Lincoln Road Mall is a walkable 10-block strip of upscale stores, cafes, restaurants and bars in South Beach. There’s no doubt that Lincoln Road is one of the most popular destinations in Miami.
The pedestrian zone with its high-end stores, restaurants and art galleries is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or beachwear, or just want to people-watch, Lincoln Road is the place to be.
The History of Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road Mall was originally a mangrove forest, but was cleared and developed in the early 1900s.
When developer Carl Fisher laid out Lincoln Road in 1912, he named it after the assassinated Union savior. Just one year later, the City of Miami dedicated its monument to the Confederacy. Fisher’s vision was to make Lincoln Road “the Fifth Avenue of the South.”
In the 1940s, luxury brands such as Bonwit Teller, Burdines, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cadillac, and Lincoln all had outposts along Lincoln Road. In the late 1950s, Miami Beach commissioned renowned architect Morris Lapidus to redesign Lincoln Road. His design for an open-air shopping center was only the second of its kind in the United States.
The street was closed to traffic and opened in November 1960 as one of the nation’s first pedestrian malls. It described itself as the “most magnificent shopping center in all of America.”
Today, Lincoln Road is a vibrant center, home to a state-of-the-art multiplex movie theater, the architecturally acclaimed Lincoln Road parking garage, the famous New World Center concert hall, and more than 200 boutiques, local and national retail stores, and fine restaurants and bars.
Things To Do at Lincoln Road
Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do at Lincoln Road Mall:
The Mall
Art and culture in Miami Beach are best expressed on Lincoln Road, whose open-air shopping center is an architectural masterpiece. Morris Lapidus, the famous Art Deco architect, designed the pedestrian mall with spacious public plazas adorned with masterful sculptures and lush greenery – a portrait of urban paradise.
Shopping
Shopping never looked so tempting! On Sundays, Lincoln Road hums with life – a weekly farmers market awaits with energizing fresh-squeezed juices or smoothies and juicy, delicious produce. Antique lovers shouldn’t miss the Lincoln Road Antique and Collectible Market – a great event that brings together over a hundred vendors two to three times a month from October to May!
Lincoln Road, popular with shoppers from near and far, is home to a wide selection of major brands including Ted Baker, Zara, Lululemon, American Eagle and Express. But in addition to these commercial offerings, the street prides itself on its elegant boutiques with exclusive finds – none prouder than Red Zebra. The electrifying atmosphere created by the multitude of stores makes shopping on Lincoln Road an unforgettable experience.
Abbey Brewing Company
The mysterious Abbey Brewing Company, just a block off busy Lincoln Road, is a long-established brewery that treats craft beer in South Beach with dignity and respect. Stroll into the dark, cool alcoves on a sultry afternoon and your craving for a giant pretzel and one of Miami Beach’s famous beers will be fully satisfied.
The Colony Theater
The Colony Theater, an inspiring Art Deco masterpiece, is a captivating venue that serves as the home of Miami New Drama – a respected theater producer offering a variety of world-class local performances. Miami New Drama is a passionate, professional theater company that prides itself on its commitment to artistic excellence and the production of groundbreaking works that are unparalleled in the community.
Juvia
At Juvia, located on the rooftop of the parking garage at 1111 Lincoln Road, you can enjoy a majestic evening with exquisite views and delicious food. Enjoy the stunning backdrop of coastal colors and city views while sipping on sophisticated cocktails. Truffle ceviche and tuna nikkei combine in perfect harmony to create an atmosphere to savor before you dive into your night in South Beach. Capture your memories with stunning photos – this is an event you’re sure to remember!
New World Center and SoundScape Park
The majestic New World Center, home of the renowned New World Symphony, stands at the edge of beautiful SoundScape Park. On many weekends, you can admire the stunning film projections on the walls of Symphony Hall and bask in their splendor on the park’s lush lawns. Every month from October through May, the New World Symphony graces you with an evening performance live-streamed into the magnificent building. Bring a picnic and enjoy a truly breathtaking experience!
7 Spices Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe
You won’t regret it if you’re looking for a cherished treat: eat at Mister 01! This renowned pizzeria, located in a nondescript office building hallway, has taken the city by storm with its classic Neapolitan pizzas, attracting locals and travelers alike.
