Five Things to Do in Miami During the Summer

In just a couple of months, summer in Miami will be in full swing.  Even though it is hot, there is always so much to do.  From festivals to baseball to neighborhood activities, no one ever says that they are bored when living in Miami.  Here are just a few of our favorite things to do.

Outdoor Theatres.  There are several outdoor spots in Miami that feature movies after dark.  At night when the Miami sun goes down and the bay breezes kick in, there is nothing like heading over to one of the venues that have set up an outdoor movie theatre to set up beach chairs, blankets, and picnics for an evening of family fun.  Most people who attend these events come early and throw Frisbees or kick the soccer ball until it is time to settle in for a good movie (sometimes even first run movies).  Some of the venues even offer earlier shows for kids then feature more “grown up” movies.  Some of the more popular spots to attend an outdoor movie are Biscayne Park, South Pointe Park in Miami Beach, and other spots throughout Miami-Dade County.  The best part about attending outdoor movies is that if there is a fee, it is typically nominal just to cover the expenses of showing the movie. 

Miami Seaquarium.  Probably the only cooler thing than the aquarium itself is its location on Virginia Key in the middle of Biscayne Bay.  The Miami Seaquarium is open year-round and offers shows and exhibits with much of the sea life in the waters surrounding Miami and Miami Beach including dolphins, whales, sea turtles, manatees and other creatures.  As the oldest oceanarium in the US, this is a fun place to take family and friends who visit during the summer.   We suggest that you check out the Miami Seaquarium website before you make plans as the shows frequently change and new exhibits come throughout the year. 

Head to the Beaches.  Yes, summer in Miami is hot but there is no better place to enjoy the sunshine than one of Miami’s area beaches.  A great place to spend the afternoon is on the Virginia Key Beach (go after you have been to the Miami Seaquarium).  It is such a great place to swim and enjoy the afternoon, take your dog out to run along the water and fetch balls or simply take a little while to walk along the surf.  Another area beach that offers plenty of space to spend the day is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park located at the south end of Key Biscayne.  This is the perfect place for swimming, fishing along the seawall, climbing the Cape Florida Lighthouse and ending the day at the restaurant, Boater’s Grill.  And, of course, if you want to enjoy the Miami sunshine in full fashion, head over to South Beach.  Not only is it interesting on its own, you have all of the South Beach excitement and action at your fingertips. 

South Beach.  While on the subject of South Beach, this part of Miami offers so much to do all year long.  Here you have some of the best shopping, dining, nightlife and, of course, people watching in all of Florida.  On top of that the beach is amazing.  The atmosphere, along with the unique architectural designs, is why so many people choose to live in South Beach – there is nothing like having white sugary sand and crystal blue water practically at your doorstep while being able to have everything in South Beach within arm's reach. 

Dine Out.  When we say “dine out,” we mean eat outside.  Evenings in Miami are most always balmy and most area restaurants take advantage of the breezes by offering outdoor seating.  From the restaurants and cafes on Lincoln Road in South Beach to the newly opened and relocated spots in the Design District to our favorites in Brickell, there are so many options that you can literally not eat at the same place twice all summer long.  Some even look at it as a challenge and a great way to discover new favorites. 

Full of Summer Activities

Miami is full of summer activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.  For those of us who live here, it is so easy to get caught up in our day to day lives that we can forget about all that this unbelievably beautiful area offers so much to do. So step back and remember that we are very fortunate to live here.  Take advantage of it and get out there this summer! 

Top Five Most Recent South Beach Miami Real Estate Sales

South Beach is definitely one of the coolest areas in all of Miami.  It embodies sun and fun.  It has an eclectic, easy-going atmosphere that draws people from all over Miami-Dade and even the whole state of Florida.  Residents choose to live in South Beach because of its multi-cultural, super popular reputation as well as its chic fashion sense and nightlife.  With all signs pointing that real estate is becoming more in demand, following are the top five most recent South Beach real estate sales:

650 West Ave Apt 1802, The Floridian, Sale Price: $525,000

Located in the heart of South Beach is The Floridian.  Its contemporary architecture is beautiful on the Miami Beach skyline.  With unbelievable water and Downtown Miami views, it is no wonder that so many want to live here.  This unit that sold on December 12 is a corner unit with a wrap balcony that looks out over South Beach with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.  Inside there are wonderful features like walk-in closets, large open living areas and two bedrooms that are situated on each end of the unit. Condominium amenities are plentiful with a resort-style pool, tennis courts, fully-equipped fitness center, concierge, security and more.  List prices at the Floridian currently range between about $400K and almost $900K.  Most two-bedroom units list in the $600s.  As for rentals, the rates typically range from about $2,500 to over $4,000. 

