Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive is Miami's famed strip, a bustling avenue that runs along the Atlantic Ocean and is flanked by a wonderful collection of Art Deco buildings, cafés and restaurants, shops, boutique hotels, and a magnificent sizzling nightlife...

This is the place to see and be seen, where anything goes, and where you may have the best fun if you just go with the flow and have no expectations.

People are calm before lunchtime as they go out for cortaditos and café con leche, newspapers, and morning jogs.

The majority of the action then goes across the street, along the beach, and into Lummus Park, where bikers and roller skaters patrol the promenade and sunbathers enjoy yet another great day in paradise…

As the day progresses, the amount of noise, traffic, and raucousness grow...

The lighting changes to Ocean Drive... Lamborghinis racing up and down... huge margaritas... hot bodies... music from all genres, blasting at you from all directions... loud, brash, and totally Miami...

Ocean Drive begins at the southern end of the island at South Pointe, just south of 1st Street, and runs north for 15 blocks along the Atlantic Ocean.

On Ocean Drive, Where Should I Stay?

If there is one thing that sets Ocean Drive apart, it is it's boutique, Art Deco-style hotels. In fact, a stroll along Ocean Drive will uncover a slew of them! The Marriott Stanton South Beach, located in Miami Beach's beautiful South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood, is a luxury beachfront hotel with colorful rooms, wide balconies, spectacular views, a Starbucks, and Lolo's Surf Cantina for Mexican food lovers.

Do you want a taste of Miami's abundant supply? Stay at The Villa Casa Casuarina and live in luxury in what was formerly Gianni Versace's home. Today, you can find the best service, large Italian marble bathrooms, a gold-clad pool, a spectacular rooftop lounge, and private watering holes. Traveling north, you'll come upon the Clevelander Hotel and the Hotel Breakwater South Beach, both of which guarantee to keep the party going until the wee hours of the morning. Finally, The Betsy Hotel is an absolute must-see. This lovely hotel is known for its gleaming rooftop pool that overlooks the ocean. Laurent Tourondel's LT Steak & Seafood is one of the top steak and seafood restaurants in South Beach.

Where Should I Eat Along Ocean Drive?

From sandwich shops and roadside cafés to romantic, star-studded Ocean Drive restaurants with views of the sea, dining on this famed avenue has something for everyone.

Consider going out on a lovely dinner date at one of Ocean Drive's more upscale restaurants. A Fish Called Avalon unites fresh seafood with five-star service and unparalleled beach views, while Gianni's at The Villa Casuarina serves an amazing Mediterranean feast like no other. Ocean Drive is within walking distance to Joe's Stone Crab and Smith & Wollensky. Prime 112, a well-known celebrity hangout and contemporary steakhouse, is well-known for its exceptional dry-aged beef, truffle lobster mac & cheese, and Kobe beef sliders. It, like other establishments on Ocean Drive, attracts A-listers.

On Ocean Drive, Where Should I Play?

Ocean Drive has a lot to offer, from history and art appreciation to clubbing till the wee hours of the morning. Take a detailed look at the 800+ Art Deco architectural masterpieces that have won the region a position on the National Register of Historic Places, dating back to the 1920s. If you enjoy history, the Art Deco District Welcome Center on Ocean Drive offers self-guided audio tours that will educate you all you need to know about Miami Beach's Art Deco legacy. The LGBT Visitor Center at Old City Hall, located just a few steps away, organizes a range of cultural programs throughout the year to support the LGBTQ community.

Of course, if you're looking to have a good time, Ocean Drive has a lot to offer. Lummus Park, situated just off Ocean Drive's main strip, is a great place to spend the day on the sand. If you live in the South of Fifth area, visit Marjory Stoneman Douglas Beach Park and unwind on the beach or take the kids to the playground. For a taste of LGBT culture, go to the beach around 12th Street and Ocean Drive (right across the street from Palace Restaurant and Bar and its ever-popular drag brunch).

At nightfall, you may go night clubbing or partying up and down Ocean Drive, or you can combine the beach and club scene at Nikki Beach. For a truly Miami adventure, try your luck at Salsa dancing at Mango's Tropical Cafe. As previously said, the Clevelander, one of Miami's top party hotels, always ensures a great time. Proof? It has nine bars, a C-Level Rooftop Terrace with exclusive cabanas and waterfalls, the SPF4 Sun Deck, and a VIP patio where the celebration lasts all night.

You can go shopping if you are not at the beach all day. While Ocean Drive is mostly filled with tourist shops, eccentric boutiques, and bikini shops, Collins Avenue, only a block away, has all of the designer stores you could want.

General Information For Visitors

Ocean Drive parking is best obtained in one of Miami Beach's garages. They may be found at the intersections of 7th and Collins Avenue, 5th and Alton Road, 13th and Collins Avenue, and 16th and Collins Avenue. Other parking lots may be found all around, ranging from South Pointe Park to Alton Road. Metered street parking is provided on several streets. Before you park, double-check that you are not in a resident-only zone. There are public restrooms in Lummus Park, 14th Street and Ocean Drive, and 5th Street and Ocean Drive.

Information provided by Quick Mold Labs

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