Ocean Drive Miami: The Ultimate Guide

In the past, this awesome avenuet struggled with a tarnished image, marked by minor street crimes and neglected, low-cost housing. The area remained stagnant throughout the 1970s until a handful of forward-thinking restaurateurs recognized its untapped charm. By opening cafés and creating a sense of community, they set the stage for a remarkable transformation, drawing attention and revitalizing the neighborhood into a thriving destination.

The News Cafe was opened up by one of the early entrepreneurs, Mark Soyka in 1988 at the 8th and Ocean was predicted to be doomed by everyone. It was just not logical for an expensive dinner to make it at a place that was not crowded, but the News Cafe proved them wrong as soon after, they were the source of life and buzz at Ocean Drive.

The celebrity era took off when the Cardozo Hotel, located at 13th and Ocean Drive, welcomed the iconic Gloria Estefan. Her presence brought widespread attention, transforming the area into a magnet for the famous and fashionable. What was once a stretch of low-cost buildings and tired storefronts evolved into a vibrant destination, now home to boutique hotels, chic shopping districts, and buzzing bars.

Nestled in the heart of Ocean Drive, the Colony Hotel stands as a vibrant testament to the Art Deco era. Dreamed up by Henry Hohauser and brought to life in 1935, this iconic structure has become a defining feature of South Beach. Just picture its neon sign against the night – it’s like a beacon of nostalgia, drawing eyes from all around.

The Colony’s seen a lot of faces, you know? Back in its heyday, it was the go-to spot for legends like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Can you imagine the tales those walls could spill? The glitz, the glam, the rhythm of Miami’s golden age – it’s all there.

But hey, the Colony’s more than just memories. It’s alive, kicking, and keeping up with the times. Their eco-friendly moves, blending green practices with old-school charm, show they’re not just living in the past. It’s a blend of yesterday and today, a real walk through time.

Ocean Drive: the pulsating heart of Miami Beach, alive and buzzing 24/7. From sun-soaked beach days to scenic strolls, shopping sprees, and the melodies echoing from every corner, this street offers an all-encompassing experience. Yet, amidst its allure, this magical promenade is known for its touristy vibe, which often means dining here doesn’t always equate to value for money in terms of quality and experience.

Fear not, for we’ve curated a top-ten list of exceptional dining gems if you’re truly after the crème de la crème. Note, not all the restaurants we’ve spotlighted are nestled within South Beach’s embrace. To savor some of these culinary treasures, you might need to venture a bit further, by car or cab, but trust us, the journey is part of the adventure. Dining can still be a spectacle of great joy, especially for those who revel in being part of the scene and people-watching. Just keep our insights in mind for a truly memorable evening

Embark on a gastronomic journey along this Miami’s Catwalk, where every meal is an adventure and every dish tells a story. This legendary strip is a mosaic of culinary experiences, from laid-back sidewalk cafés where the world strolls by to intimate eateries under the stars that promise an evening of elegance and flavor.

For an unforgettable date night, venture into the heart of SOBE dining scene. At A Fish Called Avalon, the ocean’s bounty meets impeccable service, creating a symphony of seafood that dances on the palate. Gianni’s at The Villa Casuarina transports you to a Mediterranean dream, an opulent setting where cuisine and history blend seamlessly.

Just a stone’s throw from the Ocean Drive spectacle, Joe’s Stone Crab and Smith & Wollensky stand as culinary landmarks, their tables a testament to timeless tastes. For those seeking the quintessence of Miami’s steakhouse scene, Prime 112 is the epitome of indulgence, offering dry-aged wonders, decadent truffle lobster mac and cheese, and Kobe beef sliders, all under the watchful eyes of the city’s glitterati.

As the heartbeat of Miami Beach, this Jetsetter’s Row promises an experience that’s vibrant at any hour, a place where solitude feels like a foreign concept, and the air buzzes with an infectious energy. From dawn till dusk, the vibes and emotions here are as colorful as the Art Deco facades lining the streets.

Start your day with a nod to history at News Café, a spot where Gianni Versace himself found solace and inspiration over American breakfasts. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a moment to soak in the ambiance of a bygone era. Then, make the simple cross to the beach, a vast stretch of sand welcoming you to relax and unwind, though it’s wise to remember that not all of Miami Beach embraces the European approach to sunbathing. For enthusiasts of topless sunbathing, we’ve penned a guide to help you find your perfect spot under the sun.

As you surrender to the rhythm of the waves, remember to stay vigilant about your safety. The ocean’s allure is matched by its might, so keep close to lifeguard stations and heed local advice about swimming distances. And, in this sun-drenched paradise, sunscreen isn’t just recommended; it’s essential.

Lunchtime is a bustling affair. Prepare to join the queue at popular spots, but patience is rewarded with vibrant flavors and lively scenes. Spend your afternoon exploring chic boutiques, engaging in a friendly game of beach volleyball, or testing your strength at the open-air gyms dotting the shoreline. For solo female travelers, a sense of caution adds to the enjoyment. While Ocean Drive is generally safe, maintaining awareness and avoiding risks, like accepting drinks from strangers, ensures your adventure remains joyful.

