Miami
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Miami? This Miami travel guide will give you a full run down of the sexy, intoxicatingly beautiful, wild and eclectic city! Miami is one of our favorite destinations because it is bursting with culture! It’s the place to go to relax, to party all night long, to eat delicious foods, to enjoy nature, and more. Between the art deco buildings, diverse restaurant scene, breathtaking beaches, and endless music, it’s difficult to narrow down our top recommendations! It truly is the perfect destination for a bachelor or bachelorette party, a couples getaway weekend, or even a fun girls trip. Here’s our Miami travel guide on everything you need to know before visiting this amazing city.
Quick Tips
COSTS
Miami is an expensive city in general, especially if you’re staying near South Beach.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Miami is a year-round destination, but our favorite time to visit it between March and May. During these months, you’ll be able to enjoy daily temperatures in the 70s for non-peak rates.
TIME ZONE
Miami is is in East Standard Time (GMT-5).
Getting There
Miami is a fairly easy destination to reach, as most large airports have direct flights to MIA. We recommend checking out the flights to both Miami International Airport (MIA), as well as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport (FLL). FLL is a bit farther away, but oftentimes a cheaper flight makes it worth the longer uber ride.
Once in Miami the best way to get around is by using Uber or Lyft, or renting Citibikes. Renting a car is another option, depending upon what neighborhood you choose to stay in. However, if staying in South Beach or Downtown Miami keep in mind that parking is hard to come by and expensive, and most things are fairly walkable. There’s also affordable airport shuttles into town, as well as a public transportation system. Once on the beach, ride shares and taxis are plentiful and many activities are within walking distance.
What To Expect
Is it safe to visit?
Miami is a generally safe place to travel. But as always, be smart with your belongings and always watch your drinks. Pickpocketing is common on the South Beach promenade as well as on the beaches.
HEELS OR NO HEELS?
Miami is the perfect mix of casual beach attire and top-notch designer clothes, meaning you can be as dressy or as casual as you want. During the day most people are wearing swimsuits, coverups, shorts, flip flops, sunglasses, etc. At a trendy restaurant or club, you will see designer dresses and 5 inch stilettos. Additionally, jeans and a nice shirt are acceptable at most places. Personally, we love to use Miami as an excuse to dress up!
WILL I NEED SUNBLOCK
Yes x 1000%! Skin safety is so important, and the Miami sun is no joke!
WHEN TO VISIT
While Miami is a warm destination year-round, our favorite time to visit is between the fall and spring. Summer time gets extremely hot and humid, but prices tend to be cheaper. During the winter (December-February) the temperature is usually in the high 70s°F with very little precipitation. However, this is peak season for travel, meaning higher prices and bigger crowds.
Neighborhood Guide
SOUTH BEACH
The spot where Art Deco architecture meets high-end modern design. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, luxury shopping, globally recognized eateries, luxurious spas, incredible galleries, and beautiful beaches, South Beach truly has it all. Consider this party neighborhood your go-to for a fun Spring Break, a weekend getaway with friends, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or even a romantic couples trip. It is also the best place to stay if going to the beach is your number one reason for visiting Miami. There’s something for everyone in Miami Beach – and a lot of it.
BRICKELL
Now considered ‘a home for young professionals’, this neighborhood is fast becoming Miami’s hippest place to stay. Affluent millennials are coming to Brickell in droves, pulled in by the luxury shopping, trendy nightlife, world-class restaurants, and high-class developments.
WYNWOOD
Miami’s Art District. Packed end to end with art galleries, hip breweries, trendy restaurants, eclectic shops, nightclubs, and Instagrammable murals, Wynwood is a haven for hipsters and art enthusiasts alike. This youthful pocket is populated by converted warehouses and colorful murals and has a hip, yet welcoming vibe. Despite the crowds, you don’t want to miss the famous Wynwood Walls and ever-evolving murals throughout the Wynwood Arts District. If you’re big on the arts culture, this neighborhood is an absolute must.
MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT
A trendy hub of design and fashion. If upscale boutiques and galleries are more your speed, you’ll love the shopping, fine dining, chic bars and museums this famous neighborhood has to offer. The streets of the Miami Design District are lined with a wealth of luxury fashion houses to shop at, from Versace to Marni. But if fine art is more your style, modern galleries like Markowicz Fine Art and Opera Gallery have what you need.
