Miami Beach and around
Left Boats anchored at the Bill Bird Marina in Bal Harbour Right Daniyyel by Boaz Vaadia in the Bass Museum, South Beach
A long barrier island, Miami Beach stretches from hip South Beach to high-rise communities at the north end. Locals refer to the central part of the island as Middle Beach. Visitors will find a contrast to the mainland’s big-city vibe in the wide white sands that carpet Miami Beach’s waterfront. Still, the various island communities offer plenty of shopping and dining options that have all the sophistication of the mainland. Haulover Park in North Miami Beach offers a wide variety of watersports. Lummus Park, located in bustling South Beach, is also a popular destination, while to its south, South Pointe Park, with an ocean-themed playground, is quieter.
SEE MAP
2. Middle Beach, Bal Harbour, North Miami Beach
3. Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park
The Lowdown
Getting around Traffic can get heavy along Collins Avenue and South Beach’s Ocean Drive, especially at night. Miami-Dade buses (www.miamidade.gov) run the length of the beach regularly.
Visitor information Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, 1920 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, 33139; 305 674 1300; www.miamibeachchamber.com
Supermarkets Publix on the Bay, 1920 West Ave, 33139; 305 535 4268 & Publix Super Market, 1045 Dade Blvd, 33139; 305 534 4621; www.publix.com. Markets Lincoln Road Farmers’ Market, South Beach, 33139; Sun
Festivals Art Deco Weekend, www.mdpl.org/events (Jan). South Beach Wine & Food Festival, sobefest.com (Feb). Miami Beach Festival of Arts, web.miamibeachfl.gov (Apr). Art Basel, www.artbasel.com (Dec)
Pharmacy Walgreens, 100 Lincoln Rd, 33139; 305 532 7909 & 2300 Collins Ave, 33139; 305 604 8722; open 24 hours daily
Nearest playgrounds Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park, 1725 NE 135th St, 33167; sunrise–sunset. Indian Beach Park Tot Lot, Collins Ave and 46th St, 33140. Lummus Park, Ocean Dr at 13th St, 33139; 24 hours daily. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park, Ocean Dr at 3rd St, 33139; sunrise–sunset. South Pointe Park, 1 Washington Ave, 33109; 24 hours daily.