Miami Beach offers a unique blend of lifestyle, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting for a sun-soaked vacation or planning to call the city home, you’ll enjoy world-class beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
People often use the names interchangeably, but South Beach, Miami Beach, and Miami are not the same place. South Beach is the southernmost neighborhood of Miami Beach, known for its Art Deco streets, nightlife, and beaches. Miami Beach itself is a barrier island city, separated from Miami and divided into distinct neighborhoods stretching north from South Beach to Surfside. Miami, on the other hand, is the mainland city across Biscayne Bay—larger, more residential, and home to many of the region’s business districts. To see how all of this fits together on the ground, our Explore Miami section breaks down the neighborhoods, routes, and landmarks worth seeing firsthand.. The primary connection between Miami and Miami Beach is the MacArthur Causeway, a scenic bridge that also passes by Port Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, giving travelers their first glimpse of the city as they head to the beach.Miami, on the other hand, is the mainland city across Biscayne Bay—larger, more residential, and home to many of the region’s business districts. The primary connection between Miami and Miami Beach is the MacArthur Causeway, a scenic bridge that also passes by Port Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, giving travelers their first glimpse of the city as they head to the beach.
At Miami Beach 411, we’ve been helping people make sense of the city since 2002 by covering the details most guides miss. Our blog includes categories like Only in Miami, where we share the strange, and sometimes unbelievable local news that could only happen here, and Beyond Miami, which explores other Florida destinations and compares life in Miami Beach with places across the state. What makes us different is perspective: we don’t just tell you where to go—we explain how the city actually works and when it’s worth venturing beyond the beach to see more of Florida.
Miami Beach 411 is your insider guide to the city—built by locals who actually live, work, and spend time here. The site was founded in 2002, when Gus and Michelle Moore were living on the third floor of the Sherbrooke Hotel, working by night at a nearby restaurant while building MiamiBeach411.com by day. We go beyond tourist fluff to share the real stories, hidden details, and practical know-how that help people experience Miami Beach like insiders, whether they’re visiting, moving here, or already call it home. What makes us different is our deep local perspective: city history, neighborhood culture, true crime, beach conditions, and everyday city life—all curated with context, accuracy, and personality.
If you want to understand how Miami Beach 411 really works, start with a visit to our Inside Miami Beach 411 blog. You’ll find behind-the-scenes stories—like when Google tapped us for a Google ad campain, or how a trip to the Googleplex inspired us to take the leap, start a tour company, and go all in with a $400K investment in our first buses.
Dive into the stories that make Miami Beach unique. From neighborhood secrets and local tips to hidden gems and unforgettable experiences, our Local Stories give you the insider perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
Explore The Kampong, an 11-acre waterfront garden in Coconut Grove founded by plant explorer David Fairchild, featuring rare trees like massive banyans, baobabs, and bignay fruits—open for guided or self-guided tours by reservation only.
Join Maria de los Angeles for a walking tour of Little Havana during a lively neighborhood street festival.
Bill Cooke’s explores how Miami Beach has long used glamour, nudity, and celebrity culture—from bathing girls to Madonna’s SEX shoot—to market the city as a playground of allure and desire.
This Miami Beach 411 guide rounds up the city's top free parks—from scenic waterfront gems like South Pointe and Lummus to active hubs like Flamingo and the Skate Park, plus dog-friendly favorites—offering locals and visitors prime spots for relaxation.
A flat, scenic 11-mile round-trip bike ride starting at South Pointe Park, cruising the Ocean Drive boardwalk past classic South Beach spots, crossing the Venetian Causeway for bay and skyline views, then heading back the same way—all doable in about 90 minutes with minimal stops.
Explore the Art Deco District with Doug Eames and discover the iconic landmarks and must-see photo spots you won’t want to miss.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Miami Beach's services and community resources. Whether you need to contact City Hall, find information about events, or learn how to report an issue, we've got you covered.
