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South Beach!

 

 

“Where Every Day Feels Like a Vacation“

Anna Maria Island

South Beach

 A Neighborhood in Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County Florida

 

South Beach, Florida — often called SoBe — is the lively southern tip of Miami Beach, famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and iconic Art Deco architecture. A global hotspot for nightlife, dining, fashion, and entertainment, South Beach blends historic charm with modern luxury. Visitors flock to Ocean Drive for neon-lit hotels and people-watching, while South Pointe Park offers stunning views of the Atlantic and Biscayne Bay. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, world-class restaurants, and nonstop energy, South Beach is one of Florida’s most glamorous and internationally recognized destinations.

Helicopter view of South Beach, Miami Florida

Helicopter view of South Beach, Miami Florida

Photo by Gagliardi via Canva

Location & Size

South Beach (often “SoBe”) is the southernmost neighborhood of the city of Miami Beach, in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It lies on the barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean (east) and Biscayne Bay (west). It covers approximately the southern 23 blocks of the barrier island, from South Point (South of 1st Street) up to about 23rd Street.

Founded

The founding of South Beach, Florida dates back to the early 1900s, when it was little more than farmland and mangroves. In 1910, Miami businessmen John S. Collins and the Lummus brothers began acquiring land on the southern tip of Miami Beach, envisioning it as a seaside resort community. Collins initially planted coconuts and avocados but soon shifted to real estate development.

The turning point came in 1913, when Collins built the first wooden bridge across Biscayne Bay, linking Miami to the barrier island. This connection made development possible and spurred the creation of the area’s first beach clubs and hotels. By 1915, Miami Beach was incorporated as a city, and South Beach quickly became its most desirable section.

During the 1920s Florida land boom, South Beach flourished with Mediterranean Revival-style hotels, followed by the iconic Art Deco architecture of the 1930s. This foundation transformed South Beach from remote swampland into one of the most glamorous and internationally recognized resort destinations in the world.

SOUTH BEACH WEATHER

Population

Around 40,000 full-time residents

Known For

  • Its Art Deco Historic District, with hundreds of preserved hotels and buildings from the 1920s-1940s reflecting sleek 20s/30s design.

  • Iconic nightlife, bars, clubs, oceanfront restaurants, and vibrant social and cultural scene.

  • The beaches themselves: white sand, warm Atlantic water, beach parks. Lummus Park, Ocean Drive, etc.

  • Fashion, people-watching, high-style hotel life, art, design, international tourism.

  • Historical significance: early development, boom and bust cycles, preservation efforts (especially around the Art Deco period)

Cost of living

Median Income: South Beach’s median household income as about US$83,998.

Median Home Price:  The median listing home price in the South Beach neighborhood (Miami Beach) is around US$515,000. 

Median Rent: Around $2,700/month. 

 

Things to do

  • Walk or drive along Ocean Drive, especially to see the Art Deco architecture, neon lights, and people buzzing.

  • Relax or swim at the beaches, such as Lummus Park Beach.

  • Visit South Pointe Park, which has great views, walking paths, beach and pier access.

  • Shopping and dining: high-end restaurants, boutique shops, cafés, international cuisine.

  • Nightlife: clubs, lounges, performances, cultural events.

  • Museums and galleries: small art galleries, design works, also the Art Deco Museum.

  • Seasonal events and festivals.

  • People-watching and soaking in the “scene” — often considered a big part of South Beach’s charm.

Fun Facts

  • South Beach was originally farmland (coconut plantations) in the late 1800s, owned by Henry and Charles Lum.

  • The famous Art Deco Historic District was saved thanks to preservation efforts in the 1970s and 80s when many historic buildings were threatened.

  • Joe’s Stone Crab, one of South Beach’s iconic restaurants, opened in 1913.

  • The area has hosted many famous people, been used as backdrop in movies, TV (e.g. Miami Vice), and is internationally recognized.

  • South Beach’s houses and condos range enormously — you’ll find ultra-luxury waterfront high rises, but also older buildings, smaller apartments, and a broad mix of wealth, culture, and tourism.

Nearby Cities

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