Are you planning a trip to Miami? Great news! This South Florida destination is fabulous.
The biggest town in Florida, with its beaches, bars, parks, museums and art galleries and natural sites Miami is a great destination for a vacation, pretty much any time of year. Whether you are looking to spend a weekend in Miami basking in the sun or are interested in a longer trip around Florida, and even if you are just having a layover in Miami (which is what happened to me on many occasions) you won’t be disappointed: this city has plenty to keep you busy.
But how should you go about planning your trip?
In this post, I will help you with tips for a perfect trip. You really don’t have to buy Miami vacation packages to have a great holiday!
Continue reading for more useful tips for your Miami trip.
6 Useful Tips For Planning A Trip To Miami
The best time to visit Miami
The first thing you need to consider when planning a trip to Miami is when is the best time to go.
I have good news for you:any time is a good time to go to Miami. Having said that, Florida, and especially Miami are amazing in the spring, before the temperatures become unbearably hot. It’s just the ideal weather to go to Miami beach and the perfect season for a Florida road trip.
Summer in Miami means really hot, at times unbearably hot temperatures. That’s why it is low season there. On a positive note, that means hardly having to fight for the best seat in the restaurant, or the best spot on the beach. So perhaps that may be a good time to plan your Miami trip.
Visiting Miami in the fall seems ideal: temperatures are pleasant again, still good to go to experience Miami beach, and a good mix of people visit the city.
Winter is said to be the perfect season to visit: while the rest of the US are freezing, the temperatures in Florida are mild, with the occasional cold-ish front.
All in all, I believe that visiting in October is actually the best idea.
Visa requirements for the United States
Unless you are visiting Florida from other places in the United States, you are likely required to need a Visa for your Miami trip. If you are coming from a European country, you will need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to travel to the United States, even for a simple layover. ESTA costs only $14 and lasts for a period of 2 years, and it can be easily obtained through the ESTA website, or via iVisa.
Make sure not to make my mistake and look into getting your visa before your Miami trip. Back in 2011, when I was on my way back from Mexico, I was meant to have a layover in Miami. I had not checked the small print at the bottom of my flight confirmation that said I’d be required to get an ESTA even just for transit.
The airline wouldn’t let me check in unless I got a visa and I had to spring my way around the airport looking for an internet point (wifi wasn’t a thing back then) to get my visa on the spot.
Cheap flights to Miami
Despite what many travel experts say, there are no real secrets to findings cheap flights. If you are planning your holidays in Miami, the key to finding cheap flights for your vacation is to be flexible on the dates and by all means to start planning well in advance.
You may want to subscribe to some newsletters or Facebook pages for travel hacks. I am a fan of Fly 4 Free and I get regular updates on the best offers. The key to nail a deal is to catch it as soon as it comes. Error fares or super cheap deals don’t stay on for a long time (quite the opposite, indeed). This is probably the best way to find cheap flights to Miami.
Other ways to find cheap tickets to Miami would include monitoring the airlines (Miami is the main hub for American Airlines) and actually ask a travel agent who, through powerful softwares such as Amadeus or Galileo, is likely to find many more deals than the regular traveler searching online. In fact, a good travel agent may be able to help you with other planning tips – but don’t say out loud I told you so!
How to get to Miami from the airport
Getting from Miami International Airport to the city and even the area of Miami beach is really easy. You can count on the Metrobus, the Metrorail, the Tri-Rail and the Miami beach bus, which all connect the city and the airport for fraction of the amount a taxi would cost, and avoiding the traffic. The services are regular, running from the early hours to late at night.
How to get around Miami
If you love walking as much as I do one you will be glad to know that Miami is a very walkable city. For longer distances, opt for the odd bus ride or, preferably, rent a bike. Walking or biking along Ocean Drive is a lot of fun, so definitely try that too! Uber is a good way to get around town.
In terms of public transportation, you have ample choice. Let me outline the main options below.
Metrorail and Metromover
There’s no subway in Miami, but you can count on Metrorail and Metromover.
The Metrorail runs until 11:00 pm duringthe week and until midnight at weekends. It serves 23 stations, including the airport, and a ride costs $2.25 – you will have to purchase a card from any vending machine at the station.
Metromover is pretty much the same thing, but only for downtown Miami. It is free.
