Miami Beach is a smaller city by population but punches above its weight in tourism. The city itself had about 78,000 residents in 2025, down from roughly 82,000 in 2020. (It is effectively part of the larger Miami metro area, which totals over 6 million people.) The median age of Miami Beach skews older – around 47 years – reflecting its popularity with retirees and winter visitors, although seasonal population inflates in winter months with snowbirds. Economically, Miami Beach thrives on real estate and hospitality: the median household income is relatively high (about $67,000) due to affluent neighborhoods and resort-driven economy. Unemployment rates tend to be low, while poverty is low by national standards (~14%). Racially and ethnically, the city is quite diverse: about 56% identified as White (non-Hispanic), with large Hispanic/Latino and other minority communities. Nearly 60% of residents speak Spanish at home, reflecting the heavy influence of Latin American and Caribbean migration.
Miami Beach is a tropical resort city located on a chain of barrier islands along Florida’s Atlantic coast, just east of the mainland city of Miami. The city spans Miami Beach Island (where South Beach is), Normandy and Biscayne Islands, and smaller keys – all separated from the mainland by Biscayne Bay. It is in the southern tip of North America, in the U.S. state of Florida, and thus considered part of the southeastern United States. The landscape is flat and oceanic, with miles of sandy beaches fronting the Atlantic Ocean to the east and bays/lagoons to the west. There are no mountains or hills – just Palm trees, palm-fringed promenades, and the famous pastel-colored Art Deco buildings of South Beach.
The climate is truly tropical. Miami Beach experiences hot, humid summers and mild, warm winters. It falls in the “tropical monsoon” zone: summer (May through October) brings frequent afternoon rainstorms and hurricane risk, with daytime highs often in the upper 80s–90s °F (above 30°C). Winter months are warm (January highs around the high 60s to low 70s °F) and rarely see temperatures drop below 50°F. The rainy season peaks in late summer, contributing to an average annual rainfall around 52 inches, with July and September being especially wet. Hurricanes and tropical storms can threaten from June through November, so travelers during that season should monitor forecasts. Overall, the climate is beach-friendly year-round, but sun protection and light clothing are essential in summer, while a light jacket suffices for cooler winter evenings.
Miami Beach’s history as a resort dates to the early 20th century. The islands were largely uninhabited until the first causeway was built. In 1913, development kicked off when financier John S. Collins completed the Collins Bridge across Biscayne Bay, at the time the world’s longest wooden bridge. Collins (and later Carl Fisher, an auto magnate and sexagenarian developer) started selling land and building hotels. The city of “Miami Beach” was officially incorporated in 1915. Miami Beach grew in the 1920s with the Florida land boom; many of its iconic Art Deco hotels date from 1923–1943. The Art Deco Historic District in South Beach became particularly notable – in fact it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture.
The decades that followed saw ebbs and flows. In mid-century, Miami Beach became a popular getaway for retirees and celebrities. The 1960s and 70s brought a decline as some tourists shifted elsewhere, but preservation efforts of the Art Deco buildings in the 1980s and 90s sparked a revival. Today, Miami Beach is world-famous as an Art Deco museum city, having reinvented itself multiple times. Its early history – from Collins’s coconut groves and the Flamingo Hotel (circa 1920) to today’s glitzy resorts – is a testament to sustained tourism and real-estate-driven growth.
Miami Beach is as cosmopolitan as American cities get. English and Spanish are both common; indeed, over half the population speaks Spanish at home. The city’s culture is a vibrant melange of Cuban, Haitian, European and American influences, seen in its food, music and street life. Its neighborhoods have distinct characters: chic South Beach (SoBe) is known for nightclub glamor, Latin rhythms, and a large LGBT community; Mid-Beach and North Beach have a calmer, family-friendly residential vibe.
Traditionally, Miami Beach life revolves around beach and nightlife culture. South Beach in particular is famous for its 24-hour energy: upscale clubs, pool parties, and celebrity-studded events (think warm nights on Ocean Drive or Club Space). By day it’s a haven for sunbathing, water sports and the casual beach lounge lifestyle. Locals enjoy outdoor fitness along the waterfront paths, and the city has a significant fashion and art scene (for example, Miami Beach hosts the annual Art Basel contemporary art fair every December, attracting international crowds). Festivals reflect the mix – e.g. Calle Ocho/Carnaval Miami in Little Havana (March) and Miami Beach Pride (March) celebrate Latino and LGBTQ cultures, while the South Beach Food & Wine Festival (February) and Winter Music Conference (March) draw global culinary and dance music crowds.
