Miami Beach Best Areas to Stay: Plan Your Visit

With its stretches of white sandy beaches, iconic pastel architecture, and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean everywhere you look, Miami Beach is a beautiful place to visit.

Although Miami Beach is only nine miles long, this barrier island is packed with neighborhoods that offer fine dining, entertainment, culture, and art that have to be seen to be believed.

Whether you’re planning to visit for a few days or hang out for more than a week, take a look at the following best Miami Beach areas to stay.

Wynwood

Located 15 minutes north of Downtown Miami is Wynwood, a bright, colorful area making a comeback. It is best explored on foot so visitors can take in the beautiful and dynamic street art.

Getting around Wynwood is easy with the City of Miami trolley or the bike rental system CitiBike Miami. The neighborhood is full of tiny, twisting streets that can be difficult to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with the area, so driving isn’t recommended. There are also leisurely guided tours with local experts that can help bring you up close and personal with the best of the neighborhood.

The murals in Wynwood are not to be missed. Travelers and residents alike love the bold, intricate Instagrammable spots all around the area from international artists. We recommend checking out the Wynwood Art District Walking Tour or, for some indoor art viewing, the Museum of Graffiti.

There is plenty to eat and drink in the Wynwood area as well. For Latin American fare and a show, try the award-winning R House Wynwood on 2nd Ave. Not only do they serve top-notch paella, empanadas, and arepas, they offer drag and salsa shows in the evenings.

For more laid-back dining experiences at any time of day, check out Panther Coffee or The Taco Stand. Wynwood is also home to several amazing craft breweries, like the Wynwood BrewingCompany. Here guests can enjoy over 20 on-tap brews at any one time in an industrial-style setting.

The area has plenty of nightlife for the more adventurous visitor. El Patio’s casual, open-air setting is a great place to grab a craft beer or cocktail, like their Latin Mule or Smooth Criminal made with their signature honey-based syrups.

Wynwood is a beautiful place in Miami Beach that is meant to be explored and enjoyed.

Little Havana

Little Havana, located just west of Downtown Miami, is known for its vibrant street life, exceptional dining, and welcoming residents. The neighborhood became what it is today thanks to an influx of Cuban immigrants in the 1960s who came to America after the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

Over the years, Little Havana has become the epicenter of Cuban culture and experience in Miami Beach. From the colorful murals and mosaic tiles at Domino Park to the famed art galleries and live theatres, every space of this bustling neighborhood is infused with life and culture.

Calle Ocho in particular is a place most tourists should visit during their stay. This street is home to an array of rum and cigar bars, Cuban bakeries, and Latin restaurants. Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina or La Taverna Calle 8 are particularly special places to grab an authentic Cuban meal while exploring the neighborhood.

Little Havana is also known for its large street festivals, such as the Calle Ocho Music Festival every March. This celebration of Carnaval Miami is 20 blocks of musical stages from popular Latin performing artists, folk dance and performances, and international cuisine.

Little Havana is the heartbeat of Miami Beach and a truly unique experience for visitors.

Little Haiti

Another cultural haven in the Miami Beach area is Little Haiti. It’s a relatively new neighborhood that celebrates Afro-Caribbean culture, Victorian architecture, and Haitian cuisine.

In Little Haiti, tourists can experience the finest authentic Haitian and Caribbean cuisine in the area. Try out restaurants like Bon Gout BBQ, known for their unique Haitian-style barbecue, or Le Jardin Haitian Restaurant, a little take-out place with Haitian food made fresh to order. Creole flavors and fresh seafood are major staples in the area.

Another popular destination in Little Haiti is the Caribbean Marketplace. This 9,000 square foot marketplace is a hub of authentic Haitian music, arts, and crafts, and every Saturday the venue hosts Caribbean Market Day.

If enjoying contemporary art is one of your favorite things to do in a new city, you may enjoy the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. This complex is the center of the arts and culture scene in Little Haiti, with frequent folk dance performances and concerts, and longtime art galleries displaying their works.

This neighborhood is colorful, creative, and unique. It is a thriving community of warm, welcoming people that you should experience for yourself on your trip to Miami Beach.

Miami Design District

If great shopping is one of your favorite ways to spend your vacation, the Miami Design District will make you a happy camper.

This 20-year old neighborhood is home to a community of creatives, artists, boutiques, and major retailers. The people who live here and the people who visit are privy to not only some of the area’s best shopping, but to a bevy of beautiful architecture, culture, design, and outdoor spaces.

High-end fashion can be found in the Miami Design District at stores like Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana. There are a variety of showrooms for high-end contemporary furniture and home decor, as well as designer shoe stores, perfumeries, and places to buy premium leather goods.  

The Miami Design District also offers a variety of art galleries and museums, such as the Opera Gallery or Surface Area. Here you will have the chance to view art from both emerging and established artists and maybe even find a piece to bring home with you.

There are plenty of dedicated places for health and fitness in the area. Get your workout in at Orangetheory Fitness or Ahana Yoga Studio and then head on over to the OC Spa for an afternoon of pampering and relaxation.

