South Beach is the southern end of Miami Beach, Florida, and the beach stretch commonly called South Beach runs beside Lummus Park. You can pair time on the sand with the park’s paths and facilities, while checking current swimming conditions before heading into the water.
- Where: Along the southern end of Miami Beach, beside Lummus Park.
- Beach stretch: From 5th Street to 14th Place.
- Park setting: Lummus Park runs along Ocean Drive between 5th Street and 14th Place.
- Swimming: The City advises swimming near a lifeguard stand.
Where does South Beach begin?
South Beach refers to the southern end of Miami Beach, while the beach stretch commonly meant by the name runs beside Lummus Park from 5th Street to 14th Place. The park sits along Ocean Drive, giving you a clear reference point when choosing which stretch of sand to visit.
Lummus Park covers 26.34 acres and is part of the South Beach neighborhood. Its beachfront path runs for 10 blocks, so you can move between the beach and Ocean Drive along the same corridor.
What can you use at the beach and in Lummus Park?
Lummus Park provides beach access, paved walking and biking paths, a playground, a pavilion shelter and 9th Street Muscle Beach. It also has 18 sand volleyball courts, and Ocean Drive has dedicated north-south bike lanes.
Public restrooms are at 6th, 10th and 14th Streets. Water fountains are located at those restrooms and at beach wash stations, which can help you plan a route between the park and the sand.
For accessible beach access, the City says smooth, continuous-surface mats are available at multiple entry points in South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach. Manual beach wheelchairs are available free on a first-come, first-served basis at Lummus Park and South Pointe Park. Call 305.673.7714 to confirm availability before relying on one.
Beach-wheelchair service runs from 9 am to 4:30 pm from November through January, and from 9 am to 6 pm from February through October. These chairs can enter water up to 6 inches deep, are not self-propelled, and require someone to assist; the City advises users to remain close to shore.
What are the swimming rules and safety basics?
Miami Beach ocean beaches are designated recreational swimming areas, with swim buoys restricting boating traffic. The City advises you to swim near a lifeguard stand; South Beach towers include Jetty, 100, 1st Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street and 5th Street.
Before swimming, check the City’s current beach conditions for tide information, swimming advisories, water temperature and lifeguard duty hours. For weather conditions, call the Ocean Rescue Hotline at 305.673.7714 and select option 1; option 2 connects you with a person.
Beach rules prohibit alcohol, smoking, cigarettes, coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables, loud music, glass containers, Styrofoam, plastic straws and balloons. Keep these restrictions in mind when packing for the beach.
How do you get from Ocean Drive to South Beach?
Ocean Drive runs beside Lummus Park, so the park’s beach access points connect the street with the sand. The beach stretch described as South Beach follows the shoreline from 5th Street to 14th Place; choose an entrance along that stretch to reach the section you have in mind.
If you plan to walk or bike along the beachfront, the 10-block path through Lummus Park follows the shore, while Ocean Drive’s dedicated bike lanes run north and south. For a different waterfront outing farther south, what to know about South Pointe Park can help you plan another stop.
What else can you do in Lummus Park?
Lummus Park gives you a mix of beachside paths, recreation and places to pause without leaving the South Beach shoreline. You can walk or bike the paved routes, use the playground or visit 9th Street Muscle Beach at Ocean Drive and 9th Street.
The outdoor barbell gym equipment at 6th Street and Ocean Drive and Muscle Beach operate from 7:30 am to sunset. Lummus Park itself is open Monday through Sunday from sunrise to 12 am. Hours can change, so check the official site before you go; the operator is the City of Miami Beach.
When should you visit South Beach?
South Beach access and swimming conditions depend on current beach conditions, so check tide information, advisories, water temperature and lifeguard duty hours before setting out. If using a manual beach wheelchair, confirm availability by phone and plan around the service hours, which vary by season.
From Casa Grande Suites on Ocean Drive, Casa Grande suites near South Beach are about a 7-minute walk from the beach. That makes it practical to head there on foot, then use the street entrances and Lummus Park paths to choose where to spend your time.
FAQs
Is South Beach the same as Miami Beach?
South Beach is the southern end of Miami Beach, not the whole city. The commonly meant beach stretch beside Lummus Park runs from 5th Street to 14th Place.
Are there restrooms and water fountains at South Beach?
Lummus Park has public restrooms and water fountains at 6th, 10th and 14th Streets. Water fountains are also located at beach wash stations.
Can you bring alcohol or an inflatable to the beach?
No. City beach rules prohibit alcohol and inflatable devices, along with items including coolers, tents, tables and glass containers.
Where can you get beach wheelchair availability information?
Call 305.673.7714 to confirm availability at Lummus Park or South Pointe Park. The manual chairs are free and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.