As the sun begins to dip, Ocean Drive transforms. It’s a catwalk for the latest trends, a prelude to the night’s festivities. Embrace the freedom of the locale on a bike or roller, cruising into the sunset with the wind as your companion. Hydration is key, as the Florida sun is as relentless as it is glorious.

Evening on this paradise promenade is a symphony of sights and sounds. Each establishment has its unique beat, from the sultry rhythms of Mango’s Tropical Café to the energetic pulse of the Clevelander Hotel’s street-side dance floor. In the midst of it all stands a beacon for the curious traveler: the News Café. More than a coffee place, it’s a cultural institution, offering a glimpse into local life through newspapers and magazines, alongside invaluable guides and discounts to enhance your South Beach experience.

The Neon Strip is not just a destination; it’s a journey. It’s where you can be unabashedly yourself, in a place that celebrates freedom, fashion, and the endless dance of day into night.

As you stroll down the street, you’re walking through pages of history, with each Art Deco building telling a tale of glamor and architectural innovation. The Art Deco Welcome Center is your gateway to this past, offering insights into the designs that have made Miami Beach a visual feast.

The vibrant LGBTQ+ community finds its home on the sands at 11th/12th Street, directly opposite the Palace Bar & Restaurant, famed for its dazzling drag brunches. As the sun sets, the energy shifts towards Nikki Beach, where the sand meets the dance floor in an electrifying fusion of club and beach vibes. For a taste of local culture, Mango’s Tropical Cafe offers salsa dancing into the night, encapsulating the soul of Miami in every step.

If you are a tourist and you have Miami in mind, most probably chances are you don’t know where to start or where to go. If you are blank on where to go, Ocean Drive would be a good place to start your hotel search. Keep in mind though that Miami and Miami Beach are two different places, and Ocean Drive is located in Miami Beach, which would be much more convenient and a better holiday spot for you. From the MIA airport, there is a $32 flat fee for taxi rides.

There are a lot of hotels along the Soul of South Beach, and you may choose your form of accommodation from simple and convenient to lavish. It depends on the nature of your visit, whether you are on a budget, or you are on a backpacking adventure, or even visiting for business, The hotels along the strip would fulfill any kind of budget or taste.

If you don’t want to go to hotels, there are also some good choices for the condos that could be reserved.

If it is a family holiday, opt for an improved suite with good space for your family members that comes with a kitchen. Party people should get a room overlooking the Clevelander Pool Bar as they operate till 5 in the morning, and lovebirds should consider a room with a king-size bed that comes with an enjoyable hot tub to enhance your romance experience.

Keep in mind that from the 12th to the 15th streets, along with the SoFi District (South of Fifth) are less lively after-hours and more inclined to quiet and silent nights. The upper reaches of this Coastal Avenue are known to be quieter at night, and hotels in this zone have a great, direct view of the beach as they are not blocked by anything else since the 5th to 14th Streets don’t have hotels or high-rise buildings.

The Betsy in Ocean Drive, if you want to go for a different approach to the usual hotel accommodation, you should choose to book one of the glamorous boutique hotels on Ocean Drive for your vacation. Some of these low-rise building keeps to the original, classic floor plan, but have been renovated with modern amenities for you to experience a comfortable stay with that classic feel. The rooms might be smaller compared to the big hotels, but it would be a good choice if you are looking for something intimate, and different from the general hotel feel. You are in the middle of the most sparkling street in the city!

If you prefer to rent an apartment click here.

For guests in the hunt for some peace and harmony with an instilment of an Art Deco atmosphere, the romantic Betsy Hotel  would be the answer. Not only will you get the convenience of being in the middle of everything that’s anything, but they offer amazing rooms facing the ocean.

The swimming pool might be undersized, but it is out of the scorching sun, plus, the hotel grants complimentary towels and beach chairs for those who want to tan. You need to experience the beautiful sea and city view during the day and the remarkable star-gazing scene at night at The Betsy floor sun deck.

Another favorite spot nearby The Betsy is the recently operating restaurant Quinn’s, which offers good seafood. Two blocks south lie 918 Ocean Drive, another well-known boutique accommodation that was converted into an all-suite condominium, where you could only book online or by getting hold of private owners.

One of the most popular boutique hotels is the Hotel Victor, which opened under the flagship of the familiar and big Hyatt Corporation. The Hyatt brand itself is already trusted, which could easily pull in visitors, but don’t be fooled by that because it’s not just the name, but the experience itself is commendable. The staff is very dutiful and amiable, the rooms are well-cared for the spa is efficient and well-arranged and the atmosphere is very hip but homely.

The in-house restaurant, called the Vix Restaurant offers wonderful food choices that would get you salivating, and the experience of dining there definitely gives Hotel Victor added stars to be one of the favorites. And you do not want to miss the enormous jellyfish tank set up directly in the middle of the restaurant.

You might also want to consider the Bentley Hotel as they offer a perfect and amazing sunset view on their rooftop pool deck. Not just the comfortable rooms – not incredible decor – you are going to get, but guests are also treated with a free pass to the Bentley Beach Club which offers a complete gym, a huge pool, spa tubs that come in cold or hot, and one of the most popular, sexy club, Nikki Beach.

