Lincoln Road was Once the Fifth Avenue of Miami Beach

The idea for Miami Beach's Lincoln Road was originally devised by early developer Carl Fisher, who believed that fashionable Miami Beach needed an upscale shopping area that would rival the likes of New York City's Fifth Avenue and L.A.'s famous Rodeo Drive.

Indeed, the shops along ritzy Lincoln Road quickly became the stomping ground of the area's rich-and-famous, especially during Miami's heydays of the 1930s-1950s. It was the place to shop and to be seen for anyone who was a member of Miami society. However, like most of Miami Beach, the area took a nosedive throughout the 60s and 70s, becoming drug- and crime-ridden and no longer attracting a desirable clientele.

Urban regentrification brought Lincoln Road back to life in the late 80s and early 90s and, today, the area of Lincoln Road between Lenox Avenue and Washington Avenue is a lively urban pedestrian mall that still attracts well-to-do Miami residents but also plenty of visitors of all social and economic classes. Roller bladers are just as common as those exploring the area on foot and while there is still an upscale feel, some people describe the road as more Bohemian in nature.

Lincoln Road is not a typical mall but rather a funky outdoor shopping area with a huge assortment of shops and eateries. Visitors who stroll along the avenue will definitely find some of their favorite chain stores here but can also enjoy a variety of one-of-a-kind, privately-owned shops that sell unique wares, ranging from clothing and shoes to jewelry and candles. Well-known upscale shops and stores that sell designer labels are also commonplace along Lincoln Road.

Book stores and coffee houses - or combinations of the two - welcome guests to sit and enjoy a cup of java and a good read. Ice cream parlors peddle premium ice cream and Italian gelatos. Restaurants are many and very diverse, featuring a large variety of international cuisines for all tastes. It's not unusual to find a German beer house a few doors away from a Spanish tapas bar or a sushi restaurant. Also, thanks to the pleasant Miami Beach weather, many of the cafes and restaurants offer both indoor and outdoor seating, the latter ideal for people watching, which seems to be a favorite pursuit along tony Lincoln Road.

Art galleries are many as well and there's an overall artsy feel to the Lincoln Road shopping area. Street performers are common and the area's most colorful characters seem to frequent this pedestrian mall. The street is a favorite of Miami's gay community and some of the establishments cater to the gay population in particular, though they certainly welcome all customers.

Several clubs with live music keep the action going all night long. Most are the ultimate in Miami Beach chic and attract the young, hip, well-to-do crowd that so often frequents the South Beach area.