Metrobus
The Metrobus is a bus system running a whopping 95 routes around Miami county. You can get pretty much anywhere with that but keep in mind the schedule can be irregular, buses late and if you need to get a connecting bus your trip may end up being longer than expected. So perhaps this is not a good idea for your trip to Miami in case you only have a few days there. A ride costs $2.25.
Trolleys
Miami and Miami Beach run a free trolley service between popular areas so as to connect passengers to Metrobus stops and Metrorail stations.
Where to stay in Miami
A city like Miami has no shortage of good hotels. Booking.com has some excellent Miami hotel choices. It’s just a matter of picking a good area to stay.
I know that most visitors head straight to South Beach, where there are bars and clubs galore, beautiful cafés and great restaurants, and the nightlife is amazing. But it looks like there are other fabulous hotels places to stay in Miami. Coconut Grove has some excellent hotels too.
Downtown Miami has recently become one of the trendiest areas in town, with new condos and shiny buildings, elegant restaurants, fun bars and clubs, museums and concert halls.
Yet, when I think of hotels where to stay in Miami, my mind goes straight to Miami Beach. This area has some of the best hotels (think Setai Miami Beach) and restaurants in the city; there are regular events; and Miamians love it.
Little Havana – just the name will resonate with you. You will realize how much of a Cuban influence there’s in Miami as soon as you land at the airport and hear everyone speaking perfect Spanish – not a common thing in the US! There’s a huge Cuban population in Miami.
Little Havana is among the best places to stay in Miami: it’s where the Cubans who fled Castro’s regime frocked to, and they ended up shaping the city into what it is today. It’s only in the last 10 years or so that Little Havana has become a more popular place to visit and stay in Miami, with some excellent hotels; but the choice of places to visit, stay and eat is very good nevertheless.
Brickell is one of the newest neighborhoods of Miami, packed with shiny, brand new buildings and giving a good idea of what Miami is shaping out to be. Brickell where to stay in Miami if you are looking for a more historic neighborhood, and you will find some great hotels too.
Further Readings
Are you planning a trip to the US? Make sure to read all my posts:
- 23 Unmissable Things To Do In Miami
- 15 Great Day Trips From Miami
- The Best Day Trip To Key West
- A Great Itinerary For 3 Days In San Francisco
- The 10 Best Places To Visit In California (That Aren’t Just Cities)
- 15 Unmissable Things To Do In California
- The Perfect Itinerary To See New York In 2 Days
- A Wonderful Itinerary For A Day In New York
- 35 Cool Things To Do In New York City
- A Complete Guide To Visiting The Statue Of Liberty
- A Great Itinerary For A Week In New York
- 5 Days In New York: An Easy To Follow New York Itinerary
- A Fabulous Itinerary For 3 Days In New York
- An Easy To Follow Itinerary For 4 Days In New York
- 10 Not To Miss Hikes Near Denver
- 12 Unmissable Things To Do In Yellowstone
- The 23 Best National Parks In USA
Pint It For Later!
FAQs
How do I plan a day trip to Miami? ›
- Bike along the Miami Beach Boardwalk.
- Take in some contemporary art at The Bass.
- View work by international street artists at Wynwood Walls.
- Try the ceviche at Jaguar.
- Watch the locals play dominoes in Little Havana.
Miami is famous for its pristine beaches, non-stop nightlife, and fantastic warm weather. Miami is also known for its mind-blowing skyline, luxurious shopping malls, Art Deco architecture, and high-end hotels. But did you know that 70% of its population is Hispanic?
What is the best way to travel in Miami? ›The easiest and most convenient way to get around Miami is by car as many of the city's top attractions are spread out and require multiple transfers on public transportation. Car rental companies can be found at the Miami International Airport and select locations throughout the city.
What should I wear to Miami? ›- White Dresses. I love breezy white dresses at the beach and packed two this trip—the white mini below and a white maxi. ...
- Flowy Rompers and Jumpsuits. ...
- Floral Dresses. ...
- Bathing Suits & Cover-Ups. ...
- Denim and Colorful Tops. ...
- Two Piece Sets. ...
- Bright Dresses. ...
- Jeans and Sandals.
Miami is a perfect holiday destination for culture, art, food and unbelievable nightlife. Not only that but Miami gets 3,200 hours of sunshine a year! Because of this, it is a lovely place to visit to enjoy the sunshine and just enjoy yourself.
