Lincoln Road, Miami Beach: What to See & Do and Where to Eat, Drink & Stay

Sandwiched between the City Center and Art Deco District, Lincoln Road is one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of Miami Beach. Here, between Alton Road and Washington Avenue, you’ll find the city’s hottest shopping district, cultural area, and foodie haven.

Shop ’til your drop along the outdoor pedestrian mall, poking into retail stores and local boutiques. Head to the Colony Theater for the 305’s best local productions in a historic Art Deco venue or to the New World Center for a world-class symphony performance. Try authentic Cuban at Havana 1957, or sample international cuisine from around the world at Time Out Market Miami. End your day at the Sky Yard, sipping cocktails and looking out at stunning city views.

Ready to plan the ultimate Miami Beach holiday? Use this guide to discover what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay along Lincoln Road!

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What to see & do on Lincoln Road

Museum of Illusions Miami

Looking for some family-friendly fun on Lincoln Road? Immerse yourself in a world of life-size optical illusions at the Museum of Illusions, Miami. This is the ultimate spot for families to have a blast by challenging reality and posing in an array of unbelievable scenes.

Snap some Instagram-worthy shots as you hold onto the roof of a zooming cop car. Slam dunk on the court alongside the Miami Heat, then rev up a chainsaw and put on a brave face as a zombie claws through the door. Strike your best “anti-gravity” pose as you float around a space station with a guitar-playing astronaut.

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Let your imagination run wild, and get ready for some goofy moments while exploring the quirky scenes of The Museum of Illusions. Don’t leave without testing out the plate smash exhibit; it’s exactly what it sounds like. Gear up with some goggles, and get ready to fling some saucers!

Colony Theatre

The Colony Theatre is a theater experience like none other. A Lincoln Road and Miami Beach icon and a symbol of creativity, diversity, and Art Deco heritage. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll connect with characters in a way that feels deeply personal as you witness stories about locals told by locals.

Colony Theatre

As you strut down Lincoln Road, the classic, geometric Art Deco silhouette exterior of the Colony Theater will catch your eye. Take a closer look at the current lineup, and snag some tickets. Join the Miami New Drama production team at one of their world-class shows.

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Witness World Premier Plays at the Colony Theater. Go on a cultural journey with Elián, a heartfelt take on events that affected Cuban Americans in Miami. Or, grab tickets for Defacing Michael Jackson, the touching story of growing up and self-identity, set in Miami Dade County itself.

Soundscape Park

Need a break from the busy pace of Miami Beach? Where 17th Street meets Washington Avenue, Soundscape Park is the perfect place to escape the hubbub of Lincoln Road. One of Miami Beach’s best public parks, this lush green space may be just the dose of rejuvenation you’re looking for.

Soundscape Park

Spend a couple of hours taking in the peaceful scenery intertwined with fascinating modern art. The flowering trees are encased with white trellis sculptures that connect each tree together, creating an interesting interwoven canopy. Walk under the shade of the nature-infused art pieces and continue along the cool, palm tree-lined path.

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As Soundscape Park is a favorite spot for community events, you’ll find movie showings and group yoga sessions held regularly. Bring along a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, and let the melodious tunes from the nearby New World Center wash over you.

New World Center

Discover Miami Beach’s musical side at the New World Center. Enjoy an evening of symphonic bliss in the magnificent performance hall. Join the musicians of America’s Orchestral Academy, the best of the best, as they train for leadership positions around the world.

New World Center

Pass through Soundscape Park on your way to the New World Center, the glow from the imposing window-wall lighting your way. Settle into your seat in the modern concert hall, and let the elegant woodwinds, sonorous brass, and rolling percussion of the New World Symphony swirl around you. Dynamic bursts of color and light are projected onto the walls, taking you on an immersive musical journey.

Before the show, make reservations for dinner at the performance hall’s fine dining eatery, Thierry’s. Indulge in French classics with a Mediterranean and Caribbean twist.

The New World Center also hosts ensembles like the Cleveland Orchestra and the South Florida Symphony, so check the box office for updates about your visit.