Where We Stayed
This luxury oceanfront resort in South Beach is one of the largest properties in South Beach, with nearly 800 rooms. Contemporary rooms have elegant furnishings in soft hues, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig machines. The Loews Miami Beach Hotel also houses multiple eateries, a massive pool area with frequent live music, and the Exhale Spa. The service is absolutely impeccable and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
Additional Accommodations
1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH
Located in the heart of South Beach, this upscale property is considered to be one of the best hotels in Miami. Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag, but if you are wanting to ball out, this is the place to do it! The hotel has a private beach, a total of 6 restaurants, 4 pools, a rooftop oasis, and so much more.
FONTAINEBLEAU MIAMI BEACH
Another one of our favorite South Beach hotels that provides a sweet blend of glamour and luxe. For more than half a century this hotel has been thriving, and it’s easy to see why. Offering scenic ocean views, 6 outdoor swimming pools surrounded by private cabanas, one of the best nightclubs in the city, a gorgeous spa, and 9 restaurants on-site, this hotel is a must-not-miss.
MARSEILLES
This oceanfront hotel is one of our favorite mid-range hotel options in South Beach! The boutique hotel is in the perfect location, directly off Collins Avenue, has direct access to a private beach, and provides a boutique Art Deco-style atmosphere. It is surrounded by famous nightclubs, restaurants and shopping centers on vibrant Collins Avenue and features two on-site bars and a restaurant. Additionally, the adorable hotel offers 2 outdoor insta-worthy swimming pools, cabanas, hammocks, lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. They even have a nightly happy hour where drinks are completely free!
W MIAMI
Located in downtown Miami’s Icon Brickell urban development center, this hotel is considered one of the few deluxe hotels in Miami. It offers a 300-foot infinity pool on Biscayne Bay, a lounge with a private rooftop pool, an on-site spa and gym, and even an on-site restaurant. If you are wanting a luxury place to stay in Brickell, this is the spot.
Things To Do
HEAD TO THE BEACHES…
While Miami’s Art Deco glam, high-end shopping, and buzzing nightlife are major draws, our Miami travel guide has to include the main reason visitors flock to this holiday hot spot – the beaches! South Beach is likely the first one that comes to mind, as it is the most famous, but Miami actually has a ton of unique beaches to check out. In fact, all of these beaches are open to the public! Some well known beaches include Lummus Park Beach, South Pointe Park Pier, Surfside, Haulover Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour Beach, Crandon Park, South Beach, and more.
EXPLORE OCEAN DRIVE…
Ocean Drive is Miami’s legendary strip! This bustling road runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean and is lined with a fantastic array of Art Deco buildings, cafes and bars, shops, boutique hotels, and a fabulous sizzling night scene. This place, which is buzzing all day and night, is the place to see and be seen, where everything goes on. We always make a point to throw on our bikinis and wander down Ocean Drive for lunch on day one – you never know who you are going to meet and where the day might lead! While there, check out Lummus Park, a cute area across the street, full of bikers and roller skaters cruising the promenade and enjoying the sun! One of our favorite spots to hang out on Ocean Drive is The Clevelander.
HEAD TO THE WYNWOOD WALLS…
An outdoor museum and open-air street art installation featuring some of the world’s most prominent street artists! Wynwood was formerly an industrial neighborhood that rose to prominence as a hot-spot for graffiti and street art. The art covers more than 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse walls, and even expands to the sidewalks. Today this artsy, cool neighborhood is home to many art galleries, a hive of trendy boutiques, restaurants, and bars all thanks to the Wynwood Walls.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY…
A Miami travel guide is never complete until mentioning the night life scene! Miami Beach is famous for its world-class nightlife, with something to suit every style. Whether you want to check out nightclubs in South Beach, go salsa dancing in Little Havana, or relax in an artsy cocktail bar, you’ll find it here. Check out our list of nightlife recommendations below!
RENT A BOAT…
Trust us, renting a boat and enjoying the ocean is an absolute must while visiting Miami! Prices range from affordable to outrageous, depending on what you are looking for (a fishing boat, a yacht, a private chef, alcohol included, etc.). Be sure to do your research in advance. If traveling with a group of friends you can often find great options for around $100 per person! Our favorite rental company in Miami is Jacht Jerico Charters.
