South Beach
By Anna Lynn Sibal
Miami Beach is the playground of America's rich and famous. Its crown jewel, the place where most of these rich and famous people come to play, is none other than South Beach, the vibrant beacon that draws in the hedonists from all over the world.
South Beach sits on the southernmost tip of Miami Beach, occupying 23 blocks of the barrier island that separates the Bay of Biscayne from the Atlantic Ocean. It is a spot that is blessed with marvelous tropical climate, combined with a coastline lined with powder-fine sand and crystal blue waters.
If you are here in this playground of the rich and famous, what can you do?
Hit the beach. Naturally, if you are going to South Beach, you must hit the beach. There are public beaches all over South Beach, but if you are staying at an oceanfront hotel, take advantage of the umbrella/towel service that gets included in your bill. You can go swimming, scuba diving, sailing, jet skiing, surfing or any water activity that you wish to indulge in. Also, South Beach is one of the few beaches in the US where topless sunbathing is allowed, in consideration of the European tourists visiting this part of the world. See
South Beach bikini contest
Go restaurant-hopping. South Beach offers an eclectic selection of cuisines, including Cuban, Italian and New World. The best way to savor your dining experience is to take your meal on a table outdoors while enjoying the warm tropical weather.
Go clubbing. The club scene in South Beach is alive like no other. It does not make sense for you to go to South Beach and miss the club scene. Dress in your hottest party gear, drive to Ocean Drive, get yourself inside one of the trendy nightclubs and bars dotting that strip, and party the night away.
Visit the Art Deco Historic District. The Art Deco Historic District, with its almost 700 buildings, is the largest showcase of art deco architecture in the entire world. You can join a weekend guided tour around the district, led by some local historians, or you can enjoy it on your own pace with a self-guided tour.
Take a meditative walk by the sea. If you exhausted yourself partying the previous night away, take a stroll along the boardwalk on 23rd Street. Relax and let the sea air rejuvenate you. Of course, the best time to do this is on a Sunday morning, when the beaches are not so crowded and a lot less noisy.
Flit by the galleries along Espanola Way. Espanola Way is South Beach's take on the Mediterranean atmosphere in France and Spain. This old Spanish quarter is home to a number of art galleries, restaurants, and some shops specializing in curios.
While people do go to South Beach to enjoy the cool waters and to worship the sun in this part of Florida, there is more to South Beach than the beach. A weekend will not be enough to fully experience South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida.
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