Ocean Drive is the most iconic street in Miami Beach, running along South Beach with historic Art Deco buildings, restaurants, and cafés. The pastel-colored hotels and neon lights make the area feel lively both day and night. Walking here gives you the true South Beach vibe with music, sports cars, and beach views. Even a short stroll along this stretch feels like stepping into a movie scene. At night, the whole area takes on a completely different vibe. Since it's a one way road, you really notice the kind of cars cruising through--and some of them are just incredible to see. The party energy spills out everywhere, with people roaming around freely until the early hours of the morning. read more

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If you haven't been, it's a nice place to visit. We've been numerous of time so it wasn't like we had ti stop and see and do everything. It is a major tourist trap along the strip with restaurants and bars. They'll solicit you in with deals but once inside, it can be very pricey. Also, be careful with your bill, so many different fees added on as well as gratuity. You may end up tipping double if you don't check. Places does get pretty wild and loud at night and especially on the weekend. It was pretty mellow during the daytime as evening during our stay mid week. Also, weather wasn't that great either. Beside that, it's a staple of your in Miami. read more

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What a treat for the eyes! Ocean Drive's iconic south beach/Miami Beach vibes are everywhere! From the art deco buildings, to the colors, the blue skies and sun, the music playing from shops and cafes, and the people, in vibrant attire, cruising along. We loved every minute our walk up and down the Drive. Truly, one can understand the pull to live here full time when taking in Ocean Drive. read more

Ocean Drive - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

Ocean Drive is such a cool spot in South Beach to check out. You want a chill night at a nice restaurant with outdoor seating? Check. You want a wild night out with drinks, loud music, drag shows, and dancing? Check. You want to check out the famous Gianni's (formerly known as The Versace Mansion) for high-end drinks and amazing food? You got it. Whatever you can be looking for, you can find it on Ocean Drive. There are also many bars that have a crazy happy hour of 9:00PM to close BOGO drinks. It's hard to argue with that. The one I went to specifically was Kantina which was on the chiller side. The cherry on top is that the beach is right by Ocean Drive and just walking around that area is amazing. Especially once the sun sets and the ocean breeze accompanies your night out. If you're in the area, make sure to check out Ocean Drive and all it has to offer! read more

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I think it goes without saying that Ocean Drive is quintessential South Beach, and moreover quintessential Miami. I've seen countless portrayals of the city in the media, and they almost always depict Ocean Drive in some way, shape or form. Needless to say, I made it my intention to explore this area during my recent trip to Miami. I was planning to spend the day in SOBE to take it all in, and it wasn't long after arriving that I found myself on the strip. Ocean Drive, along with Espanola Way, Washington Ave, Lincoln Ave, and Collins Ave make up the majority of major thoroughfares in SOBE. Ocean Drive covers a little over a mile, and is notable for the numerous Art Deco buildings that line the street. This is actually a historic district of the city, and a welcome center is at the start of the Drive where you can get information about all of the Art Deco structures in the area. What are in these structures, you ask? The majority are boutique hotels, and almost all of them have restaurants on the first floor that spill out to the street. Being directly across the street from the beach also makes this the most crowded street I walked down in SOBE; if you're on the side of the buildings you may be weeding between people, so I generally preferred to walk across the street which also gave better views and photo ops. While you'll get a feast for the eyes during the daytime, you'll get a full on buffet at night when all the buildings light up in neon. I was living my best life - neon, Art Deco, AESTHETICS...I didn't even know where to look there was so much to take in. Some of the highlights for me were the iconic Colony Hotel, and the CVS next door (let me explain) which was featured in the chainsaw scene in Scarface. I feel day and night will give you a different experience, but I'm partial to recommending night since the vibe is more on-brand and you can soak up all that neon. Overall, while I definitely think this is a place to visit at least once while in Miami, Ocean Drive/SOBE may not be for everyone. It's fun, but it's a lot - people everywhere, and workers standing outside each establishment trying to get you to come in. If you want that kind of vacation then it's perfect, but know there are tamer spots in South Beach and Miami in general. read more

