Is your family craving some fun in the sun with a huge helping of excitement on the side? Plan a trip to South Beach, Florida. Often called SoBe and located in Miami Beach, the South Beach neighborhood is always a happening place. Restaurants abound, there is no shortage of shops, and, in this tropical climate, the average temperature rarely drops below 70 degrees during the summer months. The beach is packed even in winter when low temperatures remain around 55 degrees. With vacationers traveling from all over the globe to visit South Beach, there are many vacation rentals in South Beach to choose from. Find a place in one of these top 10 cities.
1. South Beach
Snag a rental right in the heart of South Beach to appreciate the neighborhood’s Art Deco architecture and youthful vibe. Head over to Citibike to rent bikes for the family, or make your way by hoverboard, a popular mode of transportation in this quirky city. There’s never a dull moment on Ocean Drive, and the 177-acre Haulover Park boasts fishing and a fresh market. Head to Haulover on Tuesday nights for the food truck round-up.
2. Miami Beach
Stay right in the heart of Miami Beach with a vacation rental in the city. Take in the architecture of the 1930s and ’40s with a guided tour of over 800 buildings. Don’t let the adventurers in the family leave without a speedboat sightseeing tour. Like the Central Park of Miami, South Pointe Park is the perfect location to watch the sunset or take your lunch to the pier to watch the cruise ships arrive.
3. Sunny Isles Beach
Just north of South Beach, Sunny Isles Beach is the ideal destination for the family that loves to vacation in the lap of luxury. White sand beaches stretch on for miles, and world-class restaurants dot the palm tree-lined streets. Plenty of adventure awaits, and there are spas aplenty for your pampering needs. If you’re craving Mexican, look no further than Barrio Latino Restaurant, or grab a few slices from Pizza Bianco to eat on your walk to Pier Park.
4. Fisher Island
Just 3 miles off of the coast of Florida, Fisher Island is a private paradise that’s only reachable by boat or ferry. The atmosphere here is very laid-back and relaxed, and the island has been home to many famous residents, including Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey. For a delicious Italian meal for dinner, visit Porto Cervo on Fisher Island, or take a boat to South Pointe for seafood from Joe’s Stone Crab.
5. Miami
Miami truly has something for everyone. Shopping destinations range from luxury boutiques to mom-and-pop shops, and adventure sports are in no short supply. The ultimate vacation spot for pro sports fans, Miami boasts the Marlins, Dolphins, HEAT, and Panthers, so you can catch a game virtually any time of the year. Snap some photos at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or take a seaplane tour of the city.
6. Coral Gables
Choose a vacation rental in Coral Gables to take advantage of the Miracle Mile, a shopper’s paradise with some incredible eateries mixed in for good measure. Take in the beauty of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, or check out the exhibits at the Lowe Art Museum. For an outstanding Caribbean meal, you can’t go wrong with Ortanique on the Mile, but if a burger is more your style, Shake Shack is the place to be.
7. Surfside
Opt for a vacation rental in quaint Surfside to enjoy the tranquil neighborhood outside your door. Sitting just north of Miami Beach, Surfside boasts luxurious beachfront views. Enjoy the white sand and uncrowded beaches, and try the fine Japanese dining at Makoto. For a Greek meal for the whole family, try Atlantikos.
8. Key Biscayne
If you love island life, look for a vacation rental on Key Biscayne. This beach paradise offers stunning views and two incredible parks, Crandon Park at the north and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the south. Visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse for a magnificent photo op, and take the kids to the Miami Seaquarium. Take the family to the Rusty Pelican for fantastic food and waterfront views.
9. Aventura
Aventura has something for every member of the family. One of this Miami suburb’s best features is the Aventura Mall, where you can shop until you drop. For the golfer, Aventura offers two championship golf courses. Go for a run along Aventura Circle or the Don Soffer Exercise Trail, or visit a spa for a relaxing treat. Be sure to grab lunch at the Bagel Cover Restaurant & Deli during your stay in Aventura.
10. Hollywood
Voted the Best Beach for Families, Hollywood, Florida, has shopping, eateries, outdoor adventures, and its 2.5-mile Broadwalk, the perfect destination for an evening stroll with the kids. The Anne Kolb Nature Center is a great place to spend the day, and the ArtsPark at Young Circle has fountains that are sure to delight the little ones. Shop at the Yellow Green Farmers Market to make dinner at your vacation rental, or grab a bite at The Taco Spot.