Miami Beach Travel Guide

When the winter is at its coldest and northerners dream of warmer months, Miami is often the destination of choice. The water is turquoise blue, temperatures hover in the low 80's and the clubs stay open until the wee hours of the morning. It's a tempting combination. What started as a sleepy town with beautiful beaches only reachable by ferry prior to 1912 has become the mecca of the United States’ tropical travel destinations. Beach clubs blend into the Atlantic Ocean, and nature works its way into the star-studded cafes, restaurants, and walking malls. Culturally it’s as diverse as Houston, Harlem, or New Orleans, with a vibrant Latin culture and an eccentric culinary scene to match. All this is to say -- if you visit Miami Beach, you will not be disappointed.

Things to Do in Miami Beach

The most popular attraction is South Beach. Here you can sample some of the area's best restaurants, get some sun on the beach or rent a bike and cruise around. But there's much more than sand and sunshine. Check out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an Italian-style villa located in Coconut Grove. In-the-know visitors escape to the more tranquil Key Biscayne for beautiful, but quieter beaches and a general escape from the chaos of South Beach. Biscayne Bay is home to the Biscayne National Park, which is the largest marine park in the National Park system. Calle 8 in Little Havana is also an excellent place to take in the city's strong Cuban culture and grab some Cuban food too. Speaking of which, two restaurants you need to try while in town are El Pescador and Joe’s Stone Crab.

Best Places to Stay in Miami Beach

Travelers looking for beach access and nightlife usually stay on South Beach, which is the area you’ve imagined in your mind, chock full of mojitos, all-night clubs, and miles of barefoot-friendly walking paths. Most hotels’ location in South beach is unbeatable, but their prices less so. If you’re looking for a classic Miami Beach vacation in a Miami beach hotel, South Beach is a great location. As far as other neighborhoods go, we recommend checking out downtown, coconut grove, and the design district. All of these will put you within a stone’s throw of Miami Beach.

Best Time to Visit Miami Beach

The best time to visit Miami is late winter and into the spring. Temperatures aren't quite as extreme as in the summer months and the normal winter crowds begin to thin out. But don't leave out heading down for a New Year's celebration. You'll have to deal with crowds, but it might just be worth it. During the summer month between April and November, Miami Beach is stuck in its rainy season, and the threat of a hurricane increases significantly.

Miami Beach Travel Guide

When the winter is at its coldest and northerners dream of warmer months, Miami is often the destination of choice. The water is turquoise blue, temperatures hover in the low 80's and the clubs stay open until the wee hours of the morning. It's a tempting combination. What started as a sleepy town with beautiful beaches only reachable by ferry prior to 1912 has become the mecca of the United States’ tropical travel destinations. Beach clubs blend into the Atlantic Ocean, and nature works its way into the star-studded cafes, restaurants, and walking malls. Culturally it’s as diverse as Houston, Harlem, or New Orleans, with a vibrant Latin culture and an eccentric culinary scene to match. All this is to say -- if you visit Miami Beach, you will not be disappointed.

Things to Do in Miami Beach

The most popular attraction is South Beach. Here you can sample some of the area's best restaurants, get some sun on the beach or rent a bike and cruise around. But there's much more than sand and sunshine. Check out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an Italian-style villa located in Coconut Grove. In-the-know visitors escape to the more tranquil Key Biscayne for beautiful, but quieter beaches and a general escape from the chaos of South Beach. Biscayne Bay is home to the Biscayne National Park, which is the largest marine park in the National Park system. Calle 8 in Little Havana is also an excellent place to take in the city's strong Cuban culture and grab some Cuban food too. Speaking of which, two restaurants you need to try while in town are El Pescador and Joe’s Stone Crab.

Best Places to Stay in Miami Beach

Travelers looking for beach access and nightlife usually stay on South Beach, which is the area you’ve imagined in your mind, chock full of mojitos, all-night clubs, and miles of barefoot-friendly walking paths. Most hotels’ location in South beach is unbeatable, but their prices less so. If you’re looking for a classic Miami Beach vacation in a Miami beach hotel, South Beach is a great location. As far as other neighborhoods go, we recommend checking out downtown, coconut grove, and the design district. All of these will put you within a stone’s throw of Miami Beach.

Best Time to Visit Miami Beach

The best time to visit Miami is late winter and into the spring. Temperatures aren't quite as extreme as in the summer months and the normal winter crowds begin to thin out. But don't leave out heading down for a New Year's celebration. You'll have to deal with crowds, but it might just be worth it. During the summer month between April and November, Miami Beach is stuck in its rainy season, and the threat of a hurricane increases significantly.