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An Introduction to SoBe's Districts
What truly makes South Beach so special is its distinct districts, which themselves feel like cities (and worlds) of their own. With the sheer abundance of things to see, do, and eat, where do you begin? We’ve created this guide to help you do just that. From SoFi to Sunset Harbour, here’s an intro to the quirky, non-stop excitement of SoBe’s districts.
SoFi (South of Fifth)
South of Fifth, or SoFi (so-FEE), is an exclusive tropical paradise on the southernmost tip of SoBe extending from South Pointe Park north to 5th Street. The Art Deco streets are lined with pilates studios, juice and wine bars, art galleries, and places of interest like the Jewish Museum of South Florida, STORY Nightclub, and the 17-acre South Pointe Park, complete with a fishing pier, lush green space for lounging, rolling hills, 20-foot-wide walkways, and direct access to the sandy beach. Hop on your bike or roller-blades, chill out in the grass to watch watersport enthusiasts, or get a glimpse of cruise ships coming in and out of the shimmering Biscayne Bay.
Desirable places to grab a bite to eat include the waterfront Smith & Wollensky, historic Joe’s Stone Crab, Nikki Beach, Monty’s Sunset, Prime 112, Prime Italian, Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis Mediterranean eatery, PLANTA’s upscale plant-based cuisine, and the retro-pink Big Pink diner, which serves up mega portions and has been the backdrop for numerous TV commercials and Hollywood films.
Flamingo (Ocean Drive / Lummus Park / Española Way)
Named after the once historic Flamingo Hotel, the Flamingo district of South Beach is bounded by 5th Street to the south, Lincoln Road to the north, Biscayne Bay to the west, and Ocean Drive and Lummus Park to the east. There are several iconic destinations within the district, but we’re breaking down the big three here:
Ocean Drive
With Lummus Park and sandy beach flanking its eastern side, and fabulous dining, boutiques, and colorful Art Deco architecture to its west, Ocean Drive is undoubtedly SoBe’s most happening street. The 1.3 mile-long palm-lined drive stretches from 1st Street up to 15th Street. Snap a picture outside of the Versace mansion and explore everything Art Deco at the Welcome Center, Museum, and gift shop at 1001 Ocean Dr.
Restaurants like Havana 1957 and Mango’s Tropical Café keep the late night bites going past midnight, and casual spots like Front Porch Café and News Café present a huge menu of American eats. For an elegant night out, try LT Steak & Seafood, Prime 112, CJ’s Crab Shack, A Fish Called Avalon, Gloria Estefan’s Larios on the Beach, and Gianni’s, a romantic Italian eatery housed in the Versace mansion.
Lummus Park
The 74-acre beachfront park has been featured in Hollywood productions and television shows like Miami Vice, Burn Notice, Reno 911: Miami, and more. The ten-block green stretch of land includes the winding Beach Walk, a playground, and Muscle Beach. It’s the perfect spot to explore on your custom Sagamore Linus cycling bike!
Española Way
Tucked off of Washington Avenue between 14th and 15th Street, Española Way’s lush bohemian landscape and sultry nightlife bestow a certain whimsy to the district (pictured above). The pedestrian-only street was modeled after the romantic Mediterranean villages of France and Spain, complete with pink stucco, Spanish tiled roofs, striped awnings, and sidewalk cafés. Española Way has a unique selection of boutiques and galleries and is home to some great spots to sip a cocktail or indulge in a decadent meal al fresco.
The historic street’s weekly programming harkens back to the Old World, where public gatherings were paramount to morale and community. You’ll often find events like free opera performances, yoga classes, and arts and crafts pop-up markets.
[A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Art Deco District]
City Center (Lincoln Road)
Just north of Ocean Drive, South Beach’s City Center is packed with Art Deco gems, as well as galleries, live music venues, and yours truly, The Sagamore Hotel. You’ll find the Holocaust Memorial here, as well as the Miami Convention Center (home to Art Basel!), the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, and the pedestrian-only Lincoln Road Mall, the world-famous promenade filled with boutiques, fabulous restaurants, and entertaining street performances.
Sunset Harbour
Tucked in the upper northwest corner of South Beach, the bayfront Sunset Harbour district is one of the neighborhood’s fastest growing enclaves. Although it has a chill vibe, the boutique district is coveted for its shopping, dining, and soothing bay views if you want to step out of the bustle of the lower districts. For dining, there’s Sushi Garage, NaiYaRa, Icebox Cafe, Panther Coffee, and Pubbelly Sushi. And the calm waters of Biscayne Bay off the coast of Sunset Harbour make for a great opportunity to try a watersport. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, electric surfboards, jet skis, and more from Miami Beach Paddleboard.
Ready to explore all of SoBe’s districts from a central location? Choose from our best rates and special offers when you book direct with The Sagamore Hotel, an iconic Miami Beach destination known for its unique collection of contemporary art, exciting programming, spacious suites, and prime location. Stay up-to-date with our packed Events Calendar and follow the Sagamore Instagram for artsy inspiration, our latest acquisitions, specials, and more happenings at The Sagamore.