DANCE THE DAY AWAY AT A POOL PARTY…
Chilling under the sun, sipping cocktails, making new friends, relaxing in cabanas, and cooling off by the pool at a trendy hotel… Need we say more? Pool parties are a year-round staple in Miami and a must-not-miss for our party goers! Keep in mind that beach clubs can get rather expensive, so you may want to work with a promoter for a better deal. When it comes to pool parties and beach clubs the options are endless, but here is a couple of our favorite spots:
Clevelander South Beach
This famous Ocean Drive hotel has been throwing poolside parties since the dawn of time! Featuring poolside DJs, fire dancers, tailgate parties, dancing, excellent food, and more, it is perfect if you’re looking to experience the essence of Miami pool parties! And unlike most spots, The Clevelander is also known for throwing parties every day of the week!
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
A Miami classic that is home to some of the best pools in the 305 and the adult-only Arkadia Day Club parties. This exclusive poolside club is open Friday through Sunday, featuring electric beats spun by the hottest DJs, refreshing drinks, chaise lounges, and private cabanas surrounding the pool. Enjoy the sun, the pool, gourmet bites and amazing views as you lounge and party with your friends.
Hyde Beach Miami
If you are after a full-blown Vegas-style pool party, Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach is the spot! From noon to dusk every Saturday you’ll find the pool full of floating balloons and tires, awesome EDM and Hip Hop music, and more. It is the place that all party lovers flock to and a crazy fun time! Be sure to dress in your hottest bikini!
Nikki Beach
A little bit beachier than the other pool parties on our list, Nikki Beach offers chic beach parties, featuring top-notch seafood and awesome live DJs. During the day you can expect a lively crowd under the cabanas partying the day away! Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as they rarely take walk-ins.
CATCH A SUNSET AT SOUTH POINTE…
Top off your fun weekend getaway with a quiet moment at the beach. South Point Park is a beautiful green space at the southern tip of Miami Beach. You can expect stunning panoramic views of the South Beach Shoreline, PortMiami’s cruise ships, Downtown Miami’s skyline and even Fisher Island. The park has direct access to the beach, as well as walking trails, picnic and barbecue areas, benches, a café, and a dog park. But most importantly, it is the best place in Miami to enjoy the sunset!
RENT A BIKE AND EXPLORE
The Citi Bike program offers bikes at an hourly rate, with docks located all over South Beach and Downtown Miami. Keep in mind that you need to dock your bike every 30 minutes. Personally, we think biking around the city is one of the best ways to get your bearings, explore, stay active, and have a blast!
GO SHOPPING
If you’ve come to Greater Miami to shop, you’re in the right place! Between luxury flagships, trendy boutiques, budget-friendly stores, and the largest mall in Florida, this destination has everything you can imagine. A couple of our favorite places to check out include Bar Harbour Shops, the shops on Lincoln Road, Bayside Marketplace, The Miracle Mile Shopping District, The Design District, and Brickell City Centre.
Restaurants
One of our all time favorite spots! Located conveniently on Collins Ave, this upscale restaurant and entertainment destination is a must-not-miss. From the moment you walk in, the subtle combination of French daring design with Miami luxury will captivate you. The exclusive and exotic setting serves incredible food (we highly recommend the $120 per person Omakase), but also offers live music and club vibes.
This refined Northern Italian restaurant, set inside an exclusive boutique inn, offers a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere and is a perfect date spot. You can expect indoor and outdoor dining areas featuring a lush garden and lantern lit trees, as well as a festive 20-seat Chef Table. The dishes are simple yet sophisticated, making it the perfect, elegant experience
This massive Lincoln Road Japanese/Peruvian restaurant offers an electric atmosphere and celebrates the flavours of Nikkei cuisine. Featuring a fully retractable ceiling, tall leafy trees, and bright murals by local graffiti artists, Chotto Matte provides a welcoming, vibrant, and contemporary environment.
If you are a sushi lover, this is a must-not-miss! Located inside the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops, chef Makoto Okuwa prepares pristine sushi, negiri, and modern Japanese dishes. This fancy Japanese spot offers the perfect mix of crave-worthy dishes, in a relaxed, tropical atmosphere.
This boho-chic, waterfront venue brings the party to the Miami River with a nightclub feel and expertly prepared Mediterranean cuisine! The Greek and Mediterranean cuisine is delicious, but it’s the party atmosphere that lands this restaurant in our Miami Restaurant Scene top recommendations.
This small, charming restaurant, tucked away in a strip mall, is a true culinary experience thanks to its Michelin-trained chefs. Located on the edge of Little Haiti, this quaint restaurant offers extensive and creative fine dining and a superb wine list.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
This dreamy outdoor eatery is the place to find the best Greek and Turkish food in Miami! The menu is made up of elegant small plates made to share, and is the perfect place for a romantic date. You can expect a cozy, 1930s-era house with patio seating.
