South Beach
Ocean Drive Art Deco, turquoise water, and the best people-watching in Florida.
Distance
8 mi
Drive time
~20 min
Route
I-395 E (MacArthur Causeway) to 5th St / Ocean Dr
Best window
December–April is peak season (perfect weather, highest prices)
About South Beach
South Beach (SoBe) is the southern tip of the City of Miami Beach — about 8 miles and 15–20 minutes east of downtown Miami across the MacArthur Causeway. It's the most iconic stretch of Miami: pastel Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road's pedestrian shopping promenade, sand that runs all the way north past 23rd Street, and the city's biggest concentration of clubs and restaurants. For groups, a 12–15 passenger van is the easiest way to bypass rideshare surge between Brickell, Wynwood, and the beach.
Why it's worth the drive
- Miami Beach Architectural District — the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world (800+ structures), centered on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.
- Wide, lifeguarded public beach with colorful lifeguard stands — free to enter, with paid lots and metered street parking.
- Lincoln Road Mall — 10 blocks of pedestrian-only shopping, dining, and the original Miami Beach Cinematheque.
- Walking distance between hotel, beach, dinner, and nightlife — no rideshare needed once you arrive.
Things to do
What groups actually do at South Beach
Ocean Drive Art Deco walk
Self-guided or led by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) from the Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive.
Lummus Park beach
The classic stretch behind Ocean Drive — colorful lifeguard towers, volleyball, and the South Beach boardwalk.
Lincoln Road Mall
Pedestrian shopping street designed by Morris Lapidus — outdoor dining, farmers market on Sundays.
Española Way
Mediterranean-revival pedestrian street with tapas, sangria, and live music on weekends.
South Pointe Park
Southernmost tip of the island — pier, sunset views over Government Cut, and the cruise-ship parade.
Wolfsonian-FIU
Design museum focused on 1885–1945 — small, smart, and air-conditioned for a midday break.
Group + van tips
Driving a 12-15 passenger van to South Beach
- Use the MacArthur Causeway (I-395) from downtown — Venetian Causeway has a $3.50 toll and a 35-mph limit.
- Public parking garages on 7th, 12th, 16th, and 17th Streets accept 12-15 passenger Sprinters in standard spots.
- Ocean Drive is closed to vehicles on many weekends between 5th and 15th — drop off at Collins Ave one block west.
- Miami Beach has aggressive parking enforcement — pay the meter or use the ParkMobile app, and never block a fire lane.
Miami Beach municipal garages on 7th, 12th, 16th and 17th Streets fit standard Sprinters and Ford Transits in regular spaces.
When to go
Best time to visit
December–April is peak season (perfect weather, highest prices). May, October, and November offer warm beach days with lower hotel rates. Avoid late August–September peak hurricane window for group bookings.
Need a van for the trip?
Our Miami fleet of 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Ford Transits delivers free to MIA, FLL, the Port of Miami, and South Beach hotels.
See Miami vansPlan your visit
Official South Beach resources
Miami Beach — official city site
www.miamibeachfl.gov
Greater Miami CVB — South Beach guide
www.miamiandbeaches.com
Miami Design Preservation League (Art Deco tours)
mdpl.org
Miami Beach parking & ParkMobile
www.miamibeachfl.gov
More background
South Beach FAQ
How far is South Beach from downtown Miami?
About 8 miles and 15–20 minutes via the MacArthur Causeway (I-395). From MIA airport it's roughly 13 miles / 25 minutes.
Where can I park a 15-passenger van in South Beach?
The Miami Beach municipal garages on 7th, 12th, 16th, and 17th Streets all accept standard Sprinters and Transits. Avoid Ocean Drive itself — many blocks are closed to vehicles on weekends.
Is South Beach safe at night for a group?
Yes — Ocean Drive, Collins, and Washington Avenue between 5th and 17th are heavily patrolled and well-lit. Standard big-city precautions apply, especially during spring break (March).
Do I need to pay to access the beach?
No. Lummus Park and the rest of the South Beach shoreline are free public beach. You only pay for parking, chair rentals, and food/drinks.
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