21 Things to Do in South Beach for Couples
My first real post-pandemic vacation! Ahhhh! I am so so so so happy to be writing this and sharing new content from a new place. Whew. I had to get that off my chest.
If you’re reading this wayyy post-pandemic or still waiting for your first post-pandemic trip, don’t worry, this blog post is still a goodie for planning purposes. And you know how much I love planning!
My boyfriend and I (of 10 years this year) took this trip together to South Beach, Miami. We’ve traveled the world together so we have become experts at traveling as a couple and finding the best things to do together, whether it’s a fun activity, crazy adventure, or even a local date night spot. This trip was no exception so here are the top 21 things to do in South Beach for couples including some planning tips and essentials.
Where is South Beach?
I am terrible at geography, which is pretty ridiculous given my love of traveling (dammit Jim, I’m a chemist, not a geographer). Sue me. Anyway, I had no idea that Miami Beach was separated from Miami, Florida. It’s actually a barrier island that you access via a long highway.
Miami Beach itself is composed of different areas including North Beach, Mid-Beach, and South Beach among others. These sections follow the beach from North to South. Now we know.
Is South Beach expensive?
Yes. There’s no way around it, South Beach is one of if not THE most touristy part of Miami. Definitely read this post on ways to save in South Beach with all my recommendations for not spending too much. It’s obviously very easy to do so, but its not necessary.
How much does a typical weekend trip cost?
Here’s an approximate price breakdown for a couples weekend in South Beach based on a 2 night, 3 day stay. We actually stayed for 4 nights and 5 days, so we spent more than this, but it’s still a good estimate.
These estimates are implementing my money saving strategies, so if you ignore those tips, this estimate will be too low for your actual trip.
- Hotel: $650 for 2 nights including taxes + fees
- Transportation: $20 for public transportation only
- Food: $170 for 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and complementary breakfast at hotel
- Activities: $160 for a couple activities or splurged meals
When is the best time to go to South Beach for couples?
Assuming that you don’t want to be there at the same time as the spring break crowd, steer clear of March and April. It’s already a crowded place, but add a slew of college students and it’s packed.
The summer gets very hot and humid, so that can also be an unpleasant time to visit. If you don’t mind the heat and more families, June-August works.
The winter is considered peak season as everyone wants to visit a warm place during the winter. The temperatures are milder compared to the summer, so that’s a plus.
Personally, I recommend February, May or September-November as these months see less crowds, perfect weather, and less rain. Avoid holiday weekends to stay budget friendly, namely Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day.
How to get around South Beach
If it’s in walking distance, then of course walking is easiest. It’s also a great way to take in the scenery and admire the architecture. Plus, you’ll never know what hidden gem you could stumble upon.
If it’s beyond walking distance, I recommend the free trolley system. It goes all over Miami Beach and there are two South Beach loops, one that goes clockwise and another counterclockwise route.
It’s very easy to use them, just be aware that you need to request a stop when it’s your time to get off.
I usually find the stop closest to my destination via the Miami Beach (eGov) app, then as I move I like to track my current location using Google Maps so I can see when I get close to that stop. That way I know when to request a stop.
Of course, ride sharing apps like Lyft and Uber are an option.
Where to stay in South Beach for couples
We stayed at Hotel Breakwater located right on Ocean Drive and we loved it! They had free bicycles, beach towels, beach chairs, and water bottles. Plus, a complimentary breakfast was included each day from a local café so we got real food each morning (not just a continental spread).
It cost $321 per night with the taxes and fees included. While that might sound pricey, it was actually lower than the neighboring hotels and offered many more amenities.
Hotel Breakwater was in the middle of the action so it was noisy at night, but we had earplugs and didn’t mind. We actually preferred being right across the street from Lummus Park and the beach, and within walking distance to everything we wanted including free trolley stops.
Other options we looked at included Nautilus by Arlo and San Juan Hotel, which were both fairly priced with similar amenities.