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Beautiful location. I would avoid the restaurants, unless you're going for the experience, because they can be expensive. I also recommend walking to South Pointe Park onto the pier for a great view of the water. The pier would be the perfect place to watch the sunrise. read more

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The heart of South Beach is world famous Ocean Drive. It is also ground zero for the Miami Art Deco District which encompasses 900 buildings. The road starts at South Pointe just south of 1st Street and continues north to 15th Street, immediately southeast of Lincoln Road. The history of Ocean Drive dates all the way back to 1910 when Carl Fisher pioneered South Beach as a resort destination. In 1913 he built the first luxury hotel in the area followed shortly after by the Lincoln Road shopping district. In the 1920's during Florida's land boom years, hotels and mansions began dotting the landscape. During the next 20 years It was the height of Art Deco era and many of the hotel buildings along Ocean Drive reflect this style of architecture. The Art Deco that you see today was influenced by the 1924 Paris Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a design fair that celebrated the decorative arts' relationship with technology. Design elements include clean lines and geometric patterns. Myan and Egyptian motifs were used along with natucal and tropical elements when viewed in South Beach. In the 30's and 40's a style developed called streamline Moderne. This was a more industrial design with smooth edges and horizontal stripes. Buildings are noted for their brightly colors and at night are lit in neon. One of the most famous Art Deco hotels from the is time period is The Colony Hotel (1939). By the 1970's the buildings along Ocean Drive had become rundown due to age, neglect, and saltwater. In the 1980s, thanks to the Design Preservation League, South Beach underwent a renaissance as the the Art Deco architecture underwent restoration. Today you can drive (one way) down one of the most famous roads in the world. Dotting the drive are boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops on the tight and Lummus Park and the Atlantic Ocean on your left. The crowded sidewalks are filled with people from all over the world, many scantily clad. It is the place to see and be seen. A visit to South Beach could never be complete with out a visit to Ocean Drive. read more

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My family and I walked along Miami's historic Ocean Drive recently during our vacation. We are from Miami, but moved away to Ohio in 2020 so we were enjoying our time in the city. We were meeting my best friend at Havana 1957 Ocean Drive, so we had a few blocks to walk from where we parked to the restaurant. It was a nice stroll down Ocean Drive, while chatting with my bestie and my family. read more

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Walking around Ocean Drive was one of my favorite things we did in Miami. Like most places in Miami, you'll have to pay for parking. There are many self guided tours that you can find online, but you don't really need one. You can just walk around the area and see the buildings. I loved the art deco style architecture of the buildings. This area is a must visit in Miami in my opinion. read more

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A little overrated I expected more. It was cool to see the old decor but that's about it. One walk down Ocean Blvd would of been enough. The road is filled with with over priced food that has not a lot of flavor. Maybe one or two places with the money. The fact that there are drug dealers and hustlers at every turn was a little annoying. But maybe I should of expected that in hindsight. Glad we seen it and got to walk ocean drive but it's now off the list so no need to return. read more

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While you're in Miami, carve out some time to visit Ocean Drive and sea what all the fuss is about for yourself! All puns aside, Ocean Drive is iconic for its views of the Atlantic and huge collection of Art Deco architecture. The world has Barbara Baer Capitman to thank for many of the buildings, as she worked hard to preserve them from being destroyed for new developments beginning in the late 1970s. When I shared photos with friends after my recent visit, many said that it looked like a movie set, with the perfect-looking architecture, green palm trees, and blue skies. While you're there, make sure you stop by Gianni's, either for a meal, an overnight, or just a photo. It's officially the Villa Casuarina, a mansion built in the 1930s, but most famously the former home of Gianni Versace. Tragically, he was assassinated in front of the home in 1997, but his influence is still evident with the large palm planters in front bearing the glam Versace logo. With such a rich history already, it's inevitable that Ocean Drive will continue to make waves in the future. Make sure you don't miss this piece of Miami and US history while you're in the area! read more

