Many Miami travel blogs show you South Beach and South Beach only. This Miami travel guide goes beyond that.
At this point in my life, Miami is my second favorite city after my hometown Chicago. For me it’s not about the partying, nightlife or pretty privilege stamp of approval, it’s simply an amazing city full of opportunity, art, amazing food, and going there changed my whole life. As someone who is there frequently, at this point I know the city like a local as well as a tourist. This is what makes this travel guide stand out from other travel guides, I will be providing some great places and tips that go beyond the typical tourist spots.
The information in this blog is based off of places I've personally frequented as well as places recommended by locals I know and off of research. Always be sure to do your own research as well while planning your stay.
How to Get There
Flying
Your best bet to get to Miami is to fly, especially if you’re outside of Florida and outside of the United States. I’ve flown from Chicago to Miami several times via American Airlines, Southwest, and Spirit. Depending on the season, when you book your trip and where you’re flying from, you can find some pretty inexpensive prices. I’ve paid as low as around $60 (one way to and from Miami) and as high as $120 (round way).
While it’s ideal to fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), you can also fly into Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL). While searching for flights, compare and contrast the better options and prices between MIA and FLL. Please be sure to factor in the location of your hotel/Airbnb and how long it will take and how much it will cost to get from either airport to your stay. As it will be explained in the next section, you have the option to utilize the Brightline train from Fort Lauderdale to Miami for $10-$24 depending on the day and time.
Train
If you’re in Florida, particularly in the Central Florida area, the Brightline trains are now up and running and go as far as from Orlando to Miami. Another option for Floridians is to fly into Orlando’s airport (MCO), drive or take a train into Orlando and take the Brightline train from there to Miami.
In the above section, I mentioned there's an option to fly into Fort Lauderdale and then go into Miami. This option was shunned by many people due to the suggested high ride share and taxi prices, but now vacationers have the option of flying into FLL and taking a Brightline train into Miami. Whatever suits you best, I'm just here to show different options.
If you're into long commutes and sight seeing, try something new and take an Amtrak. The station is in Hialeah, west of Miami but is still close to downtown, the airport, and Brickell.
When To Visit
November to April is the best time to travel for the dry season. After that, and especially during summer, you'll be met with rainy season and hurricane watch, especially during August to September.
Location: Best Areas To Stay
It’s always best to stay in the most tourist friendly areas when vacationing so you have access to tourist based locations. Here are some great Miami areas to stay in:
Miami Beach - Contrary to popular belief, Miami Beach is not apart of the Miami mainland. It’s it’s own island and city. This is where the food and nightlife is although there is an effort to push more cultural, art and family friendly activities. If you’re a major beach bum, this is where you will want to stay to have quick and easy access to the water and waves.
Brickell - Brickell gives major mini New York City vibes. It’s where many of the city’s wealthiest stay and play and where you can find more restaurants and nightlife.
Downtown - Downtown is north of Brickell and is one of the main shopping hubs in the city. It’s not as nightclub friendly, but there are plenty of restaurants and other cultural hubs to frequent such as the Perez Art Museum, Kaseya Center where the Heat play and the Bayside Market.
Airport Area - As quiet as it’s kept, the airport area is a great and underrated location for vacation. Unlike the airports in my hometown, ORD and MID, Miami International Airport is close to everything in Miami. 15 minutes away, tops. What I like about staying close to the airport is having access to a shuttle bus to and from one of the hotels that have this accommodation.
Little Havana - If you’re looking for a more homegrown Miami feel, Little Havana is the place for you. While there aren’t many hotels in this neighborhood and it’s more residential, your best bet will be finding an Airbnb there. There are plenty of local Cuban restaurants there and it’s close to Wynwood, Downtown and Brickell.
Where to Stay
Miami has some of the most luscious hotels and homes in the world. Whether you’re looking for luxurious 5 star stay or a humble, laid back, inexpensive vibe, there are plenty of options no matter what your price range is. Here’s a list of some great hotels, some I have stayed in myself.@___dro__ Pullman Miami Airport is a 10/10! Close to @iflymia & a great distance from downtown Miami, Wynwood, Brickell & the surrounding neighborhoods like Hialeah & Coral Gables. So lush & boujee! It really gives 💅🏾🛫🏝🥂🏨 #blackgirltravel #blackgirltravelslay #miamitravel #thingstodoinmiami #miamivacation #miamivacations #miamihotels #miamihotel #womentravel #womentravelers #traveltiktok #hotelreview #pullmanhotel #pullmanhotels #miamiflorida #hotelreviews #hoteltour #hoteltours #travelflorida #floridatravel #floridatravels #miamitravelguide #luxurytravel #luxurytravels #blackwomeninluxury #blackwomentravel ♬ leave me - Anees
Miami Beach
Airport Area
The Miami International Airport Hotel
Regency Miami Airport by Sonesta
Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell
Overtown
Where to Eat
Like the different stay options, there are also many options for good eats. Miami has some of the best food I’ve ever tasted. It’s a shame that people are so focused on partying and even clout chasing that there’s rarely any mention on how good the food is. Miami’s cuisine can compete with the best of them from the USA. From the more opulent locations to local mom and pop shops, there are plenty of great options to eat at while in Miami.