What to bring to South Beach
Your beach trip wouldn’t be complete without these beach essentials. Don’t worry about bringing things that will be provided by your hotel (towels and chairs), but make sure to bring these items:
- sunscreen
- packable beach tent
- sun hat
- insulated water bottle
- a good book (I read The Alchemist by Pablo Coelho and I highly recommend for all travelers to read)
I also recommend a rain jacket or poncho because Florida is notorious for raining out of nowhere. I have this lightweight Columbia jacket and love it!
Top Couples Activities in South Beach, Miami
Things You Can Only Do In Miami Beach
1. Learn about local architecture at Art Deco Museum – $
Within South Beach is the Art Deco Historic District, located approximately from 5th to 23rd Street on the South and North ends, respectively, and between Washington Avenue and Ocean Dr, from West to East, respectively.
Here you’ll find over 800 buildings and hotels in the art deco architectural style. Think blocked designs and bright colors. While you can walk around and see the buildings yourself, don’t skip out on the Art Deco Museum!
The museum is open Friday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm and it only costs $5 to enter.
Address: 1001 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139
2. Miami Beach Botanical Gardens – $
We love a good botanical garden. We’ve been to many Los Angeles gardens, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and even the Auckland Botanic Garden in New Zealand!
Technically the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens are in Middle Beach (not South Beach), but it’s close enough. They have a beautiful Japanese garden, Native garden for local plants, edible garden, a stunning orchid collection, and a beachy palm garden. It’s the perfect spot for couples to take a stroll away from the party scene that so frequently descends upon South Beach.
Since it’s a little farther than everything else on this list, here’s how to get there via public transportation. Take the South Beach trolley, currently running along Collins Ave, just one block west of Ocean Drive, to stop #182 (Alton and 19th St) and get off. Then get on the Middle Beach Loop (at the same stop) and get off at stop #2013 (Dade Blvd and Convention Center Dr). This puts you at the north end of the Botanical Gardens.
*Note that the South Beach Trolley has both a clockwise and counterclockwise route, but the Middle Beach Loop only travels one way.
To get back to Ocean Drive, take Middle Beach Loop from a different stop #201 (Meridian Avenue and 19th Street) on the south side of the Botanical Gardens. This will prevent you from having to take the entire loop back to Ocean Drive. Get off at the same transfer point as before (stop #182 at Alton and 19th St). Get on the South Beach trolley (counterclockwise loop) then get off wherever you need – it will take you back to Collins.
I know that was a lot so I’ve made a graphic to help! Screenshot this, save to Pinterest, whatever you need to do.
Admission is $5 a person and ticket reservations are currently required. They are open Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Address: 2000 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139
3. World Erotic Art Museum – $$
This is exactly what it sounds like. There’s art from around the world both serious and humorous with erotic themes. If you’re not completely comfortable around each other, I’d maybe steer clear of this one…or look at it as a bonding experience.
WEAM has paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and even sexual artifacts. I’m honestly a little bummed we missed this because it seems like a good story if nothing else.
Tickets cost $20 per person, but with such a unique (bonding…pun maybe intended) experience, it’s worth it! WEAM is open from 11 am to 6 pm everyday.
Address: 1205 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
4. Attend an event – $$$
South Beach is an event city. There is so much happening ALL THE TIME. When we were there, the Food Network was hosting the South Beach Wine and Food Festival directly on the beach.
There’s a number of music festivals including Rolling Loud Festival and Carolina Country Music Festival.
Plus there are lots of local events like live music, drag shows, and dance shows. Check out the amazing drag show at Palace Bar & Restaurant.
Chill Date Spots and Ideas
5. Biking Around on CitiBike – free
Nothing says cute couples activity like beach biking. Grab a free CitiBike and you can go all over South Beach.
Use the CitiBike app to see the locations of bike stations all over Miami. You can “rent” them for free for 30 minutes so as long as you travel from one bike station to another and switch bikes, it’ll always be free.
