The northern beach is known for its exquisite Shops at Bal Harbor, luxury high rise condominiums with spectacular ocean views, and the well-heeled, elegant residents who make Miami Beach their second home. The middle beach is defined by its gorgeous Mediterranean- inspired residential neighborhoods in and around Pine Tree Drive, North Bay Road and Collins Avenue as well as its influential Orthodox Jewish community and Mount Sinai Hospital. Its luxurious landmark hotels such as the Fountainbleu and Eden Roc share an important legacy with Miami Beach. South Beach, SoBe, is internationally known as the hippest vacation destination in the world. The weather is warm but the vibe is decidedly cool. Restaurants are trendy, nightclubs are exclusive, hotels are minimalistic and chic, corporations are multinational powerhouses, and the unparalleled shopping ranges from houses of haute couture to urban chic boutiques. The most alluring shopping, dining, and people-watching venue is the pedestrian and rollerblading-friendly, open-air Lincoln Road Mall. Its neighbors, Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue are home to the hundreds of Art Deco Hotels, condominiums, theaters, and restaurants designed in this 1930’s architectural style. The Art Deco Historic District is listed on the National Register for Historic places.

The Miami City Ballet, the New World Symphony, the Wolfsonian Museum and the Jackie Gleason Theater all call South Beach home cementing its reputation as one of the most significant cultural centers in the world. South Beach embraces a large gay and lesbian population. Their footprint on the economy of Miami Beach is evident in the revitalization of the Sobe neighborhood and secured with the creation of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. South Beach is famous for its parties and special events. Most notably, Art Basel, a sister event to Art Basel in Switzerland, is a signature event in Miami Beach. It is one of the largest, most prestigious Art shows in the world and includes outrageously elegant parties, private exhibitions, and crossover events attracting serious art collectors and affluent art enthusiasts alike. Miami Beach is served by MDT and Metrobus and the Airport-Beach Express. South Beach is further served by the South Beach Local.