South Beach

The beach that defines Miami in the popular imagination: a broad strip of pale sand from South Pointe up to about 23rd Street, backed by Lummus Park's palms and the pastel Art Deco skyline of Ocean Drive. Candy-colored lifeguard towers, rollerbladers on the promenade, volleyball nets, and warm turquoise water nearly year-round.

What to expect: the stretch between 5th and 15th Streets is the busiest and most scene-driven; walk north of 21st Street for more space. The Miami Beach Boardwalk runs behind the dunes for miles. Chairs and umbrellas are rented from beach concessions; public restrooms are spaced along Lummus Park.

Practical: parking is expensive and scarce; use the municipal garages a few blocks inland or arrive by rideshare. Water is swimmable all year, coolest in January and February.