Romero Britto Fine Art Gallery

Art enthusiasts are in for a treat at the Romero Britto Fine Art Gallery. Uncover one of Lincoln Road’s top spots for appreciating fine art with pizzaz. Spend an afternoon browsing and shopping at visual artist Romero Britto’s premier gallery and store.

Romero Britto Fine Art Gallery

Enter inside the gallery, and you’ll be met with pops of vibrant color and glitter across Britto’s masterpieces. Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the mixed media creations. The playful nature of Britto’s works tells stories through bold, blocked geometric designs and patterns, depicting hearts, food, people, places, and everything in between.

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In true Florida fashion, peek through the showcase of Disney-inspired sculptures like multicolored Tinkerbell and the Mouse himself. Admire the nuances of Britto’s take on The Last Supper or his work titled Miami Beach Paradise. If you see a piece you fall in love with, take it home as your Lincoln Road fine art souvenir!

Time Out Market Miami

Sample the best of Miami Beach’s culinary scene under one roof at the Time Out Market Miami. With over 18 restaurants spanning 17,000 square feet—from Mexican to pizza and fried chicken to sushi—Time Out Market has something for everyone.

Wander through this open space establishment adjacent to the Lincoln Road Mall as the savory smells of decadent dishes waft toward you. Sip a glass of vino at Vinya Organic Wine Bar, or cure your cravings with Miami Beach’s best cookies at The Blakery.

Dig into Basque-inspired meals at Lur, and Chinese cuisine at The Rogue Panda. Grab a seat at Pizzella for perfect pies or Little Liberty for the juiciest burgers around.

Check the events schedule before your visit to see what special events Time Out Market Miami will be hosting while you’re in the area. Break out your best moves for salsa dancing nights or DJ festivals, or appreciate the pieces in the rotating art installations.

Where to eat & drink

Worked up an appetite traversing Lincoln Road? Lucky for you, Lincoln Road is a foodie paradise! Its central location means it’s home to some of the best eateries in Miami Beach.

The tender steaks, smokey ribs, and flavorful paella at Ole Ole Steak House make this one of Lincoln Road’s best spots for meat lovers. Take your pick from prime tomahawk, Black Angus, ribeye, and more, grilled to perfection and served alongside classic Spanish and South American dishes.

Head over to Tapelia Spanish Cuisine for an alfresco dining experience and Miami Beach’s best paella with ingredients delivered straight from Spain. Tuck into Tapelia Bourbon Mussells, a Mediterranean Flatbread, or their signature Black Rice Paella.

Restaurant in Miami Beach

Can’t fit Miami’s Little Havana into your itinerary? Taste a bit of The 305’s Cuban culture at Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine Lincoln Road. Step inside this Cuban restaurant to be transported back to 1950s Cuba with memorabilia-adorned walls and antiques lining the shelves. Get cozy in the intimate low lighting of the dining room, or head out to the sprawling patio and dig into authentic Cuban dishes.

Heading toward the west end of the road, Groovy’s is a laid-back spot with hearty homemade dishes. The ambiance of sitting outside people watching the pedestrians as you enjoy hookah and munch on hand-tossed pizza is unbeatable.

Indulge in top-notch hookah with spectacular views of Lincoln Road at the Sky Yard. Choose your hookah flavor, order cocktails or cold beers, lean back, and relax above the city. Or, opt for the high-end elegance of Lapidus Bar, located in the Ritz-Carlton.

Where to stay

Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel

Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel

After a day of shopping and exploring Lincoln Road, take it easy at the Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel. Soak up some rays by the rooftop pool or the hotel’s reserved stretch of shoreline. Choose a King Corner Room to wake up to magnificent views of the city and the dazzling blue South Florida sky.

Loews Miami Beach

Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Families in the area will love the Lowes Miami Beach Hotel. Head down to the hotel’s beachfront space and kayak, boogie board, and banana boat ride the day away. Challenge your family to a competition at the arcade games in the Rec Room, and unwind in the modern, beach-chic rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is ideal for an upscale Miami Beach stay. After a day of fun in the sun lounging on the day beds or playing at the resort’s beach, retire to the elegant modern yet 60s-esque styled rooms. Choose an ocean or pool-facing balcony room for peak holiday vibes.

Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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