How many days is enough for Miami? ›For a minimal stay in Miami Beach, I'd say at least 3 days. If you want to see a bit more of the main city, the Everglades, Keys etc, then 6 or 7 days will be a good number. Just to back rk up here. 3 day minimum.
How long do u need in Miami? ›While some come here for just a day or two, we recommend spending at least 3 days in Miami and Miami Beach area to see the most popular tourist attractions including South Beach, Wynwood Wall, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. What is this?
How can I spend 3 days in Miami? ›- Day 1 – Enjoy Miami Beach. 8am – Grab Breakfast by the Beach. ...
- Day 2 – Day Trip to the Everglades and Biscayne National Park or Key Largo. 7am – Breakfast then Head to the Everglades. ...
- Day 3 – Explore Downtown Miami. 8am – Breakfast then Head to Downtown Miami.
- Chicharrón. There's a lot of expectations around famous food places in Miami but what you can expect for sure is some of the finest Latin American and Caribbean-style dishes. ...
- Stone Crabs. ...
- Grilled Fish Sandwich. ...
- Arepas. ...
- Ceviche. ...
- The Cuban Sandwich. ...
- Key Lime Pie. ...
- Mofongo.
Miami is a city that never needs sleep, mostly because it's too busy partying. While it's also a destination for award-winning restaurants, international art and sports (let's not forget the Miami Heat and David Beckham's Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami), Miami's nightlife scene is renowned, and for good reason.
When should I visit Miami? ›
The best time to visit Miami is in the Spring—from about mid-February through May. The weather is warm, hurricane season hasn't started, and the humidity of summer hasn't fully arrived. It's also nearing the end of the high season, so crowd sizes will be smaller and prices will have dropped.
How much does the bus cost in Miami? ›Getting around Miami with Metrobus
Bus rides start at $2.25 per trip and the easiest way to pay for a bus ride is with an EASY Ticket, which can purchased at select stations, or a rechargeable EASY Card, which can be purchased via the GO Miami-Dade Transit app for a contactless experience.
You will want to have plenty of clothing for daytime activities like sightseeing, shopping, and casual dining. While you should dress up for nice restaurants or the theater, you will be able to wear jeans or shorts and flip flops to most places.
How much money should you bring to Miami? ›How much money will you need for your trip to Miami? You should plan to spend around $165 per day on your vacation in Miami, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $33 on meals for one day and $32 on local transportation.
Can you wear white in Miami year round? ›So you can see that white jeans in winter are great for Florida style. Because winter, summer, spring, or fall, white jeans are always a fashion “YES” in Florida!
Do I need cash in Miami? ›So when you're in Miami, plan to rely mostly on credit cards. Credit cards from any country work throughout Miami (at hotels, shops, restaurants, car-rental agencies, tour companies and so on); Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most widely accepted.
How Safe Is Miami for tourists? ›Just like the city of New York on the east coast, Miami is a largely safe city to visit. It may have a reputation for crime – of all kinds – but it is about as safe as any other megalopolis city in the Western world. It has gentrified in the main visiting areas, especially the far north side.
Why is Miami the best city? ›According to the study, Miami, Florida has ranked the top spot on their list as the best 15-minute city overall, with a surprisingly high walk and bike score. Plus, the city ranked the highest for proximity to dining and parks, child care center density, school density, and medical access.
What is the cheapest time to go to Miami? ›The Cheapest Times to Visit Miami, FL, US
On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to MIA and stay in a Miami hotel: January 15th to March 4th (except the week of February 12th) April 16th to June 10th (except the weeks of May 7th and May 21st) August 13th to November 18th.
Average Temperature in Miami
The cool season lasts for 3.0 months, from December 6 to March 6, with an average daily high temperature below 78°F. The coldest month of the year in Miami is January, with an average low of 63°F and high of 76°F.
Are the beaches in Miami free? ›
South Beach, AKA SoBe, is a picture-perfect 4-mile (6.4km) strip of coastline and is one of the most famous beaches in the world. It surely cannot be missed, especially because it's free! So, pack up a cooler and hit the sand!
How expensive is Miami? ›Overall, Salary.com's analysis found that the cost of living in Miami is 11.6% higher than the national average. Despite the high cost of living in Miami, many people continue to move to the area.