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I've seen oceans rise and fall, I've seen oceans invade the shore I've seen oceans come and go, I've seen oceans exist no more I've seen oceans fade and die, I've seen oceans thrive But in all my many years, I've never seen an ocean drive But apparently this ocean can drive, because this very, very special road is named after oceans driving. The Atlantic, in this case, which is sometimes warm, usually cold, and occasionally freezing. The Gulf Coast waters are far warmer, but this coastline has the girls, and I mean, the... girls. Perhaps the most amazing fitness/model type girls anywhere in the world, right here on South Beach, in this kind of concentration anyway. (The men aren't bad either) (Many of them look a bit like me) (Tosses hair) It has a distinctly Latin feel to it, but so does Barbie's oh my is that the time, better get on with this review then. So one of my favourite roads in the whole country is Ocean Drive in Miami which is incomparable and beautiful and a life-changing experience, and I've been coming here since I was a teenager and I always will. The powers that be have taken so much away from it and directly or indirectly stolen so much of the experience for people coming here for the first time, that which I was lucky enough to be thrilled by back in 1999 (ahem). But that doesn't change the fact: it is still one of the best experiences in the country for the feel of it, the beach, the road, the clubs, the cafes, The Beautiful People, but definitely not for the food or the drinks which are all overpriced and mainly mediocre at best. And when in Miami, give yourself to the pleasure, rather than shunning it. After all, why would you want to O-shun. read more

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Ocean drive is one of the most beautiful beaches to walk on or drive bye, great restaurants and bars. Expensive!! But worth the view read more

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Pluses: Art Deco Hotels right across from the beach. Their intense, pastel colors. That iconic curve shape and signature sleek style. And all thanks to the Europeans putting their thought and stamp into it way back when. The paved path that stretches from one end to another for a quick run, walk, rollerblading or stroll during the day. And if you want neon- it's all here. Negatives: Worth mentioning, this strip is literally like night and day. We got in on a Sunday early evening and the strip starting on Ocean Drive & 15th St to about 5th St- was swarming with hot messes anxious to be seen and getting in on a bit of this part of Miami Beach's madness. It's just ratchet. I know this strip offers folks that quintessential "Ocean Drive" experience, but my husband and I bypassed all that damn mess for far better and graceful options away from this area. Confused: Every Restaurant's Hostess/Host has a podium stand on their side of the sidewalk and these girls hysterically go out of their way and flag you down to eat at their restaurant. I just thought that was cheesy. But anyhow... read more

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Oh Ocean Drive how I love thee..... This is one of my favourite and regular stomping grounds to cruise up and down with my husband's pride and joy (as well as me of course) his red Maserati Gran Turismo with the roof down to people watch! (eye roll) Everyone has heard of Ocean Drive, has visited it, or wants to visit it - for the fun, frolics, naughtiness, shock factor, people watching, partying, posing, roller blading, sunbathing, eating and the list goes on n on n on! Ocean drive is THE MAIN HUB in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco district. Tourists and locals flock here in their droves for the cool vibe, the pot infused air, the gentle breeze, sea and beach views, people watching (the things you will see!), and a chance to see all the pretty neon lights and soft pastel shades adjoining the beautiful, historical architecture from a past era (there are reputed to be 900 historical buildings). MIAMI VICE ANYONE?! oh and lets not forget the cocktails, dancing, free sights of funnies and shock factor! IT IS NEVER DULL! When you think of Miami beach and the art deco era - you will predominantly think of these hotels, which are situated here - The Colony Hotel (this has just been refurbished - see my recent photographs of it), Clevelander Hotel and the Cavalier Hotel (designed by architect Roy F. France in 1936; it is still considered a masterpiece of the Art Deco movement) Come and enjoy the fun - oh? and if you do see me, give me a wave! read more

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If you go to South Beach or anywhere else in Miami Beach and don't come to Ocean drive, its like going on vacation and staying in your room. Its a must to experience, both during the day and at night, at least once. At night the place is hopping as though it were mid-day with people eating outdoors and indoors, people playing in the park across from the hotels, people running and strolling on the Trail by the beach.. Oh, I forgot to mention that this was at 12:30AM!! Its definitely an amazing vibe to experience and a must on your checklist. read more