224 Meridian Avenue, #6, Liberty House, Sale Price:  $196,000

A SoFi property for under $200K?  This unit is a completely remodeled one-bedroom unit with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, marble floors, and a washer and dryer in the unit.  There is no better location to live in South Beach than South of Fifth.  Liberty House was built in 1959 and has a vintage classic Florida appeal.  It is situated on a quiet tree-lined street only a few blocks from the beach and within walking distance to great restaurants and fun on Ocean Drive.  This is a small condominium that has great potential as an investment.  Sale prices for the four units sold in 2012 ranged between $100K and $160K.  This year the only unit that has sold thus far is this one at $196K. 

710 Washington Avenue, #406, The Hampton on Washington, Sale Price:  $165,000

This was a huge opportunity to live ½ blocks from the ocean and oh so close to the fantastic shopping and dining in South Beach.  This unit at the Hampton on Washington was recently renovated with marble floors, stainless steel appliances, stone counter tops, and a marble bath.  The large windows in the living room and bedroom overlooked, tree-lined Pennsylvania Ave On top of that it was sold furnished with glassware, dishes, flatware, linens, lamps, window treatments, cove lighting and more.  There are several units listed with list prices ranging from the mid-$100s to the upper-$200s.  Four units have recently sold with sale prices falling in the mid-$100s.  As for rental property, investors can expect to garner monthly rental rates between $1,400 and $2,000 depending on the size and views.

100 S Pointe Drive, #2105, Continuum, Sale Price:  $3,275,000

Of course, to get a true picture of the range of sale prices in South Beach real estate, one unit sold this week at Continuum South Tower.  This beautiful unit with almost 2,000 square feet as well as two bedrooms and two baths has so many amenities throughout the residence from amazing panoramic ocean views on large terraces to a wonderful kitchen, luxurious walk-in closets, and special media pre-wiring just to name of few.  Continuum is truly the ultimate in luxury living on South Beach with everything it has to offer from the private beach club to the exotic resort pool, tennis courts and more.   List prices range from almost $800K for a one-bedroom in the North Tower to almost $30 million for a huge 8,000+ square foot penthouse in the South Tower (three units combined into one).  For rentals, only annual leases are allowed with monthly rates falling between $4,500 and about $30,000. 

520 Euclid Avenue, #12, Pinewood Co-op, Sale Price: $140,000

Situated a half-block north of SoFi, this is an updated and lovely studio.  It features wood floors, walk-in closets, gas stove and stainless appliances as well as lots of storage.  The location is ideal with everything in South Beach just a short walk away.  Additionally, parking is available for $50 per month.  Units at Pinewood are ideal for first time buyers, investors and buyers looking for a weekend getaway.  Only two studios have sold recently with both sale prices at $140K.  Investors typically garner about $1,000 to $1,300 per month for monthly rental rates with similar properties.

Worth Consideration

While the perception is that South Beach real estate is only for the rich and famous, recent sales prove that it can be very affordable for all types of buyers from first-time buyers and real estate investors.  This is a wonderful part of the city that draws so many different people.  South Beach real estate is very much worth checking out. 

Top Five $1 Million Properties in South Beach Miami

When anyone thinks of South Beach, they think of beautiful people in beautiful clothes enjoying life in one of the most “tony” parts of the country.  Or they may think of how celebrities come to this part of Miami for some time on the white, sandy beaches at one of the elite five-star hotels.  No matter the notions created, one thing for sure is that South Beach is all that and more.

