Miami is well known for its South Beach attractions, where people flock in by the thousands for its white sandy beaches and sun-soaked atmosphere. Imagine surfing the waves, admiring all the toned and tanned-bodies, basking in the sugary sand, and the invigorating sunshine.
But there’s much more to Miami than just the beach, and you might be curious about more fun, and out-of-the box things to do in Miami Beach.
The city offers a wide variety of South Beach attractions that, lucky for you, this blog describes in great detail- ranging from the famous art deco buildings, the unique and quirky lifeguard huts, to the Versace Mansion, and even a Miami to Bahamas day trip (yeah.. you’re that close)!
Below are 5 sensational South Beach attractions that you are sure to love, so read on and let your vacation imagination run wild.
You’ll be packing your bags in no time!
Stay up to see the night time displays along Ocean Drive
There are many reasons why vacationers love Miami South Beach. The city has a tropical climate that is ideal for tourists. There are many hotels that are within close proximity to the beach, the port, the convention center, and other popular destinations. If you are planning to vacation here, you are sure to find a hotel that will suit your needs.
Additionally, Miami South Beach has some of the best art museums, monuments, and beaches in the nation. It offers a complete luxury vacation experience for vacationers. This blog will go more in-depth on the best things to do in South Beach Miami (hint: it’s most definitely taking a Miami to Bahamas Day Trip and experiencing the unforgettable Pig Island with Bahamas Air Tours)!
5 South Beach Attractions You Can’t Miss
1. The Iconic South Beach Lifeguard Towers
The Miami Beach Lifeguard Huts are one of the top South Beach Attractions
If you’re curious about the best things to do in South Beach Miami – look no further. Visiting the Lifegaurd Towers is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in South Beach. In 1992, when Hurricane Andrew raged through South Florida, it sadly destroyed all of the original lifeguard huts, leaving the city of Miami to re-design the huts as future, inspirational icons. Architect William Lane helped in constructing the first stands, and local businesses and design competitions helped in the development as well.
Miami beach now houses more than 31 unique lifeguard towers. Some of the art work on the stands takes inspiration from bright, cartoonish colors, Miami’s Tropical Art Deco, and more free flowing forms. These quirky, inspirational towers continue to make an impression on tourists from all around the world and remains one of the top things to do in South Beach.
They represent a beautiful symbolism to remind us that even after a devastating disaster, you can still rise from the rubble.
2. Miami to Bahamas Day Trip
The Miami to Bahamas Day Trip is an amazing way to visit the Bahamas Exumas
Did you know you can take a Miami to Bahamas day trip, and that it is one of the absolute best South Beach attractions? Well, consider yourself in on the secret, because with Bahamas Air Tours, you can indulge in a Bahamas Day Tour by Plane from Miami!
Some of the incredible things you can you expect during a day trip include:
- Swimming Pigs– Swim with the famous Exuma Pigs at Pig Beach
- Exotic Wildlife– Visit the Bahamas Rock Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
- Thunderball Grotto– Snorkel into the James Bond Thunderball Grotto Cave
- Swim with Sharks– Swimming with nurse Sharks at Compass Cay
- Sand Bars – Discover the amazing Sand Bars at Staniel Cay
- Private Flights– Small group sizes mean you’ll be flying private class
… and so much more! Come on, what are you waiting for?
Fly to the Bahamas on a Day Trip from Miami
Bahama’s Air Tours offers unique Island Hopping experiences direct from Miami. From the swimming pigs at Staniel Cay, to the Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island or swimming with sharks at Compass Cay, Island Hopping is the only way to truly experience everything the Bahamas has to offer.
The intimate aircraft is perfect for Air Touring, with it’s large windows and high wing which gives you an unobstructed panoramic view of the stunning Bahamas landscapes. There is no better way to see the Bahamas than from above. And because every seat is a window seat everyone gets to enjoy the amazing views!
Come and experience the wonder for yourself on our Island Hopping Air Tours.
3. Art Deco District
Take a walk through the south Beach Art Deco district in South Beach
Still debating what to do in South Beach Miami? Be sure to check out the Art Deco District located along Ocean Drive in South Beach. The architecture in the Art Deco District is a combination of the Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival styles, and boasts nearly 800+ buildings and structures built between 1923 and 1943. The famous district has even been recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the United States National Register of Historic Places.
The Art Deco District remains one of the most popular South Beach attractions, especially among the younger crowds as it used to be a popular hangout for Hollywood elites. It is often called South Beach’s “living room” because of its wide sidewalks and numerous restaurants and cafes. Imagine the characteristic bright colors, from pastel pinks and blues, to bright yellows, and vibrant oranges, and the geometric fountains and statues scattered throughout.
If you’re interested in learning more about the area or what to do in Miami Beach, the Art Deco Welcome hosts guided tours through Miami’s Art Deco past. The visitors center offers lectures, films, exhibits and other events; has an onsite gift store and museum; and can provide information about Miami’s performing arts attractions, national parks and monuments, museums and transit information.
4. Villa Casa Casuarina (Versace Mansion)
The Villa, Casa Casuarina is a property previously owned by Italian fashion impresario Gianni Versace at Ocean Drive
The Villa Casa Casuarina is a luxury villa developed by Alden Freeman in 1930 and continues to be one of the best things to do in South Beach Miami.
Legend has it, Versace took a walk down Ocean Drive and fell in love with the unique Spanish architecture of the property. Versace then purchased the original house built by Freeman and the Revere Hotel next door for $3.7 million in order to demolish it and put in the Garden, Swimming pool and South Wing. Only 5 yrs after purchasing the home, Versace was killed on the front steps of the house on his usual morning walk home from News Cafe.
Today, you can stay in the luxury suites, and enjoy the fantastic amenities of Casa Casuarina, such as the Thousand Mosaic Pool, Rooftop Lounge, Onyx Bar, and Restaurant Gianni’s At The Villa.
5. South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park, one of the many South Beach Attractions
Another one of the most amazing things to do in South Beach is spend a day exploring at South Pointe Park. The park reigns supreme as one of the best South Beach attractions because there is just so much to do!
Indulge in the stunning panoramic views of PortMiami’s cruise ships, Downtown Miami’s skyline and Fisher Island. Sit and read a book on the beach or take a nap under the palm trees. Traverse the many hiking trails, take your furry friend to the off-leash dog park, or enjoy the picnic and barbecue areas for a family celebration. There is also a splash pad and jungle gym for the kids. And best yet, Smith & Wollensky steakhouse is located inside the park, with delicious seafood and cocktails when you’re famished after a long fulfilling day of fun.
Things to do in South Beach Miami
South Beach is a vibrant and exciting destination that is ideal for a vacation, a weekend getaway, a girls’ trip, a bachelor/bachelorette party, or just a fun night out with friends. The options are endless when you’re in the “Capital of Latin America.” We hope this blog was able to give you some insight into some of the best South Beach attractions to visit during your next Miami vacation, and that you experience the magical wonder that is The Bahams Air Tours. If you’re in Miami, you’re only just a short flight away from an unforgettable Bahamas day trip.
Sign up for Bahamas day trips by plane to enjoy all that Florida and the Bahamas have to offer!
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