Growing up, my idea of Miami came straight from the screen. Miami Vice gave it a pastel-drenched, high-speed edge. Deco Drive made it feel like every night was a red carpet event. Later came shows like CSI: Miami, Ballers, and The Real Housewives of Miami, all reinforcing the same image: a city built on excess, glitz, and drama. South Beach, in particular, seemed like a nonstop party fueled by strobe lights, impossibly attractive people, and VIP everything.
But on a recent trip, I found something unexpected. Yes, the energy is still there, but a softer rhythm is hiding in plain sight. One filled with early-morning walks along empty ribbons of sand, lingering brunches on leafy patios, and boutique hotels that trade flash for intimacy.
It turns out, Miami has layers. And if you know where to look (or more importantly, what to ignore), South Beach becomes less of a spectacle and more of a sanctuary.
Check In & Chill Out
Just behind the iconic Versace Mansion and only a few steps from the sand, Dream South Beach has one of those locations that makes everything feel within reach. Shops, restaurants, and the shoreline are all a short walk away, so you can throw yourself into the energy of South Beach and retreat just as quickly when you’re ready for a break.
My room looked onto the courtyard, a compact 270-square-foot space that somehow managed to feel like a little exhale from the chaos outside. A bottle of chilled prosecco and a box of chocolate-covered cherries were waiting when I arrived, and thoughtful details like blackout shades, mood lighting, and silky Egyptian cotton sheets made it easy to tune the world out. Even better, the bathroom was stocked with luxe amenities, and the room had its own climate control, keeping the vibe quietly indulgent without trying too hard.
Admittedly, it’s not the most silent escape—the lively buzz from Collins Avenue carries—but the rooftop pool and bar more than make up for it. By day, it’s a spot to cool off with views over the neighborhood; by night, it’s pure Miami atmosphere. And if you’d rather stay close to “home,” the lobby-level Naked Taco serves up margaritas and modern Mexican plates without you ever having to leave the property.
Palm-Lined Paths & Ocean Breezes
One of the iconic lifeguard towers on Lummus Park in Miami Beach.
As a West Indian and native of Saint Lucia, the ocean has always felt like home, and at Lummus Park Beach, I returned often. I walked the shoreline, let my feet sink into the warm sugary sand, and paused to breathe in the salt air—all quiet moments that reminded me of the Caribbean coast.
The iconic lifeguard towers caught my eye as I moved along the beach. The 36 towers vary in color, silhouette, and design, giving each a distinct character along the beach, with abstract rooflines, bright colors, and a mix of Art Deco and tropical Florida influences. Designed by William Lane Architect after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, they function as lifeguard stations while also activating public spaces as vibrant, visual landmarks.
A Taste of South Beach
Chicken and Waffles at The Social Club at Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel.
Dinner at Hosteria Romana set the tone: I ordered the homemade beef lasagna, served bubbling hot in its own little casserole dish, alongside a tall mojito. Every so often, the music swelled, and suddenly, patrons were waving napkins in the air to the beat. I chose to sit outside, where the flames licking the glass tube heaters warded off the chill.
The next morning, I stretched breakfast into brunch at The Front Porch Café. I had my sights set on the Half Roast Chicken Cuban style, but when the kitchen was out, they more than made up for it with a heaping plate of grilled steak. The rice was fluffy, the black beans rich and savory, and the plantains had a perfect golden sweetness that tied everything together. Those beans in particular have become my personal yardstick for Cuban beans. To drink, I had a berry basil lemonade made with Ketel One, fresh berries, and herbs. It was bright, not too sweet, and exactly what I wanted in the Miami heat.
At The Social Club at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, I nabbed a corner table facing the flat-screen television, prepared to lose myself in a football game. Instead, I found what might be South Beach’s best chicken and waffles. I devoured the strips of crispy Asian maple chicken served over a local corn Belgian waffle, finished with a drizzle of hot honey butter whip. They were tender but crispy with a light, tangy sauce and perfectly seasoned. I loved it so much I went back the next day for both a repeat order and a to-go box.
Golden hour at Baia Beach Club meant the bay mirrored the fading sunlight while Downtown Miami’s towers caught the last glow of the day. With a mango margarita in one hand and a mojito in the other, it was the ideal way to wind down the afternoon. Esmé’s The Roof rises above the city, with plenty of sun for lunch, a refreshing adult beverage by the pool, or a quiet cabana to dive into a book. By evening, it turns into a lively restaurant and cocktail lounge with fresh cuisine and rotating entertainment. The wood-fired margherita pizza is a must—crispy and perfectly charred with a sexy cheese pull.
Later, when the night called for something simpler, I ordered in from Pikio Taco & Pool Bar. Their signature Piko Burger—a 6-ounce beef patty stacked with guacamole, Oaxaca cheese, bacon jam, and chipotle aioli on a brioche bun—arrived hot, fresh, and impossible to put down. The fries didn’t last long either.
Before leaving town, I squeezed in a relaxed lunch at Turkuaz Turkish Cuisine, a casual spot blending Turkish, Greek, and Mediterranean flavors. No reservations, no fuss, and a striking cascade of flowers suspended from the ceiling.
Creative Corners & Quiet Escapes
The Miami Mountain sculpture by Ugo Rondinone really catches the eye.
Take a pause from the bustle of South Beach and wander into the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, a serene patch of greenery tucked just steps from the shoreline. The garden feels like a mini urban oasis, with winding paths, native plants, and shaded spots perfect for a quiet moment or a leisurely stroll. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and soak in a little calm before heading back into the city buzz.
Just a short walk away is The Bass Museum of Art, where contemporary exhibitions and permanent collections provide a fresh perspective on creativity. One exhibit stopped me in my tracks. A projector looping clips from artist Rachel Feinstein’s 1998 wedding video, set to Elton John’s Someone Saved My Life Tonight. The combination of grainy footage and familiar melody caught me off guard, stirring a wave of nostalgia so strong it left me in tears, aching for a bygone era. On your way in, don’t miss the Miami Mountain sculpture by Ugo Rondinone. Those colorful stacked boulders in fluorescent, day-glo shades are eye-catching. Inspired by hoodoo rock formations, it’s a fun photo stop and a reminder that art can pop up in the most playful ways around the city.
Navigate Like a Local
Looking to get beyond the surface of South Beach? The Experience Miami Beach (EXP) App, created by the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, is like having a local guide in your pocket, but instead, you set the pace. Its self-guided walking tours highlight art installations, architectural landmarks, cultural events, and beachside spots worth your time. Interactive maps, multimedia notes, and 360° views keep exploring simple and stress-free. The app works in both English and Spanish, so it’s easy to use no matter how long you’re in town.