When most people think of South Beach, they probably don’t picture traveling with a one-year-old.
Honestly… neither did I.
This trip looked very different from my usual weekends in Miami because this time I was traveling with my best friend and her daughter. (Not my baby, before anyone starts asking. 😂)
Normally, I stay right in the middle of the action where the music is loud and everything is within walking distance. This time, we stayed at the Marriott Stanton on the south end of South Beach, and I don’t think I’ll overlook this area again.
It felt like a completely different side of South Beach.
The hotel has more of a resort feel than your typical South Beach hotel. It has two pools, direct beach access just steps away, and its own designated beach area. It was noticeably quieter, which made a huge difference when traveling with a little one.
The daily resort fee is $42 and includes beach chairs, one hour of boogie board rentals, and, arguably the most important perk, complimentary ice cream from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Parking is available at the hotel for $58 per night for sedans and $68 for SUVs. One thing to know ahead of time: it’s not an in-and-out garage, so you’ll want to leave your car parked if you’re staying there. Honestly, South Beach is so walkable that you probably won’t need it anyway. If you do, Uber, Lyft, and even Waymo are becoming common around the area.
If you’re just visiting for the day, parking is much cheaper in the morning. Rates start around $18 and increase throughout the day, with a maximum of $58. Keep in mind is a six hour limit.
One thing I appreciated was that the rooms felt more spacious than many of the boutique hotels you’ll find in South Beach, a nice bonus when you’re traveling with extra luggage, a stroller, or all the things babies somehow require.
We happened to visit during Fourth of July weekend while the FIFA World Cup was also taking place. Ocean Drive was closed to traffic, giving pedestrians free rein to wander the street. Restaurants expanded their outdoor seating, the atmosphere was electric, and many places offered World Cup specials. It felt like one giant outdoor celebration.
One unexpected highlight? Watching the Fourth of July fireworks from the hotel’s pool. Now, I know that’s specific to the holiday, so don’t expect fireworks every weekend, but if your timing lines up, it’s a pretty incredible experience.
No matter how many times I visit Miami, there’s one stop that’s completely non-negotiable.
If you know, you know.
Their tacos never disappoint, and somehow they taste even better after a day at the beach.
For dinner our first night, we went to MILA, and somehow it still manages to impress me every single time. It’s honestly one of my favorite restaurants in the world.
The menu blends Asian and Mediterranean flavors, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the dishes are designed to share, arriving whenever they’re ready.
And whatever you do…
Save room for dessert.
I’ve tried several, and I still can’t pick a favorite.
Yes, South Beach is expensive. There’s no getting around that. Meals, parking, hotels, it all adds up faster than in most places.
But there’s also something about South Beach that keeps bringing me back.
Maybe it’s the sound of the waves first thing in the morning. Maybe it’s the energy that somehow feels both exciting and relaxing at the same time. Or maybe it’s because for a few days, life slows down just enough to remind you to enjoy where you are.
Whether you’re traveling with friends, your family, or, in my case, borrowing someone else’s adorable one-year-old for the weekend, South Beach has a way of giving you exactly the kind of reset you didn’t know you needed.
Diane’s Take: Don’t let South Beach’s party reputation fool you. There’s a quieter side that’s perfect for families, slower mornings, and beach days that end with sunset instead of late nights.
Would I Come Back? Without a doubt. Next time, I might even choose the south end again.
So the only question left is …
Where to next? With Diane! 😊