Ocean Drive attracts tourists looking for a quick fix of “Miami Vice” neon and retro-deco styling; it’s the place locals take out of town guests to show them the sights. But, Lincoln Road provides a more authentic experience where just about everyone gathers to shop and dine under a brilliant Miami sun. With little resemblance to Small Town USA, Lincoln Road is a tropical Broadway, homey yet hip, with a sex appeal all its own.

No other avenue in the City is as popular 24 hours a day. While television shows like “Cheers” and “Friends” fictionalize cozy neighborhood places where everyone knows your name, the sunny sidewalk cafes along Lincoln Mall are frequent meeting places for friendly neighbors and social groups who gather to catch up on shared interests.

Newcomers will find it difficult to tell where one cafe ends and another begins. This open plan design is deliberate. Some venues favor boundaries, but not South Beach. The sports bar, the gay bar, the coffee shop and the deli all share tables and customers. Simply find an empty seat at a sunlit table to join the community. Folks who skateboard, rollerblade or bicycle meet on Lincoln. New parents bring overwrought toddlers to the Euclid Circle to barrel around and blow off steam. Ex-pats from cities around the globe find fellow countrymen to discuss world events, football matches and the goings-on back home. If America is indeed a melting pot, Lincoln Road is the red-hot burner in South Florida.

The Sunday Antique and Farmer’s Market get the week off to a great start. Morning joggers, earnest home cooks and casual shoppers join the crowd of collectors up at sunrise hoping to find a bargain. While there is no big box home store on the island, local nurseries bring in apartment-friendly houseplants for porch and patio. Many residents furnish their homes, fill their pantries and decorate their balconies at the weekly markets.

In the past few years, clever New York decorators and fashion stylists have boasted to national publications about the treasures they’ve unearthed at the Lincoln Road Flea Market. Suffice to say, those used to getting rock-bottom prices now meet the antique dealers’ trucks the moment they start to unpack. Competition is fierce! (Alternate Sundays October through May)

On holiday nights, families gather on the mall after dinner to check out the local revelers and catch up with old friends. Halloween is a particularly popular time of year. Local merchants encourage kids to trick or treat in all of their shops. Meanwhile, local drag queens parade in full regalia up and down the avenue hoping for cheers of encouragement from those lucky enough to score a table at a sidewalk cafe. Elaborate costumes created for local competitions or worn simply to provoke the crowd are everywhere you look. Everyone cheers, everyone takes photos; it’s a big party.

The weekends before and after Halloween are some of the busiest of the year. October kicks off the official holiday season. Temperatures might creep into the 80s, but the holiday lights twinkle in all of the palm trees along the mall. Holiday shopping at the quirky boutiques, art galleries and chain stores is always a bit more fun than at a traditional shopping center. New Year’s Eve is also intensely popular before and after the midnight fireworks at the beach. Black tie dressed couples and flip flop wearing teens compete for a place to hang out and celebrate. By accident or by design, there is always something to do on Lincoln Mall.

We’ve wandered from Bayside to Seaside along Lincoln Road and even explored the cross streets to help you navigate the incredible dining scene on this popular promenade. Whether you want a quick bite before the theater, a casual lunch while shopping, or a romantic dinner just for two, you’ll find a dazzling array of options all along Lincoln Road Mall. Since no cars are permitted from Washington Avenue through Alton Road, you’ll need to do a bit of walking to find the perfect spot. Are you ready?

One block west of Alton Road at West Avenue, savvy locals make frequent visits to Panizza Cafe, an Argentinean bakery specializing in empanada pocket pastries. While a significant portion of Lincoln Road is closed to cars, the last few blocks on the west side are busy with families getting their shopping done and buzzing around the residential district. Travelers who want to discover a quieter restaurant or glimpse local city life should venture west of Lincoln Mall.

At the intersection of Lincoln and Michigan, Finnegan’s Two attracts European Football Fans by day and local rock musicians by night. While some nightclubs on South Beach have a strict velvet rope policy, this is not the case at most of the bars along Lincoln Mall. Finnegan’s posts pub specials on a chalkboard by the door including happy hour drink prices and the name of the band performing that night.

