Miami Travel Guide | Best Places, Map, Hotels and Foods
Miami is one of the main vacation destinations in South Florida, with beaches, good weather, history, culture, sports and entertainment. Downtown Miami, separated from the Atlantic Ocean by Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach, is a modern metropolis and cultural treasure. From museums to the streets of Little Havana, you can always find many things to do. Across the bay, Miami Beach, with its Art Deco district, a fantastic stretch of beach and a fun atmosphere, is a must-see in the area. Outside the city, however close, is the Everglades National Park, known for its unique ecosystem and wildlife.
Map:
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Miami:
Miami Beach:
Located on a barrier island and connected to the mainland by a series of bridges, Miami Beach is a mix of quiet neighborhoods, lively entertainment-oriented areas and long stretches of sandy beaches. For visitors, South Beach and the historic Art Deco district, with pastel buildings from the 1930s and early 1940s that feature classic neon signs, is one of the main attractions. An expensive tourist district, this area has numerous beachfront restaurants, shops, hotels and many opportunities for sunbathing. The most popular street in this area is Ocean Drive, a section of the road located along the coast and home to some beautiful Art Deco buildings. One block inland, parallel to Ocean Drive, is Collins Avenue. Collins Avenue is actually State Road A1A and is the main waterfront street in Miami Beach, joining numerous neighborhoods.
South Beach:
Located at the southern end of Miami Beach, there is a glorious stretch of sand known as South Beach. This large beach section faces the ocean in the neighborhood of the same name. Often crowded in summer, this is the most popular beach in Miami and one of the best beaches in Florida. It is a place to see and be seen, but also a place to swim and enjoy the shallow water, escape the heat and sunbathe. A paved walk lines the beach, and behind it is Ocean Drive, where motorists pass slowly and enjoy the views.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens:
This National Historic Landmark, located on 28 acres, was the luxurious winter house of the twentieth-century industrialist, James Deering. Built-in 1916, the mansion has 34 rooms arranged around a central courtyard. More than 1,100 workers and artisans were needed to complete the Vizcaya project, many of which were brought from Europe to ensure authenticity in the design. The Italian Renaissance-style villa is full of an impressive collection of European furniture and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
The gardens and gardens contain beautiful Italian and French fountains, swimming pools and sculptures. A breakwater at the base of the steps leading to Biscayne Bay is a barge carved with female figures.
Everglades National Park:
Everglades National Park, a short distance from Miami, protects one of Florida’s most unique natural features. These swampy lands, which cover approximately 1.5 million acres, house alligators, crocodiles, snakes and all kinds of birds. This entire area is essentially a shallow river that flows into the ocean. Inside the park, there is an informative visitor center, as well as walking trails and boardwalks to observe wildlife. One of the funniest ways for tourists to experience the Everglades is on a hydrofoil tour. These high-speed boat trips take visitors to the marshes and streams to see alligators and other wildlife. There are several operators in the area, but outside the park, which offer tours of the Everglades.
A convenient and fun way to see the park is on an airboat adventure in Miami Everglades with transportation. This half-day tour offers transportation from your hotel to the park, includes a 30-minute airboat ride, a live alligator show at Everglades Alligator Farm and transportation back to your hotel.
One of the most popular walking trails in the park is the Anhinga Trail, which departs from the Royal Palm Visitor Center. This trail is less than a mile long but leads through the terrain where visitors can see alligators and other animals. This trail is wheelchair accessible and not strenuous.
Bayside Marketplace:
Bayside Marketplace is a large, outdoor-style mall with over 150 specialty and tourist shops, numerous cafes and restaurants, and live entertainment every day. Visitors will find some known chain stores, as well as many unique and unique places. The market attracts both locals and tourists.
As may be evident in the name, the mall is located along the coast of Miami, overlooking docks and boats. Many people come here simply to absorb the atmosphere. Tourist boats leave from here, visiting places around Biscayne Bay. Here is also a water taxi service to Miami Beach and downtown hotels located in the area.
Bayfront Park:
Bayfront Park, on the east side of Biscayne Boulevard, is a 32-acre green space, adjacent to the Bayside Marketplace. The park has several interesting monuments and sculptures. One of the unique features is the source of electronically controlled pepper. Other highlights include the Challenger Memorial, which commemorates the crew of the Challenger spacecraft; the Tower of Light, an amphitheater used for musical performances of all kinds; and a playground. Locals often come here just to run or walk the paved paths.
American Airlines Arena:
The American Airlines Arena is home to the NBA Miami Heat. It is also the main venue for major concerts and other special events, including prominent singers and performers. It has a capacity of more than 19,000 people. The structure itself, which opened in 1999, was certified Leed Green Building for being an energy-efficient building. Sand stands prominently on Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami.
