When you think of Miami Beach, what comes to mind? South Beach? Nightlife?

How about something a little more? Like incredible beaches, a sophisticated seaside lifestyle, a waterfront park, incredible restaurants you can walk to, a dash of nightlife, a lot of palm trees and not a lot of clothes… and of course, the blue-green waters of sea and sun?

This article is all about a special neighborhood in South Beach – the iconic South of Fifth Neighborhood, or SOFI as some call it, where laid-back meets ultra-luxury.

Table of Contents

• Is South of Fifth, Miami Beach right for you?
• Where is South of Fifth on South Beach? 
• The Exclusive, International Vibe of South of Fifth
• South of Fifth Quality of Life
• South of Fifth Shopping
• South of Fifth Restaurants
• South of Fifth Parks and Nature
• Incredible Luxury Highrise and Boutique Condos
• South of Fifth Schools
• Who is SOFI Not for?
  
  

— Is South Beach’s South of Fifth Right for You?

South Beach Location

South of Fifth is a pocket-sized neighborhood located on the southern tip of South Beach, and is surrounded by water on three sides – the Atlantic Ocean, the government cut where all of the cruise ships come out, and Biscayne Bay. It’s a walkable enclave that covers the entire area of South Beach below Fifth Street (hence the name) just east of the MacArthur Causeway, providing easy access to mainland Miami with just about a 10-20 minute drive to Downtown Miami.

SOFI’s Exclusive, International Vibe

One of the most sought-after areas in all of Miami, this low-key South Beach area offers a very high quality of life in a small, exclusive neighborhood. So it attracts international residents who are often high-net-worth individuals. You’ll see a lot of wealthy executives living here during the winter and spring months when the weather is incredible, as well as year-round residents who just can’t resist the charm of this area.

— South of Fifth’s High Quality of Life

South of Fifth is a quaint neighborhood that has a distinctly walkable, community feel and encourages an active lifestyle. 

Like most of Miami Beach and South Beach, South of Fifth is also a fitness lover’s paradise. Besides having the luxurious Equinox Gym in this neighborhood, as well as Orange Theory Fitness, there are several yoga and pilates studios, plus yoga and training classes located in popular South Pointe Park or yoga on the beach at 3rd Street Beach almost every day.

Equinox Gym - Miami Beach, FL

— South of Fifth Restaurants

Because South of Fifth, Miami Beach, is small and walkable, there are wonderful dining options with great cafes, restaurants, and shops on almost every block. You’ll probably find yourself looking forward to a morning swim and then a short walk to grab that delicious juice or coffee at Pura Vida or Joe’s.

South of Fifth restaurants offers some of the best world-class dining options in all of Miami Beach and South Beach, both in terms of the quality of food and service. It’s pretty common that you’ll get to know the baristas and waiters here, and they’ll get to know you, too, and is part of why SOFI has that classic small-town feel. You’ll definitely feel like a regular at your favorite spots.

From Milo’s, Prime 112, Prime Italian, or outdoor sunset dining at Smith and Wollensky overlooking the water, or a beach lounge feel at Nikki Beach, there are many stellar restaurants and entertainment options in this exclusive area. For vegans, Planta is a favorite South of Fifth restaurant (even for all of Miami), while Azabu in the Marriott has incredibly fresh sushi. And let’s not forget the Michelin-star restaurant Stubborn Seed and the historic restaurant Joe’s Stone Crab. Plus, there are many coffee shops, bakeries, juice bars, and cafes like Pura Vida and Kava Garden.

Nikki Beach - Miami Beach, FL

— South of Fifth Shopping

In terms of shopping, the South of Fifth neighborhood has all that you need right around you. Located nearby, there are the staples of Target, Publix, Best Buy, Petco, Total Wine, TJ Maxx, and more. Additionally, Whole Foods is located only 5 blocks away on Alton Road.

If that’s not enough, you’re also located a quick 10-minute drive to South Beach's world-famous Lincoln Road outdoor promenade, where you’ll find major brands like Pottery Barn, Apple, Intermix, Zara, Anthropologie, Lacoste, Ted Baker and more. Or head to the quaint Sunset Harbour, for more boutique shopping, high-end grocery like Fresh Market and Trader Joe’s, and some favorite local’s restaurants, like Sardinia and Lucali.

Luxury shopping options are also located very close by – you’re about 15-20 minutes from Brickell City Centre, which is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and has almost every top luxury brand you can imagine from Hugo Boss and Bally to Diptyque, Santa Maria Novella, Giuseppe Zanotti, Rolex, Tumi and more.