In daily life, Miami Beach is fast-paced and somewhat glamorous. Many people work in tourism and hospitality or in finance/tech in nearby Miami. There is an undercurrent of casual luxury – from cafe-lined sidewalks to high-end boutiques and Cuban coffeeshops. Despite the party image, locals also maintain a strong sense of community: families enjoy the beach parks, and there’s a laid-back warmth when people greet each other under the Florida sun. In short, the Miami Beach atmosphere is electric, upscale and multicultural – a beachfront city where Latin-American flavors, global artists and ocean life blend seamlessly into everyday routines.
Miami Beach’s attractions are largely about its beaches, architecture, and cultural scene. The most famous is South Beach (often called SoBe), a two-mile stretch of beach with turquoise surf and white sand. Its adjacent Art Deco District (centered on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue) is a major draw – hundreds of brightly pastel hotels, apartments and landmarks built in the 1920s–40s. Exploring this historic district on foot or by bike (e.g. on the Miami Beach Architectural District tour) is a quintessential experience.
Other must-see spots include Lincoln Road Mall, an open-air pedestrian mall with shopping and dining; The Wolfsonian-FIU museum (Art Deco design museum in a converted 1920s hotel); the Bass Museum of Art (contemporary art in a neo-Renaissance building); and Holocaust Memorial (a moving outdoor sculpture). For natural beauty, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden and South Pointe Park (on the tip of South Beach with lighthouse views) are serene retreats. No description is complete without the Miami Beach Boardwalk, running along the sand for miles to the north. Nightlife and entertainment centers on Ocean Drive’s neon-lit clubs, plus premium rooftop bars.
In nearby vicinity, the Lincoln Road Market (held monthly) offers crafts and local food. If you venture just over the causeway, the Art Deco Museum and the Miami Beach Convention Center (venue for Art Basel) can be included. In summary, Miami Beach’s must-sees blend seaside leisure with art and design – from the fun-in-the-sun beaches to world-class art fairs – all reflecting the city’s beach-town charm and global flair.
Miami Beach itself has no commercial airport, but is easily reached via Miami International Airport (MIA), about 12 miles inland in Miami. MIA offers abundant international and domestic flights. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) and Palm Beach (PBI) airports are also within 45–70 miles and can be used. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-share, or the Metrobus/Miami Beach Airport Flyer to Miami Beach. The causeways (Julia Tuttle and Venetian) connect the islands to the city of Miami.
Within Miami Beach, a car is optional. South Beach is very walkable and bikeable; the free Miami Beach Trolley service runs several loop routes (South Beach, Collins, Mid-Beach and North Beach lines). The Metrorail and Metrobus systems serve the mainland Miami area, and metrorail connects to the airport and downtown. A parking garage is usually needed if you drive, and street parking can be tight in SoBe. Ride-share taxis (Uber/Lyft) and the Miami-Dade bus system also serve Miami Beach. Generally, plan on walking or biking in South Beach, and maybe renting a car for day trips north to Palm Beach or west to the Everglades.
Currency is U.S. dollars; tipping (15–20% in restaurants/bars) is expected. English and Spanish are widely understood (many menus and signs are bilingual). Dress is very casual; beachwear, flip-flops and shorts are common in daytime. The city is safe in tourist areas, but pickpocketing can happen – keep an eye on belongings at the beach and on crowded patios. Sun protection is crucial year-round (sunscreen, hats) given the strong UV. If visiting in hurricane season (June–November), stay alert to weather alerts (though major strikes are rare). Plan to avoid afternoon beachtime in peak summer (heat indexes can soar), opting instead for early mornings or late afternoons. Finally, courtesy toward locals and respecting quiet hours after 10pm will go far in blending in with the community of beach lovers and residents.
Currency
Founded
Calling code
Population
Area
Official language
Elevation
Time zone