Just a few steps south on Michigan, The Frieze Ice Cream Factory dreams up exotic flavors for some of the top restaurants in town and also serves cups and cones at the counter. New on the scene, Jezebel Bar + Kitchen attracts late night revelers seeking food and company in the wee hours. Specializing in craft cocktails and elevated pub grub, this hip hideaway is open until 5am.

While many national booksellers have expanded their services to include a coffee bar, Miami’s favorite Books & Books offers a full menu and a tapas and drinks list as well. At the busy Meridian Avenue intersection, find Havana 1957, a Cuban restaurant that will make you feel like family. Friendly service, Cuban classics and nightly specials make this alfresco cafe a local favorite. For a night that moves to a Miami beat, Yuca Restaurant has long attracted diners seeking a modern approach to Cuban cuisine. Latin cuisine can also be found at Baires Grill, Tapelia, HuaHua’s Taqueria and Cvi.Che 105.

Budget-conscious diners can find American comfort food classics at Shake Shack, happy hour food and drink deals at Yard House and complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres during happy hour Friday evenings at Meat Market.

Diners in search of Italian fare can choose from simple pizza and pasta shops like Rosinella, Spris, and Pizza Rustica, or visit the more upscale Sibilla and Quattro Gastronomia Italiana. Quattro is one of the top-dollar doors on Lincoln Mall, so be sure to make reservations to sample the hip, culinary pyrotechnics.

Asian restaurants on Lincoln Mall encompass Sushi, Thai, “Asian Fusion,” and Chinese. Among the best are Sushi Samba Dromo, a Brazilian-accented sushi bar that’s a nightclub after hours, and Doraku Sushi which has a popular weeknight happy hour and lunchtime meal deals.

Euclid Circle is a unique, kid-friendly spot of grass at the center of Lincoln Mall. Because there are few green spaces to congregate in the area, kids and dogs are drawn to this tiny island surrounded by cafes and ice cream shops. Nexxt Cafe encompasses the southern side of the circle with umbrella-shaded tables filled with hungry diners. Portions are big enough to share at this popular cafe serving giant breakfasts, main plate salads and towering sandwiches. Across the way, one of three branches of Pizza Rustica offers pies and pizza by-the-slice, perfect for a quick bite or a hungry toddler.

Lincoln Road pulses with all of the energy of South Beach. Whether you’re up early and need a jolt of coffee and a hearty morning meal or you’re looking for a romantic place to enjoy a hot Miami night, there is something for everyone on this busy pedestrian mall. While hot summer days often seem overwhelming, these breezy cafes welcome thirsty travelers and busy locals around the clock. Check theater, symphony and gallery listings to help you plan a great night out on Miami Beach’s Main Street. You’re sure to feel like a part of the scene once you experience the great shopping, friendly bars and delicious ethnic restaurants all along Lincoln Road Mall.

Adjacent storefronts will feature Gap portfolio brands Athleta and Intermix which makes Michigan Avenue an easy destination for customers to find contemporary sportswear and sporting attire in addition to GapFit, babyGap and GapBody lingerie. The corner flagship shop at 1001 Lincoln Road focuses on women’s clothing on the main floor and has a sweeping staircase that leads to men’s, maternity and kids. Tucked just behind the airy risers of the sleek stairs, comfortable club chairs are fitted with prominent power outlets so guests can relax and recharge their smartphones while they shop.

GAP is located at 1001 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. 305.695.1074. Open Monday – Saturday from 10am-10pm, Sunday 11am-9pm.

As pricey yoga outfitter Lululemon finishes gutting the historic Van Dyke Cafe this month, Spanish retailer ZARA opens a massive 2-level boutique with a full range of casual and tailored contemporary sportswear for women on the main floor and a second level catering to fashion-conscious men and kids. Located in the iconic 420 building, a structure of over 275,000 square feet of mixed-use retail and commercial offices, ZARA enjoys pride of place alongside Sunglass Hut, Scotch & Soda and one of three Starbucks coffee bars on Lincoln Road Mall.

