The Ultimate Miami, Florida Travel Guide
Mention Miami to anyone and images of crowded beaches, Art Deco architecture, and sweaty nightclubs come flooding to mind. Miami is best known as a place you go to play and party. But look beyond the surface and you’ll find so much more than spring break and stereotypes.
Under the coastal, cosmopolitan facade of this south Floridian city, Miami is home to a diverse population. Travelers who dare venture beyond the glitz and glamor will be treated to an infusion of Latin-American cultural influences, tasty cuisine, and art installations.
If you want to create an itinerary that consists of the road most commonly traveled the one less so, here is the ultimate South Beach Miami Florida travel guide for those looking for a more complex taste of the city.
The Typical South Beach, Miami Florida Travel Guide
Most travelers seeking a little fun in the sun will flock down south to Miami, and with good reason. Miami’s naturally warm weather encourages time spent outdoors. Here are the most popular things to see and do in Miami all year round.
South Beach
South Beach is the most popular beach in Miami, thus where you’ll find the most tourists. It’s trendy, quirky, and high-energy with entertainment around every corner. Here you’ll find the most frequented nightclubs, beachfront restaurants, and endless shopping opportunities all within an arm’s reach.
Lowkey, Less Crowded Beaches in Miami
If your idea of beach time is lounging peacefully with a book in hand, you won’t find that at South Beach. Instead, head to one of Miami’s other pristine beaches like the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and the lesser-known and local hidden gem 85th Street Beach.
P.S. for daring and cheeky travelers, check out Haulover Beach, where clothing is optional and so is blushing.
Check Out the Nightlife
Miami’s infamous nightlife scene has been booming and thriving for decades. Test out your dance skills to rhythmic Latin tunes or rave on to some techno at nightclubs like E11even, ATV Records, or Club Space. Just don’t forget to account for cover charges (ranging from $20-$30 USD) and the price of drinks.
Explore the Everglades
Looking for something a little more lowkey than partying and writing sweaty bodies? Explore the Everglades National Park which is made out of acres of swamps and sub-tropical jungles. It’s a great place to go animal watching and just spend some time in the great outdoors.
Visit Little Havana
Cuban coffee, cuisine, and cigars… Miami is a great place to get a sampling of it all. Little Havana is home to 1.2 Cuban-Americans. Here, you’ll find authentic Cuban cuisine and cigars, which offer a small taste of Cuba’s rich culture.
Drive Down the Florida Keys
Pristine white-sand beaches, palm trees, and azure waters -- those are just 3 reasons to drive down the Florida Keys. The drive stretches down along the south of Florida, making Miami the perfect launching point for this epic road trip.
Other Things to Do in Miami
Want to dive deeper beyond the surface of Miami and experience the city beyond the tourist attractions? Here are some things to see and do in Miami that might not be on your radar.
PAMM: Perez Art Museum, Miami
If you’re a fan of modern art, add the Perez Art Museum to your Miami travel itinerary. This museum plays host to a number of ongoing and rotating exhibitions that will stun both casual and professional art critics alike. Check out their famous outdoor Sculpture Garden that displays impressive large-scale sculptures. And when your feet get tired, wind down at the on-site restaurant called Verde, where you can order a delicious meal and take in the sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.
Admission: $16 per person
Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Travel Back in Time in the Art Deco Historic District
Featuring one of the most iconic architectural styles, the Art Deco Historic District is one of Miami’s most photographic locations that isn’t the beach. With over 800 historic buildings packed within one square mile, these pastel-colored buildings are a must-see on any trip to Miami. Consider taking a walking tour where you’ll go beyond the exteriors, exploring more of Miami’s Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (otherwise known as MiMo) styles.
Discover the Murals at Wynwood
Wynwood is one of the trendiest locations in all of Miami. It’s a local cultural hub decked out in graffiti and packed with boutique shops, Miami’s coolest cafes, hippest restaurants, and artisan breweries. But no trip to Wynwood is complete without exploring the art scene that ranges from galleries to the infamous Wynwood Walls, where you’ll find 40 murals created by some of the world’s best street artists.
Where to Eat in Miami
Eating is one of the best ways to sample Miami’s diverse culture in a short amount of time. Here are some of my favorite restaurants that you should add to your Miami experience.
