South Miami Beach gets all the accolades for being among the most hip neighbourhoods in the United States of America. The art deco buildings and the beach vibe to the area make the place among the most worthwhile to visit on any trip to Florida. Did the area meet up to it’s fame and accolades?

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This post is one chapter on our trip to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America. This trip was enhanced through Alaska Mileage Plan and through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.

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Activity: Breakfast in South Miami Beach, Florida, United States of America.

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I woke up at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. MrsWT73 went for the last day of her conference and I took the rental car for a touristy drive to South Beach in Miami. It was 41 minutes away on the Google Maps, but with traffic, construction and parking, it was more like an hour and a half by the time I got settled.

Breakfast at “The Social Club”:

I ended up driving to the 17th avenue parking garage in Miami Beach and ended up going for a Trip Advisor “top rated” breakfast at The Social Club restaurant at 1701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach. It is situated right next to the SLS Miami Beach with a silver Lamborghini parked out front. I had no trouble getting an Open Table reservation for one. This was my kind of place as it served breakfast brunch until 3 PM every day. Although it had no view of the water, it was a nice place to be with both indoor seating and a patio. I opted for the patio.

I had the well rated “The Breakfast Sandwich”, which was a tasty mix of an over-easy egg, maple bourbon bacon, avocado, heirloom tomato, toasted challah and breakfast potatoes along with an excellent smooth Café con Leche. It was nice and filling and the service here was unusually terrific considering it probably lives on tourists coming through. I passed on the unlimited mimosas for $30 since I was driving today. LOL.

There was no view of the water from this restaurant but the people watching on Collins Drive was pretty good on its’ own.

Strolling Down Ocean Drive:

After breakfast, I took a walk down Ocean Drive towards 7th avenue. It’s typically known as the Art Deco District and has many refurbished hotels. The buildings are all of the 1920 – 1930’s era. Although architecture is outstanding, its an endless patio district full of tourists. I think it actually shows better in these photographs than in person.

The Art Deco Buildings of the Miami Beach Strip:

There were some pretty unique examples of properties to visit. It was neat to think back of what beach holidays and glamour would have been like almost 80 years ago in the 1920’s and 1930’s when this area was built up.

As mentioned, there were endless beach front patios with tourists taking in the the Ocean Drive strip. The walk down Ocean Drive today involves navigating between a lot of restaurant hosts (or touts). They weren’t too pushy but it was a less authentic experience than a relaxing beach environment. More like, come on in for a $20 drink…

I didn’t realize it at the time, but Winter Haven pictured below is actually available through Marriott as an Autograph collection hotel (or on points for that matter).

Passing by Gianni Versace’s Residence:

I ended up bypassing my previous favourite, the News Café; a 24 hour breakfast and coffee bar due to time constraints. Almost right next door, there was a small crowd outside Gianni Versace’s residence which has now been converted into a hotel / restaurant.

In summary, a rather pleasant afternoon. I made my way back to Fort Lauderdale and we took an evening of factory outlet shopping at the most excellent Sawgrass Mills. We allotted ourselves 2 hours but could have easily spent 4. There were heaps of Europeans wandering around with full suitcases in the premium outlets section buying up everything in sight.

My Thoughts on my Visit to South Beach:

Miami Beach is an interesting neighbourhood to visit. Having been around since the last time I was through here about 10 years ago, the place has lost a bit of it’s charm and twinkle from my perspective. Although the buildings are impressive, it’s a bit of a tourist strip filled with those getting their “experience” on Ocean Drive. Those looking for the token Miami experience will do well here… others like myself should come for the buildings, take their photos, and enjoy the food and beverage along with the locals just off the strip.

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If you’ve visited Miami Beach, did you find it over the top touristy, or a place that represents the true Miami Beach vibe ?

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