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In South Florida going down Ocean Drive cruising was like coming into Manhattan from the suburbs. We love to see the Mansions! It was an all day trip. We left early morning and packed all the beach gear, food, and a change of clothes. After the day at the beach we cleaned up and dressed for a night out. There's plenty of places to go for Happy Hour. We had a nice meal somewhere after drinks. By the time we headed North we were exhausted. I sure wish I had digital photos from that time. I can't share the experience except in words. I have the beautiful visions of colorful architecture and sexy people all in my brain. You have to go yourself and experience the atmosphere. It's like none other in the State of Florida. You get a glimpse of the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. PS If you're in a hurry to get where you're going, don't drive on Ocean Drive. It's a scenic route! read more

I tell everyone to avoid this tourist hot spot. The only time I ever got robbed and the cops made fun at me when I went to report it was here. Groups of tourist ganging up, sellers trying to get you to sit and eat with con deals. While having a drink the same rental Lamborghini driving back and forth blasting music.... Just not my thing. But a must visit as a tourist especially if you want to spot the Versace mansion which you can only enter if you have too much money. read more

Ocean Drive, a must go street if you are ever visiting Miami-Dade county as a whole. Variety of restaurants, from Italian to Cuban to others featuring from live shows to happy hours to events to tours, etc. High security presence ensuring everyone's safety. read more

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This is where we mainly "partied" on South Beach - I use quotation marks because my fiancé and I are almost thirty and boring and only came here during the day. But it's a flashy, club-like atmosphere all day long here with loud music blasting and overpriced drinks abound. We checked out Sugar Factory, Palace and Mango's, but there are many more bars and places to eat beyond that. I was sad I didn't have a chance to check out Voodoo - next time. If you're visiting South Beach for the first time, checking out Ocean Drive is a must. You will absolutely spend way too much money and probably get a little too drunk, but such is life. read more

Ocean Drive - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

If you're going to South Beach, chances are that you'll end up on Ocean Drive. It is filled with hotels, bars, clubs, shops and most importantly breathtaking oceanfront views. While Miami has much to offer, Ocean Drive, is truly a gem. It is fun for people of all ages, but greatly attracts the touristy 40 and under crowds. Our family felt safe having dinner and walking at night. Police presence is high at all times, but incredibly high on Saturday night. Much of Ocean Drive is currently pedestrian only, so bring a good pair of walking shoes and let the good times roll! read more

I am not a crazy night life person so I picked coming here for a leisurely stroll with the hubby. What is a visit to the Miami area without coming here to check out the beach. My luck my vacation did not include a single "beach" day. Weather did not permit so walking along the Drive was the alternative. We picked a nice Sunday afternoon and to our surprise they were having the annual Deco street fair! What a blast. The usual street fair Miami style. Antique cars, kiosks galore, lots of people to watch. The architecture of the area is just magnificent. It takes you back to years gone by. I have seen many photos of the street at night, it has a different personality during the day. For me, equally as nice. Whether you come day or night, it is a lovely place for its's charming sites. read more

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"Stay there till wee hours. Enjoy bar hopping. Luxury cars... Sea breeze. Feel Miami" This st is full of life. Luxury card r roaming around. People celebrating b'days, bachelorette parties ... Go for bar hopping. Stretch is very long bt I guess from 6-7 st to 13-14 st is more lively. Gift shops. Super cool restaurants and yes Pubs. People r crazy for mango cafe bt others pubs definitely deserve a chance, specially Clevelander. I was there till 3 and street was still alive Don't miss this on your Miami tour Parking- it is an issue out there. Either try to park at some hotel valet parking (we went for dreams hotel valet parking) or municipality parking read more

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Art Deco hotels that look fabulous after dark. The colorful lights & tropical foliage is awesome. The crowds changed quickly & it looked seedy and didn't feel safe. read more

Ocean Drive - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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Collins is the new ocean drive due to the close down of ocean drive for the restaurants. All the restaurants are open and mainly for outdoor seating because of COVID. From what I saw a lot of the places enforced social distancing and many staff members from different places wore there masks. Have not been here since the beginning of the year and end of last year slowly businesses are opening up! read more