Famous for crafting affordable interpretations of current runway looks, ZARA sells clothing, accessories and footwear for every member of the family at over 50 locations and 1,700 shops worldwide. The brand new Lincoln Road boutique features gleaming banks of escalators and 26,000 square feet of retail space with casual resort-ready clothing and dressy work and weekend looks. Steps away from the landmark Lincoln Theater where H&M now offers fast-fashion looks for men and women, the eastern end of Lincoln Mall is definitely a destination for eager fashionistas from Miami and beyond! 420 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 532-8002

Apparently many women want to dress like the pampered super models who strut in stilettos, push-up bras, barely-there thongs and very big hair. Husbands and boyfriends flock to the retail outlet on Lincoln Road Mall to purchase the racy undergarments or the more modest PINK line of babydolls and college dorm-ready looks. With over 1,000 shops across the country, the extensive selection of shapewear, hosiery, cosmetics and fragrance nets over $4 billion in sales. That’s a LOT of underwear!

Adding to the merchandise assortment, Victoria’s Secret also features a variety of pajama and nightgown styles, a super-sexy selection of swimwear and sized-to-fit swim separates as well as clothing and shoes. The more youthful PINK collection of logo printed tees, terry knitwear and novelty gifts serves as a gateway for younger customers who are not quite ready for the buxom bombshell designs. These savvy merchants know that appealing to a teen audience ensures that the next generation of push-up bra and corset wearing ladies is already at home eagerly waiting to get that catalog in the mail. 901 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 695-1814

The Madden shop on Lincoln Mall targets youthful, fashion-savvy women looking for fun daytime, career or sexy evening looks. Not offering the full range of Madden products, the mall location centers on ladies shoes and handbags and the 6th and Collins shop includes a wider selection of men’s footwear as well.

Trendy looks including platforms, brights and floral-printed styles are perfect for a Florida holiday. Madden offers a range of summer espadrilles, sexy animal prints and lots of glitter and bling. From easy walking flats to high-as-you-dare stilettos, Steve Madden is a shoe lover’s paradise on Lincoln Mall. 817 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 534-9997

The front of the store features signs, makeup, buttons, magnets, sunglasses, jewelry and trinkets, which are mostly between $5 and $30. Dirty and politically incorrect phrases comprise countless item names such as “dirty Girl” brand bath items or t-shirt logos like “Just Jew It”.

An upstairs area features more humorously-offensive cotton shirts, bags and other items. The rear of the first level is akin to a mini beauty supply store with various hair care, bath and over-the-counter items as well as a mini hair salon. To complete the Ricky’s experience, visit the second floor’s triple-x room—unless you have kids, that is. 536 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 674-8511

While California’s most popular denim brand remains the Levi Strauss line, Lucky launched its heritage collection in Los Angeles in 1990 with a deliberately hand-frayed look that’s meant to suggest each pair is one of your favorite jeans. Adding softer washes, carefully placed patches and rugged details, the Lucky Brand added market share by perfecting their “Bohemian” pre-washed, sand-blasted, vintage-inspired selection. The pre-worn jean saves you the time and trouble breaking in a new pair even as it adds a certain nonchalance to your appearance.

Once established in the jeans marketplace Lucky expanded their offerings to include casual sportswear for men and women plus a simple range of dresses, outerwear, sweaters, screen tees and a great selection of hip handbags as well. Like the small and somewhat rustic Lincoln Road storefront, the company has launched over 177 shops and department store branded boutiques across the country. The entire collection is also available in Miami at Aventura and Dadeland Mall. 928 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 532-0201

Founded in Provence in 1976, the ethos of the product line is global, natural and organic cosmetics and wellness products with strong regional roots in the south of France. Over 30 years later, the world-wide publicly-traded company still sources most of their ingredients from the area including body care, face treatments, herbal fragrances, hair care, natural soaps and deodorants plus home fragrances & candles.

While founder Olivier Baussan still maintains creative control of the line, Reinhold Geiger expanded the business in the mid-90s by taking the humble provincial organization into over 80 countries and nearly 1,500 retailers. Currently popular in France, Japan and the United States, the brand is offered locally at the Miami International Airport, Aventura & Merrick Park Malls and the South Beach boutique. Travelers can stop in to sample the vegan-based line and get personal hair and skincare advice from a number of friendly, well-informed associates.

