Miami, the vibrant city of sun-kissed beaches and Latin flair, awaits travelers with its rich history, diverse culture, and endless attractions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to the Magic City.
Visit timing
With 76-degree weather most of the year and a plethora of monthly events and activities, Miami is a great place to come any time of year. The best months to travel may vary from person to person. You shouldn’t let the fact that it’s hurricane season (June–November) deter you from going on your vacation; the rainy season is May–September. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that August has the highest frequency of hurricanes, while May has the lowest. Getting travel insurance is a good idea if you plan on traveling during hurricane season. While some may find the oppressive humidity of July and August to be unbearable, remember that this is Miami’s off-season and that there are many ways to beat the heat.
How to get to the city from the airport
Although Palm Beach International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are located north of Miami, the most popular and convenient airport in the region is Miami International Airport. Public transportation alternatives are abundant; for example, you can take the Airport Flyer (Route150) express bus to Miami Beach or one of the Metrobuses to Coconut Grove or Coral Gables.
These are convenient for many tourists, but a rental car is the way to go if you want to see more than just your immediate area. There are nearly a dozen rental vehicle agencies at the MIA Rental Vehicle Centre, and you may get there for free by taking the MIA Mover. Miami Beach’s taxis and rideshares can be more than enough for your trip. Starting at $4.50, the fee for a taxi increases at a rate of $2.40 each mile, plus $0.40 per minute when stuck in traffic.
Directions and activities
The city of Miami is expansive. It’s the seventh biggest city in the United States. Streets, terraces, and lanes in Miami go east to west on a grid that is separated into four quadrants (northwest, northeast, southeast, and southwest). Avenues, highways, courts, and places, on the other hand, run north to south. Florida Avenue runs east to west and Flagler Street runs north to south. Although it may appear difficult at first, dividing the area into neighborhoods can make getting about much easier.
The Spanish colonized the area now known as Miami in the 16th century, although the Tequesta Indians had already been there. Since a huge number of Cubans came to Miami in the middle and late 20th century, Latinx people now make up the city’s largest demographic.
The cities and neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County are rich in history and culture. In Little Havana, stop by Versailles for some Cuban sandwiches and coffee. Visit Joe’s Stone Crab on Miami Beach to scout stone crabs throughout their season. Indulge in world-class performing arts, art museums, and architectural landmarks when you explore Miami’s Art Deco neighborhood and other modern art hotspots. Or, you could spend those balmy evenings at one of the best clubs in Magic City… or you could not. Our anti-club club guide has you covered if you’re looking for a legendary night out that is anything but anti-social. You probably won’t be able to see it all in one trip.
Collins Park
Collins Park, a trendy micro-neighborhood off Collins Avenue and 21st Street in Miami Beach, has huge appeal. In addition to its permanent collection, the Bass Museum also hosts rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art from across the world. The Coronation of the Virgin, an altarpiece by Domenico Ghirlandaio and Sandro Botticelli—the only known collaboration between the two artists—is one of the pieces from the private collection of businessman John Bass that is included.
Here in the Jackie Gleason Theatre lies the world-famous Fillmore Miami Beach, where great performances take place. The legendary stage that Jackie Gleason used to host his namesake show is currently the site of many traveling Broadway productions, concerts, and other events. There are many hotels, restaurants, and bars in this picturesque neighborhood. Located just three blocks from the beach, this 52-room hotel boasts a rooftop bar-restaurant called Layla that serves Middle Eastern cuisine. Guests may also enjoy the hotel’s app-enabled modern facilities and unwind on the pool deck.
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is a historical neighborhood tucked near Biscayne Bay that offers an eclectic blend of old Florida and fashion-forward excitement. It’s laid back, quirky, and enjoyable. Popular spots along its tree-lined streets include GreenStreet Cafe, a charming sidewalk eatery where artists, politicians, journalists, and locals gather for brunch and cocktails; Cocowalk, a multi-story cluster of specialty shops and eateries; and Mary’s Cafe & Coin Laundry, a laundromat that offers sandwiches, smoothies, pastelitos, and cafécito at any hour of the day or night.
The Wynwood area
North of downtown Miami lies a 50-block arts district called Wynwood. The Wynwood Walls and Wynwood Doors showcase graffiti and street art and have helped turn Wynwood from a warehouse district into one of Miami’s most creative communities. Among the numerous art spaces and galleries in the area is the Rubell Museum, which houses the modern and contemporary art collections of Mera and Don Rubell, as well as their son Jason. The collection has expanded from a single piece to seven thousand and two hundred works by a thousand different artists.
The Museum of Graffiti, the first museum in the world devoted solely to graffiti art, and the Bakehouse Art Complex, a non-profit incubator for creative thinking established in 1985 by artists for artists, are both located there. When you need a break from looking at art, stop by one of the numerous trendy spots in the neighborhood, such as FREEHOLD, which has three bars, a palatial courtyard, a stage, a cafe, and a pizza shop inspired by New York City. Another option would be to drop by Gramps, a chill bar that hosts live music, comedy, and general good times, boasting “many drinks at various prices.”