It was fun walking through here after a day at the beach. The sun had gone down and the party began. Every building has different colored lights and the trees have lights and there was a bunch of shops and a huge variety of restaurants to choose from! An awesome place to be. read more

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Ocean Drive is the main drag between the ocean and the art deco hotels that line the street. Most of the hotels have restaurants that open out onto the street and there's always a "hawker" outside trying to convince you to eat there. I'm always a little wary of restaurants that need a "hawker" to get customers. BTW these are some very expensive restaurants. But a stroll along Ocean Dr. is like stepping back in time to when art deco was all the rage. I love looking at the architecture that's to be found there. The weekend we went this year they were having their local street fair. Lots of vendors selling food and an assortment of other products, clothing, hats, and assorted nick knacks. They also had an antique car show and I saw some very nice vehicles. A walk along Ocean Dr takes me to Lincoln Road whee I continue my walking. read more

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Talk about a Mardi Gras Vibe, this place is a party town city. When you drive down the strip, it's pretty crowded. You'll also see a lot of fun and colorful people. A lot of young people flexing their muscles and cruising about. It's fun, but it is very crowded day and night. People party all night long. While driving down the strip, there's a grassy median in the middle and the ocean is beyond that area. It is not visible from the street. This to me was a disappointment. Parking is also a challenge, but there's plenty of places that will valet you and pick up your car right out of the lane of traffic. If you like to party and you want some fun vibes, Then this is the place to be. If you want peace and quiet and a good nights sleep, you may want to pass this place by or just give it a drive-through. But it is definitely an experience you'll never forget. read more

I learned how to ride my bicycle without training wheels here & that has somehow translated to an endless metaphor about ten rest of my life growing up in the county of Dade. My first legally purchased cocktail was from Wet Willies & my first pair of roller skates were purchased for the boardwalk. Every cat has its alley and this place was my glorious strip as I grew up in the 90's. I consider ocean drive to have two very important calendars: pre and post Versace yet they each have their decadence. Tourists wanna come here, locals want to visit yet neither of us can figure out how to park here. Early in the mornings, it's the best time to come grab a wave before the crowd arrives. The pastel art-deco buildings speak to us each in different ways. To me, Ocean Drive is a quintessential part of my youth that'll never escape my being. Nowadays, it's morphed into a different animal but it's got the same bones. Get the frozen drink, but the stupid flower- live it up...it's Miami, brooooo.... Don't forget the Versace mansion though! read more

I loved walking this strip to people watch but I got tired of turning down people convincing me to eat at their restaurants. Felt like NYC's Little Italy pestering you to go in. For the guys, there are in fact beautiful hostesses and bikini clad pedestrians and tourists you will pass by. For the girls, I only saw fat hairy dudes. Maybe it was too early. Sorry. After awhile, I had to walk the opposite side where the beach is so people can leave us alone. read more

Overwhelming activities and distractions! Tons of bars. Waaaaaaay too expensive for food so you might as well just sit and get a beer but of course if you have money to spend... have at it! Beer is probably the cheapest thing along Ocean Drive. You can sit across the street and people watch. There's some crazy diverse groups of people all along the route. I have yet to be able to walk the whole length of the drive but just to be near the ocean and around the famous S Beach area, it was enough to satisfy me. Disappointed the big clock was broken on the beach side of the street. If you've been there before you know which one I'm talking about plus a transient was laying there which left my friends and I taking odd angle photos trying to cut that person out of the shot. Looks like it's gone a little downhill since I was there last in spring of 2014. I'd still go back if I find myself back down in Miami, but probably for a relaxing time on the beach. read more

Festive, fun and exciting :D a bit over crowded and messy at times My first time in Miami was New Year's Eve and I had a blast from our stay, restaurants, night life and beach life... The boardwalk area was awesomeness to stroll, eat or play sports especially volleyball :) I had a great vacation read more

Ocean Drive - Biking on Ocean dr Boardwalk - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

