Miami Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Places to Stay & Eat in the Magic City

Miami is an Incredible Travel Destination

Miami, Florida is one of the most popular and exciting destinations in the United States. Nicknamed the "Magic City" for its rapid growth from a small town to a major city in the early 1900s, Miami offers something for every type of traveler. From its world-famous beaches and lively nightlife scene to a vibrant arts and culture community and fun activities for families, it's easy to see why Miami is the shit, bro!

Iconic Beaches for Sun and Fun

One of the main reasons people flock to Miami is its beautiful beaches. The white sand and turquoise waters are postcard perfect. South Beach is the most famous stretch, with its art deco hotels and buzzing Ocean Drive promenade. Other top beaches include Sunny Isles, known for its family-friendly vibe, and Miami Beach with its glamorous strand. No trip to Miami is complete without spending ample time soaking up the sun and splashing in the waves at one of these iconic beaches.

World-Class Nightlife and Entertainment

As soon as the sun sets, Miami comes alive. The city is renowned for its incredible nightlife, from posh nightclubs to live music venues. The South Beach neighborhood boasts some of the hottest clubs in Miami like LIV and Story, where you may rub elbows with celebrities. Want to dance the night away? Head to clubs like E11EVEN Miami that are open 24 hours on weekends. For live music, check out places like The Fillmore Miami Beach and The Ground. With new hotspots opening all the time, the party never ends when the sun goes down in Miami.

Vibrant Arts and Culture

Beyond its beaches and parties, Miami has a fantastic arts and cultural scene. Every December, Art Basel Miami Beach attracts artists and collectors from around the world with its impressive exhibits. The Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Frost Museum of Science are must-see museums. Take a stroll through the Wynwood Walls outdoor mural park or attend a show at the historic Olympia Theater. From Little Haiti to Little Havana, Miami's diverse neighborhoods add to its rich cultural landscape.

Family Fun Activities

Miami offers plenty of family-friendly things to do, making it a great destination for travelers with kids. Spend a day at Jungle Island, a zoo and theme park home to exotic animals. Check out the Miami Children's Museum for hands-on exhibits. Ride the slides and splash pads at Miami Beach's South Pointe Park. See sea turtles and tropical fish at the Miami Seaquarium. For outdoor adventure, visit Monkey Jungle where you walk through screened pathways surrounded by monkeys roaming freely. And no family trip is complete without experiencing Miami's beautiful beaches together.

Where to Stay in Miami

With its wide range of accommodations, Miami has lodging options to fit every style and budget. Here are some top picks for places to stay during your Miami getaway:

Luxury Hotels

Travelers seeking luxury digs have plenty of choices in Miami, from 5-star resorts to swanky high-rise hotels. Iconic options include The Setai Miami Beach, featuring Asian-inspired decor and a beachside infinity pool, and the Fontainebleau, a historic hotel with lavish rooms and amenities. Other top luxury stays include the Mandarin Oriental, Eden Roc, 1 Hotel South Beach, and the Biltmore.

Boutique Hotels

For a trendy, design-focused hotel, Miami's boutique options like The Plymouth, Lennox Hotel Miami Beach, and The Celino South Beach hit the mark. These smaller properties focus on chic decor, top-notch service, and great locations to give guests a memorable stay. The Betsy South Beach is a charming boutique known for itsarts and culture programming.

Budget Hotels

You don't have to break the bank to visit Miami. The city has many affordable hotel choices perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Options like Miami International Hostel, Bayside Inn Downtown Miami, and Magnuson Hotel Miami Airport West/Doral provide basic yet comfortable rooms starting around $100/night. Look for hotels away from the beach to score better deals.

Vacation Rentals

For extra space, amenities, and privacy, consider booking a vacation rental property in Miami. Sites like Airbnb, VRBO and TurnKey let you search condos, apartments, and homes available to rent. Popular Miami neighborhoods for vacation rentals include South Beach, Mid-Beach, Downtown, Brickell, and Coconut Grove. Shared properties like guest houses are a budget-friendly option too.

Getting Around Miami

Miami has a number of transportation options to help you get around its different neighborhoods and attractions. Here's an overview of how to navigate Miami:

Public Transportation

Miami's public transit system includes Metrorail, Metromover and Metrobus. The Metrorail is a 24 station, elevated rapid transit system useful for getting between downtown, Brickell, and outer neighborhoods. The free Metromover circles Downtown and Brickell. Metrobuses cover more neighborhoods like Coconut Grove, Little Havana, Midtown and North Miami Beach.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available 24/7 for door-to-door service in Miami. These are especially handy for late night transportation after a night out, airport transfers, and trips where you have extra luggage. Rates vary but expect to pay around $25+ one-way from Miami International Airport to South Beach.

Rental Cars

Having your own set of wheels makes it easy to visit attractions from South Beach to the Everglades. Major rental car companies operate out of Miami International Airport and numerous neighborhood locations. Book early for the best rates. Be aware that parking in Miami Beach may require paying hourly rates or garage fees.

