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Miami Beach
This isn't a tourist guide. It's a love letter from someone who lives here. The people, the water, the neighborhoods, and the community that makes this barrier island the best place I've ever called home.
Why Miami Beach
I moved to Miami Beach because of the water. I stayed because of everything else.
The energy here is different from anywhere I've lived. You wake up, the ocean is right there. The sun is up before you are. You can kiteboard after work, run the Boardwalk at sunset, grab dinner on Lincoln Road, and still be home before the city even feels like it's winding down. Miami Beach doesn't slow down — but it lets you move at your own speed.
The international culture is unlike anywhere else in America. You hear Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Hebrew in a single coffee shop. People move here from Buenos Aires, Tel Aviv, Paris, and São Paulo. The diversity isn't performative — it's the fabric of the place. You meet someone new every week who has an extraordinary story.
For someone who kiteboards, works remotely, and loves being outside, there's no better city. No state income tax. The Atlantic Ocean on one side, Biscayne Bay on the other. Year-round warmth. And a community of people who chose this life intentionally — athletes, entrepreneurs, creatives, and a few genuine legends mixed in.
Miami Beach gets a reputation as a party town. That's the surface. Underneath it is a real community — a man who hasn't missed a day of running in 50 years, a commissioner who self-funded his campaign, a health pioneer building barefoot shoes in his 70s, and a kiteboarding community fighting to protect their park. Those are the people I know. Those are the stories I tell.
People I Know
The Legend of South Beach
Robert "Raven" KraftHas run 8 miles every single day since January 1, 1975. Over 50 years. 145,000+ miles. 3,700+ runners from 60+ countries. A street named after him. The most iconic figure in Miami Beach history.
The Commissioner
David SuarezMiami Beach City Commissioner (Group 5). Mechanical engineer who grew LifeCell skincare 100x. Led Save SoFi to protect his neighborhood with 1,000+ signatures. Self-funded his campaign.
The Primal Legend
Mark SissonFormer elite marathoner. Author of The Primal Blueprint. Built Primal Kitchen and sold it to Kraft-Heinz. Created Peluva barefoot shoes. Lives on Miami Beach. In his 70s and looks like he’s 40.
Wind & Water
Miami Beach KiteboardingThe complete guide to kiteboarding in Miami Beach. Chris Bobryk, Save Crandon Park, spots guide, gear recommendations, and why this community matters.
Community Heroes
More people who make Miami Beach what it is.
The Neighborhoods
Miami Beach is one island, but it's really four neighborhoods — each with its own personality.
The quiet jewel
South of Fifth (SoFi)
The southernmost tip of Miami Beach. Residential, walkable, gorgeous. South Pointe Park, Government Cut, and some of the best sunrises in the world. David Suarez led the Save SoFi campaign to keep developers from changing its character. It’s the neighborhood where locals actually want to live.
The icon
South Beach
Ocean Drive, Art Deco, Lincoln Road. Yes, it’s the most famous stretch. But beyond the tourist layer, there’s a real neighborhood. Flamingo Park, the running path, Raven’s daily 8-mile route. Espanola Way has genuine charm. The energy is unmatched — you feel alive just walking down the street.
The sweet spot
Mid-Beach
Between South Beach and North Beach, Mid-Beach is where the city finds its balance. Less chaos than South Beach, more walkable than North Beach. The Boardwalk runs right through it. The Faena District brought world-class art and architecture. Sunset Harbour is the real gem — co-working spaces, boutique fitness, and great food without the crowds.
The local’s secret
North Beach
The most underrated part of Miami Beach. Quieter, more affordable, deeply multicultural. North Beach has a strong Argentine and Latin American community. The Bandshell hosts free concerts. It feels like what Miami Beach used to be — relaxed, authentic, unhurried. If you want peace and proximity to the ocean, this is it.
The Water Sports Capital
An island between the Atlantic and Biscayne Bay, with warm water year-round. This is what Miami Beach was made for.
Kiteboarding
Consistent trade winds, warm flat water, and a tight-knit community. Crandon Park and Virginia Key are the go-to spots. Chris Bobryk leads the charge. There’s nothing like being pulled across Biscayne Bay at 25 knots with the Miami skyline behind you.
Kiteboarding GuideKiteboarding Miami Spots
A detailed breakdown of every kiteboarding spot in the Miami area. Wind patterns, launch zones, parking, difficulty levels. Written for locals and visitors alike.
Miami Spots GuideeFoils
Electric hydrofoil surfboards. No wind, no waves needed. You fly above the water on a silent electric motor. Perfect for the glassy mornings when the wind hasn’t kicked in yet. The future of water sports is already here.
eFoil Comparison GuidePaddleboarding & Swimming
The ocean is right there, every single day. Paddleboard through the mangroves at sunset. Swim laps in the Atlantic. The water temperature rarely drops below 72°F. You don’t need expensive gear to enjoy the ocean — just show up.
Living Here
The practical side of island life — where to work, eat, train, and spend your time.
