South Beach

South Beach, Miami – Beautiful people, flashy cars, skimpy bathing suits, Art Deco architecture: It’s all here on the two-mile white sand stretch that makes up Florida’s most famous beach. Within South Beach’s 22-block span, the busiest—and most touristy—section surfaces between 5th and 14th Streets, parallel to the iconic, neon-trimmed Art Deco backdrop of Ocean Drive as well as Lummus Park, home to 18 volleyball courts and two outdoor fitness gyms. Near the 12th Street lifeguard stations, rainbow flags mark the gay beach where you’ll find a sea of Speedo-clad, sculpted bods. Locals tend to hang south of the touristy hoopla, on the quieter patches below Fifth Street. Hotel beach clubs dominate the shoreline from 15th Street to 22nd Street, but rest assured, there’s still plenty of space for anyone to throw down a towel. To truly take in the pulse of South Beach (inclusive of vibe, high design and an upscale Miami “scene,”), consider staying at either the soothing, nature-inspired 1 Hotel South Beach or the art-forward, all-suite W South Beach.