South Beach shopping on Lincoln Road is a true Miami tradition. You’re all checked in at Bluegreen’s Solara Surfside in Miami Beach. Now it’s time to explore the area, and where better to start than Lincoln Road! This famed pedestrian thoroughfare is closed to traffic, and located right in the heart of South Beach. It runs between busy Washington Avenue toward Alton Road - just minutes from Solara Surfside and near the mansion where Gianni Versace lived until his death.

Lincoln Road Miami Beach has long been a magnet, drawing locals and visitors to its cache of unique boutiques, trendy outdoor bistros and late-night lounges. On the second and fourth Sunday of each month from January through May, this eye-popping walking mall hosts an unparalleled flea market.

It’s not unusual for the city’s designers to frequent the flea market in search of vintage and modern finds for their clients: everything from vinyl records to designer duds and furnishings. You’ll also find locally produced foods like honey and produce. Street performers and skateboarders mingle with fashionistas, DJs, students, couples, nannies . . . pawing through the likes of classic vinyl, vintage duds, Modern furnishings and collectibles from local estates. This event draws a savvy cast of colorful characters; with a good eye, great finds can be had.

Whether you visit Lincoln Road by day or night will be determined by your own interests. Find a parking space (this can be tricky but just be patient and pay attention to restrictive signage). Once you’re parked, start your walking adventure and don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity.

Wild parakeets will likely be flying overhead as you peruse the fun collection of boutiques, gelato shops and quirky retail stores that nestle up to names like Banana Republic, Pottery Barn and Victoria’s Secret. The 600 block holds Fly Boutique, which offers affordable vintage clothes for men and women, by big names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Marc Jacobs.

Base Boutique, in the 900 block, tempts with chill CDs, eye-popping wall art, bold socks, man bags, books, and sundry gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Pop in and test your willpower.

Fans of reality TV will recall the shocking Tabatha’s Salon Takeover episode at Brownes and Co., which was filmed on Lincoln Road. We’ll leave it to you to discover if the salon owner’s unbelievable attitude toward her staff resulted in the demise of her business.

A wide variety of bistros line the thoroughfare with umbrella-shaded tables. You’ll likely have a hard time choosing where to eat: Pizza Rustica, Yuca, Locanda Sibilla, Doraku, Balans, Da Leo, Americana and Spris all vie for your business. Do opt for a table with a view of passersby: that’s half the fun. You’ll likely witness an endless parade of stylish, high-heeled Miami girls, and you’ll definitely hear a mind-boggling melange of foreign languages floating about. South Beach shopping lends itself to those of you who are very cosmopolitan.

Nighttime brings its own delights, with numerous bars, lounges and coffee bars attracting a different crowd (most of whom sleep in until 10 or 11, when the city starts to awaken). Segafredo (1040 Lincoln) is a fun place to energize with espresso before starting the evening.

The Van Dyke (846 Lincoln) has been a classic music haunt for many years. Its cozy upstairs, a former jazz bar, has evolved to include other genres now. An online calendar shows who’s playing, and the Latin nights are always fantastic, with congas often featured. The Van Dyke also serves food until late.

Your Lincoln Road Miami Beach experience is sure to be memorable. Make it what you want!