South Beach Bucket List: Do these things before the city goes underwater
Yeah, we know. You don’t want to go to South Beach. We feel that way sometimes, too.
But look. It’s got a beach. It has a rich and vibrant history and pretty Art Deco buildings. And you don’t necessarily have to go to Ocean Drive, which may or may not be a raging dumpster fire, to experience it. Besides, even Ocean Drive has a few spots you should visit before you ascend to that great Wet Willie’s in the sky.
So be brave. Cross that causeway (which will inevitably be down to one lane). Because there is a South Beach bucket list, and you need to start crossing things off.
Here’s what you should do:
Watch cruise ships depart from the pier
Wave to the passengers and be glad you’re not one of them.
Eat at Joe’s Stone Crab
Joe’s is a Miami Beach institution, and stone crab season - aka the most wonderful time of the year - runs from Oct. 15 through May 15. But who says you have to get stone crabs? You can try the locals’ secret: fried chicken for $6.95 that will make you forget all those fast food sandwiches.
11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
Watch a Wallcast at the New World Center
On certain Saturdays, bring a picnic and a blanket and watch the New World Symphony on the big screen in Soundscape Park. You’re not supposed to bring adult beverages, but we won’t tell if you do.
500 17th St., Miami Beach
Dance on the bar at Mango’s Tropical Cafe
Yeah, we know you want to act like to act like you’ve never been. But you know your relatives from the Midwest love it.
900 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach
Get a closer look at the former Versace mansion
You can accomplish this in a couple of ways. You can eat at Gianni’s or try the omakase sushi experience upstairs at Sushi by Bou. We love the sushi experience best, but at Gianni’s - which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner - you get a view of the million mosaic pool.
1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach
Work out or perv out at Muscle Beach in Lummus Park
No judgment, whichever you choose.
873 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach
Experience drag brunch at The Palace
The Palace brunch is a Miami Beach rite of passage. Don’t be surprised if one of these performers does a split right on Ocean Drive.
1052 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach
Day drink at Nikki Beach
This brand is the epicenter of day drinking, day lounging and eating at the buffet until you can’t move at Miami Beach’s best address, 1 Ocean Drive.
1 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach
Witness the spectacle of Art Basel
In Miami, “Basel” is a verb. Example: “I’m Baseling tomorrow even though it’s going to take me two hours to cross the causeway.” It’s an annual rite of passage, and you’ve got to do it at least once. Brave insane traffic, then cram yourself into the Miami Beach Convention Center to look at art you can’t possibly afford. Ever.
Of course, you don’t have to wait for Art Basel to see art. You can always visit the Bass Museum and The Wolfsonian, without all the hype.
This story was originally published October 11, 2019 at 11:34 AM.