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Miami Beach & South Pointe – Road Trip Stop Before Our Fort Lauderdale Cruise
- Jenn & Leon
- Jul 3
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 19
We’d made it. From small-town Kentucky to Daytona Beach and the cobbled streets of St. Augustine, this was the final road trip stop before our long-awaited cruise from Fort Lauderdale.
And what better way to mark it than by standing barefoot on the soft, white sands of one of the world’s most famous beaches?
In this post, we share our highlights from Miami Beach and our scenic drive through downtown West Palm Beach, including where we walked, what surprised us, and what we learned along the way.
We’ll also explore a bit of Miami’s Art Deco charm, offer practical tips for visitors, and reflect on how this legendary beach lived up to the hype.
Plus, interesting fact, did you know Miami Beach is man-made (what?!), and technically, is its own city? More on that later in the post!
In This Post...
Travel Resources
Our Highlights
Miami Beach in the United States had always been on Leon’s bucket list, and it didn’t disappoint.
From the first step onto its iconic white sands at South Pointe to the final drink we shared on Ocean Drive, this day was filled with classic Floridian energy.
We walked the full stretch of Ocean Drive, admiring the parade of sports cars, motorbikes, and palm-lined boulevards.
The Art Deco buildings, with their soft curves and pastel tones, felt right at home here. We could finally see why this design trend took the world by storm.
Our favorite moment? Strolling the beach with a breeze on our faces and the Atlantic at our feet, followed by a chilled beer at The Carlyle, a slice of Miami movie history.
Before arriving, we also passed through downtown West Palm Beach.
With its elegant roads framed by tall palm trees and a feeling of laid-back affluence, it added a bonus layer to our Florida experience.
Discover more from our road trip:
Driving Through West Palm Beach
We didn’t stop long in West Palm, but the drive through downtown made an impression.
Wide streets, towering palms, and a clean, stylish look. It felt wealthy without being showy.
If you're passing through, it’s well worth slowing down to take in the view or even stopping for a stroll or bite to eat.
💡 Look out for the waterfront area near Clematis Street or Flagler Drive if you're planning a pit stop.
Exploring Miami Beach & South Pointe
Arriving in Miami Beach felt like a big moment.
We made our way straight to South Pointe Park, a quieter stretch at the southern tip, with silky sand and fewer crowds.
The water was cool, the breeze constant, and the view stretched endlessly in both directions.
Ocean Drive, just inland from the beach, is where Miami truly comes alive.
Sports cars glided past as we wandered beside pastel hotels, elegant cafés, and bars offering cocktail deals and cold beers.
We searched for the historic Art Deco Quarter, walking the full length of the street and eventually looping back to a standout restaurant we’d passed earlier: The Carlyle.
The Carlyle on Ocean Drive
Set in a 1940s Art Deco building, The Carlyle isn’t just a restaurant and hotel; it’s a piece of Miami film history.
This was one of the filming locations for The Birdcage (1996), and it's retained all its nostalgic charm.
White umbrellas, outdoor seating, and a bold façade that’s perfect for people-watching.
We stopped here for a well-earned drink and found the staff helpful and welcoming.
They even gave us directions to the historic district we were looking to locate!
Even without a meal, it’s a great place to cool off with a cold beer or cocktail.
💡 Carlyle Address: 1250 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
How to Get to Miami Beach South Pointe
South Pointe Park is located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Fisher Island, and the Miami skyline.
By Car
From downtown Miami, take the MacArthur Causeway (I-395) east towards Miami Beach, then follow signs to South Pointe Drive.
Paid parking is available at various lots within South Pointe. Arrive early to secure a spot during busy weekends. 🔗 Full list of parking lots and charges
By Public Transport
Miami-Dade Transit buses like routes 103 and 119 serve the South Beach area with stops near South Pointe Park.
The Miami Beach Trolley offers free rides around the beach, including South Pointe.
On Foot or Bike
If you’re staying in South Beach, the park is walkable from many hotels and neighborhoods along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.
Bike rentals are popular in Miami Beach, and the park has bike racks for convenience.
Did you know: The “e” in South Pointe isn’t just a quirky spelling—it’s actually a stylistic choice that gives the name a more distinctive and upscale feel. While “point” is the standard spelling, “pointe” is often used in place names to evoke elegance or a coastal vibe, especially in real estate and tourism branding.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
⪢ Opening Hours
South Pointe Park is open daily from 5:00 AM to midnight.
The park features walking paths, picnic areas, a pier, and playgrounds, all accessible during these hours.
⪢ Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon provide the best light for photography and more peaceful surroundings.
Sunset is especially popular for watching the sun dip behind the Miami skyline.
Avoid midday during the summer months to escape the intense heat and humidity.
Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, especially during cruise ship arrivals and departures.
💡 If you’re embarking on a cruise, South Pointe Park offers a great spot for a last stroll or photos before heading to PortMiami or Fort Lauderdale.
💡 Nearby restaurants and cafes make for a pleasant pre- or post-visit meal.
A Brief History of Miami Beach
Miami Beach wasn’t always the polished paradise it is today.
Originally, it was a tangled barrier island of mangroves, swamps, and sandbars, first inhabited by the indigenous Tequesta people.
The transformation began in the late 1800s when developers and visionaries like Carl Fisher saw potential in the island’s natural beauty.
But it wasn't just about building hotels — the beach itself had to be created.
