Hop onto Alligator Alley in Naples and you’re a quick two hours from “the other coast.” Today’s destination: the art deco historic district, oceanfront beaches, great shopping, and foodie’s paradise of Miami Beach. And there’s nowhere more fun for people watching!
Before you go, bear in mind that the greater Miami area makes Naples look like a sleepy small town by comparison. And if you want to sample Miami Beach nightlife, you’ll want to plan an overnight stay rather than a day trip. If that’s the case, make a reservation in advance for accommodations in this popular destination.
Miami Beach is best known for its art deco architecture and beaches. In 1979, Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Art Deco District is the largest collection of art deco architecture in the world, including hundreds of hotels, apartments and other structures erected between 1923 and 1943. Mediterranean, Streamline Moderne and Art Deco are all represented in the District.
Cross the bridge over Biscayne Bay, turn left on Collins Avenue and take in the Art Deco district. If you want to know more about your surroundings, start your trip with an Art Deco District Tour. Led by knowledgeable guides from the Miami Design Preservation League, walking tours highlight Miami Beach's architectural jewels. The tour departs from the Art Deco Welcome Center (1001 Ocean Drive) daily at 10:30 a.m. except Thursdays, when it leaves at 6:30 p.m.
Restaurants abound throughout Miami Beach, especially along Collins Ave. and Ocean Ave. But for a real insider’s view, try a South Beach Food Tour. Within 2 hours, you’ll walk to various eateries and sample the best of South Beach - Moroccan, Cuban, Italian, Mediterranean, and even local “hole in the wall” favorites - plus get an up close view of the architectural gems on the way.
If you’d rather explore on your own, or if you need to work off some of those yummy treats, keep in mind that Miami Beach's compact layout makes it the perfect destination for getting around on a bike. Luckily, it's one of only a few cities in the country to offer a bike sharing program. Just pick up a bike at any DecoBike station conveniently located throughout Miami Beach, and return it at any other station when you're finished. Is that cool or what?
Shoppers will want to meander up and down Ocean Drive and duck into any of the one-of-a-kind boutiques that might catch your eye. A block inland, Collins Avenue is an upscale shopping paradise featuring one designer shop after another. One block over, Washington Avenue offers edgier fare, with vintage and club wear shops reflecting its status as a mecca for nightlife and clubbing. Work your way north, and then head inland a couple of blocks to Española Way. This pedestrian-only street, tucked between 14th and 15th streets just west of Washington Avenue, features delightful boutiques and cafes set against a backdrop of Spanish Mediterranean architecture.
And…don’t forget the beach itself! Best known is South Beach, with easy access off of Ocean Blvd. Glorious weather, white sand, and surf - and yes, the “ocean side” of Florida is different from the gulf! If you'd rather get out on the open water, you can choose from boating and sailing charters, dining and sightseeing cruises, deep-sea fishing trips, diving and snorkeling adventures, rowing facilities, and every other form of fun on the water.
And if you stay into the evening, Miami Beach turns up the volume. Stay up as late as you can, roaming the sizzling nightlife corridors of Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington avenues, and Lincoln Road. Again, you might want to book a hotel and watch the sun rise the next morning.
