Enjoy breezy, sunny days in South Beach, Florida, which is known as the oceanfront heart of Miami. Compact and easy to navigate on foot or by car, this welcoming city is a convenient destination for families with kids of all ages. Stroll down to the beach for a day full of swimming, or experience the laid-back vibe on Ocean Drive or Lincoln Road. Plan an exciting, child-friendly vacation with these entertaining activities and attractions, which are all located a short bike or drive from most accommodations. Browse through an abundance of incredible South Beach vacation rentals, and book your stay today. Here are the most popular family-friendly activities in South Beach.
1. Hit the Beach
Start your trip with a visit to the centerpiece of South Beach: the wide, long strip of shoreline that runs along the eastern edge of the city. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas to create a shady base camp, and spend the days enjoying the wonderful South Florida weather. Swim in the ocean, and rent a boogie board when the waves pick up. Pack snacks, or simply treat your little ones to a casual meal from one of the area’s food trucks. The ocean is warm year-round, so your little ones can enjoy the water during any month.
2. Learn to Surf
Get into the South Beach lifestyle with a family surf lesson. Companies such as SoBe Surf and South Beach Dive and Surf Center offer group lessons that are tailored to each person’s skill level. Little ones are welcome; the gentle waves on South Beach create a fun, safe learning environment. Lessons include board rentals, and both shops offer additional rental time after the lesson for practice. If anyone in the family prefers a slower-paced sport, opt for a paddle-board lesson.
3. Catch a Wallcast
Introduce your kids to culture with a Wallcast concert at the New World Center. Pack a blanket or camp chairs and head for the center’s SoundScape Park, where the concerts are projected onto a 7,000 square foot wall. The outdoor setting is a great choice for families with kids of varying ages; little ones can enjoy playing in the grass while the adults and older children watch the concert. All events are free and open to the public, so it’s a good idea to arrive early and secure a good spot.
Find the perfect South Beach vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Dine Outdoors
Experience South Beach’s fun-loving social scene with an outdoor meal on Ocean Drive. Here, many restaurants feature seating areas that border the sidewalk, so you can enjoy the city’s best people-watching as you dine. Choose from a wide range of popular restaurants, including Sushi Siam and News Cafe. If you’re visiting in the evening or on a weekend, consider making a reservation in advance to ensure that you get an outdoor table.
5. Wander Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is a must-see attraction on any trip to South Beach. This pedestrian area is completely free of cars, so your kids can explore safely. Allow plenty of time to wander through stores, stop into restaurants for a snack, or check out the live music that often rings out from local establishments. With kids, Dylan’s Candy Bar is a fun place to pick up snacks for your vacation. On the weekend, visit the farmers market to try local foods and enjoy the atmosphere.
6. Tour the Town
Get a feeling for the layout of South Beach by touring it by bike. Rent beach cruisers and kids’ bikes from companies such as Bike and Roll, and pedal at your own pace. The city also features Citi Bike kiosks, which enable effortless bike checkout and return. If you’d rather leave the planning to someone else, opt for a guided tour; for families with older kids, a Segway tour is a memorable way to get around the neighborhood.
7. Go Fishing
Reel in your dinner with a fishing trip. The most convenient spot in town is the pier at South Pointe Park, which sits at the southern end of South Beach. Fish directly off of the pier, and watch other anglers bring in snapper or Spanish mackerel. A large bike rack at the end of the pier makes it easy to store your bikes, and onsite restrooms keep everyone comfortable.
8. Play in Lummus Park
Let your kids run off their energy in Lummus Park, an enormous green space that stretches along the South Beach waterfront. Walk along the west side for views of the area’s Art Deco architecture, or play in the grass at the center. Bring your bikes to explore the paved paths; they sit a safe distance from traffic for maximum peace of mind, so parents can relax. Look out for the movie crews that frequently film scenes in the park, and stop in to play volleyball on one of the local sand courts.
9. Watch Boats at South Pointe Park
Watch massive cruise ships head out to sea at South Pointe Park. This lovely spot borders the ocean and Biscayne Bay, creating beautiful views. Stand along the southern end of the park for the best views; this spot puts you close enough to wave to ship passengers as they pass. The channel also serves as a thoroughfare for sailboats, speedboats, and other watercraft. An onsite mini water park and playground keep little ones busy, and the stroller-friendly observation deck offers stunning views of the beach.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing South Beach vacation rentals on Tripping.com.