Where To Stay, Dine & Play On Ocean Drive

On dreamy Ocean Drive, iconic beach views, cafe-style dining and Art Deco architecture form the backdrop for your fun-filled time in Miami Beach.

When travelers think of Greater Miami & Miami Beach, one of the first images that comes to mind is colorful Ocean Drive and South Beach’s famous Art Deco Historic District. Lined with stylish, pastel-hued hotels, restaurants that spill out onto the sidewalk, and boutique beach shops, this street facing Lummus Park and the beach is the place to go for some excellent people-watching. It’s no surprise that such a beautiful destination has served as the setting for some of Hollywood’s most iconic films and TV shows, including The Birdcage and Miami Vice.

Want to check it out? Head toward the ocean, between 1st and 15th streets, and start exploring. There’s no telling what (or who) you’ll see!

Where To Stay On Ocean Drive

Of all the amazing things you’ll come across on Ocean Drive, the Art Deco-style boutique hotels are the most iconic. In fact, if you stroll along this hip stretch, you’ll see dozens of them.

Start at Miami Beach’s southernmost point, in the stunning South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood. The Marriott Stanton South Beach is a deluxe oceanfront hotel with colorful rooms, expansive balconies, unbelievable views, Michelin-recognized Japanese food at Azabu Miami Beach and, for Mexican food lovers, Lolo’s Surf Cantina.

Looking for a taste of over-the-top Miami? Book a room at The Villa Casa Casuarina, and live in the lap of luxury in what was once the Gianni Versace mansion. These days, you’ll be treated to the best service, oversized Italian marble bathrooms, a gold-clad pool, a lavish rooftop lounge and exclusive watering holes.

A must-stay spot is The Betsy - South Beach. This enchanting hotel is known for its sparkling rooftop pool. The hotel is home to one of South Beach’s top restaurants, Laurent Tourondel’s LT Steak & Seafood.

Where To Dine On Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive offers something for everyone, from casual sandwich shops and see-and-be-seen sidewalk eateries to romantic, star-studded restaurants.

If you’re interested in a fancy date night spot, try one of Ocean Drive’s more upscale restaurant options. A Fish Called Avalon fuses fresh seafood with wonderful service, while Gianni’s at The Villa Casuarina promises an upscale Mediterranean meal in unforgettable surroundings.

Within walking distance of Ocean Drive, Joe’s Stone Crab and Smith & Wollensky are two more can’t-miss spots. For a real treat, the modern steakhouse and popular celebrity hangout Prime 112 is known for its quality dry-aged beef, truffle lobster mac and cheese, and Kobe beef sliders. Like most places on Ocean Drive, it offers A-list people-watching in addition to top-notch cuisine.

Where To Play On Ocean Drive

You'll get an up-close look at the Art Deco architectural gems from the 1920s that put Ocean Drive on the National Register of Historic Places. The Art Deco Welcome Center, which sits right on Ocean Drive, offers self-guided audio tours that tell you everything you want to know about Miami Beach’s Art Deco past.

For the LGBTQ+ scene, head to the beach at 11th/12th Street and Ocean Drive (across the street from Palace Bar & Restaurant and its ever-popular drag brunch).

At night you can combine the beach and club scene at Nikki Beach. For something quintessentially Miami, try Salsa dancing at Mango’s Tropical Cafe.

The Clevelander South Beach always promises a good time. It throws epic pool parties with top DJs and has nine bars, a C-Level Rooftop Terrace with private cabanas and waterfalls, the SPF4 Sun Deck and a VIP terrace that keeps the party going.

During the day, if you’re looking for a break from the beach, shopping is a fun alternative. While Ocean Drive is mostly filled with tourist shops, funky boutiques and bikini shops, Collins Avenue, just a block over, has all the designer stores you might need.

Visitor Information

Your best bet for parking around Ocean Drive is in one of Miami Beach’s garages. They’re located at 7th Street and Collins Avenue, 13th Street and Collins Avenue, and 16th Street and Collins Avenue. There are also parking lots all around, as far south as South Pointe Park and as far west as Alton Road.

Metered street parking is available on some streets. Before parking, make sure you’re not in a zone that’s reserved for residents only.

Public restrooms are located in Lummus Park, at 14th Street and Ocean Drive, and at 5th Street and Ocean Drive.