South Beach
South Beach, the pastel-hued waterside neighborhood nestled in Miami Beach, is one of the city's most walkable areas. Despite its reputation for nightlife, it's surprisingly PG-rated before dark, with strollers, bikes, and Rollerblades filling the pedestrian Lincoln Road. Explore the shops, then head to the beach for chair and towel service. North of 30th Street, you'll find a clean, quiet stretch of sand where rocks create a wave-free zone for young swimmers. Or visit the art-deco hotels on Ocean Drive, which runs parallel to the beach. You don't have to be a guest to grab lunch at the Delano Hotel, swim in the Raleigh's pool ($25 for the whole day), or explore the Sagamore Hotel's cool lobby.
Restaurants
Ice Box
The rotating menu offers brunch dishes like veggie frittatas and banana-split pancakes.
1657 Michigan Ave., (305) 538-8448
Its ice creams and sorbets—made on-site with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or eggs—have a cultlike following. Try the cappuccino chip, coconut, or mango ginger lime.
1626 Michigan Ave., (305) 538-0207
Dig into scrumptious stone crabs, grouper sandwiches, and skinny sweet-potato fries on the outdoor patio.
11 Washington Ave., (305) 673-4611; If your group is 20 or more call (305) 673-0365, otherwise they don't accept reservations.
Shops
The Dynamo Museum Shop
Tucked into the design-centric Wolfsonian-FIU, this shop and café sells Blik wall decals, slinky dogs, and Salvor animal tees.
1001 Washington Ave., (305) 531-1001
Toy boxes, games, and puzzles are stacked haphazardly from ceiling to floor in this crammed, old-fashioned store.
728 Arthur Godfrey Rd., (305) 532-5250
Activities
Flamingo Park
This neighborhood park has a playground, a climbing wall, and sports courts. Huge umbrellas provide shade at the pool ($4 each for kids, $6 for adults, free for kids under three), where kids can splash around on the in-water slide and play structures.
1245 Michigan Ave., (305) 673-7766
What kid won't be stoked to tell her friends she learned to hang ten? California native Matt Rosas, who's been surfing for 30 years, gives private or family lessons on South Beach ($79 for one hour; book a week ahead).
Ocean and 1st, (305) 910-5815
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