LUXURIOUS SUITES

Ocean Drive hosts one of the most alluring hotels, the Villa Casa Casuarina, a former Versace mansion, the property opens up like a scene from One Thousand and One Nights. The layout is reminiscent of a Moroccan riad: 10 suites set around an interior courtyard with a fountain, carved wood doors, and intricate tiling. Mesmerizing!

If you have a pet you would carry along on your vacations, you could look to the Casa Grande Suite Hotel. Not only are the rooms spacious, but you will also gain access to a kitchen equipped with full-sized steel appliances, tropical Indonesian decorations, and a majestic granite countertop which allows you to prepare your lavish meal any time of the day. This hotel is not incredible, but we suggest it if you need it or love to cook.

Not only that this suite hotel serve comfort, but it is also convenient as it is placed right in the heart of the local nightlife where your South Beach vacation experience would be complete with the sexy dancing Latin girls to drinking up mojitos to a happening environment at the Mango’s Tropical Cafe nearby. Other dining options include the Pelican Cafe – which is also a design Hotel, the News Cafe has still going strong ever since the life of Ocean Drive started, and the Cuban Cuisine and themed outlet at Lario’s. Need something to help with the heat, get yourself the popular ice-blended drinks from Fat Tuesdays or Wet Willies.

Another top place to find luxury is the Ritz-Carlton at the end of this magic avenue. It’s situated in a quiet area facing the sea, well-managed with some interesting options such as a private beach, a lounge bar at the top, and most ocean-view rooms featuring a balcony. The style is classic, with a palette of blue, grey, and sugar paper blue.

If you are looking for fun with friends, book the Crescent Resort  which features the popular Jacuzzi suites, which is also conveniently located in a central position to easily access great shopping malls and pedestrian malls, such as the Lincoln Road.  Front Porch Cafe is the place to head to if you would like to have quality alfresco brunch with the likes of tasty banana pancakes and other wholesome food at an affordable and valuable price no matter the time and day. Even in South Beach you could enjoy the lively environment of an Irish Bar at Finnegan’s Way where you will be entertained by live music, with a cool sports-styled bar, and get drinks two for one around 4 to 7 pm.

PARTY HOTELS?

If you’re all about the vibe, the Clevelander Pool Bar is where the party never stops. Located at the iconic Clevelander Hotel in Miami Beach, it’s the ultimate spot for those who want to keep the energy high all day and night. This well-known attraction offers a huge 5 poolside bars, flat-panel Television sets almost everywhere, live musical entertainment, happy hours and two-for-ones, and the ever-popular Saturday bikini contests.

ICONIC HOTELS?

This incredible street is the origin of the Art Deco style, with its vibrant neon lights and multicultural sounds that have become a part of Miami’s history. If you want to sleep immersed in history, you can’t miss The Colony and the Avalon hotels.

The structures are not classified as luxury and might be considered boutique hotels. The good news is they’ve recently been renovated, giving you a chance to feel a bit like Humphrey Bogart and create lasting memories. The prime advantage is their location – right on the street, facing the ocean, eliminating the need for a car.

The Avalon Hotel in Ocean Drive

Both hotels are classified as three-star establishments, with prices ranging from $100 to $150 per night. If you’re seeking a serious, completely quiet place to rest, these might not be ideal. However, if you enjoy being in the midst of the crowd and find joy in the vibrant atmosphere, these hotels are perfect for you.

Check out our dedicated page on the best hotels along Ocean Drive and the one about the rentals in this part of South Beach.

If you plan to visit Ocean Drive for leisure vacationing with family, both Hilton Bentley and Marriott Stanton hotels are two good options for you. On the quiet end of the “SoFi District”, lies the wonderful South Beach. One of the features that make Marriott the perfect hotel is the fact that there is a Starbucks outlet in the lower lobby. The hotel itself has a lot of features made fun for you, and even your family. They have a notable huge bedroom fit for 8 family members which comes along with 32-inch flat-panel television with free access to high-speed internet.

The beach located south of the hotel is usually flocked by fans of surfing, “footvolley” (a modern Brazilian sport that fuses soccer with volleyball), and volleyball. If the beach is too crowded, you could settle for the hotel’s astonishing pool area. Just as cool as the name is, The Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers fun and a good time for both you and your family.

The rooftop Jacuzzi is something you have to experience, especially during sunrise and sunset when the view is astonishing. Hilton Bentley offers one and two-bedroom suites which are roomy and comfortable. It should be enough for 2 to 4 members, or you could push it to 6 or more, as long as some of you don’t mind crashing on the pull-out couch.

For a serious dining experience, head over to Fifty which offers plenty of mouth-watering lunch and dinner options under the Nuevo-Latino cuisine. Just as a heads up, be sure to leave some space for dessert if you dine at Fifty as they offer one of the delicious sugary sweet desserts in town.

Ready to dive into the vibrant heart of Ocean Drive, Miami, for your next getaway? Below you can unlock the best hotel deals and start your adventure!