⪢ A Man-Made Miracle
Much of today’s Miami Beach shoreline, especially the wide sandy stretches we walked on at South Pointe, is the result of massive man-made efforts.
Early 20th-century dredging reshaped the coastline, bringing in sand from offshore and other parts of Florida.
These operations created a broader, more stable beachfront that could support roads, parks, and resorts.
In 1915, Miami Beach was officially incorporated, and its glamorous era began.
By the 1920s and ’30s, it became a playground for the rich and famous.
The Art Deco boom followed the hurricane of 1926 — a rebuilding effort that created what is now the world’s largest collection of Art Deco buildings.
In the 1970s and again in the 1990s, major beach renourishment projects were launched to combat erosion.
Millions of tons of sand were added to restore the beach after storms and decades of tide damage.
Today, Miami Beach continues to monitor and manage its shoreline with sustainable sand restoration projects, making it one of the most intensively maintained beaches in the U.S.
💡 So, when you step onto the beach here, you're walking on a human-made success story — one that turned a muddy, flood-prone island into an international icon.
Tips for Visiting
● Parking: Expect to pay for street or garage parking. The South Pointe area has paid lots nearby, but they fill fast. Arrive early or be prepared to walk a little.
● Beach access: Free and open to all. Restrooms and showers are available in the South Pointe area.
● Ocean Drive: Great for walking, but pack water and sunscreen — there's not much shade.
● Dining: Restaurants along Ocean Drive can be pricey. Check menus before sitting down, and watch for automatic gratuities.
Prepping for the Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Miami Beach was our final road trip stop before heading to Fort Lauderdale. It gave us just the right mix of relaxation, scenery, and city buzz.
The short drive to Fort Lauderdale was smooth, and we loved having a calm beach day before bedding down for the night in Florida City (1 hour from the cruise port).
💡 Tip: Many cruisers also stay overnight in Miami Beach before sailing. Just allow time for traffic when heading north to the cruise port.
👉 Find out more: Why We Cruise (And why you might fall in love with it too)
Places to Visit Nearby
📍 All destinations are within 30–45 minutes of South Beach
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Coming Soon – Our Full U.S. Road Trip Video Series
💬 Join us on the final leg before the cruise!
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10 Interesting Facts About Miami Beach
1. Miami Beach isn't technically part of Miami: It's its own city, located on a barrier island connected by bridges to mainland Miami.
2. The Art Deco District is one of a kind: With over 800 protected buildings, it's the largest Art Deco area in the world.
3. South Beach was once farmland: Before becoming a tourist haven, this land was used to grow coconuts.
4. It's a movie and TV hotspot: The Birdcage, Scarface, Miami Vice — all featured scenes shot here.
5. The beach is man-made: Much of what you see today was created by dredging and renourishment projects.
6. You can see the sunrise and sunset: Thanks to its geography, Miami Beach offers a chance to catch both with short walks.
7. It was once a retirement haven: In the 1970s, the city was known for its older population before bouncing back with art and nightlife.
8. Versace’s Mansion is on Ocean Drive: The famous fashion designer lived, and tragically died, here. It’s now a boutique hotel.
9. A favorite spot for LGBTQ+ travelers: Miami Beach has long been known as an inclusive and vibrant LGBTQ+ destination.
10. Hurricanes shaped its story: The 1926 hurricane destroyed much of the city, leading to a creative architectural rebirth.
Where to Stay in Miami Beach
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Miami Beach hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the area.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Our Experience Rating:
Miami Beach & South Pointe
This was the Florida beach dream. And as our final stop before the cruise, it felt like the perfect farewell to the road trip part of our journey.
Ocean Drive is full of fun bars and restaurants, and the beach itself is picturesque and beautiful.
It was a total surprise to find out after our visit that it is man-made... You couldn't tell from being there, that's for sure! We do recommend coming here if you are looking to do a road trip or are just after some sun, sea, and relaxation. We are glad that we did!
Miami Beach was a vibrant chapter in our USA road trip. Discover the full itinerary and all our stops here: USA Road Trip Overview.
FAQ – Miami Beach & West Palm
Can you visit Miami Beach and West Palm Beach in one day?
Yes, if driving through. They're about 1.5 hours apart. Ideal if you're passing en route to Fort Lauderdale.
What’s the difference between the two?
West Palm is quieter, more residential, and upscale. Miami Beach is louder, iconic, and full of Art Deco charm.
Is Ocean Drive worth visiting?
Absolutely — even if just to walk it. The buildings, cars, and people-watching make it unforgettable.
Can you walk to the beach from Ocean Drive?
Yes. The entire stretch runs parallel to the beach, separated only by a park and path.
Where’s the best place to stay before a cruise?
Either Miami Beach or near the Fort Lauderdale port. Check out our handy map for top hotels in the area.
Is South Beach safe?
Yes, though like any big tourist area, stay aware and avoid isolated areas at night.
What is The Carlyle known for?
Its Art Deco charm and film fame from The Birdcage. It’s a local landmark.
What’s the best way to get to the cruise port?
Driving is perhaps the easiest and takes around 1 hour.
You can also take a train, which runs frequently from Miami Central and takes around 30 minutes.
Do you need a car to explore Miami Beach?
No. Walking, biking, and local trolleys make getting around simple.
When’s the best time to visit?
November to April. Hot, dry, and lively — without the summer humidity.
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United States
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A stunning beach, all the more impressive given that it is man-made. This just goes to show how we can work in harmony with nature! Loved it here, and so happy to have ticked it off of my extensive bucket list!