By Susan Brauer
South Beach (SoBe) is the neighborhood in Miami Beach, best known for its historic Art Deco District. It’s also known for its pricey, designer hotels and expensive restaurants and clubs. But there is plenty of fun to be had even on a budget.
- Breakfast on Ocean Drive
Restaurants on historic Ocean Drive can be crowded and pricey most of the time. However, several offer budget-friendly breakfast specials to lure “early birds” who aren’t sleeping late after a night at the clubs.
Cost: $10—$15
Located in the heart of South Beach, the museum is open every day except Wednesday. Exhibits date from the Industrial Revolution through the end of World War II. The modernist lobby, museum café, and shop are worth a visit on their own.
Cost: $10 and free on Friday nights from 6 pm—9 pm
- South Pointe Park
This park is at the southernmost point of SoBe. You’ll find walking and bike paths, several contemporary art sculptures, a playground, and a mini water park. If you get there around 4:00 pm, you’ll likely see cruise ships pass by as they head out to sea.
Cost: Free
- Rent a Bike
Citi Bike is a bike-sharing and rental system. There is a bike path along the ocean. There are also bike lanes all the way across the causeway if you want to go further. Bikes are available 24/7/365.
Cost: $4.50—$10 for 30-minutes to 2-hours
- Lunch with a View
There are lots of restaurants on Ocean Drive. However, you can’t actually see the ocean from many of them. The terrace of the Deco Blue restaurant at the Marriott Stanton offers patrons a direct view of the gorgeous, turquoise water.
Cost: Many lunch items from $10—$20