You can also stay on the beach and head north about 25 minutes to the Bal Harbour Shops outdoor mall, where you’ll find even more top brands accompanied by great restaurants, including Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Chopard, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Missoni, Van Cleef and Arpels, and so. Additionally, you will find a handful of local art galleries close by.

South of Fifth Shopping

— South of Fifth Parks & Nature

If everything you've read hasn’t convinced you yet, then the nature around you, available outdoor activities, the direct access to a beautiful white sandy beach, and South Pointe Park should do the trick. 

South of Fifth’s beach area is truly beautiful — it even has a fishing pier (just make sure you have your fishing permit!). South of Fifth has long been a favorite of sunset yoga lovers, surfers, and beach lovers of all kinds offering an amazing nature-focused way of life and a relaxed vibe.

South Pointe Park

The entire area of South of Fifth is anchored by the 17-acre South Pointe Park, which has a nature trail and boardwalk that spans its entire waterfront perimeter. Along with the kids' area with a large playground and splash park, you’ll find this South Pointe Park in constant action with a frozen yogurt concession, a Smith & Wollensky steakhouse with outdoor dining, a dog park area, outdoor showers, and plenty of green park space to throw down a blanket and have a picnic, read a book, or just take a siesta – some of the many reasons that make South Pointe Park one of the most popular destinations in South of Fifth.

South Pointe Park is also an amazing park with room for biking and rollerblading, plus picnic benches and a little cafe, all just steps from the beach. At sunset, the western side of this pet-friendly park comes alive with impromptu revelers enjoying the sunset, sometimes with live music, yoga, and slack-lining. It’s just a really happy place.

South Pointe Park

Boating and the Miami Beach Marina

If you love sailing, boating, fishing or have a yacht, you’ll be happy to know that South of Fifth has its own marina. Residents enjoy quick access to the Miami Beach Marina where you can dock your yacht and receive full concierge marine services after enjoying the surrounding waters.

If you keep walking west and a little north along the waterfront promenade, you’ll reach this marina as well as other retail and restaurants, like Monty’s Raw Bar, another local favorite for great seafood after a day on the boat. 

Photo credit: Miami Beach Marina

— South of Fifth Luxury Highrises and Boutique Condos

What we love about this little Miami beachside area is that, even though it’s small, it has the perfect mix of housing options, architecture, and luxury condos with incredible views. There’s something for everyone here, and has some of the best South Beach highrises. 

There are beachfront and Biscayne Bay waterfront condo buildings like the Continuum South Beach Towers, Apogee South Beach, Murano Grande, and Murano at Portofino Tower, as well as incredibly luxurious, boutique mid-rise condo buildings on the beach like 321 Ocean Drive. These boutique condos feel like a modern, beach house, and often come with personal pools, massive private terraces, and lighted tennis courts.

Then there are even more boutique architectural gems and restored art deco buildings nestled in tree-lined streets, but just blocks away from the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, you can expect to pay a premium for some of these condos and their amenities and proximity to the beach, but it’s well worth it.

Apogee & Continuum South Beach 

— South of Fifth Schools in South Beach

If you think living in South of Fifth is not right for families, think again. SOFI has one of the best public elementary schools in all of Miami. South Pointe Elementary school is an excellent public school in this family-friendly area. 

There’s also BaseCamp 305, a private school here for Pre-K through 2nd grade. There’s also Miami Beach High School, as well as several private schools on the beach or within about 30 minutes that most SOFI kids attend.

Basecamp 305 (Expansion to Upper Elementary) - Photo credit: Basecamp305

— Who’s South Of Fifth, Miami Beach, NOT For?

Urbanites…

If you’re a city person, and you prioritize being in the thick of things, we’d recommend Brickell, Downtown, or Coconut Grove. South of Fifth will be too small for you and its relaxed vibe may be too slow. Plus, if you need to work every day in Brickell, you may not like the commute. 

You can't stand tourists or weekend traffic…

South Beach's South of Fifth can get a bit touristy in the high season and spring break. So if you really can’t stand having tourists floating around your street, this may not be best for you. The weekend and holiday beachgoer traffic and parking can be busy.

However, residents often have their own designated spots and can easily walk to where they need to go around the small neighborhood. If you are looking for something a completely exclusive, check out Fisher Island.

You want a single-family home…

If you want a single-family home, or are ready to move your family out of condo living, we recommend a family-focused neighborhood on the water or by the beach with single-family home options, like Key Biscayne or Coconut Grove.

But, if you want the beach day and night or luxurious condos to live in with excellent amenities, but a relaxed, vacation vibe when you leave your building and neighbors who are like-minded… South of Fifth is nearly unbeatable.

If you want more information on available luxury condos or South of Fifth real estate, give us a call or shoot us an email for an exclusive insider tour of the area or any condos.