In South Beach, while there are single family homes dotting the streets, much of South Beach consists of upscale, contemporary condos.  For anyone interested in South Beach real estate, following are the top five properties for $1 million.

200 Ocean Drive Condos for Sale

200 Ocean Drive, #3D, 200 Ocean Drive Condo, List Price:  $1,020,000

Located in the popular SoFi part of Miami District, this Ocean Drive condo is a corner unit facing the ocean.  It features impeccable design and décor that is sure to make it a favorite gathering space for entertaining.  200 Ocean Drive offers a wonderful tropical pool, workout facilities, security and assigned gated parking.  For investors, there is a liberal leasing policy.  With the beach and park just acrose the street, this is a great property for anyone wanting to live the South Beach lifestyle.

W South Beach Condos for Sale

2201 Collins Avenue, #1103, W South Beach, List Price:  $1,045,000

The W South Beach is the epitome of luxury living.  This oceanfront property offers the indulgence of the W Hotel with the opportunity to own property of this caliber.  The studio unit is fully furnished, features southeast ocean views and is ready for occupancy.  Living the vacation lifestyle is achievable at W South Beach with complete pool and beach services and access to Bliss Spa and top restaurants, Mr. Chow, the Dutch and Club Wall.  The W South Beach’s location is within walking distance to everything that anyone loves about South Beach. 

2201 Collins Avenue, #1023, W South Beach, List Price:  $1,050,000

Nothing says prestigious like living at the W South Beach.  This studio features the most amazing ocean views from the private balcony and tasteful décor.  Property owners have access to all of the hotel amenities including the fitness center, pool and beach services, spa services and more.  Additionally, property owners can take advantage of the in-house property management and rental services. 

Armitage Place Condos for Sale

243 Meridian Avenue, #214, Armitage Place, List Price:  $1,050,000

Located South of Fift, this two-story townhouse features three bedrooms and two and a half baths, as well as a beautiful kitchen with improted Italian wood floors, maple kitchen cabinets, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances.  As a corner unit, there are windows on three sides along with four balconies.  Other amenities include two parking spaces, building security, a beautiful swimming pool and a plaza with fountain.  This building has a true resort feel with its unique Mediterranean architecture in a quiet location. 

1500 Ocean Drive Condos for Sale

1500 Ocean Drive, #507, 1500 Ocean Drive Condo, List Price:  $1,100,000

Here is an opportunity to live in a gorgeous oceanfront condominium that features a gourmet kitchen with Sub Zero refrigerator and granite countertops, spa-like baths with marble floors and Jacuzzi tubs, floor to ceiling glass windows and a balcony accessible from every room.  Fully furnished with updated and modern décor, this unit is one of the best oceanfront values in South Beach.  Amenities include concierge, an outdoor pool, spa, gym and storage.

San Marino Homes for Sale

300 E San Marino Drive, San Marino Island, List Price:  $1,075,000

Yes you can own a single family home in South Beach.  Considered part of South Beach, this home is located on one of the exclusive Venetian Islands in Biscayne Bay.  It offers so many unique features that are not seen in today’s new construction homes as it was built in 1939 but has tons of opportunities for renovations and updates. 

South Beach is All About Location

While in other parts of the area, $1 million buys more property, South Beach is all about location.  South Beach real estate brings together contemporary and exotic  to create an atmosphere in which most people only dream of living.  

South Beach Lofts

When most people visit Miami for the first time, they end up in South Beach (SoBe). The lifestyle in South Beach is unlike any other in the country.  The most beautiful people combined with a tropical Florida lifestyle embodies what anyone imagines when thinking of living in Miami. 

South Beach lofts take the Miami lifestyle one step further with their contemporary “Miami” architecture and tropical feel that comes with living there. With loft condominiums in South Beach, residents live in smaller boutique condominiums with a significantly smaller number of homes than in the high rise buildings.

