9 Things to Know Before Visiting Miami
Miami is one of those places people think they know before they get there. Beaches, Art Deco, nightclubs, done. Then they land and find a huge, spread-out, very Latin American city with its own rules, its own weather moods and a lot more going on than South Beach.
In this guide
- 1. Miami and Miami Beach are two different cities
- 2. It’s hot, and then it’s really hot
- 3. Hurricane season is real
- 4. Getting around takes planning
- 5. Check your bill before you tip
- 6. You’ll hear a lot of Spanish
- 7. Cuban coffee is a way of life
- 8. South Beach isn’t the only beach
- 9. The Everglades are close
- Common questions
Here are nine things worth knowing before your first trip, so you spend less time in traffic and more time with your feet in the sand.
1. Miami and Miami Beach are two different cities
This catches out a lot of first-timers. Miami is the city on the mainland, with downtown, Brickell, Wynwood and Little Havana. Miami Beach is a separate city on a barrier island across Biscayne Bay, and that’s where you’ll find South Beach, Ocean Drive and the Art Deco hotels.
They’re connected by causeways and it’s only 15 or 20 minutes between them without traffic. With traffic, it can be an hour. Pick where you stay based on what you want to do most: beach on Miami Beach, food and culture on the mainland.
2. It’s hot, and then it’s really hot
Miami is warm all year, but from about May to October it’s hot and very humid, with a heat index often over 100 degrees. You’ll be sweaty within minutes of stepping outside. Plan outdoor things for the morning and late afternoon, and spend midday in the ocean or somewhere with air conditioning.
In summer, it also rains most afternoons. A thunderstorm rolls in, pours for 30 minutes, then the sun comes back out. Don’t cancel plans for it, just wait it out with a coffee.
3. Hurricane season is real
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, peaking from mid-August to mid-October. Most of the time nothing happens, and plenty of people visit in those months for lower prices. But if you book then, get travel insurance and choose refundable hotels where you can.
The best time to visit is December to April, when it’s dry, warm and much less humid. It’s also the most expensive and crowded time, of course.
4. Getting around takes planning
Miami traffic is bad, and parking in South Beach is expensive and hard to find. If you’re staying downtown or in Brickell, the Metromover is a free elevated train that loops through both neighborhoods, and it’s a great way to get around without a car.
On Miami Beach, there’s also a free trolley that runs loops through South Beach and up the island, and the Miami Beach area is easy to explore by bike or on foot. Coming from the airport, a rideshare to South Beach usually takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
For everything else, rideshares are easy. Only rent a car if you’re planning day trips, like to the Everglades or the Keys.
5. Check your bill before you tip
Many restaurants in Miami, especially in South Beach, automatically add a service charge of 18 to 20 percent to your bill. It’s legal as long as it’s printed on the menu and the check, but it’s easy to miss, and lots of tourists end up tipping twice. Always read the bill before adding a tip.
Also, avoid the restaurants on Ocean Drive with hosts trying to wave you in from the sidewalk. The giant cocktails look fun and cost a fortune.
6. You’ll hear a lot of Spanish
About two thirds of Miami-Dade residents speak Spanish at home, and in many neighborhoods it’s the main language on the street. You’ll be fine with English everywhere tourists go, but a few words of Spanish are appreciated.
Visit Little Havana and walk Calle Ocho, the main drag. Watch the old men playing dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park, better known as Domino Park, and listen for the live music spilling out of the bars.
7. Cuban coffee is a way of life
Look for a ventanita, a little walk-up window on the side of a Cuban cafe or bakery. Order a cafecito, a tiny cup of very strong, very sweet espresso, or a colada, which comes with a stack of little plastic cups to share. A cortadito, with steamed milk, is the gentler option.
Pair it with a pastelito, a flaky pastry filled with guava or cheese. It’s the cheapest good thing you’ll eat in Miami.
Then head to Wynwood, an old warehouse district now covered in street art. The Wynwood Walls charge for entry, but the murals on the surrounding streets are free and just as good.
▶ Watch This Before You Go
8. South Beach isn’t the only beach
South Beach is beautiful, but it’s crowded, loud, and the scene isn’t for everyone. For calmer water and fewer people, go to Key Biscayne, a quick drive across the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the southern tip has a quiet beach, picnic spots and an old lighthouse from 1825. Further north, the beaches around Surfside and Bal Harbour are calmer and more local, too.
9. The Everglades are close
An hour west of the city, the Everglades are a completely different world: a huge, slow-moving river of grass full of alligators, wading birds and turtles. Most visitors don’t realize how close it is.
Skip the airboat tours if you want to actually see wildlife up close, and go to Shark Valley instead. There’s a 15-mile loop road where you can rent bikes or take a tram, and you’ll pass dozens of alligators lying beside the path. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.
Common questions
What’s the best area to stay in Miami?
South Beach for the beach and nightlife, Brickell or downtown for restaurants and a city feel, Coconut Grove for somewhere quieter and leafy.
Do I need a car in Miami?
Not if you’re staying in one area. Rideshares and the free Metromover cover most trips. Rent one for day trips.
Is Miami safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas are generally safe. Use normal city sense at night and don’t leave valuables on the beach.
When is the best time to visit Miami?
December through April, when it’s dry and warm. Late spring is a good compromise between weather and price.
How many days do I need?
Three to four days covers the beach, the main neighborhoods and a trip to the Everglades.
