Miami, FL

Travel Guide

A waterfront cityscape with high-rise buildings and a cruise ship.
A street with palm trees, a Paul store, and a Lincoln Rd Mall sign.
A lifeguard tower on a beach with people playing soccer and walking.
A street with palm trees, outdoor dining, and classic cars parked along the road.
A large, circular, illuminated ceiling structure in a public space.

Miami is a fascinating mosaic of culture and history, from its memorable art deco architecture to cutting-edge museums and iconic neighborhoods like Little Havana.

Miami is sometimes called “the Magic City,” and it’s easy to see why. From its pastel-hued art deco buildings to postcard-worthy beaches and colorful street art, Florida's iconic coastal city dazzles at every turn. World-leading art galleries and museums, gleaming modern skyscrapers and a globally renowned food scene add to its many layers. And year-round sun makes the city shine even brighter. Whether you’re strolling along Ocean Drive, tucking into a Cuban sandwich in Little Havana or hunting down cool murals in Wynwood, Miami is always down for a good time.

The best areas for accommodation in Miami

Downtown is one of the best places for first-timers to stay in Miami. This central district is ideal for exploring cultural attractions like the Perez Art Museum and HistoryMiami Museum. There are also 1920s landmarks like the Freedom Tower and Olympia Theater and shopping hubs like the bustling Bayside Marketplace. To be closer to Miami’s most iconic stretch of sand, consider staying in South Beach, famed for its art deco architecture and buzzy nightlife.

Trendy, mural-clad Wynwood is one of the best places for couples to stay in Miami. It’s known for restored warehouses adorned with towering artworks, but you’ll also find indie boutiques, third-wave coffee shops and vibey cocktail bars. Foodies keen to sample Cuban flavors on their Miami vacation should consider staying in Little Havana. This historic Cuban enclave boasts some of the richest coffee, the strongest mojitos and, of course, the best Cuban sandwiches in town.

One of the top family-friendly places to stay in Miami is Coconut Grove, a tropical, palm-fringed stretch of coastline just south of downtown. Miami’s oldest neighborhood features wide waterfront promenades and attractive parks, topped off with a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. If days spent lounging on the sand are calling, stay in Key Biscayne, an island just south of Miami with tranquil beaches and calm waters.

How many days to spend in Miami

Allow around three to four days for a Miami trip to explore top neighborhoods including South Beach, Wynwood and Little Havana, and visit top cultural attractions and museums. If you’re planning a couple of day trips to the Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys, five to seven days is about right.

The vibe of Miami

Miami has two distinct areas: the city of Miami and Miami Beach, just across the bay. The former is the cultural and business hub, where dazzling skyscrapers sit alongside famous museums and diverse enclaves like Little Havana, the beating heart of the city’s Cuban community. Meanwhile, the latter is best known for South Beach, where you’ll find iconic art deco buildings just steps from the sand. A Miami vacation can be fast-paced or laid-back, beachy or urban, low-key or ultra-luxurious. And like a tropical mojito, Miami’s different flavors mingle in a combination that’s classic and refreshing at the same time.

What is Miami famous for?

Sugar-sand beaches lapped by the deep blue Atlantic are among Miami’s biggest draws, as are the candy-colored facades along South Beach’s Ocean Drive. This iconic street has hundreds of well-preserved art deco buildings dating to the 1920s and 1930s. You’ll recognize Miami from the big (and small) screen: the detective show Miami Vice was filmed here, along with classic movies like Scarface, The Birdcage and Goldfinger. Miami is famous for its large Latin American community, with some 70% of residents identifying as Hispanic. Expect Latin American street food, Hispanic festivals, and bars that hum with salsa and bachata music. Stroll through Little Havana to explore Miami’s Cuban culture and history.

