The beach is all public access. But in the 60’s, for some reason they allowed the apartments and hotels above 41st Street (and really above 15th Street where Ocean Drive ends), to be built parallel with the roadway fronting the beach (Collins Avenue), so that access is limited to pathways from parking-lots at 10 or 20 block intervals. So it’s MUCH better to stay in South Beach itself. There, Lumus Park fronts the entire beach and so there are no hotels at all on the beach side of the roadway. Some areas are more family or gay friendly than others. Best is at either end — up by 14th Street, or down below 5th Street. Careful of restricted weekend parking below 5th, even at night!
It’s definitely free, but the parking is not. My suggestion is if you’re not at a hotel in South Beach to park in a garage with a maximum rate - I know there’s one around that’s only maybe $20 for 12 hours? Such a deal in comparison with Boston or NYC. Then you don’t have to worry about parking meters, the ever parking-meter aggressive cops who seem to have nothing better to do than wait until your time at a spot is up and you’re not back yet, etc… Anyway, it’s difficult to get a spot on Ocean Ave - at least on the weekends.
But the garage will give you time to eat, do the beach thing, eat again (?), shop, etc…
All beaches are free for any one..but ill tell u what’s not free..parking! and good luck finding a good spot..i live in Miami but don’t go to Miami beach to often..I prefer Hollywood beach! Now if your looking for the best beach at night then its def great to go to Miami beach.
March 24th, 2009 at 11:47 am
should be free …
March 26th, 2009 at 4:12 am
The beach is all public access. But in the 60’s, for some reason they allowed the apartments and hotels above 41st Street (and really above 15th Street where Ocean Drive ends), to be built parallel with the roadway fronting the beach (Collins Avenue), so that access is limited to pathways from parking-lots at 10 or 20 block intervals. So it’s MUCH better to stay in South Beach itself. There, Lumus Park fronts the entire beach and so there are no hotels at all on the beach side of the roadway. Some areas are more family or gay friendly than others. Best is at either end — up by 14th Street, or down below 5th Street. Careful of restricted weekend parking below 5th, even at night!
March 29th, 2009 at 2:57 am
Yes, it free is not a resort area and no you don’t have to stay at a hotel to use the beach.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:15 am
i think it is free
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:48 am
It’s definitely free, but the parking is not. My suggestion is if you’re not at a hotel in South Beach to park in a garage with a maximum rate - I know there’s one around that’s only maybe $20 for 12 hours? Such a deal in comparison with Boston or NYC. Then you don’t have to worry about parking meters, the ever parking-meter aggressive cops who seem to have nothing better to do than wait until your time at a spot is up and you’re not back yet, etc… Anyway, it’s difficult to get a spot on Ocean Ave - at least on the weekends.
But the garage will give you time to eat, do the beach thing, eat again (?), shop, etc…
Beach is open until midnight. Have fun!
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
All beaches are free for any one..but ill tell u what’s not free..parking! and good luck finding a good spot..i live in Miami but don’t go to Miami beach to often..I prefer Hollywood beach! Now if your looking for the best beach at night then its def great to go to Miami beach.