Zoo Miami:
The Miami Zoo is home to more than 3,000 wild animals, including 40 endangered species. Unlike many traditional zoos, the animals here are grouped with other species with which they would normally coexist peacefully in nature and are kept in environments similar to their natural habitats. It is the only zoo in the continental United States that is located in the sub-tropical climate. You can also find more than 1,000 species of trees and plants on the grounds, including a large collection of orchids.
Children will find many entertainment options. If they are bored with animals, they can head to the play areas and enjoy some splash in the water-themed play area.
Miami Children’s Museum:
Always a fun excursion for children, the Miami Children’s Museum is located in a colorful and creative design facility with more than 56,000 square feet of space. Educational and entertaining exhibits are designed to attract children’s curiosity and creativity. Fourteen thematic galleries revolve around art, culture, community and communication, and four outdoor exhibitions give children the opportunity to play and enjoy time outdoors.
Key Biscayne and Crandon Park:
To the south, beyond Miami Beach and on the Rickenbacker Causeway, is Key Biscayne, a small community with beautiful beaches and beautiful parks. Of particular interest is Crandon Park with a reef on the high seas that leaves the coast protected from large waves and perfect for swimming. The park has a Family Fun Center, which makes it particularly popular with families, and a Nature Center. In general, there is ample parking, good facilities, rental of available chairs and lifeguards on duty.
Typical Costs:
Hostel prices: one night in a 6-bed dormitory costs about $ 25. A private room starts around $ 100 per night. Most hostels include bed linen, towels, free WiFi, and many offer free breakfast. My suggested places are:
Cheap hotel prices: you can find a room in a budget hotel from $ 70 per night. Hotels at this price generally include private bathrooms, air conditioning, TV and free Wi-Fi. On Airbnb, shared rooms start at around $ 25 per night and entire houses start at around $ 50 per night.
The average cost of food: if you are in the South Beach area or at any of the restaurants on the strip, you should expect to pay at least $ 20 for food. But, stay away from the main area and you can eat for half the price. As elsewhere in the United States, there are many fast food options for less than $ 7. In Little Havana, you will find delicious Cuban food for less than $ 10. If you cook your own food, expect to pay $ 50 per week for food that will include pasta, vegetables, chicken and other staple foods.
Transportation costs: it may take a while, but Miami’s extensive public transportation system will take you where you need to go. Both the bus and the Metrorail cost $ 2.25 per trip. Uber operates in Miami with a base rate of approximately $ 1 and costs $ 1 per mile and is much cheaper than a taxi!
Best Time To Visit in Miami:
January to April is Miami’s high season, as evidenced by the regular influx of tourists. But budget travelers (and distrustful) are discovering the joys of the quietest summer months in the city, that is, from June to September. Although it is part of the so-called hurricane belt, which makes it vulnerable to inclement weather from June to November, while the sun is shining, Miami is open for business.
How to Get Around in Miami:
The city of Miami covers approximately 55 square miles along the coast of South Florida, which makes it impossible for pedestrians to see everything on foot. From beaches to swamps, there is a rich landscape to cover, so read these travel tips when exploring 3-0-5.
Car:
If you plan to venture throughout the city from Miami Beach to Coral Gables, your best option is to rent a car. Miami’s neighborhoods are far apart, including the neighborhoods next doors like Wynwood and Downtown. It is impossible to walk all those long blocks in the suffocating and warm climate of Miami, so a car is essential. In addition, it is better than paying the taxi fare to the airport, which can vary from $ 50 onwards.
Uber:
For those who plan to stay in Miami Beach, Edgewater or downtown, Uber is cheap! There are many drivers to take you from here to there, and if you don’t plan to visit the suburbs, then it makes no sense to invest in a car rental. Uber is especially good here, except during peak hours (5–8 pm) when rates are higher and driving will be stagnant.
Metromover:
Another form of free transportation is the Metromover, which you can access in Brickell and downtown. You may still have to walk a little to get to your exact destination, but it has some popular stations on its map such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center and the Bayfront Park, where visitors can walk to access the Bayside Marketplace. Metromover cars can fill up during peak driving hours (again, rush hour) when professionals working in the area use it, but it is quite clean and spacious, works automatically and offers unique views of the city. (Just remember to watch your bags at all times!)
Metrorail:
If you are looking for a trip to Coral Gables, Coconut Grove or South Miami, this train takes you from downtown to the suburbs for $ 5 round trip. It is not as complex to maneuver as the New York subway or the Paris subway, so it is unlikely to get lost. The Metrorail is still very limited, so you may have to continue your trip on a tram or Metromover to get to the right place. However, unlike most public transport that is underground, it travels above traffic and offers panoramic views of the city’s architecture. Take a walk to downtown streets and visit the courts, Miami-Dade public libraries and government centers in Miami to visit the oldest Catholic Church in Miami.