Events in Miami

Watching spectacular fireworks over Miami’s skyline from Bayfront Park is a fitting way to welcome the New Year in the Magic City. In January, Art Deco Weekend is an all-out celebration of the Roaring Twenties, featuring jazz bands, antique displays and classic car shows. Coconut Grove Arts Festival (February) brings an extensive local art market to this bohemian neighborhood, while the Miami Film Festival (April) showcases international films, talks and events. Miami Beach Pride in April offers a rainbow of LGBTQ+ events, including a parade along Ocean Drive. Sporting events in Miami include the Capital One Orange Bowl football playoffs (January), the Miami Open tennis tournament (March) and the Beach Polo World Cup (November). To experience Latin culture, music and food, visit during the eight-week-long Carnaval season from February to April. 

Top attractions in Miami

Strolling around the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach is one of the best things for first-timers to do in Miami. Guided tours shed light on its early 20th-century architecture, recognizable for its symmetry, curved lines and geometric patterns. Next, admire the vibrant colors of Wynwood Walls. This downtown area has recently transformed into an eclectic outdoor gallery, featuring works by internationally renowned street artists.

Wandering among tropical plants and scented flowers at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is the perfect couples' activity in Miami. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Perez Art Museum Miami, whose extensive Latin and Caribbean artwork collections are world-renowned. End the day at the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, a magical sunset spot with a secluded beach and a historic lighthouse.

One of the top family-friendly attractions in Miami is the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Discover the history of flight, learn how paleontologists dig for fossils or watch an immersive space show at the cutting-edge planetarium. The Everglades National Park, around an hour’s drive from Miami, makes a great day out. Take a tram or boat tour for total immersion into the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.

Sunshine, soft white sand and a leisurely vacation atmosphere draw people of all ages to this exciting city on Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Whether you want an exciting spring break, a relaxing beach vacation, a honeymoon getaway or a chance to spot celebrities, come to Miami, one of Florida’s most popular destinations. Enjoy warm beaches, museums and galleries and great dining and nightlife.

Miami has long been a destination for visitors escaping the cold of points north. Shed your jacket and don a swimsuit to relax on Miami’s beaches, which stretch for 35 miles (56 kilometers). Cross Biscayne Bay from Miami to Miami Beach for great sandy shores and plenty of hotels, shopping, restaurants and bars.

South Beach is the spot to see celebrities. Lounge on hard-packed sand during the day, admire art deco architecture and party in nightclubs every evening.

Away from the beaches, visit Pérez Art Museum Miami, filled with fascinating modern and contemporary international art. Wynwood Arts District has dozens of galleries and hundreds of restaurants. In Miami Beach, see the poignant Holocaust Memorial, a giant arm reaching skyward and covered with gaunt figures representing holocaust victims. Read victims’ names on the large memorial wall.

Observe exotic animals in the free-range Zoo Miami and hundreds of monkeys at Monkey Jungle.

Head south along the coast to admire sailboats in Coconut Grove’s marina. Shop on the Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Returning north, stop at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a large Italian-style villa with elaborate gardens.

Drive to the Everglades National Park in less than 1 hour. Boat along the 99-mile (160- kilometer) wilderness waterway and look for alligators, crocodiles and panthers in the lush wetlands.

Enjoy professional sports with Miami HEAT basketball, Dolphins football and Marlins baseball. The Marlins play in Little Havana, where you can observe Cuban and Hispanic influences on the city and the nation.

Bring the family or a crowd of friends to enjoy the beaches and residential districts of metropolitan Miami. You’re almost certain to have fun in the sun.

Where to stay in Miami

Find the best Miami areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Miami
Learn more about Miami

Downtown Miami

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Miami. Check out top attractions like Bayside Marketplace and Kaseya Center, and jump on the metro at First Street Metromover Station or Knight Center Metromover Station to see more of the city.

Brickell

Known for its pristine beaches and ample dining options, there's plenty to explore in Brickell. You can visit top attractions like Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village, and jump on the metro at Brickell Metromover Station or Financial District Metromover Station to see more of the city.

Little Havana

Little Havana is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like LoanDepot Park and Calle Ocho.

Wynwood Art District

Wynwood Art District is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Miami Design Shopping District and Wynwood Walls.

