Lincoln Road Mall

Lincoln Road Mall is a pedestrian-only street in South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida, running between Washington Avenue and Alton Road. Lined with shops, restaurants, bars and outdoor cafes, it is one of the main social and shopping spaces of Miami Beach. The street was shaped in the 1950s by architect Morris Lapidus, whose mid-century designs include the open-air layout, fountains and distinctive canopies, and a number of Art Deco and Mediterranean-revival buildings line the sides. Visitors come to browse boutiques and chain stores, eat at sidewalk tables, watch street performers and people-watch, and the central walkway is wide enough for relaxed strolling. Side streets add galleries and cinemas, and farmers' markets are held on some Sundays. A visit takes about one to two hours, longer with a meal. Late afternoon into evening is the liveliest time, when cafes fill and lights come on, whereas mornings are quieter for walking and photographs of the architecture. Weekends and holiday evenings are the busiest. The mall is open around the clock as a public street, and most shops and restaurants run from about 10:00 AM until late. There is no entry fee. Visitors can reach the street by the free South Beach Trolley, which stops at Alton Road, or on foot from Collins Avenue. The beach and the Art Deco district are within walking distance, so Lincoln Road works well as a midday or evening break between beach time and Ocean Drive. Restaurant prices are higher than average, and menus are posted outside, so comparing options before sitting down is easy.