Romero Britto Fine Art Gallery
Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto’s enchanting paintings of the landscapes of greater Miami and Miami Beach reach their peak at his Lincoln Road gallery. There, connoisseurs will find a wealth of artwork to collect, but a visit is also a welcome option for those citizens for whom the spark isn’t there!
Chotto Matte
Enjoy the tantalizing flavors of Nikkei cuisine at the famous Chotto Matte! Step into a heavenly setting where tropical plants adorn your path as you feast on fresh seafood and grilled meats. Lose yourself in this vast space – a culinary experience you’ll never forget!
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza
You won’t regret it if you’re looking for a cherished treat: eat at Mister 01! This renowned pizzeria, located in a nondescript office building hallway, has taken the city by storm with its classic Neapolitan pizzas, attracting locals and travelers alike.
MILA
Mila is a luxury restaurant featuring Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, a luxurious rooftop restaurant, a cozy lounge, exquisite omakase dishes, and an exclusive members-only bar – all in a grand setting with an immaculate cocktail bar. With the effortless beauty of the five elements, Mila offers a unique experience that awakens all the senses through sophisticated flavors, customized mixology, stirring ethnic sounds and an unparalleled ambiance.
Where’s the Lincoln Road Mall located?
Lincoln Road is located between 16th and 17th Streets in Miami Beach, just a 3-minute walk (0.1 mile) from Kaskades Hotel South Beach, via 17th St and Washington Ave.
Below you can see the suggested route that you can click on Google Maps to get from Kaskades Hotel South Beach to Lincoln Road:
The Stores
Lincoln Road Mall is a lively, pedestrian-friendly center for shopping, dining and entertainment. With many local and out-of-town visitors, excellent shopping and outstanding restaurants, it’s no wonder this mile-long boulevard is one of South Florida’s premier destinations.
Shoppers, buckle up, because a wild ride awaits you on Lincoln Road. This street is lined with the hottest fashion stores like Zara, Lacoste, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Anthropologie, Original Penguin, Forever 21, Guess, Nike, H & M and Athleta. And the best part? Most stores are open daily from 10am to 11pm!
The Food
Lincoln Road has no shortage of delicious restaurants. Havana 1957 is the perfect spot for authentic Cuban cuisine and cocktails, Meat Market is ideal for lovers of prime steak, Shake Shack is a must for burger fans, and Molto Pizza and Booze is a great choice for New York-style pizza.
If you love Mexican food, then you’ve to try Huahua’s Taqueria. This small eatery serves delicious tacos and more. You won’t be disappointed at Juvia either, a luxurious rooftop restaurant with a bar and a breathtaking views of South Beach.
Whatever your taste, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Miami Beach on Lincoln Road!
Cafés & Bar
In this lively and electric street you can enjoy an excellent coffee, a beer or a cocktail. You’ll always have at your disposal a large number of café-bars to spend an afternoon or evening with family and friends.
The tables and cafes on the sidewalks of Lincoln Road provide the perfect backdrop for people-watching and enjoying the endless sunshine. Most cafes and bars on Lincoln Road take advantage of the nice weather and offer covered outdoor seating. In the early afternoon, locals gather here to relax and enjoy a happy hour before dinner.
Order a drink at Segafredo L’Originale or a coffee at Lincoln Eatery and watch the world go by – that’s how the locals do it!
People-watching
You never know who you’ll run into as you stroll down Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. One minute you’ll hear a melodious mix of languages from around the world and the next you’ll witness a bustling parade of dog-walking locals, hurried shoppers, supermodels, street performers and celebrities. It’s always an interesting experience to people-watch in this lively area!
Definitely an Unavoidable Place
Lincoln Road is a great place to people-watch, grab a bite to eat or store. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion or cheap souvenirs, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for on Lincoln Road. The street is also home to many art galleries, museums and theaters, making it the perfect place to spend a day or evening.
So don’t hesitate to visit this spectacular promenade full of entertainment, just a few steps away from Kaskades Hotel South Beach. What’re you waiting for? Book your stay now and enjoy the best things to do in Miami South Beach.
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