Coconut Grove

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Coconut Grove. A stop by Mayfair in the Grove or Vizcaya Museum and Gardens might round out your trip.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

4.5 out of 5
4441 Collins Avenue Miami Beach FL
The price is $399 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$399 total
per night
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Miami Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (8,625 reviews)
"Lovely stay here"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026

Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Loews Miami Beach Hotel – South Beach

Loews Miami Beach Hotel – South Beach

4.5 out of 5
1601 Collins Ave Miami Beach FL
The price is $319 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$319 total
per night
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Miami Beach. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,071 reviews)
"The front desk staff were very helpful especially,Mia, in accommodating our requests"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026

Loews Miami Beach Hotel – South Beach
Holiday Inn Miami - International Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Miami - International Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
1111 S Royal Poinciana Blvd Miami Springs FL
The price is $108 total per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
$108 total
per night
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miami Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,896 reviews)
"Staff were awesome."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026

Holiday Inn Miami - International Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
South River Suites

South River Suites

3.5 out of 5
12484 NW South River Drive Miami FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Miami. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Westland Mall and Shula's Golf Club are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,240 reviews)
"I thought everything was great until I had an encounter with someone who was potentially living there. He seemed unkempt, walking disheveled and placed his trash outside the elevator, so that encounter made me nervous. OTHER than that, my stay was great!! The check in was great, the room was great ..."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026

South River Suites
Sentral Wynwood

Sentral Wynwood

4 out of 5
51 NW 26th St Miami FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Miami. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
Sentral Wynwood
Brickell Condos by Vibras Concierge

Brickell Condos by Vibras Concierge

2.5 out of 5
239 SW 9th St Miami FL
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Miami. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Brickell City Centre and Bayfront ...
Brickell Condos by Vibras Concierge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Best Time to Visit Miami

The best time to visit Miami depends on whether you want warm, easy beach days or a calmer city for museums and design. Think about how you would like to spend your trip, as the timing could make a big difference to both the experience and the cost.

Using Expedia Group booking data from 2025, here’s how Miami demand, pricing, and travel patterns shift throughout the year.

When to Visit Miami at a Glance

  • Best weather: November to April
  • Most crowded: December (about 1.5x busier than the calmest months)
  • Cheapest months: September, August, and July (about 45% lower than peak)
  • Fewest crowds: September, October, and February
  • Major travel spikes: December, with additional surges in July and March
  • Best value balance: August, July, and September (about 43% below peak pricing)

When Is the Best Weather in Miami?

For outdoor time, November through April is the standout stretch. Expect warm, drier days that are perfect for long walks along South Beach, exploring the Art Deco District, or catching bay breezes on the water. If you are comparing Miami weather by month, this is when the city feels easiest for full days outside.

The summer months are the ones to plan around. From June through September, high heat, thick humidity, and heavy rain make midday tough, so lean on air-conditioned favorites like Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or Perez Art Museum Miami when you would rather be indoors.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Miami?

The cheapest time to visit Miami is usually September, August, and July, when hotel rates run about 45% lower than the most expensive months. That same trio delivers the best overall value, with prices about 43% below peak, which makes it easier to extend your trip or upgrade your stay to a nicer room.

Expect the highest Miami hotel prices in February, March, and December, when demand and events lead to increased rates. To reduce costs, plan to check in on a Monday, typically the cheapest day to stay, and avoid Saturday, which is usually the priciest.

When Is Miami Most Crowded?

December is the busiest month, with crowds roughly 1.5 times larger than in the quieter periods. If you're looking for the least crowded time to visit Miami, consider September, October or February for a quieter pace and easier days moving around town.

Top properties in central Miami also tend to sell out fastest in December, July, and March. If you have your heart set on an oceanfront spot along Miami Beach or a bay-view room in Brickell, it's best to book ahead, as the most sought-after options go early during these months.

How Far in Advance Should You Book Miami Hotels?

Travelers book further ahead for busier periods. December stays are typically reserved around 31 days in advance, compared with about 23 days for June, and the annual average sits near 27 days. Use that as a guide: start scouting earlier for December and other high-demand weeks, or you can wait a little longer for quieter months like June.