While there are a good number of loft condominiums scattered throughout SoBe, there are only a handful of units for sale at any given time.  The common thread throughout the majority of loft condominiums is that they are in such demand that they sell quickly.  Following are several South Beach loft condominium buildings that feature some of the most fabulous homes in truly one of the most fabulous parts in all of South Florida:

Lofts at South Beach, 1701 Sunset Harbour Drive

The Lofts at South Beach are located at the edge of the Venetian Causeway offering easy access to the action of Downtown Miami as well as Lincoln Road in the opposite direction. As the only SoBe loft condominium with direct Biscayne Bay views, this exclusive home offers the ideal SoBe lifestyle in a serene setting.  Each home features the best of everything with open and airy living areas, European style kitchen with high-line cabinets, counter tops, and stainless steel appliances as well as oversized, impact resistant windows that overlook the majestic Biscayne Bay.  Built in 2004, The Lofts at South Beach is a five-story building that has office and retail space on the first two floors with 24 units scattered between remaining three stories.   Residence sizes range from just under 1,000 square feet to over 2,600 for a penthouse loft that was redesigned by combining two units into one larger one.  Residents enjoy a rooftop terrace, gated electronic intercom access, indoor parking and a wonderful heated pool.  In the past 12 months, five units have sold with sale prices falling between the upper-$200s and $600K with the average number of days on the market at 47 days.  Currently, the penthouse loft is listed for sale with a list price at $1.5 million.  

Claris Lofts, 234 Meridian Avenue

Built in 2006, Claris is situated in the chicest section of South Beach known as South of Fifth (SoFi).  This is a unique loft condominium in that it consists of two buildings with the front building housing four townhouses and the back building housing three tri-level loft residences all surrounded by lush and tropical landscaping.  Just three blocks from the beach, it is a very exclusive address because of the small number of residences.  The loft residences feature floor to ceiling high-impact windows that showcase the most amazing views and private roof-top terraces in addition to exquisitely modern kitchens with high-end appliances, counter tops and cabinetry.  Other appealing characteristics include private garages which are uncommon in SoBe as well as 25-foot ceilings.  The only unit listed for sale is priced just under $1 million.  No units have sold in the past 12 months and after seeing a loft at Claris, you will know why.  This is absolutely South Beach living in its truest form.

Absolut Lofts, 245 Michigan Avenue

When seeing the word “Absolut,” affluent comes to mind.  With Absolut Lofts, this rings true.  This loft condominium is located in exclusive SoFi and features only 20 split-level units scattered around five stories.  There are two styles of residences at Absolut – garden lofts and penthouse lofts.  The garden lofts are distinctive in that they have their own private entrances as well as small courtyards while the unique characteristic of the penthouse lofts are the private roof-top terraces.  Designed by famed architecture firm, Kobi Karp (1101 Brickell), Absolut Lofts were built in 2005 and offer a very chic lifestyle to those who have the chance to call this address home.  Current list prices fall between the mid-$600s to upper-$800s with sale prices of the two that sold over the last 12 months in the same range and the average number of days on the market at only TWO days.  For investors, monthly rentals range from around $3,000 to over $4,000. 

Industry Lofts, 1560 Lenox Avenue

Industry Lofts embody the true loft experience with its industrial aesthetic design.  Originally a telephone company, the residences feature exposed ceilings, A/C ducts, and other loft characteristics.  Zoned live/work, this is ideal for those who have the desire to live and work in the same location.  With retail on the first floor and a total of 17 residences on the other two stories, the location of Industry Lofts I perfect as it is one block from Lincoln Road.  Inside each residence, there are gourmet kitchens with top-quality appliances and fixtures as well as high ceilings and contemporary finishes.  Other great qualities include an elevator and huge roof top garden with a Jacuzzi and sundeck.  In the past year, two units have sold with sale prices in the mid-$300s and mid-$400s and the average number of days on the market at only 30 days.  For investors, rental rates are anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000 per month.

More Lofts in South Beach

While there are more lofts in South Beach, the number of opportunities to purchase a loft condominium is few and far between.  Too many to name, when one is listed, it is gobbled up virtually within the snap of a finger which is why it is so important to work with a Miami Realtor who has his finger on the pulse of the market and even more important to be ready to buy.  Lofts in and of themselves are very contemporary and cool but put them in tropical South Beach and they also become very exotic.  There is nothing like living in a South Beachloft.