DecoBike Bicycle Rentals

For a fun active way to experience Miami, rent a public bike through DecoBike. Hundreds of stations across Miami Beach, Surfside and Downtown let you pick up and drop off bikes. Daily passes starting at $5 for 30 minutes allow quick one-way transportation between attractions and neighborhoods.

Top Things to Do in Miami

With its glittering coastline, internationally flavored neighborhoods, vibrant culture and lively nightlife, Miami offers endless things to see and do. Here are some top attractions and activities for your Miami bucket list:

Stroll Ocean Drive

Take in the iconic art deco architecture and people watching on a walk down lively Ocean Drive in South Beach. Pop in and out of high-end boutiques and cool cafes along the way.

Admire Wynwood Walls Street Art

This cutting-edge outdoor park is filled with colorful murals and graffiti art created by artists from around the world. It's an Instagram-worthy experience.

Experience Little Havana

Sip Cuban coffee, savor authentic cuisine, enjoy live music and learn about Cuban culture in the vibrant Little Havana neighborhood.

Party on South Beach

Dance the night away at one of South Beach's famous megaclubs like LIV and Story. Or people watch from a terrace bar over tropical cocktails.

Sunbathe on the Beach

Do as the locals do and spend a relaxing day soaking up the sun and swimming in the blue Atlantic waters at South Beach, Mid-Beach or one of Miami's other gorgeous strands.

Explore the Everglades

Just a short drive from Miami, visitors can experience the unique wetlands ecosystem of Everglades National Park. Look for alligators, tropical birds and other wildlife on boat tours and hikes.

Browse Bayside Marketplace

One of Miami's top waterfront open-air shopping centers, this marketplace features live music, restaurants, and stores selling everything from souvenirs to clothing and jewelry.

Check Out Miami Seaquarium

At this 38-acre oceanarium located on Virginia Key, visitors can see manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and more through shows, exhibits and encounters.

Admire Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Tour the elaborate historic estate Villa Vizcaya, admire its lavish decor and stroll through the tranquil 10 acres of formal gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Where to Eat in Miami

Miami dining ranges from cheap street food to high-end luxury experiences. With so many options, foodies will have a field day dining out in Miami. Here are some top picks for Miami eats:

Cuban Food

For authentic Cuban cuisine, head to beloved holes-in-the-wall like Versailles Restaurant and Sanguich de Miami in Little Havana, or upscale spots like Habana Harry's. Load up on roasted pork, empanadas, ropa vieja and more.

Seafood

With fresh seafood coming straight off Florida boats, Miami is a prime spot for ocean delights. Joe's Stone Crab is an iconic dinner-only restaurant, while My Ceviche specializes in raw fish and shellfish "cooked" in citrus.

Steakhouses

Sink your teeth into juicy prime cuts and seafood towers at Miami's top steakhouses. Favorites include Smith & Wollensky, The Forge, and STK. Make reservations and come hungry.

Design District Dining

Head to the posh Miami Design District to eat at some of the city's hottest restaurants. Standouts include Le Jardinier for French fare and Coya for Peruvian dishes and pisco cocktails in an chic atmosphere.

Wynwood Eats

In the artsy neighborhood of Wynwood, eateries like Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, Kyu and Kush combine flavorful menus with mural-splashed interiors. Nightlife staple Wood Tavern does burgers and beer in a hip setting.

From all-day cafecitos to glitzy hotel brunches to taco trucks and fine dining, fueling up in Miami is always an unforgettable multi-cultural food experience. The Magic City certainly lives up to its reputation for cuisine.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Miami?

The best time to visit Miami is from November to April during the dry season when chances of rain are low and temperatures are pleasantly warm. Peak tourism is around December to March when snowbirds flee northern winters. Summers can be hot and humid with more frequent storms.

What is there to do in Miami when it rains?

If storms roll in during your Miami vacation, head indoors to attractions like museums and shopping centers. Great rainy day activities include the Perez Art Museum Miami, Frost Science Museum, Bayside Marketplace, Design District shopping, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, bowling, seeing a movie, or hanging out in hotel lobbies and bars.

What should I wear in Miami?

Pack light, breezy clothing for Miami like tanks, shorts, sundresses, swimsuits, flip flops and sandals. You'll want mostly casual outfits. Bring some pants, closed-toe shoes and a sweater for nights when temperatures drop slightly. Nicer attire is required at some exclusive clubs and restaurants.

Is Miami safe for tourists?

Yes, Miami is generally safe but travelers should still exercise normal big city precautions like being aware of your surroundings, not walking alone at night, keeping belongings secure, and avoiding ostentatious displays of valuables. Stay in well-lit tourist areas and ask your hotel concierge for safety tips.

How do I get around Miami without a car?

Miami's public transit system includes the Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are also popular options. DecoBike has bike rentals available all over Miami Beach. And walking is possible in compact neighborhoods like South Beach, Design District and Wynwood.