Because top hotels fill up quickly in December, July, and March, firming up plans sooner will help you secure your preferred location and room type. Most Miami trips last about two nights, and flexible rates are available all year. So, outside the busiest months, you can prioritize convenience without giving up too much flexibility.

Insights based on bookings through Expedia Group between January 1–December 31, 2025. [Last updated: July 14, 2026]

Stay near popular Miami attractions

Food in Miami

One of the best ways to discover Miami’s diverse cultures is through its food. Begin by chowing down a Cuban sandwich, consisting of smoky ham, swiss cheese, dill pickles and yellow mustard on Cuban bread. Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana has served some of the best for over 50 years. Then seek out Latin American specialties like arepas (Venezuelan cornmeal cakes), pastelitos (Cuban flaky pastries) and empanadas (savory turnovers). The city is brimming with great pizza, from Detroit-style thick-crusted slabs to stone-baked Neapolitan slices. And it’s practically a rite of passage to eat freshly caught stone crab at Joe’s Stone Crab, a century-old seafood restaurant in South Beach.

Nightlife in Miami

As darkness falls, South Beach’s soft pastel buildings are illuminated by neon signs, transforming it into a buzzy nightlife hub. Get into the swing of it with happy hour at Mac's Club Deuce, an iconic dive bar that appeared in Miami Vice. If you want to dance the night away, there’s everything from thumping EDM venues to LGBTQ+ discos and Latin clubs. Downtown, sophisticated watering holes abound, whether you’re craving a low-lit lounge with crackly vinyl music or a rooftop bar with views of Miami’s skyline. Follow the sounds of salsa and rumba to Little Havana, the best spot for mojitos and Cuban-inspired cocktails.

Shopping in Miami

A shopping spree in Miami could mean splashing out at designer stores, sampling local produce at farmers markets or hunting for unique treasures in boutiques. Lincoln Road is one of the prettiest retail destinations, offering a variety of mid-range to upscale stores along a palm-shaded street in Miami Beach. The epicenter of luxury labels is the Miami Design District, with an impressive array of world-renowned designers in a modern, leafy neighborhood. For a retail experience with a difference, Curio at Faena Bazaar features multisensory fashion, art and design installations inside the renovated 1930s Atlantic Hotel. And foodies shouldn’t miss the Coconut Grove Farmers Market for its bounty of fresh Florida produce.

Best beaches in Miami

North Beach is one of the best beaches in Miami for swimming, offering a quiet stretch of sand lapped by warm, clear waters and patrolled by lifeguards. For an ocean dip in a unique setting, head to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, home to a historic lighthouse and lush mangrove wetlands. And if you envision going from ocean swims to all-day beach parties, South Beach is the place to be.

One of the best snorkeling beaches in Miami is South Pointe Park, a family-friendly stretch of sand with access to the artificial Jose Cuervo Reef. Or visit the rugged island of Key Biscayne and take a snorkeling tour of Emerald Reef, one of Miami’s largest expanses of natural coral. Nearby Crandon Beach is a tranquil place to relax after snorkeling adventures, with its endless white sands backed by rolling dunes.

Getting around Miami

Many of the best places to visit in Miami are spread across different areas, and public transportation is an easy, affordable way to get between them. The transit network comprises Metrorail, Metromover trains and Metrobuses; pay using a reloadable EASY Card or buy EASY Tickets at stations. In Little Havana, Wynwood and Coconut Grove, you can get around on the free City of Miami Trolley. To explore further afield, renting a car is the best option.

Miami currency and budget

It’s a good idea to tip around 15%-20% in restaurants, and a few dollars for hotel staff, bartenders and taxi drivers. Want to save money on your Miami vacation? Exploring free beaches like South Beach and North Beach, street art hotspots like Wynwood and green spaces like South Pointe Park and Bayfront Park doesn’t cost a dime. For a mid-range trip, budget around $200-$250 USD per day for accommodations, food, activities and transportation. Here are some typical daily costs:

  • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant = $25.00 USD
  • A pint of domestic beer = $7.00 USD
  • A medium cappuccino = $5.50 USD
  • A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant = $100.00 USD

*Prices are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change.

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