Plan Your Miami Beach Holiday: Best of Miami Beach
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Miami Beach Is Great For...
Cool Cocktails on Warm Days (and Nights)
Getting Your Culture Fix
Amazing Bars on the Beach and in the Sky
Heading to Cuba via Little Havana
Miami Beach Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Miami Beach
Mel_Medd
Gratuity may already be included in restaurant bills. If not, it's appropriate to tip 10% - 20%.
Chris O
DO expect many more people to speak fluent Spanish than in most parts of American. DON'T assume they're foreigners just because they do!
lisajlb
The hop-on, hop-off bus is a great cost-effective way to see the city on different routes over a couple of days.
waxlady
Miami is a vibrant multicultural contemporary art scene. It's filled with incredible museums, restaurants and beaches. I love the fact that Miami has so many new and upcoming areas that are hidden from the beaten path of the everyday tourist.
lisajlb
Miami is a great location for couples that want to keep themselves occupied with ease. It is easy to get around with a number of options, great food and drink options, lots of great sports teams to watch, oh, and great beaches to get married on!
Marc L
A fun weekend for groups or couples getting away to the Magic City. Aimed for the crowd in their late 20s or 30s.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major hub with more than 150 daily domestic and international flights.
train
Amtrak has two train lines between Miami and New York City, the Silver Star and Silver Meteor. Both stop in several cities along the East Coast.
Do I need a visa?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you may need a visa to visit Miami, unless your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The program allows citizens of certain countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
While Miami Beach boasts sunny weather year-round, springtime brings low humidity and high-octane events such as Ultra Music Festival and Miami Beach Gay Pride. You can expect average daily temperatures this time of year to have highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C.
In December, art aficionados willing to brave peak-season prices can rub shoulders with celebrities at South Beach’s annual Art Basel. Average daily temperatures this time of year are highs of 24°C with lows of 17°C.
Get around
trains
There are no trains that operate in Miami Beach. But the Metrorail elevated rail system connects the airport to Downtown Miami and South Miami. You will need an Easy Card in advance.
For fares, schedules and schedules, visit the Metrorail's website.
Additionally, Brightline high-speed trains make three stops in Downtown Miami (and Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach).
For Brightline fares, routes and schedules, visit their website.
buses
Metrobus has nearly 100 routes, and is the only public transit that serves Miami Beach. The Miami Beach Bus Route 150 runs express every half hour to the airport with five stops.
For info on routes, fares and schedules, see here.
metromover
This free service offers three loops between Downtown Miami and Brickell and connects Metrorail and Metrobus.
miami beach trolley
This free trolley has four routes and operates daily. For routes and schedules, visit their website.
bikes
Biking is a great way to get around Miami Beach, and Citi Bike has several stations in the area.
You can also rent a bike or Segway from Bike and Roll Miami or take one of their tours.
taxis
Taxis are plentiful, but be sure the word “taxi” or “cab” is on the vehicle to avoid an illegal unlicensed cab.
For info on taxi companies available in Miami Beach, see here
rideshares
Both Uber and Lyft operate in Miami Beach and are available using their apps on your smartphone.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Eastern Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Miami Beach is 110V to 115V, 60Hz AC. Outlets accommodate two-prong flat (not grounded) plugs or grounded three-prong plugs.
What is the currency?
The U.S. Dollar
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Restaurants/room service
Some places do include tips, so be sure to check your tab. If it hasn’t been added, standard tipping in Miami Beach is 15 to 20 percent of your bill, or 25 percent if you were extremely happy with your meal and service.
Taxi/rideshare
Like restaurants, 15 to 20 percent of your fare is a typical tip for taxis, more if they were particularly nice or helpful.
Bellhop
It’s standard to give between $2-$3 cash to bellhops who help with your luggage and the valet each time you retrieve your car.
Housekeeper
It’s common to leave a tip of $2 per day of your stay to the housekeeping staff of your hotel, which you can leave in the room when you go. Some hotels leave envelopes for such tips, but if they don’t, a quick note saying “Thank you” will suffice.
Tour guide
If you take a tour, your guide will surely appreciate a tip, generally between $5-$10 cash.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The legal drinking age in Miami Beach is 21.
Drugs
Only medical marijuana is legal in Florida for qualifying residents.
Language
While English is the national language, knowing some basic Spanish is recommended.
Attire
Beachwear is a must for daytime, but everyone dresses up to hit the town at night.
Miami Beach travel advice
Hotel Preferences
According to forum posts, travelers looking for a trendy and upscale atmosphere prefer the W Hotel for its newly renovated facilities and prime location in South Beach. The Ritz is also favored for its renovations and quality service, although it's noted to have less of a SoBe charm.
Family and Teenager-Friendly Options
Some travelers have suggested South Beach for families with teenagers, highlighting the area's accessibility to beaches, shopping, and dining. The area between 10th and 17th streets is particularly recommended for its proximity to Lincoln Road Mall and numerous restaurants.
Adult-Only and Quiet Options
For those seeking a quieter, adult-only environment, The National on 17th and Collins is highly recommended. It offers beach and pool services and is noted for being an adult-only resort, providing a serene atmosphere suitable for relaxation.
Boutique Hotel Preferences
For a more intimate boutique hotel experience, travelers have pointed out The Savoy and The Betsy as good options. These hotels provide a romantic atmosphere with fewer family disturbances, ideal for couples on a getaway.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Bus Services
According to forum posts, several bus routes operate in Miami Beach, including the S (119) bus, Beach Max (120) bus, and the M bus (113). These buses connect Miami Beach with areas like Downtown Miami and Bayside. The fare for these buses is typically around $2.25 per ride.
Trolley Services
Travelers have called out the availability of a free trolley service in Miami Beach. This trolley runs along Collins Avenue and can be hailed with a hand signal. It connects various parts of Miami Beach and is particularly useful for short trips within the area.
Comprehensive Transit Apps
For many users, utilizing transit apps like the Miami-Dade public transportation app is helpful for navigating bus routes and schedules effectively. This app provides comprehensive information on public transportation options available in Miami Beach.
Alternative Transportation
Some travelers mentioned alternative transportation modes like bicycling and using services like Citibike for short-term rentals, which offer a convenient way to explore Miami Beach along the paved Beachwalk.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Beach Recommendations
According to forum posts, many travelers recommend Allison Park at 65th and Collins for its family-friendly beach area and unique playground features like a zipline. South Pointe Park is also highlighted for its soft sand, gentle gradient, and a children's playground, making it suitable for families with young children.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
For families interested in sports, some users suggested visiting Normandy Park, especially for its outdoor basketball courts. The park's setting among palm trees offers a distinct experience for visitors from colder climates.
Additional Family-Friendly Locations
Other travelers have mentioned Sunny Isles Beach as an excellent location for families, offering parks with playgrounds and proximity to family-oriented amenities. This area is known for its safe, welcoming atmosphere and easy access to various family-friendly activities and restaurants.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?General Weather Overview
According to forum posts, Miami Beach typically experiences hot and humid weather with a chance of brief, localized thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon. The ocean remains clear and swimmable even after storms.
Rain Patterns
Some travelers mentioned that rain in Miami Beach is usually not an all-day event but consists of short showers that may occur early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The likelihood of encountering consecutive days of rain increases during the hurricane season, particularly in September.
Seasonal Variations
For many users, the period from late October to late May offers drier weather, making it a preferable time for those seeking to maximize their beach time. August and September are noted for being peak rain months, while mid-October onwards sees a decrease in rainfall frequency.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?