Here’s where to park, avoid street closings in Miami Beach amid spring break crush
Spring Break has brought a crush of college students to South Beach.
Getting around Miami Beach will not be easy, with the crowds, the closed streets, the ubiquitous parking issues.
Here is a Miami Herald survival guide for getting around Miami Beach during spring break, whether you are a local or tourist.
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Where to park?
There are more than 40 municipal parking garages and lots throughout Miami Beach. However, flat rates have been put in place for some parking locations.
From Thursday to Sunday each weekend in March, a $20 flat rate will be imposed at city-operated parking garages in the entertainment district (Collins Avenue to Ocean Drive from Fifth to 16th streets) except for access-card holders.
An interactive map of Miami Beach’s parking lots and garages can be found on the city’s website.
On-street parking is an option, but finding a spot can be nearly impossible, given the crowds and the parking restrictions on many Miami Beach streets. Restrictions are in place for no on-street parking on Collins Avenue from Fifth to 16th streets. Only residents with a Zone 5 permit can park between Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive from Fifth to 15th streets.
Here are some streets with parking lots or garages near the beaches:
▪ 3 Washington Ave: A short walk to Nikki Beach, but fills up fast.
▪ 200 Seventh St.: About one or two blocks from sandy shores with over 600 spaces.
▪ 1301 Collins Ave.: An abundance of parking spots with electric vehicle charging spots
▪ 2101 Collins Ave.: Right off the beach and can fit over 200 cars.
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What streets/neighborhoods are blocked off?
Certain Miami Beach neighborhoods will be blocked off to non-residents, with security guards in place to make sure rules are followed.
These areas include Flamingo Park and South of Fifth neighborhoods. Drivers can get to Flamingo Park via Alton Road; to get to South of Fifth, use Alton Road, Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue or Ocean Drive south of Fifth Street.
In late January, Ocean Drive reopened as a one-way street heading south from 13th to Fifth streets, after being closed to cars for nearly two years during the pandemic to allow restaurants more outdoor dining.
But you can no longer make a left onto Ocean Drive from Fifth Street as you come off the MacArthur Causeway. Use Collins or Washington avenues to head north from the causeway.
A two-way bicycle lane — painted green — is on the east side of Ocean Drive. Valet parking has been set up on the west side of Ocean. The street is still pedestrian only between 13th Street and 14th Place.
Can I use Pay by Phone on the Beach?
Miami Beach does not use the popular Pay by Phone app for parking.
Instead, it uses ParkMobile, which you will need to download on your phone if you want to pay for and extend your parking via your phone.
What rules are there on beaches?
In the entertainment district and west to Pennsylvania Avenue, high “impact” measures will be enforced.
This means open containers are not allowed on public beaches. Also coolers, inflatable devices, tents and tables aren’t allowed. Live or amplified music is also a no-no.
This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 9:27 PM.
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