Welcome to Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, a hot spot for people-watching, dining, and a popular film location. This guide highlights everything this dreamy boulevard has to offer — the best dining, resorts, clubs, and attractions.
LessIf you're looking for pool parties and late-night DJs, book a room at Clevelander South Beach. This hotel is well known for its electric, exciting atmosphere. On Friday and Saturday nights, guests can dance the night away on the rooftop terrace or relax with a drink at one of the nine bars. Those who work up an appetite have access to some amazing food experiences such as Mammamia Gelato Italiano or Bacon Bitch, serving bacon-inspired breakfast dishes, the perfect remedy after a late night.
Marriott Stanton South Beach is a deluxe oceanfront hotel with colorful rooms, expansive balconies, unforgettable views, and dining options for sushi lovers and fans of authentic Mexican cuisine. This boutique hotel is the perfect stay for families and pets and is conveniently located next to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park.
A must-stay spot is The Betsy Hotel. Directly facing the ocean, this enchanting hotel is known for its sparkling rooftop pool. The Betsy is also home to one of the top steak and seafood restaurants in the South Beach neighborhood, Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood and La Ventanita, a walk-up window for creamy gelato and snacks on the go. Here's an insider tip: Upon request, couples and groups can picnic at The Betsy, with a personalized spread of gourmet treats.
Looking for a taste of over-the-top Miami? Book a room at The Villa Casa Casuarina and live in the lap of luxury in what once reigned as the Gianni Versace mansion. Today, you’ll find the best service, oversized Italian marble bathrooms, a gold-clad pool and a lavish rooftop lounge. This hotel is in a prime location on Ocean Drive and is in close proximity to nearby attractions like the Art Deco Museum and Artechouse Miami.
Selecting the right dining spot is a tough decision, but if melt-in-your-mouth steak is what you're craving, then the choice is easy: Smith & Wollensky. This popular restaurant is near Ocean Drive and offers ocean-view dining on the deck. Smith & Wollensky is mostly known for its perfectly marbled dry-aged steaks, but the menu also has some standout fresh seafood dishes like Tuna Tartare or the Shellfish Tower.
For a taste of the thriving LGBTQ+ scene, head to The Palace Restaurant and Bar for its ever-popular drag brunch, featuring both local and touring performers. These queens are professional, spirited, and know how to have fun, even attracting the attention of bystanders. The brunch menu is equally exciting, but you need to book ahead if you want to guarantee your seat at one of Ocean Drive's best brunch locations.
With its history dating back to the 1920s, Miami Beach is the perfect place to get an up-close look at the 800+ Art Deco architectural gems that put Ocean Drive on the National Register of Historic Places. If you're into history, the Art Deco Welcome Center, which sits right on Ocean Drive, houses the Art Deco Museum and offers self-guided audio tours about Miami Beach’s Art Deco past.
At night, combine the beach and club scene at Nikki Beach. This upscale restaurant and beach club is the perfect romantic spot for couples looking for dining in the open air under a cabana or on the sand. Nikki Beach maintains a very posh vibe with its "beach chic" dress code, live DJs, and elevated cuisine featuring locally sourced seafood, fresh salads, and creative sushi rolls.
For something truly “Miami,” try your hand at salsa dancing at Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Grab a partner for their nightly “Miami Salsa Lessons & Mojitos Party,” a beginner salsa and bachata workshop with food and drinks to keep you going. If you have two left feet, no worries, Mango's hosts an all-star cast of performers for their nightly "Mango's Dinner & Show," featuring a variety of acts like Cuban Conga, Belly Dancing, Burlesque, and more.
If you want a break from the beach, check out the shops near Ocean Drive. While Ocean Drive is mostly filled with tourist shops, funky boutiques and bikini wear, just a block over, is more designer shopping on Collins Avenue. Referred to as "the Capital of Cool," this strip is well known for clothing boutiques and unique accessories that appeal to trendsetters and fashionistas. Find fashion brands like Vans, Free People, and AX Armani Exchange.