Sex On The Beach.” However, I prefer the Sour Apple and Mango combination.
The menu is simple American fare. A slide display of some of the dinners, along with their menu, is shown below.
You can also go to the Wet Willies location if you’re in South Carolina. To discover more, see my Myrtle Beach, SC vacation blog.
Mango Tropical Cafe | Ocean Drive | South Beach
Mango’s Tropical Cafe is also located on South Beach’s Ocean Drive.
Aside from the delicious food, the ambiance and live entertainment will ensure that you have a fantastic time. More information can be found on their website linked above.
If falling off the bones was a food, it would definitely be these ribs. I highly recommend their ribs with the mango sauce.
On the Ocean 7 Cafe is a curbside dining establishment that is located on Ocean Drive, South Beach. The restaurant is affiliated with the Majestic Hotel. I stayed at this hotel a few years ago right after it was newly renovated.
In comparison to the Starlite Hotel, the Majestic Hotel is a better hotel. They are only a few of blocks apart. The hotel accommodations, the WIFI and the staff are praise worthy.
The Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their oversize signature alcoholic drink is not for the faint of heart.
If you are not a heavy or frequent drinker, you may want to try one of their regular size drinks.
CHOKA’S CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT
I was overjoyed when I discovered this Trinidadian-owned Caribbean restaurant in South Beach.
Choka’s Caribbean Restaurant at the time of my visit, was newly opened and was the first Trinidad restaurant in South Beach. I could not pass on their beef roti or “Buss Up Shot”
I am not sure if they are still opened. But if you are in South Beach and need a break of the traditional American cuisine, then Choka’s is the place to eat.
FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS IN SOUTH BEACH
Places You May Want To Visit In or Near South Beach.
Espanola Way is a private pedestrian-only strip that is home to a number of restaurants that serve traditional Spanish cuisine as well as shops where you may browse for unique gift ideas.
In South Beach, the Holocaust Museum is a very educational historical landmark. However, you should be aware that the experience can get very dark and heavy. You will depart with a good understanding of this terrible occurrence. For additional information about prices, click HERE.
The Jewish Museum Of Florida is another family-friendly education site in South Beach that showcases a number of historic artifacts that help pays homage to the cultural and religious experiences of the Jewish Life in Florida. To learn more about the museum click HERE.
The Lincoln Road Mall South Beach
Lincoln Road Mall is like the Times Square New York City in South Beach.
Times Square on 42nd Street is a must-see for anybody visiting New York City. The same may be said of South Beach. The Lincoln Road Mall features a variety of eateries, shopping opportunities, and entertainment.
The local Farmer’s Market will meet you as you enter the mall. There are many exotic fruits and foods to choose from that you will appreciate while on vacation.
Gator Park Airboat Tour is is a little scary, but it’s also exciting and fun. This is not a boat excursion for the faint of heart. It is, however, family-friendly. The Gator Park is roughly a 40-minute drive away from South Beach.
You and your family will experience an airboat ride through the alligator-infested Everglade, a live alligator show, and a scrumptious alligator dinner from the on-site restaurant.
Click HERE to go to their website, which will provide you additional information. Below is a link to my Gator Park YouTube video presentation.
Miami Gator Park Airboat Tours
For the many times I have vacationed in South Beach, Florida Keys was always on my list of places to visit, but it has never become a reality.
With just an hour and fifteen minutes drive from South Beach, these bloggers share a detailed overview of Fun Adventures In the Florida Keys.
Transportation: Metrobus 150 vs Uber Cab to South Beach
Would you like to save a few dollars? From the Miami International Airport, take the 150 metrobus to South Beach.
In comparison to an Uber taxi cab, which costs roughly $25, it will just cost $2.25 one-way. You can pay for your bus ticket with a credit card or cash at the machine.
Travel Explora Tip: Give yourself an extra 30 minutes to an hour if you’re taking the metrobus back to MIA airport to account for the time spent on the airtrain and the long walk to the departure zone of the terminal.
The corner of 9th Street and Washington Avenue is where the 150 bus departs.
South Beach Citi Bike Rental
Citi Bike stations can be found throughout South Beach. When visiting South Beach, renting a bike is a great way to get around. A one-day pass will cost you $24 and a one-hour rental will cost you about $7.
The South Beach Experience
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This was a great post! Thanks for sharing these great ideas.
That was quite an extensive and interesting post about South Beach. I have to say, I’m surprised there’s a Holocaust museum in that area. It doesn’t seem like it’d be the kind of thing you’d find in such a location.
I’m not really a beach person or a stupidly hot weather person. Florida was the only time I ever got sun burnt, and it turned that patch of skin white for about either years ha ha ha. Great post nonetheless
A very detailed and informative post. I love beaches and such posts are very helpful. Thanks for sharing
I’ve never visited but it does look and sound like an incredible place to visit and have a variety of experiences. I love being by the coast or near beaches but generally not in such intense heat/sunshine that Florida gets. I would visit if there’s a cooler season, haha!
What an amazing post, I’m adding this spot to my travel list! I loved the pics from the beaches, and the water looks so warm and inviting. Also, those ribs with mango sauce are enough to make me book a flight ASAP. Thanks for the tips and recommendations!
This is such a great post for anyone visiting the area. I love the reviews and images. I feel like I’ve taken a great tour of the area. Thank you for sharing.
Great post. I never knew about the distinction between Miama Beach and South Beach. Thanks for the clarification. I’ve never been to Florida but if I do visit I’ll definitely try to visit a couple of these spots. Thank you for the insights.
Thanks for dropping by Dominique. Glad my blog was helpful.
Great post. That Trini food looks so good. Lol, I am one of the people that never knew the difference. I went to one of these two beaches about 15 years ago. To be honest, I use Miami to refer to all of Florida. I’m awful.
Malika, don’t feel bad. You will be surprised how many people think the same.
South Beach is on my bucket list of places to visit one day! I’m absolutely LOVING this post. You’ve shared some really great things to do which I’ll defiantly take note of for when I finally do get to visit. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It’s a great post Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
This was a great post, these all look like great places to visit the next time i visit Florida
Thanks for dropping by Kerona
Funny I was just talking to my coworker about traveling to Miami. I so want to get here one day. Thanks for all the useful information!
Allie of
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Thanks for dropping by. I am happy my South Beach blog was useful.
Thanks for your awesome review of my city…sorta…though like u inferred South Beach/Miami Beach is not even all of Miami.
I still haven’t made it to the Holocaust Museum or Botanical Gardens we have here. The locals rarely visit S Beach with the exception of some dining.
Thanks for dropping by Sandra. Love Miami. Visited South Beach many times. Hope you get to visit the holocaust museum someday.
A great post, I love that they have so much variety in the food, especially some Trinidadian and Spanish cuisine…The museums also sound intriguing…thanks for highlighting this as a different beach to Miami I’d have thought them the same… Australian here…
Great post about South Beach! I wish we would have read this before our visit last year! Choka’s sounds like a must-try next time we’re back in town. We stayed on Espanola Way during our visit and it was lovely!
Thank you, Ryan. Thanks for visiting.
Amazing post! beautiful pictures and useful information. Definitely adding Miami Beach to my bucket list and thanks for sharing.
Thanks you Valentina.
Amazing! I hope I can visit one day!
I hope you do too, Claudia. Thanks for visiting.
I’m so ready for another visit to Miami! I visited once on a short layover en route to Key West. I got to experience a sample of what South Beach has to offer but very inspired to return after reading all these cool places to visit.
South Beach is a vibe.