Attention Party people, Oceans Drive is the place to be for everything saucy, spicy, sexy and hmmm hmmm delicious. Ocean Drive is a cool place to drive down slow with your flash wheels and the music pumping, hummers are a common sight as are Lamborghini`s, Porsche, Ferrari to name a few is definately a place to be seen for real and you may even get to see some celebrities here. Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio own the Cardozo Hotel half way down the strip, Ocean Drive is full of hotels of all sizes, restaurants of many tastes and cafes too, high fashion stores are few. Easy reach to the beach as this famous Esplanade is over looking the beach and if you ever have the chance to sail outbound on the waves, check out the awesome skyline at night, the Colony Hotel has a fantastic neon light display. Nightlife is fantastic with parties going on through the early hours next day, Christmas and New Years the road is closed to traffic and additional seating are made outside many restaurants. There is only one Ocean Drive read more

Ocean Drive - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

We were in Miami in 2020 February. You would swear it's a different place now. It has completely devolved. The businesses that haven't shut down are trashed. The element of people are night and day. It went from being fun and high energy to scary and trashed. I seriously feel sorry for the police here. Everything smells of urine or pot. You can't walk 5 feet without inhaling weed or walking around waste water with who knows what. It reminds me of the decline of Atlantic City. I'll never come back to Miami and recommend you don't either. Complete Shi+hole now. Shame. A year ago it was really nice. read more

This is a must see/do! Its two completely different experiences based on the time of the day you go. During the daytime, its older people and kids around with the occasional oddballs but in the evening its a lot of people with partying on their minds. You will see exotic cars though most are rentals and some celebrities. The people at the restaurants try to get you into their restaurants as you walk by and are not over bearing but it does get old after eating and wanting to walk around. Lots to see and do. read more

This is definitely a party spot! Lots of nice cars.. good looking people ..great and not-so great bodies ! This is the place to come to if you wanna show off your looks ..body and cars. Came down here during a regular weekend (Cinco De Mayo) after a cruise. This was my 1st time I've ever come down here-it was a great experience although I don't know if and when I'll be back. On one end.. it was families walking around enjoying the scenery..on the other end it was very "ratchett"; a lot of chicks walking around with close to nothing on..a lot of guys that will be cat calling ..and over crowded. The majority of the crowd is early to mid twenties..and the atmosphere is like "Greek fest" from back in the day. Although I am glad I experienced it-not sure if I will be going back. read more

People cruising in their cars up and down the street, restaurants, bars, and hotels for the entire length make up the backdrop of constant activity especially at night where the live music comes out and people line the sidewalks. Avoid the road if you are actually trying to get somewhere because it is going to be slow going for the entire run. Otherwise, kick back and enjoy the strip that pretty much defines what South Beach is all about. read more

Terrible Do Pricey. If you decided to sit on the table they charged you different price plus tax plus gratuity. I paid $46.00 for only 2(24onz) beer. I don't recommend for drinks NO WAY read more

Ocean Drive reeks of materialism in excess....it is its own little world. I will say that if you are in Miami, you have to take a stroll moreso for the peoplewatching. I liked checking out the architecture along with the sights and sounds. Not only are high end sports cars a dime a dozen, the lack of clothing seems to be the norm. If you're young/old and want to party, this is the place for you. There are many, many restaurants but expect crowds and spending $$$$. The area is very touristy so just be forewarned. I would recommend parking further out and walking because traffic is a cluster and prime parking is rare. Also, if you stay at a hotel here, be prepared to get very little sleep. Music is always blaring from somewhere. read more

Well of course I love the architecture! But taking great photos here is doomed. Cars everywhere - that is unfortunate. I only went here by evening and night and it was hysterical - and super touristy. All the restaurants seem to have the same menu. They all have this insanely huge drink bowl to share. I wouldn't eat here, nothing genuine about it. Only place I would go to is Johnny Rocket - just because I liked it in DC. I wish the restaurants would have been more retro to match the architecture. Staying at any hotel here must be a nightmare if you like your beauty sleep. Walk on the opposite side of the street to get away from the chaos and to take photos. read more