Hotels near South Beach

South Beach, or SoBe, is the postcard image of Miami: a wide stretch of pale sand backed by pastel Art Deco hotels, lifeguard towers painted in candy colours and a constant parade of skaters, cyclists and sunseekers. The beach itself is broad, clean and free, with calm warm water and Lummus Park running along its western edge.

Beyond the sand, South Beach is a social scene - the cafes and bars of Ocean Drive and the boutiques of Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road are part of the experience. It can be loud, busy and expensive in peak season, but few beaches anywhere come with this much energy and architecture attached.

Pro Tip: Park once and walk or cycle; traffic and parking on the beach are punishing. Come early for a quiet swim and the best light on the lifeguard towers, and head to the calmer sand north of 21st Street if the crowds wear thin.