South of Fifth (SoFi), Miami Beach: What to Do and Where to Eat, Drink & Stay

Occupying the southern tip of Miami Beach, the South of Fifth (SoFi) enclave of South Beach is one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. The area stretches southward from 5th Street to the bayfront at beautiful South Pointe Park, wedged between the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and Government Cut.

Although it’s mostly residential and filled with luxury condos, SoFi offers plenty for travelers, too. Spend the day browsing museums, admiring ocean views from its seaside promenades, and stretching out on the white sands. Retire to one of the area’s many top-notch restaurants and bars, numbering among the city’s finest.

Ready to plan the ultimate visit to Miami Beach’s South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood? Get jazzed up with this complete guide for what to see & do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay!

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What to see & do in South of Fifth (SoFi)

South Pointe Park

The crowning jewel of SoFi, South Pointe Park isn’t just the neighborhood’s top destination; it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Miami and one of the loveliest parks on the continent.

South Pointe Park spreads across 17 acres of beautiful oceanfront at the very tip of South Beach. Wander along its breezy seaside walking paths, soaking up the shoreline scenery and views of Downtown Miami and Fisher Island.

South Pointe Park

If you’re visiting Miami with the little ones, set them loose to burn a little energy on the park’s playgrounds. They’ll also love cooling down in the hot South Florida sun at the splash parks.

All that walking’s got you hungry? One of the best things to do in Miami Beach is to bring your appetite to Smith & Wollensky in the center of South Pointe Park. Gobble down some world-class surf & turf while watching the waves lap the shoreline.

Rather catch your dinner? Grab your rod and reel and cast out a line on South Pointe Park Pier. Jutting out 450 feet into the Atlantic waters, it’s a prime spot for soaking up Miami Beach’s seaside glory.

South Pointe Beach

Looking to cool down while exploring South of Fifth? Splash around in the waves on South Pointe Beach. One of the most popular beaches in Miami, this stretch of sand is a quiet alternative to South Beach’s busier shoreline north of 5th Street next to Lummus Park.

South Pointe Beach

Grab a surfboard, kayak, or paddleboard to get the most out of the Atlantic charms of South Pointe Beach. Or, for a lazier day, one of the best things to do in South Beach is to rent an umbrella and beach chair and set yourself onto “Chill Mode.”

Be sure to bring along our camera to capture the colorful and highly Instammable lifeguard towers dotting the shoreline!

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

Add a dash of history & culture to your SoFi visit by stopping in at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. Located in a former synagogue on Washington Avenue, the museum digs into more than 250 years of Jewish history in Florida and Latin America.

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

Browse the museum’s permanent collection—MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763-Present—to marvel at over 100,000 artifacts. The collection spans two restored historic buildings connected by a striking glass-domed hallway lined with more exhibits.

Admission to the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU is $12 (free on Saturdays). Reservations placed 48 hours in advance are required to visit the museum. For more information, check out their official website.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park

Enjoy a quiet respite from the busy streets of SoFi at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park. Located along Miami Beach’s iconic Ocean Drive, the family-friendly park is a fantastic spot to bring the whole gang to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze under the shade of palm trees.

Let the kids scream in delight at the small but fun, shaded playground as you get caught up on your reading on the benches. Take a quick walk east to the shores of the Atlantic for a dip at one of the South Beach area’s quietest stretches of beachfront.

Where to eat & drink

As one of South Beach’s most exclusive neighborhoods, it’s no surprise that South of Fifth is home to some of the finest places to eat & drink in Miami Beach.

Get the tasting menu started with a visit to Joe’s Stone Crab on Washington Avenue. Only being open between October and May has done little to stop the crowds from piling into this legendary Miami Beach seafood restaurant. As the name hints, snow crabs are the specialty here. (Don’t forget to pair your epic snow crab dinner with a slice of their famous key lime pie!)

If you’d rather throw a little grillin’ into the mix, settle down at Smith & Wollensky in South Pointe Park. The upscale steakhouse delivers on its chain’s promise, serving delectable USDA prime dry-aged steak. Seafood fans won’t be disappointed here either, with favorites like Maine lobster tail and crab cakes sprinkled on the menu.

Discover some of Miami Beach’s finest local flavors at The Local House. Choose between fresh seafood and organic meat dishes or inspired vegetarian favorites. Wash down the perfect meal with one of their signature cocktails during happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday to Friday.

Let the beach vibes follow you into the evening as you sip the night away at the upscale Nikki Beach Miami Beach. A fixture of the South Beach nightlife scene for almost a quarter century, this restaurant & bar pairs a global menu with toothsome tropical cocktails.

Nikki Beach Miami

Head inland to Collins Avenues to imbibe at The ScapeGoat. Choose your ultimate libation from the intimate tavern’s superb selection of craft cocktails, spirits, wine, and craft beer.

For an equally cozy experience, saddle up for the French-bistro vibes of the South Pointe Tavern, one of Miami Beach’s most popular local bars. The tavern boasts the largest selection of spirits in South Beach, with over 200 whiskies and over 80 tequilas on the top shelf.

Besides sipping on the innovative cocktails, delight in South Pointe Tavern’s delicious menu, including favorites like shrimp ceviche, Buddha bowls, and Cuban sandwiches.

Where to stay

For travelers, upscale SoFi is one of the best places to stay in Miami. In the neighborhood, you’ll find a mix of accommodations, covering everything from boutique hotels to luxury condos.

URBANICA The Euclid

URBANICA The Euclid

Located on the northern edge of SoFi, this hotel offers some of the best value in the ritzy enclave. The rooms feature a modern style with a minimalist vibe. Splurge for one of their six balcony rooms to unwind to views over South of Fifth.

The Local House Hotel

The Local House

Add style to your SoFi stay with a night at this airy boutique-style hotel. Spread out in the spacious, colorful rooms after a day of exploring South Beach’s most charming corners. Give in to the evening by enjoying inspiring dishes at the excellent on-site restaurant & lounge. The small rooftop pool offers a welcome respite from the Miami sun.

Prime Hotel Miami

Prime Hotel Miami

Dig into all of SoFi’s highlights with ease by laying down your head at this boutique hotel. Relax in your sleek, modern room, admiring the city views through the floor-to-ceiling windows or your own private balcony. End your day cooling down under the glow of South Beach at the hotel’s rooftop pool.

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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