The perfect spot for dazzling waterfront views, artfully hand-crafted cocktails, glamorous décor, impressive contemporary American cuisine and the freshest local seafood. Head here for a gorgeous sunset on the 100 seat outdoor deck, complete with outdoor fire pits.
Additional Restaurants
| Juvia |
Jaya at the Setai |
Seaspice | ETARU Hallandale |
| Komodo | The River Oyster Bar | Zuma | Crazy About You |
| GITANO | Watr at the 1 Rooftop | Prime 112 | Dolores but You Can Call Me Lolita |
| El Tucan | Santorini by Georgis | Amara | Sugarcane raw bar + grill |
| Pubbelly Sushi | Stubborn Seed | Cote Miami | II Gabbiano |
| Bagatelle | Gianni’s Restaurant | B Bistro + Bakery | B Bistro + Bakery |
Club Scene
LIV
Located in the Fontainebleau Hotel, this is easily one of Miami’s most famous clubs! Put on your heels and get ready for a wild night of dancing until 5am, seeing famous DJs perform, and spotting celebrities in the VIP section! Keep in mind that the club doesn’t get busy before midnight, so be sure to plan accordingly.
E11EVEN
This 24-hour Downtown stronghold is part nightclub, part performance venue, part strip club, and part rooftop restaurant. Dripping in neon, with trapeze artists dangling from ceilings and burlesque dancers perched in all directions, there’s perhaps no nightclub in the world as over-the-top as E11even. This is another must-not- miss while visiting Miami.
CLUB SPACE
Another 24-hour venue, but this one is known as the after-hours club of choice in Miami. Located in Downtown Miami, this venue promises an exciting, over-the-top club experience for discerning dance and music enthusiasts. You can expect a huge dance space, a spectacular light show, and even an open-air patio.
STORY
This Collins Avenue megaclub is owned by the same people who bring you LIV, but is known to be a bit more accessible. You can expect a much larger dance floor than LIV, but the same dedication to style and exclusivity, with an extravagant circus-style setting where nothing is shocking. We recommend kicking off the weekend here on a Friday night.
Drink Spots
Lagniappe
At this serve-yourself Midtown bar, you pick your craft beer, cheese, and wine, and pay at the counter. Next, plant yourself in a first-come-first-serve chair beneath twinkling lights and listen to live jazz music. How much better can it get?!
Broken Shaker
Broken Shaker is, without question, the single greatest youth hostel bar in history. Grab a cocktail in the open-aired garden for a fun night out in Miami.
Blackbird Ordinary
There’s nothing ordinary about this late-night drinking den in Brickell. The dark interior of sleek wood and dark leather booths, combined with the large outdoor patio, nightly lineup of live music, and impeccable drink menu makes this bar a magnet for the locals.
Sugar
Head to the city’s tallest (and most secretive) rooftop bar before sunset, relax in one of the lounge setups, order a lychee blossom martini, and marvel at the sunset over the shores from this heavenly rooftop. The rooftop is located on the 40th floor of East Miami, and the vantage point is impossible to beat. But be prepared to spend a pretty penny.
Lost Boy
Known as ‘Downtown Miami’s most eclectic watering hole’, this is the perfect place to grab craft cocktails or draft beer and drink up over a game of darts or pool. We absolutely love the snug, eclectic, vintage vibe of this casual hangout spot.
The Anderson
This indoor / outdoor spot is one of the coolest and most unique spots to grab drinks with friends! You can expect lush outdoor gardens, a tiki bar, a taco joint, and an outdoor sandy floor that makes you feel like you are drinking on the beach (rather than along NE 79th Street). Definitely don’t miss their daily happy hour from 5pm – 8pm, featuring $4 beers, $6 cocktails and $6–9 munchies.
Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company
Popular among both locals and tourists, this spot is Miami Beach’s most awarded cocktail bar! It is located in the heart of Mami beach and serves as the perfect place to kick off your night.
Monty’s raw bar
One of our favorite casual spots with live music, Key West vibes, waterfront views, and affordable food and drinks.
Conclusion
Miami is one of the most diverse, lively, and beautiful destinations, and we truly cannot get enough of it. Whether you are looking for a quick girls trip, a solo beach escape, a couples trip, or a wild weekend of partying, Miami will offer you everything! We hope our Miami travel guide helps you to plan the perfect trip! Be sure to head over to our Destinations page to access many more worldwide comprehensive travel guides!
