Miami South Beach, or “SoBe”, is the Southernmost 2 ½ miles of Miami Beach.  Miami Beach itself is an Island bordered by Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.  SoBe is famous for its Art Deco Historic District, wide sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Miami South Beach – The Essentials

State:          Florida
City:            Miami Beach
County:       Miami-Dade County
Zip code:     33139
Area codes: 305, 786
Local population is approximately 3,500 people.

South Beach has an admirably low crime rate, 78% lower than the national average!

Getting There

Miami International Airport is the nearest airport to South Beach.  You can rent a car, or take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or bus to South Beach from the airport.  Depending on the time of day the 11 ½ mile trip will take around 30 minutes.

Taxis charge a flat rate of $32.00, and there is no charge to share.

The “Super Shuttle” is a ride share van (305-871-2000) that’s $20.00 per person.

Uber and Lyft can only pick you up if you’ve contacted them from the airport—pricing varies based on demand and traffic, but the average cost for either is $15.00+.

Miami Dade Transit’s “Airport Flyer” bus runs every 30 minutes 6am-11pm, 7 days a week.  Just $2.35 gets you from the airport to Miami South Beach.  Inside the airport you’ll follow signs for the rental cars and metro-rail system.  At the top of the escalators that lead down to the buses, there are ticket machines; a posted employee will help you make the correct ticket purchase.  Make sure to get a route map from the kiosk.  Take the escalator down and look for the number 150 bus—it’s very clearly marked.  The bus runs down Collins Avenue onto Washington, going from 41^st to South Pointe Drive.

Car rentals require a valid driver’s license from your home country, a valid credit card, and your passport—it’s helpful to have an International Driving Permit though not required.  You also need to be 21 years of age or older, and have, or purchase appropriate insurance coverage.  It’s best if you reserve a car ahead of time if you’re able to—choice can be limited during tourist season.  Inside the airport you’ll follow the signs to the rental car area and look for the company of your choice.  If the company offers it, the “Toll-By-Plate” electronic toll collection system is a great way to skip the worry about tolls.  The system automatically adds the toll charges to the card you reserved the car with.

Getting Around

Miami South Beach is a pedestrian-friendly city, but if you need to go further or get there faster, there are Citi-Bike rentals on popular streets, and independent vendors rent bikes by the hour, day, or week.  Be sure to use a good lock though since bike thefts are common.

You can hail cabs in the city, just step to the curb and raise your arm, an available cab will stop to pick you up.  Your Uber or Lyft app works in South Beach too.

The “SoBe Local” bus is just 25 cents, and buses run every 13-30 minutes stopping at all the popular destinations.  They have access for wheelchairs and can stow your bike.

Important Numbers

Dial 911 in an emergency!

Miami Beach Regional Library	305-535-4219
Tourism	305-673-7400	http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/visitors
Miami Beach Police Dept	305-673-7900
Miami Beach Fire Dept	305-673-7123
Miami Urgent Care	305-494-0536	http://www.miamiurgentcare.com
Baptist Health Care  Alton Rd.		https://baptisthealth.net/en/facilities/urgent-care-centers
South Beach Animal Hospital	305-534-8404	http://www.southbeachanimal.com

If you choose to study English in Miami Beach you’ll have to compete at a high level—the idea that beach city schools only produce quality tans is not true.  Miami South Beach is steeped in Cuban culture, and there are art and music events year-round.  South Beach is a dazzling stretch of white sand beach surrounded by glittering turquoise water, with a street of shining Art Deco Architecture—truly a jewel of Miami.