Ocean Drive – See be Seen in South Beach

From South Pointe Park to 13th Street

Ocean Drive is more than just a street. It’s an experience. A mix of beach, history, self-expression, and South Florida glamour. Whether you’re just stopping by for a walk along Ocean Drive or staying in the middle of the action for a few days – you won’t forget this street. It’s flashy, beautiful, loud, lively – and simply typical Miami.

Ocean Drive is about 2 kilometers long, stretching directly along Biscayne Bay or the Atlantic in South Beach. It begins roughly at South Pointe Park in the south and ends at 13th Street Beachwalk in the north. On one side are legendary hotels and restaurants, on the other is Lummus Park with palm trees, volleyball courts, and the famous sandy beach.

Art Deco District: a Journey to the 1930s

A large part of Ocean Drive lies in the so-called Art Deco Historic District. About 800 listed buildings from the 1920s to 1940s have been lovingly restored here. The pastel-colored facades, geometric shapes, and neon tubes create a special charm. Especially in the evening, when the lights come on, the boulevard looks like a movie set.

Tip: Take a guided Art Deco Walking Tour to learn more about the history and architecture.

During the Day: Beach, Sports, and Sightseeing

Directly across from Ocean Drive lies one of the most famous beaches in the world: South Beach. The fine, light sand, the turquoise surf, and the iconic colorful lifeguard houses make it a true postcard motif. Here you can not only swim and sunbathe but also snorkel, paddle, or zoom across the water on a jet ski. The area between 5th and 15th Street is particularly popular – with direct access from Lummus Park.

The beach is publicly accessible and open 24 hours a day, with showers, toilets, and rental stations for loungers and umbrellas. Whether you’re looking for peace or want to be in the midst of the action – South Beach along Ocean Drive offers the right spot for everyone. During the day, the atmosphere on Ocean Drive is rather relaxed.

Many vacationers start their day with a walk through Lummus Park or on the Beachwalk, which runs parallel to the street. Fitness enthusiasts work out at the outdoor gyms, while others rent a bicycle or an e-scooter. And of course, many are drawn to the legendary South Beach directly across the street.

You can rent beach chairs, go snorkeling, play beach volleyball, or simply enjoy the Florida sun. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a celebrity – as stars also like to show themselves here.

Food Drink: Expensive, Loud, Iconic

The restaurants and bars on Ocean Drive are not exactly cheap – but they offer something that’s priceless: pure people-watching. Whether it’s fresh fish, tacos, burgers, or sushi – the selection is large, the quality varies, but the ambiance is king.

Tip: Check prices carefully beforehand and pay attention to service charges. Many establishments automatically add 18-20% gratuity. However, this can be changed.

Evening: Showstage under Palm Trees

As soon as the sun sets, Ocean Drive transforms into a vibrant showstage. The terrace restaurants fill up, live music spills onto the street, and beauties in high heels and muscle-bound men in designer shirts stroll along the sidewalk.

Now the nightlife awakens: Clubs, lounges, and bars set the mood. Particularly popular: a cocktail on the terrace of the Clevelander Hotel or a margarita with an ocean view at the News Cafe – a classic for decades.

Cars, Bikes Hotels

A trademark of Ocean Drive and at the center of attention are the luxury cars and classic cars parked here or cruising up and down the street with pride. Lamborghini, Ferrari, Cadillac, or Harley – it’s all here. A highlight for car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Many visitors come here just for this: to see and be seen.

Staying here is not cheap, but it’s an experience. Many hotels are themselves part of the Art Deco art, such as the Colony Hotel, the Beacon South Beach, or The Carlyle. The latter, by the way, was a backdrop in the film “The Birdcage” with Robin Williams.

Many hotels offer rooftop terraces, pools with ocean views, or direct access to the beach. But the rooms are often simple and sometimes not particularly well-maintained. So be sure to check reviews before booking.

A Dark Chapter: the Murder of Gianni Versace

On July 15, 1997, the world-famous fashion designer Gianni Versace was shot dead right in front of his villa, the Villa Casa Casuarina, on Ocean Drive. He had just taken a walk and was on his way back when the serial killer Andrew Cunanan shot him on the steps of his house.

The incident not only shook the fashion world but made Ocean Drive even more famous worldwide – this time in a tragic way. Today, the villa is a boutique hotel, but many visitors pause to see the scene of the crime.

Ocean Drive is thus more than just a street. It’s an experience. A mix of beach, history, self-expression, and South Florida glamour. Whether you just stop by for a walk or stay for a few days in the midst of the action – you won’t forget this street. It’s flashy, beautiful, loud, lively – and simply typical Miami.