If you have luxurious tastes and an artistic soul, the Miami Design District is a must-see destination.

South Beach

South Beach is an area with an incredible nightlife scene and a whole lot of personality. It is the southernmost neighborhood in Miami Beach, an area fringed by swaying palm trees and dotted with beachgoers enjoying the warm ocean breeze.

The architecture of South Beach is a huge draw for tourists. Hundreds of pastel-colored art deco buildings from the 20s and 30s line the buzzing streets and can be viewed in guided walking tours put on by the Miami Design Preservation League. Self-guided tours are also available if you’d like to move through the buildings at your own pace.

The real party starts when the sun sets. South Beach comes alive in a dizzying array of neon lights and music that pours from dozens of dance clubs and lounges.

If you’re in the mood for dinner and a show, Mango’s Tropical Cafe is the place to go. Here you can experience live burlesque shows, mariachi bands, belly dancing, and Salsa and Bachata performances while you enjoy your meal. This is a great spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

South Beach also offers plenty of places for dancing. Spots like Cameo Nightclub or the Copa Room Show & Nightclub have large dance floors and plenty of bars to accommodate the dancing crowds.

Popular area restaurants like Wet Willie’s serve up some of the world’s best-frozen daiquiris alongside signature seafood and fried dishes. For a slightly swankier dining experience, The Social Club on Collins Ave offers ritzy, handcrafted cocktails and regional cuisine in an artistic setting.

South Beach may not be the best place for a family vacation, but it is perfect for honeymooners, groups of friends enjoying a getaway, or singles looking for a good time.

South of Fifth (SoFi)

South of Fifth is a small, wealthy neighborhood located at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach. There is a wide range of luxury condos, historic restaurants, and gorgeous parks for outdoor enthusiasts.

South Pointe Park is one of the most popular destinations in the neighborhood. It is a 17-acre park with beautiful green spaces, panoramic views of the shoreline, and various picnic and barbecue areas. It’s a great space for families and includes jungle gyms, a water playground, and an off-leash dog park for your four-legged pals.

South of Fifth is also home to a gorgeous 450-foot pier, where people frequently fish and watch the yachts and boats pass by.

The park also hosts the area’s best steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky, with dine-in and carryout options. Other popular restaurants in the area include Joe’s Stone Crab, the Big Pink, and casual spots like Ted’s Hideaway.

South of Fifth is a quiet, serene beachfront area with big-city vibes.

Key Biscayne

Just southeast of downtown Miami and only 20 minutes from South Beach is the lovely island of Key Biscayne. It has the conveniences and amenities of a big city living with the relaxed atmosphere of a resort.

It’s a family-centric location with friendly public beaches and parks, as well as access to a variety of outdoor sporting adventures. Visitors to this sweet spot can rent kayaks, play volleyball and tennis, or explore the many birds and butterflies visible through the area’s nature trails.

The main draw of Key Biscayne is its popular beaches and state parks. This little piece of land is home to the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Crandon Park, Hobie Beach, and Virginia Key Beach.

If scuba diving or snorkeling is something you enjoy, Key Biscayne has a coastal barrier reef for viewing. They also have the country’s only underwater archaeological trail. Bonefishing is another popular water activity in the area. Locals and visitors can hire private charters to take them out into the Atlantic for personalized fishing experiences.

Golden Beach

Golden Beach is another great place for families on the hunt for a quiet, relaxing vacation. Located north of Sunny Isles Beach, it is a small beachfront community full of single-family homes that are considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the Miami Beach area.

Golden Beach has been around since 1929. It is relatively quiet and private, with access to high-class dining, professional sports venues, and unique cultural spots. There are also nine parks, including the quaint Terracina Park and Massini Park.

For great steak and burgers, check out Tahiti Beach, a casual eatery with patio seating and breathtaking ocean views. Affordable pizzerias are scattered throughout the area as well. We recommend Pizza Bianco, a casual spot that offers New York City-style pizza, subs, and other Italian fares.

For a quiet beach getaway, you’ll always remember, Golden Beach is one of the best Miami Beach areas to stay.

Coconut Grove

Known as “Miami’s Original Neighborhood,” Coconut Grove is a quaint, eclectic spot in Miami Beach that caters to all ages. It has a variety of artistic and cultural spots as well as access to great sailing, park adventures, lovely tree-lined streets, and more.

The slow-paced neighborhood is the perfect place to enjoy free yoga in the park, go dolphin watching on a catamaran, or take in a movie at the Cinepolis theater.

One of the area’s main attractions is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a botanical garden that has been a staple of Miami since 1910. In addition to its sprawling villa and 10 acres of formal gardens with rare and exotic plants, the facility hosts a weekly farmer’s market, luncheons and social gatherings, and 100-year old fountains.

There is plenty of nightlife for the adults to enjoy. Monty’s, a tiki bar with a legendary Happy Hour, offers affordable frozen drinks and mojitos as well as a must-try raw bar set to the tune of live Caribbean music. The dive bar Barracuda Taphouse & Grill has an extensive list of craft beers and pool tables.

