The Miami Travel Guide


Written: The Top Thing Staff | February 16, 2023

Miami is a city of art, culture, and diversity. Whether you’re looking for nightlife or relaxation, the sunshine state has it all. In this guide, we cover all that the city has to offer, from south beach to the everglades and florida keys, this guide is your ticket to experiencing miami like a local. Let’s get into all miami has to offer in depth!

People watch on South Beach

South Beach is a vibrant beach town with a great atmosphere for people watching. It offers a unique mix of historic Art Deco architecture, modern beach-life, and nightlife. The beach is lined with thousands of dazzling pastel-coloured buildings that provide a gorgeous backdrop for beach-goers.

The wide ocean allows for awesome views of the beach and surrounding area, and the beach itself is frequented by tourists and locals. This makes it one of the best places to watch people in south Florida. Besides, South Beach offers various dining options, including fine restaurants and coffee shops offering local cuisine and art deco architecture.

The street that fronts the beach, Ocean Drive, is a great place to view the luxurious hotel rooms and a good mix of dining options. Visitors can also view celebrities hang out and the beautiful people come to relax at this famous beach town.

See the art in Wynwood

Wynwood is a former industrial neighborhood that has been transformed into a hub for graffiti and street art. The once-derelict space has undergone a metamorphosis to become vibrant, artistic, and inclusive. The Wynwood Walls are plastered with street art and have brought new life to the area. The walls have attracted big names in the world of street art from across North America and around the world. The Wynwood Walls are worth visiting for its diverse collection of street art from various countries and time periods.

The Wynwood Walls have become a popular draw for tourists, who come to see the vibrant collection of street art and shop for accessories at shops in the walls. The walls also host art exhibitions, workshops, performances, parties, and other events. Prices for admission vary depending on the type of tour or access you’re looking for. Some guides charge $12 USD or $17 USD with a guided tour; others charge $16 USD or $18 USD without a guide.

Explore the Everglades

If you’re looking for an adventure in South Florida, the Everglades is a must-see. The vast wetlands are home to alligators, manatees, and other wildlife, as well as beautiful scenery and historical landmarks. To get the most out of your trip, consider taking a tour with a guide. This will allow you to learn more about the Everglades’ history and wildlife. Start by visiting the park’s visitor center to learn about its history. Then, hit the trails to explore its varied habitats. Take time to stop at different vantage points to take in the stunning views of the surrounding wetlands. Afterward, head to one of the park’s many scenic overlooks or paddle through one of its lagoons on a recreational canoe.

If you’re interested in art deco architecture, visit Perez Art Museum Miami. This museum features rotating art exhibitions, as well as permanent displays that highlight world art from 1900-present day. It’s home to important works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo. If you’re looking for something different, beach lovers can check out Virginia Key beach. There are plenty of activities for everyone there, such as swimming and beach walks through historic districts and nature Preserve trails.

Visit Little Havana

Little Havana is a vibrant and diverse area of Miami, home to many Cuban-American people and immigrants from Central America. The area has a wide range of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and cultural events. Make a beeline for lunch at one of the many small restaurants on SW 8th Street, or Calle Ocho, the neighborhood’s main drag. These places offer delicious cuisines like Cuban, Dominican cuisine, and Spanish food. Try a Cuba Libre (rum and coke) or Café Cubano (espresso shot sweetened with brown sugar). Take a Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour to see the sights of Little Havana and the surrounding area. You can enjoy people-watching as you browse through the murals and shops on your way to see some of the sights. Lastly, if you are looking for an adventure and want to travel around Little Havana, you must take a bike tour. It will give you a unique perspective of this vibrant area and its diverse cultures.

Lounge on the beach

Miami is a vibrant city with a beach-life to match. It is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and you can laze around on any of them without fail. Besides the well-known South Beach, other beach destinations include Haulover Beach and Virginia South Beach. These beaches offer varied options for lazing around, from beach walks to beach parties. If you want to experience the beach at its fullest, you must arrive early in the weekends as this is when most people come down and allow you to enjoy the sand and water without much crowd. Also don’t forget your sunscreen as it’d get really hot during the day.

Head south of downtown and you will come across art deco architecture of Ocean Drive, which is one of the most popular places for tourists in Miami. You must check out places like Elbow Room, miami cultural center, and E11even Hotel for some great experiences. Once you’re done with that, eat delicious food at Greenstreet Cafe or The River Oyster Bar. They have a wide range of cuisines to try out.

In terms of accommodation, you must stay at Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove as it offers luxurious facilities and excellent service. Moreover, it is located near many attractions, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a great beach vacation in Miami.

Go clubbing

Miami nightlife and entertainment is among the best in the country, with clubs playing house, techno, salsa and merengue music. The city’s vibrant nightlife scene has a wide variety of options for every taste and budget. There are many restaurants operating from boutique hotels and chain restaurants such as TGI Fridays and Ben & Jerry’s. During Miami Restaurant Month (Miami Spice) in August and September, there are discounted prices at many premier restaurants. Popular drinks in Miami include the Cuba Libre and the mojito. In addition to nightlife, the city is known for its beach culture, art scene, cultural events, dining scenes, natural beauty, and festivals. With so many things to do and see, you’re sure to find an activity or experience that suits your interests and tastes.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are an archipelago of white-sand beaches, palm trees and ocean real estate located two hours south of Miami. The northernmost island is Key Biscayne, which is only 15 minutes from the city by car. It offers waterfront parks, a scenic bike path, and swimming spots. Driving in the Glades can be challenging due to aggressive drivers and high traffic volumes on roads such as I-95 and the Palmetto Expressway. But if you drive slowly and pay attention to your surroundings, you’ll have no problem enjoying the natural beauty of this idyllic destination.