Havana 1957
This unique restaurant will transport you back in time to the glamor of Old Havana. Havana 1957 is an authentic Cuban restaurant where you’ll find Cuban cuisine, Cuban music, and vintage Cuban memorabilia decorating the main dining room. Order from a wide selection of Cuban favorites like their croquetas and picadillo and grilled grouper. No matter what, you can’t go wrong with a classic media noche sandwich.
Cerveceria La Tropical
If you’re looking for a truly historical, one-of-a-kind dining experience, you need to visit Cerveceria La Tropical. The original restaurant consisted of a beautiful garden and brewery in Cuba. But it fell under government control during the Cuban revolution. Eventually, the original founding family escaped to Miami in the 1960s and their restaurant disappeared.
Years later, it became the mission of the founding families’ great-grandchildren to bring back La Tropical, their beer, and the entire vibe. Thus the Cerveceria La Tropical was born. The food here was delicious and I cannot recommend it enough.
Want my recommendations? The beer can bread, mussels with chorizo, Cuban bread, and Cuban sandwich empanada are to die for.
Address: 42 NE 25th St, Miami, FL 33137
Serena Rooftop at Moxy
This gorgeous rooftop restaurant is the perfect place to lounge with a cocktail in hand (I recommend the watermelon cocktail). It’s a great little spot to hang out for an afternoon after spending a day at Miami’s popular South Beach. Inspired by the enchanting alfresco patios of Oaxaca and Mexico City, Serena is laid-back, sophisticated, and features an expansive menu of shareable Mexican cuisine. You can’t go wrong with their grilled shrimp tostada and pollo carbon quesadilla.
Address: 915 Collins Ct, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Cafe Prima Pasta
One of the best meals I’ve had in Miami was at this family-owned Italian restaurant called Cafe Prima Pasta. This restaurant started as a small dining room back in 1993 but has since expanded into one of Miami’s most popular spots amongst tourists and locals. I had the Fiocchi Rapera and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. It’s a unique pasta filled with cheese and pear, topped with prosciutto and doused in a creamy truffle sauce. Take a break from Miami’s infamous Cuban and Mexican fare and indulge in some homemade Italian dishes.
Address: 414 71st St, Miami Beach, FL 33141
PLANTA Queen
PLANTA Queen at Coconut Grove is a plant-based restaurant that won’t disappoint even the most stubborn carnivore. Not only are the interiors of the restaurant absolutely beautiful, but they serve feel-good meals as you keep meat off your plate while indulging in high-quality, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients. The coconut ceviche is the perfect dish to cool off from the hot Miami sun, and their vegetarian/vegan rolls will have you fooled.
Address: 3015 Grand Ave Suite 201, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Where to Stay in Miami
If you know me, the best part of waking up is having a cup of coffee and a gorgeous view to accompany it. And while there are endless options for accommodations in Miami, I’m here to make the case for the Conrad Miami.
I’m a huge fan of Conrad properties (especially the Conrad in downtown New York). Not only did my room come with a Nespresso machine for my coffee needs, but it came with a view that did not disappoint. The space features lots of large windows which floods the room with natural light. And the bathroom features a shower, tub, and a view of the port.
There’s also an on-site restaurant and spa worth checking out, as well as amenities like a tennis court, pool, and fitness center. It is also conveniently located in the heart of downtown Miami near South Beach, offering views of both the financial district and the port of Miami.
Prices for city view rooms start at $293USD per night, and bay view rooms start at $322USD per night.
Getting Around in Miami
Renting a car in Miami might not be a bad option, especially if you’re planning on taking a road trip down the keys. The Conrad Miami offers valet parking for $45 USD.
If you aren’t renting a car, the best way to get around is by using rideshares like Uber or Lyft. Taxis are significantly more expensive than ridesharing, so make sure you have your apps downloaded and ready to go.
Want a free option? Miami has a free trolley system that runs between Miami Beach, Miami, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Little Havana. But the best way to travel around the downtown area is through the monorail system, which also happens to be free.
When to Visit South Beach, Miami Florida
To be fair, you can enjoy Miami’s hot weather all year long. But there are some things you want to keep in mind as you’re planning your trip. For starters, the winter months happen to be the most popular time to visit as most people flock down south to keep warm. However, that means that ticket prices are abnormally high between the months of December through February.
And if you’re thinking about visiting during the summer, keep in mind that hurricane season begins in June and lasts through November.
Making spring the best time to visit Miami. Just don’t forget to avoid the influx of spring breakers and plan your trip for February, April, or May (not March).