The Ultimate Miami Travel Guide - That Goes Beyond Typical Tourist Spots & Info

 

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.

(Last update: July 2026)

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. 

The new kid on the block is Amtrak. In November 2024, Amtrak’s “Floridian” goes to and from Chicago and Miami with several stops in the country including D.C., Pittsburg, and Savannah. While it’s a total of 47 hours, it’s a great alternative for those with extra time on their hands and who wish to gaze upon the views of the country. 

Bus 

Most folks probably wouldn’t think about utilizing the Greyhound to get to Miami, but as she’s a growing city this is another option. This option is especially viable for those already living in Florida. Miami’s Greyhound bus stops include Downtown, Miami Beach, and Surfside. 

Driving

If you’re about that road trip life, driving to Miami is an alternative. This may be a more attractive option for people who already live in Florida or in the bordering states of Georgia and Alabama. Routes like I-95, I-75, and I-10 can be used by getting to South Florida.

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 & Visit

It’s always best to stay in the most tourist friendly areas when vacationing so you have access to tourist based locations. Ideally, you can stay in whatever area you choose in Miami and the surrounding areas based on your needs and convenience. (Remember, coming in via Fort Lauderdale’s airport or the Brightline train that has stops in Aventura and Fort Lauderdale will afford you the ability to stay in different areas) I’ve stayed in Little Haiti for one visit in an Airbnb and I was able to get to places like Wynwood fairly quickly, but if it’s your first time, stick to tourist friendly spots. Here are some great Miami areas to stay in:

Stay

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. There’s plenty of fine dining, higher end stores, and other establishments, so be prepared to spend money. 

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. 

Edgewater - Edgewater is just north of Downtown and south of the Design District and adjacent to Wynwood. Right on the water, hence the name, Edgewater is mainly a residential area with plentiful luxury high rises. This is an ideal location due to its proximity to tourist friendly areas as well as fine dining spots like Amara at Paraíso. 

Visit

Overtown - Formerly known as “Colored Town”, Overtown was established by Black Americans from other parts of the South and Bahamians from the Caribbean in the late 19th century. Overtown’s night life became popular in the 1940’s and 1950’s as Black acts from Cab Calloway to Josephine Baker came to perform due to segregation. Overtown still has historic gems from her past like the Historic Lyric Theater and the home of Dana Dorsey, one of the first Black American millionaires. 

Miami Design District - Just north of Wynwood is another creative enclave of Miami. The Design District is Wynwood’s fancy older sibling, a neighborhood with luxury fashion stores and boutiques from Louis Vuitton to Chanel. 

Wynwood - Wynwood is the official art district of the city. Surrounded by murals and color at every turn, Wynwood is the place to enjoy local art and of course a hub for nightlife and causal dining. Truly a hipster’s paradise. 

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. 

Miami Gardens - Formerly called “Carol City”, Miami Gardens is the home of the Hard Rock Stadium where the Miami Dolphins football team plays as well as University of Miami’s Hurricanes football team. Besides football games, the stadium often hosts big concerts like Jazz in the Gardens and other sports events such as the Miami Open tennis tournament. After catching a game, head to get some soul food in the area. 

Coconut Grove - “The Grove” is south of the main Miami hotspots and has more of a laidback vibe. Visit for a chill day at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, The Barnacle Historic State Park, or The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden. 

Greater Miami-Dade County

Venture outside of the hustle and bustle of the city and visit the surrounding cities of Miami-Dade County. This is great for people who are looking for more quiet, laid back, lowkey, nature, family and/or kid centered activities and events. 

Aventura - Aventura is a small, suburban city north of Miami. While it’s known to be a residential area, it’s also known for the famous Aventura Mall, Ancient Spanish Monastery, and Tidal Cove Waterpark. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches in Miami and Miami Beach, be sure to get into the more lowkey beaches Aventura and other suburban cities have to offer. Aventura is also one stop away on the Brightline train. 

Homestead - Homestead is south of Miami and one of the last cities one would reach when driving to the Florida Keys. Hence the name, Homestead is home to agricultural spaces and it’s adjacent to the Everglades. This suburban town is ideal for those who want to escape the noise of Miami and enjoy some down home vibes. Homestead is abundant with markets and historic sites like the Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum and the Coral Castle. 

Coral Gables - Coral Gables is southwest of the city and is home to the University of Miami. This affluent suburban town has the quintessential relaxed vibe. Attractions such as the Venetian Pool and the Coral Gables Museum along with lavish restaurants and shopping make for perfectly tranquil vacay days. 

Where to Stay

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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 and a few homes and properties, some I have stayed in myself.