Key Biscayne also boasts luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and beautiful beaches, making it a great destination for families. This tropical oasis is a must-visit for any traveler looking for a beachside getaway with world-class amenities and an array of activities to explore.

Wander Fruit and Spice Park

Wander Fruit and Spice Park is a botanical garden located in the city of Miami, Florida. It was established in 1943 and consists of 37 acres filled with fruit trees and spice plants. The park features shades pathways, shaded gazebos, and areas for kites flying. It also hosts events and festivals, such as its annual ‘In Bloom’ event. Admission is $10 USD and guided tours are conducted daily at 11am, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Visitors can spend time enjoying nature and smelling all the wonderful fruits and plants. These activities help them to appreciate the beauty of nature more fully. They can also learn about various topics related to plants, such as nutrient cycles or pollination.

Check out Coral Gables

– Coral Gables is a chic Mediterranean-themed community and a popular nightlife destination for both Miami residents and tourists. Its vibrant nightlife scene includes restaurants, bars, clubs, and art galleries.

– Situated south of downtown Miami, Coral Gables is home to many large hotels, making it a prime nightlife destination for international visitors. The Venetian Pool is surrounded by bridges, towers, and small plazas, and contains caves, grottoes, and two waterfalls. It also features a beach-side swimming pool with a waterslide.

– Aside from nightlife, Coral Gables has plenty to offer visitors during the day. The city is known for its vibrant art scene and boasts several art galleries that showcase local or national artists’ work. In addition to public art installations, Coral Gable’s streets are lined with unique sculptures and street art.

– Another popular attraction in the city is its Spanish-style architecture. There are several historic buildings in the city center that reflect the architecture of Spain during the 20th century. These include churches like Iglesia de San Lorenzo Ruiz de Alvarado (St. Lawrence’s Church), Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Our Lady of Assumption Church), El Barrio Cuba (Cuba Neighborhood), Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis (St. Francis De Assisi Church) and Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia (Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Divine Providence).

– Coral Gable’s beachfront has numerous shops and cafes offering beach activities like surfing lessons, beach chairs, and

Explore the Art Deco Historic District

The Art Deco Historic District in Miami is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 800 Art Deco buildings on a single square mile. The area is known for its architecture, nightlife, and beach culture. A must-visit in the district is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which was once the estate of Count Alfonso XIII of Spain and houses artworks from around the globe. Explore the district’s historic buildings that have been restored to their former glory using one of its many walking tours as a guide. These tours will help you get an understanding of the history of this part of Miami through its Art Deco architecture.

Start with a tour of the famous Burdine’s department store, built in 1929. The building has been restored to its original glory and serves as a vibrant symbol of the Art Deco era. Next, visit Ocean Drive to take in the Art Deco architecture from the 1920s. Stroll down Ocean Drive to take in its trendy clubs and boutiques decorated with neon lights and painted in bright pastel colors. You can also check out street art and enjoy beachside activities like swimming or sunbathing.

While exploring the district, don’t forget to stop by one of its many restaurants, shops, or galleries for local art and design inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to go to Miami?

The best time to visit Miami is between March and May, also known as the shoulder season. This time period offers warm temperatures in the 70s°F (high 20s°C) and non-peak rates at hotels. It is also a great time of year to take advantage of outdoor activities such as beach-going or exploring south beach.

Winter (December-February) is peak season for travel, with temperatures usually in the high 70s°F (high 20s°C). If you are planning a winter trip, however, keep in mind that prices will be higher and places will be more crowded.

High season in Miami falls between November and April, with crammed restaurants, busy hotels and usually warm temperatures. If you are looking to travel during this time, book your accommodation early to get the best deals.

Visiting Miami between September and November can be quite cheap, but there is always the possibility of hurricanes during this time of year. So, if you plan on visiting during this period, prepare for any possibilities by checking weather forecasts prior to your trip.

How many days is enough for Miami?

If you plan to visit only Miami Beach or Downtown Miami and explore the city attractions, we recommend staying at least 3 days. That way you can get a decent sense of the city and its nightlife, as well as check out some of the best places to eat, stay, and visit.

However, if you want to explore other places in the region like the Florida Keys and Palm Beach, it’s best to plan a week-long trip. This way you’ll have enough time to fully immerse yourselves in each destination and make the most of your journey. Plus, with more days to spare you will be able to accommodate any unexpected delays or changes in travel plans.

In terms of budgeting for a 7-day trip, you should expect to spend around $2,600 for a solo traveler and about $5,000 for a couple. This cost includes hotel accommodation, food costs and admission prices for attractions. Finally, August is one of the best months to visit Miami due to its warm weather and frequent rain showers that don’t last very long.

What do I need to know before going to Miami?

If you’re planning to visit Miami, there are a few things you should know beforehand. Firstly, the weather in Miami is great all year round but especially perfect between November and April. Secondly, be aware of petty crime that may occur in places like the South Beach promenade. It’s best to be vigilant and keep your belongings close at hand.

Thirdly, avoid certain areas known for gang violence such as Liberty City, Overtown, and Opa-locka. Additionally, tourists should watch out for potential scams in the city. Finally, research local attractions and best places to stay before visiting Miami so that your experience is enjoyable and stress-free.

The Sunshine State is home to an array of beach-worthy places that are a must-see for road trippers, including Miami, the Florida Keys, and the Everglades. If you’re looking to travel south this winter, we’ve got you covered with our Miami travel guide. Follow our tips and recommendations and you’ll be well on your way to a memorable Miami trip. Happy travels!

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