Between Ocean Drive and the beach is Lummus Park. It has beautiful palm trees, long winding paths, and even Muscle Beach.
Take a stroll or grab those bikes. You can even picnic on the grass or park benches. It’s a great spot to just chill.
Address: 1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
6. Lummus Park — Free
Between Ocean Drive and the beach is Lummus Park. It has beautiful palm trees, long winding paths, and even Muscle Beach.
Take a stroll or grab those bikes. You can even picnic on the grass or park benches. It’s a great spot to just chill.
Address: 1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
7. Lounge at the beach – free
Chances are you’re in South Beach because of the incredible beach access. Grab your S.O. and chill by the ocean.
For a couples activity, listen to an audiobook together by sharing headphones or bring a speaker and listen to your favorite songs. Of course, you can always swim or dip your toes in together.
8. South Pointe Park – free
This beautiful green space is a lovely spot for a stroll along the beach or a bike ride. Pack a picnic (or BBQ in the park) and enjoy views of the beach, downtown Miami, and even cruise ships. There’s even a café and Smith & Wollensky steakhouse, making this a good spot for morning or a date night in South Beach.
Address: 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
9. Catch a movie – $$
I know this isn’t a super revolutionary idea, but it’s perfect for a rainy day…which does happen in Florida all the time. If you know the rain is coming, escape it for a bit by enjoying a movie.
Within walking distance is O Cinema, an historic venue with art deco style that shows classic arthouse films. Tickets cost $10 per person, or $8 for students and teachers with an ID (yay student discounts!).
Address: 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Alternatively, if you’re looking for bigger releases, there is a Regal Theater, which you can access via the South Beach Trolley Clockwise Loop at stop #180 (Alton Rd and 16th St.) or at stop #189 (Alton Rd. and Lincoln Rd.) on the Counterclockwise Loop.
Tickets cost $13 per person for an evening show or $11 for a matinee.
Address: 1120 Lincoln Rd. Mall, Miami Beach, FL 33139
10. Española Way – free
Every weekend (Friday-Sunday), catch the weekly market with lots of vendors selling handmade items like jewelry, clothing, art, and gifts. It’s a great place to chat with local artists and find the perfect souvenir.
Plus there’s history here since Española Way was the first commercial development on Miami Beach in the 1920s.
More than shopping, you can even take a yoga class on Saturdays at 8:30am or catch Samba dancing shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8, 9, and 10 pm.
Address: Española Way (between 14th and 15th streets), Miami Beach, FL 33139
11. Antique Market (October-May) – free
This is another fun couple activity in South Beach. Shop for antiques together at the Antique Market that’s open on select dates from 9 am to 5 pm.
Address: Between the 800 and 1000 blocks on Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Activities for Foodie Couples
12. Enjoy a relaxing brunch on a patio – $$
This was our favorite thing to do in Miami Beach as a couple. It sounds so simple, but sometimes simple is best!
Each morning, we went to the same café for a late breakfast since breakfast was included in our hotel price. We sat on the patio out front and took everything in. The palm trees blowing in the ocean breeze, the lightly salty ocean smell, and the peace of the morning. Just pure bliss.
Luckily, there are so many patios along Ocean Drive. Quite literally, it’s one after the other all in a row, so take your pick.
Our daily café was Redhead Sandwich. They had yummy bagel sandwiches and crepes!
Try Front Porch Café, The Local House, or Café Americano located in Hotel Victor. We did try Front Porch Café, but only for dinner. It was delicious though and comes highly recommended for breakfast and brunch…and our waiter was amazing!!
13. Hit up a happy hour – $
Since we know South Beach can be expensive, hit up a happy hour for inexpensive drinks and eats. We loved Naked Taco where they had BOGO margaritas and they even brought us shots on the house! Plus, they had a Groupon for a discounted meal!
There are a ton of choices along Ocean Dr, Collins Ave, and Washington Ave.