Does Miami require Covid test? ›A: Effective June 12, 2022, all passengers entering the U.S. no longer need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
How do people dress in Miami in February? ›Temperatures tend to hover between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during February in southern Florida, so a combination of shorts or cropped pants and long pants will be needed.
Do you need a car in Miami? ›Traveling to Miami without a car is easy with all the public transportation options available in Miami Dade County. Metrorail is a 25-mile elevated monorail-type rail system. You can take it from the airport all the way to South Beach. You can find a Metrorail station in a wide array of places in downtown Miami.
Can you drive from Miami to Key West? ›Miami to Key West is a 159 mile drive that takes you across the Overseas Highway and offers some of the most stunning scenery in Florida. It can be completed in a few hours but it's definitely worth taking a few days to do this trip as there are plenty of spots along the way you'll want to stop and explore.
How many days do you need to visit Miami? ›While some come here for just a day or two, we recommend spending at least 3 days in Miami and Miami Beach area to see the most popular tourist attractions including South Beach, Wynwood Wall, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Is South Beach Miami worth visiting? ›While South Beach's pristine beaches and wild party scene are undoubtedly its biggest draws, this famous oceanfront neighborhood is full of world-class shopping, historic architecture and hidden gems, including clandestine speakeasy bars and some of the best restaurants in Miami.
How can I save money in Miami? ›How to visit MIAMI on a BUDGET - YouTube
Is Miami a good place to visit with family? ›Florida's hub for culture and cool is also kid-friendly. Miami boasts a global reputation for its nightlife and arts scene, but the city is also packed with entertaining and enriching things to do as a family. Year-round subtropical warmth makes it a great getaway for making lifetime memories.
How much money should you bring to Miami? ›
How much money will you need for your trip to Miami? You should plan to spend around $165 per day on your vacation in Miami, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $33 on meals for one day and $32 on local transportation.
How much spending money will I need for a week in Miami? ›If you want to spend a week in Miami the cost of your stay will be: 745 USD - a cheap stay for 7 days in Miami. 1,000 USD - a budget travel for 7 days in Miami. 1,500 USD for a one week of comfortable stay in Miami.
What month does it get cold in Miami? ›Average Temperature in Miami
The cool season lasts for 3.0 months, from December 6 to March 6, with an average daily high temperature below 78°F. The coldest month of the year in Miami is January, with an average low of 63°F and high of 76°F.
Pack More Than Beach Clothes
While Miami is a destination for the sun and beach, pack regular clothing as well. Miami is a large city, and locals reserve beach clothes for the beach or pool only. Dress in your normal daily attire when you go out to eat, sightseeing, and shopping.
Southeast Florida beaches around Fort Lauderdale and Miami; and Florida Keys beaches also tend to have clear water.
Why do people go to Miami? ›Miami is a melting pot of culture, celebrating its diversity through food, art, and entertainment. Though just one city, it represents destinations all over the world, a trait that travelers discover the moment they step into Miami International Airport.
What is the cheapest time to go to Miami? ›The Cheapest Times to Visit Miami, FL, US
On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to MIA and stay in a Miami hotel: January 15th to March 4th (except the week of February 12th) April 16th to June 10th (except the weeks of May 7th and May 21st) August 13th to November 18th.
So when you're in Miami, plan to rely mostly on credit cards. Credit cards from any country work throughout Miami (at hotels, shops, restaurants, car-rental agencies, tour companies and so on); Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most widely accepted.
Can you get around Miami without a car? ›Metrorail, Metromover and Metrobus all provide low-cost or free ways for you to get around Miami without splurging on taxis and rental cars. Not only is it an excellent way to see the sights, it's also great for the environment and a smart way to avoid parking and garage fees.
Can you take kids to Miami? ›Miami is a great place to go with your kids: the weather, the culture, and a lot of the restaurants are kid-friendly. While my family loves to travel all over the world, we live in Miami and most people think all we have is beaches and clubs.
Can I take my kids to Miami Beach? ›
Whether you're looking for an inspiring museum with kids' programming and activities, a tropical oasis that nurtures quality family time, or just a beach where your family can frolic in the calm ocean and play in the soft sand, you'll find endless things for kids to do in Miami Beach.