Rather than applying the high-pressure sales techniques encouraged at cosmetic counters in major department stores, the atmosphere at the Lincoln Road shop is more laid back and DIY (do-it-yourself). Guests can browse the various displays, take advantage of free samples and testers and get consultations upon request. Products are tailored to different skin types and come in a variety of sizes and prices. 540 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 531-0935

Taking on the man who revolutionized the GAP, “Mickey” Drexler joined the company in 2003 and helped to refocus the assortment, develop better customer service and improve the quality of the merchandise overall. Through his innovation, J.Crew expanded its offerings to include “Crewcuts” for kids, a full bridal line and a series of very successful limited-edition pieces that have been worn by celebrities and even First Lady Michelle Obama.

Seasonal and resort-ready merchandise is the hallmark of the South Beach store where travelers can pick up a pair of colorful sandals, a featherweight cardigan or a straw hat any time of year. Providing easy silhouettes in classic styles, J.Crew is an ideal destination for a reliable pair of jeans, a sturdy cotton shirt or a rainbow of cashmere pullovers. 726 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-9806

The Lincoln Theater Building was originally designed by Architect Thomas W. Lamb in 1936 and current renovation specifications call for maintaining parts of the original lobby and mezzanine. The 22,000 square foot shop will have a glass wall at the back of the building – on the side that faces away from the pedestrian promenade – to open the shopping center to the brand new Frank Gehry-designed symphony space. H&M will be the first shop to make this gesture to the new Performing Arts Complex. Extensive renovations are slated to cost over $10 million.

Lincoln Mall has experienced a rather one-sided renaissance with most of the new money centered on the west side of the shopping mall near Alton Road where the Herzog & de Meuron Eleven Eleven complex has attracted a number of truly upscale retailers like Taschen Books, Juicy Couture and MAC Cosmetics. The opening of H&M at the east side of the mall brings the focus back to the Washington Avenue – tourist-centric – district where few new businesses have invested until now. 541 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Started in 1972 as a youthful, stylish clothing line, the company has expanded to include licensed toiletries, eyewear, watches and shoes. The brand identity FCUK, first launched in 1997, was meant to provoke and inspire customers to embrace the sexy, stylish attitude in the more casual attire while the full moniker – French Connection – connotes the more grown-up and fashionable components of the line.

The Lincoln Road Mall shop includes both men’s and women’s sportswear and accessories with an emphasis on youthful apparel for both work and weekend. Sales staff are friendly and informed about upcoming trends and will point out the quickly turning inventory available at the clearance rails for ambitious bargain hunters.

While the notion of a mall shop being smart and cheeky may have lost some of its allure, there are still sharp looking separates in Florida-friendly styles including great dresses, brightly printed tops and jeans. 1026 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-3838

Oil prices range from $19.95 to $48 and elaborate hand blown glass bottles are on sale for $48 up to $900. The smallest oil bottle will last between six to eight months if used daily and has about an eight year shelf life. Remember: because of the high quality, you won’t need to bathe in your oil to get noticed. Don’t worry about feeling like a quirky tourist; Missy Elliot, Jennifer Tilly, Todd Oldham and the cast of CSI: Miami frequent the shop, too. 612 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 535-0037

The original Crate & Barrel opened in an old Chicago elevator factory in 1962, inspired by a young couple’s fascination with functional European housewares that could be priced low enough for a newlywed’s budget. Utilizing the actual shipping containers for display once their inventory arrived, the loading dock atmosphere was an immediate success. Additional stores spread from Chicago to Boston and finally Manhattan in 1995 when the company attracted the attention of a German investment group that funded a boom in retail venues to more than 170 doors in the US, Canada and Dubai.