14. Lincoln Rd Mall – free
Located in the middle of the barrier island is Lincoln Road Mall, an outdoor shopping center, with lots of shops and eateries. Make sure to visit The Salty Donut Pop-Up every Saturday and Sunday (and you know I’m a big fan of donuts). There’s 14 blocks to explore so you’re sure to find something you enjoy!
Try some of the amazing cuisine or cocktails at Time Out Market, an indoor food hall within Lincoln Road Mall. Specifically, grab specialty Cuban ice cream at Azucar and traditional Hawaiian pates and bowls at Hapa Kitchen & Eatery.
Address of Lincoln Road Mall: Lincoln Road (between 16th and 17th Streets)
Address of Time Out Market: 1601 Drexel Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
15. Take a food tour – $$$
Taste your way through South Beach together on a food tour where for over 3 hours you’ll learn about the history and culture of Miami Beach while sampling local foods like empanadas, ceviche, ropa vieja, tacos, and gelato!
Tours cost $60 per person and include all the food!
There are a couple options:
Address: Aura – 927 Lincoln Rd Unit #200., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Washington Ave. (Art Deco District)
Address: Bolivar Restaurant – 841 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
16. Splurge on a meal at Gianni’s – $$$
Located inside the super fancy (Former) Versace Mansion is Gianni’s, an upscale restaurant that serves lunch from 11 am to 4:30 pm or dinner from 6 pm to 12 am. Meals typically cost $40 for lunch per person or $60 for dinner. But, boy what a dining experience!
The architecture alone is worth the price tag, let alone a meal from a world-renowned chef. I recommend making a reservation and double checking the dress code. My point is that you can’t just roll in off the beach and dine here.
Address: 1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Adventurous Couples Activities
17. Jet ski – $$$$
Jetskiing is such a fun couples activity in South Beach! Get your adrenaline pumping and hold onto your honey while they drive across the turquoise water.
While there are lots of companies that offer jet ski rentals, I recommend BouYah Water Sports. They’re a bigger company with locations all over Miami Beach and they have raving reviews. I’ve read that some jet ski companies feel sort of scammy, but theirs isn’t.
It costs $90 for 30 minutes or $180 for 1 hour per jet ski, which can fit two people with a maximum combined weight of 400 lbs.
Note that you do need to take a Temporary Boating Safety Education Certificate Exam online prior to this activity.
If this feels like too much, you can also rent kayaks from BouYah for $40 an hour.
Address: Lummus Park – 9th St and Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139
18. Sneak away on a cruise – $$$$
Okay I’m just going to leave this here. Maybe you’re in need of a longer vacation, more couple time, and more adventures! Chances are if you were looking out the window traveling to Miami Beach from the airport, you saw the cruise ships. So many great Bahamas cruises leave from Miami. Now could be a good time. Just saying.
Romantic Things to Do in South Beach
19. Free Movies Soundscape (October-May) – free
Who doesn’t love an outdoor movie? At Miami Beach SoundScape, a movie is projected onto a 7,000 sq. ft. wall. They’ve shown movies like Lion King, Crazy Rich Asians, and Avengers: End Game, among many others. Its a great spot to cozy up and definitely a spruced-up version of the classic movie date night.
Address: New World Center – 500 17th St. Miami Beach
20. Enjoy a professional picnic on the beach – $$$$
One of the most romantic things to do in South Beach is enjoying a picnic on the beach. However, it might sound cumbersome to set one up yourself. So, don’t! There are companies that will do it for you.
Try The Picnic Popup, Nez Events, or Lovely Dahling. Typically, picnics do not come with food unless you add it on. It’s kind of fun that way though because then you can get takeout or make your own. Plus, sometimes they include board games, speakers, or special message boards.
Prices are $150+ on average. It’s definitely a memorable date night spot in Miami Beach.
21. Sunset walk along the beach – free
Is there anything more romantic? I think not. Go hand in hand and take a walk on the beach during sunset. It’s so beautiful!
This is the perfect end-of-day activity and the perfect one to end on.
More time in Florida? Read these other posts:
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