Bus:
If you stay and travel within Miami Beach, then taking the bus is a good idea. After all, Miami cares more for its tourists than for the locals, so buses on the island come and go every few minutes. (However, if you are on the mainland, avoid burning in a bank while waiting for a bus). The cost per bus trip is $ 2.25, and you can pay once you get on the bus, but only in cash and coins.
Where to stay in Miami:
The best hotels in Miami:
Money-Saving Tips:
Look for package deals: Since Miami is such a tourist destination, you can often find packages for flights and hotels. Sign up to receive offers alerts and be flexible on your travel dates. There are one of the easiest ways to save money.
Get the Go Miami Card: if you are going to see the sights of Miami, you must get the Go Miami Card. You can get unlimited free admission to more than 25 major Miami attractions for a price. The cards are valid for up to 14 days.
Couchsurfing – Couchsurfing started in the United States, and the free accommodation offered can compensate for the lack of hostels. You will find many hosts throughout the city that will show you around your city and allow you to stay for free. I have used it many times and really enjoyed it as a way to meet people.
Take a free walking tour: this is an excellent way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and avoid missing the unmissable stops. Dr. Paul George’s free walking tour of Little Havana leaves the Tower Theater daily at 7 pm.
Save money on shared trips: Uber and Lyft (my favorite company) are much cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a taxi or pay for a bus. The shared pool option (where you share a trip with other people) offers even better savings. You can save money on your first trips with the following codes: Lyft (MATTHEW999 to save $ 10) and Uber (jlx6v to save $ 15).
Get the Go Miami Card: if you are going to see the sights of Miami, you must get the Go Miami Card. You can get unlimited free admission to more than 25 major Miami attractions for a price. The cards are valid for up to 14 days.
Couchsurfing – Couchsurfing started in the United States, and the free accommodation offered can compensate for the lack of hostels. You will find many hosts throughout the city that will show you around your city and allow you to stay for free. I have used it many times and really enjoyed it as a way to meet people.
Take a free walking tour: this is an excellent way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and avoid missing the unmissable stops. Dr. Paul George’s free walking tour of Little Havana leaves the Tower Theater daily at 7 pm.
Save money on shared trips: Uber and Lyft (my favorite company) are much cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a taxi or pay for a bus. The shared pool option (where you share a trip with other people) offers even better savings. You can save money on your first trips with the following codes: Lyft (MATTHEW999 to save $ 10) and Uber (jlx6v to save $ 15).
Top 5 Foods You Have To Try In Miami:
Listen to all of you, food enthusiasts. You know who you are; You are the ones who can’t resist the temptation to create an image on Instagram every time you encounter a delicious new culinary creation. Pay attention because what is about to follow will make you plan a trip to Miami, solely for the purpose of eating, eating and eating a little more. Here is a list of the 5 main foods you should try in Miami.
Chicharrón:
Prepare for a large amount of food with Latin American and Caribbean influence. Chicharrón is a staple of South American cuisine. Fried pork skin is all that it is, but don’t be fooled into thinking that all pork rinds were created in the same way. If you want the best, you should go to El Palacio De Los Jugos, which has three locations in Miami.
Stone Crabs:
A seasonal dish that is served in all South Florida seafood restaurants from October to March, the stone crab is one of the most tender and succulent crab meats. Served cracked and chilled on ice, Florida stone crab claws may vary in size and their sweet lobster meat Esque needs some seasoning. The best place for these wonderful ocean gifts are Joe’s famous stone crabs.
Fish Sandwich:
Miami residents and visitors have many options when it comes to the quantity and variety of fish available for consumption. A place that serves delicious mahi-mahi and grouper sandwiches is Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish. Whether you order it on the grill, blackened or fried, there is no better taste than a freshly cooked grouper fillet between two freshly baked buns.
Arepas:
A popular Latin American food that has found a home in Miami is arepa. A versatile dish, the arepa can be eaten alone or stuffed with meats, cheeses and vegetables for a more abundant meal. If you want to eat like a real Miamian, then you will order your arepa stuffed with shredded pork, melted cheese and avocado. We recommend that you visit a small place called La Latina, widely considered the best arepas restaurant in Miami.
Fried Snapper:
This dish is influenced by the ubiquitous Haitian community of Miami. We could have gone with a series of delicious Haitian-inspired restaurants, but we chose to keep it classy by presenting Chef Creole, an award-winning local place that serves some of the best fish I have ever eaten. Jay-Z, Pitbull, Dwayne Wade and Anthony Bourdain have eaten at Chef Creole. Make sure you arrive early (it runs out quickly), order the fried fish and put a lot of pikliz.
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