Co-Working & Remote Work
- •Sunset Harbour has multiple co-working options with ocean breezes
- •Coffee shops double as remote offices — many locals work from their laptops all day
- •Strong Wi-Fi culture across the island — most restaurants and cafes support remote workers
- •No state income tax in Florida makes it ideal for remote professionals
Coffee & Food
- •Panther Coffee on Sunset Harbour — the best coffee on the island, no debate
- •La Sandwicherie on 14th — open late, perfect after a beach day
- •Joe’s Stone Crab — a Miami Beach institution since 1913
- •Front Porch Cafe on Ocean Drive — the best brunch with an actual view
Fitness & Outdoors
- •Run the Boardwalk from South Pointe to North Beach (8+ miles)
- •Flamingo Park has tennis, basketball, a pool, and a track
- •Muscle Beach at Lummus Park — outdoor gym with ocean views
- •Yoga studios on every block — the wellness culture is real
The Scene
- •Lincoln Road — pedestrian mall with restaurants, galleries, and people-watching
- •Sunset Harbour — the locals’ favorite neighborhood for dining and shopping
- •Art Basel every December transforms the entire island into a gallery
- •Live music at North Beach Bandshell — free concerts under the stars
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the most interesting people in Miami Beach?
Robert 'Raven' Kraft has run 8 miles every day since 1975 (50+ years, 145,000+ miles). David Suarez is a Miami Beach City Commissioner who grew a skincare company 100x and led the Save SoFi campaign. Mark Sisson is the Primal Blueprint author who sold Primal Kitchen to Kraft-Heinz and now builds Peluva barefoot shoes in his 70s. These are people Glen Bradford knows personally from living on Miami Beach.
Who is Robert Raven Kraft from Miami Beach?
Robert 'Raven' Kraft is a South Beach legend who has run 8 miles every single day since January 1, 1975 — over 50 years and 145,000+ miles. More than 3,700 runners from 60+ countries have joined his daily runs. He has a street named after him on Miami Beach. Glen Bradford profiled him and wrote an AI-generated screenplay called THE STREAK about his life.
What is kiteboarding like in Miami Beach?
Miami Beach offers some of the best kiteboarding in Florida, with consistent winds and warm water year-round. The community includes riders like Chris Bobryk and is centered around spots like Crandon Park. Glen Bradford's kiteboarding guide covers spots, gear recommendations, the Save Crandon Park campaign, and why the kiteboarding community matters.
Who is David Suarez, Miami Beach Commissioner?
David Suarez is the Miami Beach City Commissioner for Group 5, elected in November 2023. He is a mechanical engineer from UF with Cuban-Israeli roots who grew his father's skincare company LifeCell 100x. He led the Save SoFi campaign with 1,000+ signatures to protect the South of Fifth neighborhood from overdevelopment. He self-funded his campaign.
What is the best neighborhood to live in on Miami Beach?
It depends on your lifestyle. South of Fifth (SoFi) is the most residential and walkable, with South Pointe Park and a quieter vibe. South Beach has the energy and nightlife. Mid-Beach and Sunset Harbour offer a balance — great food, co-working, and proximity to the beach without the tourist crowds. North Beach is the most affordable and has a strong local, multicultural community. Each neighborhood has its own character.
Is Miami Beach a good place to live and work remotely?
Miami Beach is one of the best cities in the U.S. for remote work. Florida has no state income tax. The weather allows you to work outdoors almost every day. Sunset Harbour has co-working spaces and great cafes. The international culture means you're constantly meeting interesting people. And when your workday ends, the ocean is a five-minute walk away. The tradeoff is summer heat and humidity, but if you embrace the outdoor lifestyle, it's hard to beat.
What water sports can you do in Miami Beach?
Kiteboarding is the standout — consistent trade winds, warm water, and a dedicated community centered around Crandon Park and Virginia Key. eFoils (electric hydrofoil boards) are growing fast and don't require wind. Paddleboarding is popular on flat mornings, especially through the mangroves. Swimming in the Atlantic is a daily ritual for many locals. The water temperature stays above 72°F most of the year, making it a year-round water sports destination.
How much does it cost to live on Miami Beach?
Miami Beach is not cheap. A one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000/month depending on the neighborhood. South of Fifth and South Beach are the most expensive. North Beach and parts of Mid-Beach are more affordable. The tradeoff is no state income tax, year-round outdoor living, and a lifestyle that would cost far more in New York or San Francisco. Many people find the quality of life makes it worth the premium.
What are the best restaurants on Miami Beach?
Joe's Stone Crab is the institution — open since 1913 and still one of the best meals on the island. Panther Coffee in Sunset Harbour is essential for coffee. La Sandwicherie on 14th Street is a local legend for quick, fresh sandwiches. Front Porch Cafe has the best brunch with an ocean view. For a full ranking, see Glen Bradford's Top 25 Miami Beach Restaurants guide.
What makes Miami Beach different from Miami?
Miami Beach is a barrier island connected to mainland Miami by causeways. It's its own city with its own government, police, and identity. The vibe is entirely different — Miami is a major urban center with skyscrapers, traffic, and corporate offices. Miami Beach is an island town surrounded by water. You can walk or bike everywhere. The Atlantic Ocean is on one side, Biscayne Bay on the other. It feels more like a beach community that happens to be next to a big city.
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Read moreRobert "Raven" Kraft
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From 100x growth to Save SoFi to City Commissioner.
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