North Beach Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat and experience in North Beach Miami with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip today!


Introduction to North Beach

North Beach is a vibrant neighborhood in Miami Beach, located in Miami-Dade County, in Greater Miami. It boasts a beautiful beach as well as excellent restaurants and cultural offerings. North Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sunny Florida weather while exploring the city’s diverse history and culture. In this guide, we will explore the best ways to experience and explore North Beach.

List of Places to Visit in North Beach

Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor adventurer, or both, North Beach has something to offer. Check out our list of must-visit places to experience the beauty and culture of the area.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • North Beach Bandshell: an iconic open-air amphitheater located on Collins Avenue and 72nd Street. It hosts a variety of musical performances and cultural events throughout the year.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art: a cutting-edge museum that showcases modern art from around the world.
  • Bass Museum of Art: a museum that features a vast collection of art from America, Europe, and Asia.
  • Holocaust Memorial: a poignant memorial dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims.

Natural Attractions of North Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • North Beach: a stunning white-sand beach situated along the Atlantic Ocean. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
  • Indian Creek Waterway Trail: a beautiful 6-mile trail that winds through lush mangroves, parks, and scenic waterways.
  • North Shore Open Space Park: a lovely park featuring walking trails, lush vegetation, and picnic areas.
  • Oleta River State Park: located just a few miles from North Beach, this park has miles of biking and hiking trails, including a challenging mountain bike trail.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Beach

North Beach offers a plethora of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best trails include:

  • Indian Creek Waterway Trail: a 6-mile trail that takes you through scenic waterways, lush mangroves, and parks.
  • Haulover Park: a park with over 1.4 miles of beachfront and a variety of biking and hiking trails.
  • Oleta River State Park: With over 15 miles of bike trails ranging from easy to challenging, Oleta River State Park is perfect for biking enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do in North Beach: Activities and Tours

North Beach has a lot to offer in terms of activities and tours. Here are a few must-see attractions:

  • Miami Beach Botanical Garden: a beautiful garden featuring native Florida plants and stunning water features.
  • Lincoln Road Mall: a pedestrian-only shopping and entertainment district that is home to more than 200 outdoor cafes and shops.
  • South Beach: known for its colorful lifeguard towers, art deco buildings, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Miami Beach Boardwalk: a 4-mile boardwalk that allows you to take a scenic stroll along the beach.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Beach

Day 1: Explore the North Beach Bandshell and soak up the sun at North Beach

Day 2: Take a stroll along the Indian Creek Waterway Trail and explore the North Shore Open Space Park.

Day 3: Visit the Bass Museum of Art and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

Day 4: Try mountain biking on the challenging trails at Oleta River State Park.

Day 5: Go shopping and people-watching along Lincoln Road Mall.

Day 6: Take a day trip to nearby South Beach, known for its vibrant nightlife.

Day 7: Relax and unwind at the beach.

Food and Drink Scene of North Beach

North Beach’s food and drink scene is as diverse as its culture. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cuban sandwich: a staple of Miami’s food scene, with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
  • Stone crabs: a South Florida delicacy typically served with mustard sauce.
  • Parrillada for Two: a South American mixed grill that includes various meats and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Cafecito: a Cuban espresso shot with a little bit of sugar.
  • Pastelito de Guayaba: a guava-filled pastry popular in Cuban bakeries.
  • Mojito: a rum-based cocktail with sugar, lime juice, soda, and mint.

Where to Stay in North Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North Beach has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are some of our top picks:

  • The Palms Hotel & Spa: a luxurious beachfront hotel with a full-service spa and an outdoor pool.
  • Deauville Beach Resort: an Art Deco-style hotel located just steps away from the beach and featuring a saltwater pool.
  • Pousada Suites: a budget-friendly guesthouse located just a few minutes’ walk from North Beach and featuring a communal kitchen.

What to Buy in North Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring home a piece of North Beach with you by picking up a souvenir or local product. Some of the best options include:

  • Art Deco prints and posters: Miami Beach is known for its unique Art Deco architecture, and prints and posters of these historic buildings make great souvenirs.
  • Cuban coffee: take home a bag of the famous Cafecito coffee beans.
  • Cigars: with its proximity to Cuba, Miami is famous for its authentic Cuban cigars.

Local Culture and Customs of North Beach

North Beach is a melting pot of cultures and customs. Visitors should be aware that the city has a prevalent Latin American influence, with many residents speaking Spanish as their first language. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of local customs and learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance their experience.

Best Time to Visit North Beach

The best time to visit North Beach is from November to April when the weather is sunny and mild. Summers can be hot and humid, but the beaches are less crowded than during the peak season.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Beach

Do:

  • Take a stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk.
  • Visit the Holocaust Memorial to pay your respects to Holocaust victims.
  • Try the famous Cuban sandwich and local coffee.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables unattended at the beach.
  • Wear revealing or inappropriate clothing.
  • Be disrespectful to local culture and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Beach

North Beach is a generally safe area, but it’s always important to exercise basic safety precautions. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and keep their valuables close at hand. It’s also important to be cautious when swimming in the ocean and obey any posted warnings or notices.

Health in North Beach

North Beach offers a variety of healthcare options, including physicians and hospitals. Visitors are advised to carry their health insurance information and have adequate medical coverage while traveling.

Getting to North Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several options for traveling to North Beach:

Airports Near North Beach

Miami International Airport is the closest airport to North Beach, located approximately 15 miles away. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is also nearby, located 25 miles away.

Bus Stations Near North Beach

Greyhound offers bus service to the Miami area. The Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Miami is approximately 7 miles from North Beach.

Other Options

If you’re traveling from a nearby location, driving is a great option. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also readily available in the Miami area.

How to Get Around in North Beach

North Beach is a walkable area, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also rent bikes to explore the area more easily and efficiently.

Where to Go Next from North Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you find yourself with extra time in the Miami area, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Everglades National Park: just a short drive from Miami, the Everglades offer a unique glimpse of Florida’s natural beauty.
  • Key West: take a day trip to this charming island town, located just a short drive from Miami.
  • Orlando: visit the theme park capital of the world, located approximately 235 miles away.

Conclusion

North Beach is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. From beautiful beaches to cutting-edge cultural offerings, North Beach is the perfect place to experience all that Miami has to offer. Plan your trip today to experience the best that this exciting neighborhood has to offer!