South Miami was initially founded in 1897 by W.A. Larkins, an early landowner who established the first post office and built a dairy farm. The community, which became known as Larkins, began to increase in population. By 1927, the town became the City of South Miami. Growth and prosperity eluded the city until the end War II, when a period of rapid economic development and expansion began and continues today. The City of Pleasant Living enjoys its reputation as a friendly but hip, small town-city where business prospers.

Downtown South Miami is congregated in and around Sunset Drive where specialty shops and pretty cafes line the thoroughfare. The shops at Sunset Place offer an open-air mall complete with an upscale bowling alley and movie theater right in Downtown South Miami. Dadeland Mall and Merrick Park are nearby. Visitors enjoy the special events hosted by South Miami including Santa’s parade of Elves, seasonal Farmers Market, South Miami Art Festival, as well as the Fun Runs.

South Miami is served by Metrobus and Metrorail and is near to Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Kendall via US1.