Luxury & Fine Dining
Sexy Fish - Brickell
Kiki On the River - Downtown
Versace Mansión - South Beach
Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge - Downtown
Rusty Pelican - Virginia Key
La Mar - Brickell
Le Jardinier - Art District
Caribbean
LC’s Roti Shop - Miami Gardens
Chef Creole - Little Haiti
Dukunoo - Wynwood
Soul Food
Lil Greenhouse Grill - Overtown
Eloise & Earnestine Soul Food - Brownsville
Jackson's Soul Food - Overtown
World Famous House of Mac - Wynwood
Red Rooster - Overtown
Grandma’s Kitchen - Coconut Creek
Latin American
Coyo Taco - Wynwood
Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine - Little Havana
Vegan & Vegetarian
Planta - South Beach
Plantisserie - El Portal
Vegan Cuban Cuisine - Sunset
Love Life Cafe - Wynwood
SoBe Vegan - South Beach
The Vegan Marie - Little Haiti
I Stronga Vegan Cafe - North Miami
Asian & Sushi
Negroni - Midtown
Moshi Moshi - South Beach, Brickell, Biscayne
Brunch
Morgan’s Restaurant - Wynwood
Little Hen - Design District
Mayami - Wynwood
@___dro__ Tried Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen in Wynwood & I’m here for it! Besides rhe beautiful atmosphere, the ital (vegan) Rasta Pasta was everything! Highly recommended 🔥🇯🇲 • • • • • #miami #miamirestaurants #miamirestaurant #miamirestaurantreview #miamifood #miamifoodie #miamifoodies #thingstodoinmiami #blackownedmiami #wynwood #wynwoodmiami #305miami #miamitravel #jamaicanrestaurant #jamaicanfood #fyp #fypシ #explore #explorepage ♬ original sound - M I C K E L🖤
Public Transportation
Miami doesn’t have the most reliable public transportation system but it can be utilized for maneuvering through Downtown, Brickell, and Wynwood. In my own experiences, the Metrobus bus it has been very reliable for me while navigating Miami Beach in particular. I would recommend utilizing it in the more touristy areas as mentioned above.
The Metromover is a free train that moves through Downtown and Brickell. This is great if you’re staying in one of those areas or to navigate to them. There’s also a free trolley system that goes through the areas too. Other options include the Metrorail which gets you from MIA airport to Kendall, renting CitiBikes, scooters and segways. You can find more information on the Miami Visitors Bureau website.
Lyft and Uber
This is your best bet when navigating Miami. If there’s a big event or festival going on, be mindful that prices will surge.
Renting Cars
Another great option for those who prefer to navigate around on their own terms. Companies like Hertz and Enterprise are available in the airport. You can even use travel apps like Expedia, Kayak, and Booking.com to secure your vehicle.
Things to Do
There’s literally so many things going on in Miami at all times, day and night and that includes both clubbing and non-clubbing activities. While many people think you have to spend an arm and a leg, there are plenty of inexpensive activities to do as much as boujee, luxury vibes. Let’s break it down by category:
Beaches
Nikki Beach Club - South Beach
Joia Beach Club - Watson Island
Water Activities
Blue Space (boat and food tour)
Museums & Art
Perez Art Museum - Downtown
Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science - Tamiami, FL
Miami Children's Museum - Watson Island
HistoryMiami Museum - Downtown Miami
Wynwood Walls - Wynwood
Shopping
Bayside Marketplace - Downtown
Miami Design District - Design District
Dolphin Mall - Fontainebleau, FL
Aventura Mall - Aventura, FL
Brickell City Center - Brickell
Lincoln Center Shopping District - Miami Beach
Nightlife & Day Parties
Basement - Miami Beach
Dante's Hifi - Wynwood
Lagniappe - Midtown
The Urban - Overtown
TIP: There are festivals and events happening in Miami literally all year round. Be sure to do your research on what's going on and when.@___dro__ The Urban in Miami, FL is cute, REAL cute. 🌴 Especially on a Sunday. As a Chicago girl, I’m not used to these outside parties that’s the norm in Florida, but they are LIT! Something about them makes them way more fun than inside functions. Located in the Historic Overtown neighborhood. Just make sure you Uber or get there early because parking is a fool! 😂 • • • • • #theurban #miami #miamifl #miamiflorida #thingstodoinmiami #thingstodoinflorida #southflorida #dadecounty #dadecounty305 #miamilife #blackgirltravel #traveltiktok #soflo #broward #browardcounty #traveltiktok #blackgirltravel #blackgirltraveltok #travellife #floridaliving #traveltok #blackwomeninluxury #blackgirlfollowtrain #florida #theurbanmiami #miamian #miamivacation #miamivacay #miamivacations #floridavacation #floridavacay ♬ original sound - user88225560253
TIP: You can find deals on Groupon for activities, Experiences on Airbnb, and be sure to check Eventbrite for festivals, concerts and other events.
This travel guide will be regularly updated with more tips, places, and info!
What are some of your favorite Miami spots to frequent? Share below!
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