CB2 brings a mix of home goods many compare to the Swedish stylings of IKEA to the shores of South Beach. With the nearest IKEA location nearly 30 miles north in Fort Lauderdale, the store is one of very few affordable modern furniture outlets of its kind in town. A nearby location of DWR – Design Within Reach – is Lincoln Mall’s only other edgy furniture option. With just nine CB2 shops in the United States and an expansion to Canada planned later this year, the retailer’s unique mix of bold colors, simple designs and playful styling is ideal for the South Beach lifestyle. 1661 Jefferson Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 672-5155

Most items range between $50 for camisole tops and $300 for evening gowns. Beware of trashy, way-too-sparkly jeans, tops and dresses and stick with the simple pieces instead. Occasional sales are 50% off or more on select merchandise. Easily assemble a trendy, practical outfit for a couple hundred dollars that covers a little more skin than a teen while keeping you in the fashion loop. 716 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 672-1224

A Paris-based manufacturer who started crafting swimwear for some pretty major brands way back in 1989, Blue Glue launched their original collection in exotic Bali in 2004 and currently serves as a base for a retail fashion network in over 103 countries! Emerging as a brand ambassador in cutting-edge looks for GLAM beach bunnies, this Lincoln Road shop sells all of the latest styles worn by the most fashion forward women on beaches all over the world. Blue Glue’s mission is to make you feel beautiful! 609 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (786) 531-9331

No matter what your plans are for the evening, this retail haven is sure to provide the outfit. You will find everything from sweats with the Bebe insignia to fur trimmed coats, off-the-shoulder peasant tops, and funky-cut leather pants. Always trendy (and sometimes over priced) Bebe has its finger on the pulse of the fashion world, so you are sure to be the talk of the party.

Helpful hint: Shopping at a store where else does too could lead to huge fashion faux pas, so dig a little and find great pieces that are hidden on the racks less traveled and avoid buying the outfit off of the mannequin in the window at all costs. 900 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-0742

There are lots of simple and colorful pieces, which are flowy, sensible for many sizes and easy to mix-and-match—in other words: Miami friendly. Standard prices range from $50 to $300, but it’s not impossible to find a piece for less—or much more; like the $2,000 celebrity gown replicas created by Max Azria himself. A tourist-friendly store, BCBG features a lounge area, a comfortable club-like corner created for spouses and friends to relax while waiting for their fashion queen in the dressing room. 744 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-9997

At the heart of Paris’ elite shopping district, a boutique called Colette once rose to great prominence through the meticulous efforts of the buying team who combed the globe in search of unique, limited edition, quirky merchandise which they mixed and matched to craft a sort of trend-setter’s bazaar. Soon fashionistas flocked to the storefront, vying to be first to decipher the upcoming signals in fashion, home furnishings and music by snapping photos and populating blogs, magazines and columns with their finds. Visitors to South Beach’s BASE boutique share that same enthusiasm as they scour the racks of curator Steven Giles’ treasures hoping to find that certain something that will set their pulses to a quicker beat.

One side of the simple railing system features elegantly casual menswear and the other women’s clothing. No brand seems too familiar nor brandishes any kind of status logo.

The BASE customer, it seems, is a confident sort who knows what looks good and speaks to an understated elegance that requires no bling or brashness. The color palette is largely neutral, the accessory cases bear simple tribal embellishments hanging from weathered leather cords and everything captures a sort of urbane flair. Within minutes it is possible to adapt a new look, a signature scent, an edgy pair of sneakers and a slouchy carry all in which to stash your old clothing before hitting Lincoln Road in perfectly crafted style. If all this sounds too good to be true – stop in to discover all BASE has to offer. 939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 531-4982

The blending of bold colors and rough hewn styles labored over by artisans and craftsmen adds to the bohemian vibe of the Lincoln Road flagship shop where a staff of visual display artists pulls everything together into quaint vignettes of clothing, lingerie, housewares and gifts. The notion of a lifestyle shop adds a kind of “rich hippie” atmosphere to the sometimes pricey merchandise including flowing day dresses, lace blouses and retro-inspired shoes. The Anthropologie customer buys patterns and layers, favoring soft scarves and straw hats.

The shop also offers funky china teapots, books about Paris, embroidered hand towels and gauzy lingerie to help capture a rather vintage, girly vibe. Sales staff are friendly and knowledgeable but know the object of the in-store treasure hunt works best when customers are left to their own devices. Travelers to South Beach may find the fashions are not in tune with the body-conscious club looks so popular on our streets, but will still enjoy taking a quick tour of the sales racks for a gossamer treasure that will probably look right at home once they return from vacation. 1108 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 695-0775