South Beach

South Beach: see the sultry SoBe scene

TV shows like Dexter, Burn Notice, Miami Vice, CSI: Miami and Miami Ink sometimes glamorize the South Beach scene. But if you've ever been to South Beach, you'll see there's some truth to their interpretations. At night the colored lights are electric, the men and women are beautiful and glistening -- maybe with sweat, but it's still sexy.

On this public beach, there's a continual party. Feel free to pack up a cooler of margaritas or beer, just no glass containers allowed. If you don't have time to bring your own drinks, there are many bars and small stands where you can buy a refreshment. Beach chairs and large shading umbrellas can be rented at kiosks along the beach also.

Tourists come from all over the world to lounge in the warm South Beach sand and wade in the cool water. The strip is usually filled with people biking, rollerblading or skating. There's always lots of action here. Bring your tiniest bikini to fit in best with your surroundings. Topless ladies can be seen sunning and men in minimal clothing can be spotted as well.

When you get hungry from all that tanning, walk over to Ocean Drive and grab a bite to eat. The restaurants will very likely have a host or hostess outside trying to herd in customers. Lunch prices are usually way more affordable than dinner, so take a break from the sun and sample some scrumptious seafood. Have a drink at the famous News Cafe, act like a star at Nikki Beach and nibble on the Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer at A Fish Called Avalon. Many of these restaurants feature daytime happy hours as well.

Nightclubs like Mansion, B.E.D., Mynt Lounge, Tantra and Set advertise while you're tanning with banners attached to planes overhead. You might get an idea for your evening plans while relaxing on the beach. Learn about drink specials, bands and DJs performing from the comfort of your beach chair.

Since everyday is a party, parking can be troublesome. Shoot for the city garages, the more popular ones located at 7th Street and Collins and at 13th and Collins. Parking is $1-$1.50 per hour in these garages for the day time, and they're only a block or so off the beach.

- by Jessica Bates, Miami Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)