Coral Gables

Photographers and visitors alike love the ivy-covered Mediterranean Revival architecture, dazzling promenades, and palm tree-lined streets of The City Beautiful, more commonly known as Coral Gables. It’s conveniently located near the Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami, as well as the University of Miami.

The architecture in this neighborhood is stunning. The Italian and Spanish-named streets are filled with mansions covered in ivy and lush foliage. Families can spend a leisurely hour driving past European-esque homes, open-air plazas, and tropical gardens.

There are hundreds of exciting things to do in Coral Gables. Families can enjoy the various events at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, including the award-winning NightGarden light show and horticulture classes. There are over 3,400 species of flowering plants and fruit in the garden, as well as butterflies, insects, and beetles galore.

The Miracle Mile is another popular destination in Coral Gables. This shopping district has unique specialty shops, art galleries, and a live theater. There are also a variety of award-winning restaurants to choose from.

Swimming spots abound in Coral Gables as well. The Venetian Pool is one of the more popular destinations. Fed by a natural spring, this 820,000-gallon swimming hole made out of a coral rock quarry features crystal clear turquoise waters. There are lifeguards present around the pool, as well as shallow waters that cater to all kinds of swimmers.

Sunny Isles Beach

North of Miami Beach sits a quiet stretch of parks and soft sandy beaches that attract honeymooners and families alike.

Relaxation is a key feature of the Sunny Isles Beach neighborhood. There are numerous spas to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for a couples massage, a salon outing with the girls, or sipping refreshing drinks beside a private pool. Sunbathing and swimming in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean is a great relaxation alternative.

Water sports are popular in the area, including kayaking, windsurfing, and deep-sea fishing. Boat tours and yacht charters are abundant as well.

Similarly, outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of more than ten miles of mountain bike trails, snorkeling, rollerblading, and primitive camping at Oleta River State Park. Canoeing and paddle boarding on the waters of the Biscayne Bay or through the mangrove trails along the Oleta River are other popular day activities.

Fresh seafood is a staple of Sunny Isles. At the base of the Northport Fishing Pier sits a local favorite, the Beach Bar. Here, guests can sample delicious sushi and raw bar offerings alongside fruity cocktails and glasses of wine. The area is also known for its gourmet Portuguese and Argentinian food.

Bal Harbour

Those with more expensive tastes will appreciate the luxury oceanfront resorts and high-end dining available in Bal Harbour. Located on the northernmost tip of Miami Beach, Bal Harbour is tucked neatly between the beautiful Biscayne Bay and the glorious turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to sunbathing or jogging along the white sand beaches of the area, Bal Harbour visitors can take a stroll through the open-air mall at Bal Harbour Shops. This beautifully designed space is filled with fountains and koi ponds, as well as luxury shops like Neiman Marcus, Chanel, and Prada.

Foodies will find themselves at home in Bal Harbour’s inventive and sophisticated restaurants. Sushi-lovers should check out the highly-regarded Makoto. For New American fare, Hillstone Restaurant is a comfortable, modern establishment with leather booths and a superb wine selection. The menu here consists of dishes like pan-roasted salmon, ribeye steak, or Ahi Tuna Tartare.

Brickell

An urban millennial and celebrity hotspot, Brickell is a part of Downtown Miami. In recent years, the juxtaposition of paradise-like beaches and sparkling cityscapes has attracted a host of millennials. It is a busy, densely populated area filled with entertainment, fine dining, and big-city amenities.

The area boasts incredible unique dining opportunities and Happy Hours. Baires Grill is a phenomenal Argentinian steakhouse that serves a mouthwatering ribeye, while the fresh and funky La Mar by Gaston Acurio serves up Asian-Peruvian fusion dishes like ceviche and chaufa while overlooking the Biscayne Bay.

Major area attractions also include the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which hosts a 250-seat planetarium, as well as an aquarium that families will love. You should also check out the Skyviews Miami observation wheel which offers visitors a 200-foot-high panoramic view of Biscayne Bay.

If Brickell makes it on your list of Miami Beach places to visit, you won’t regret it.

Midtown

Bordered by Wynwood and the Miami Design District, Midtown is a diverse, up-and-coming spot in Miami Beach. The neighborhood combines an artistic atmosphere with chic galleries and vibrant nightlife.

Just 15 years ago, Midtown was a run-down industrial sector full of warehouses. Emerging artists took advantage of the cheap real estate, slowly turning the area into a neighborhood of galleries and street art that developers saw promise in.

Nowadays, the neighborhood is full of unique shops and dining establishments that attract everyone from Miami’s well-to-do to hipsters seeking out the next best art piece. Check out Salumeria-104 for great Italian food or hit up the Coral Contemporary Gallery for a unique art-viewing experience.

Summary

There are tons of great areas to choose from if you are planning a trip to Miami Beach. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach to do some sunbathing, or a more metropolitan shopping district to find designer goods and five-star foods, there is something for everyone in this part of Florida.

We have locations in all the Miami Beach best areas to stay, so go ahead and book those tickets for your next vacation. We’ll make sure you have a comfortable place to rest your head at night.