↓THINGS TO KNOW↓
Stay protected with travel insurance ⬇️
How To Get Here:
Plan your arrival to/from Miami International Airport (MIA), or opt for a roadtrip!
Miami International Airport and South Beach are about 10.5 miles (16 kilometers) apart. If the traffic conditions are regular, it takes only around 20 minutes to get to South Beach from Miami International Airport by car. However, if the conditions are different, it can last thirty minutes.
Transportation:
RENTAL CAR OPTIONS (make sure to factor in parking expenses. You can download the app “SpotHero Parking” to find parking ahead of time!)
- Turo: https://turo.com
AIRPORT SHUTTLES & TRANSFERS:
- Get Transfer: https://gettransfer.tp.st/UrHsCxDC
- Airport Transfer: https://airporttransfer.com
- MIA Mover: Free, and can help you get closer to your destination.
- Miami Beach Airport Express: https://www.miamidade.gov/transportation-publicworks/routes_detail.asp?route=150
Offers daily express bus service between Miami International Airport and Miami Beach with multiple stops from 1st to 41st streets on the beach. Buses depart from the airport approximately every 30 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 11:40 p.m., seven days a week. Passengers ride aboard 40-foot buses equipped with luggage racks and comfortable seating.
- Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
- If you're staying at a hotel, you can ask if they provide shuttle services.
- Use guided tours that include pickup/drop off transportation.
HOW TO GET AROUND:
- Walking: South Beach is pedestrian-friendly, with Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, and the Art Deco Historic District being perfect for exploring on foot.
- Bikes/Scooters: Rent bikes from Citi Bike stations located throughout South Beach. Alternatively, electric scooters from companies like Lime and Bird are available for rent! This is a fun way to zip around the area, enjoy the scenic views, and avoid traffic!
- Miami Beach Trolley: The free Miami Beach Trolley offers several routes, including loops around South Beach. It's an excellent option for getting around without spending a dime.
- Metrobus: The Miami-Dade Transit Metrobus has multiple routes servicing South Beach, providing a cost-effective way to travel longer distances.
-- Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
Staying Connected:
- Most accommodations offer free wifi, and many public places have wifi too. If you're an International traveler and need a mobile plan, you can look into E-sim options here: https://airalo.tp.st/fIDiCaVD
-Try downloading "Instabridge" or "Wifi Map" for finding free wifi! They provide the log in info for typically locked wifi spots.
Best Time to Visit
This largely depends on what you're looking to experience. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during different times of the year!
- For Perfect Weather: Visit between December and April.
- For Best Deals: Consider the shoulder seasons (May to June and September to November).
- For Avoiding Crowds: July and August offer fewer crowds but be prepared for heat and humidity.
Peak Season: December to April
- Weather: Warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C).
- Activities: Ideal for beach activities, outdoor dining, and exploring the city.
- Events: Art Basel Miami Beach (December), South Beach Wine & Food Festival (February), Miami Open (March).
- Pros: Perfect beach weather, lively atmosphere, numerous events.
- Cons: Higher costs, crowded beaches, and longer waits at popular attractions and restaurants.
Shoulder Seasons: May-June and September-November
- Weather: Warm with temperatures from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). May and September can be more humid.
- Activities: Great for beach outings, water sports, and exploring local attractions.
- Events: Miami Fashion Week (May/June), Miami Spice (August-September), Art Deco Weekend (October).
- Pros: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better deals on accommodations.
- Cons: May and September are more humid, and there's a higher chance of rain.
Off-Season: July to August
- Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures from 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Activities: Ideal for water sports, beach time, and indoor activities like museums and shopping.
- Events: Miami Swim Week (July), Miami Spice (August-September).
- Pros: Lower prices, less crowded beaches and attractions.
- Cons: High heat and humidity, frequent afternoon rain showers, potential for hurricanes.
Hurricane Season: June to November
- Considerations: While June to November is technically hurricane season, the peak risk is from August to October. It's important to stay informed about weather forecasts if traveling during this period.
- Pros: Significant discounts on hotels and flights, fewer crowds.
- Cons: Risk of tropical storms or hurricanes, high humidity, and frequent rain.
You can find the current weather conditions below:
Where to Stay:
There are plenty of options whether it's an Airbnb or Hotel! If you're specifically looking for cheap hostels/private rooms, I love using Hostel World. It will also provide you with a chat for other travelers visiting during your stay, which can be useful for solo travelers: https://hostelworld.tp.st/Xiu3ebmP
$ Budget
$$ Mid-range
$$$ High-end
Tours/Experiences
This list includes bookable activities, free activities, beaches, and spas.
All links to book these tours are in their descriptions! The address/pins are based on the start location/general location of the tour departure, so please double check where to meet with the tour provider once you book to be safe.
Download the "Experience Miami Beach" app to explore the area’s shopping, hotels, restaurants, and more:
Food + Drinks
Menus for every option below have been linked in the "link" section once you click on the place! Please keep in mind that many of these places may offer everything between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and some may have specific hours.
-Download "Open Table" to make restaurant reservations in advance for many spots in South Beach.
Breakfast/Cafe's/Brunch
Lunch/Dinner:
Sweets:
Bars/Nightlife/Drinks
Bonus: Mini 4 Day Itinerary
Need help packing? Check out my categorized products to see if you’re missing anything!
Day 1: Arrive
-Arrive at the airport (MIA) & catch an Uber to The Betsy Hotel
-Join the "Taste of south beach food tour" to get a head start by experiencing the best food spots!
-Head to the beach for sunset, or get some rest for a long day tomorrow! If you got in late and couldn't make the food tour, then check out one of the rooftop bars for sunset views and drinks.
Day 2: Beach Day
-Breakfast at The Local House
-Beach Day at Lummus Park and South Beach. Spend time in the water, tan, rent rollerblades, join the beach yoga tour, and even join in for some beach volleyball! I recommend bringing an ice chest with drinks/lunch.
-Dinner at Gianni's (Make a reservation)
Day 3: The Ultimate Miami Beach Experience
-Breakfast at Bacon Bitch
-Join a Watersports tour (Jetski, yacht, or jetcars)
-Relax
-Sunset helicopter tour or Clear kayaking tour
-Grab tacos to-go from Dulce Vida and head to the beach for a chill dinner with friends. If you're looking for something more fast paced, head to LIV for nightlife!
Day 4: Say Goodbye
-Time to head back to the airport):
-Late flight? Have the hotel hold your bags and check out some museums or shopping.
-Board that flight!
↓THINGS TO KNOW↓
Stay protected with travel insurance ⬇️
How To Get Here:
Plan your arrival to/from Miami International Airport (MIA), or opt for a roadtrip!
Miami International Airport and South Beach are about 10.5 miles (16 kilometers) apart. If the traffic conditions are regular, it takes only around 20 minutes to get to South Beach from Miami International Airport by car. However, if the conditions are different, it can last thirty minutes.
Transportation:
RENTAL CAR OPTIONS (make sure to factor in parking expenses. You can download the app “SpotHero Parking” to find parking ahead of time!)
- Turo: https://turo.com
AIRPORT SHUTTLES & TRANSFERS:
- Get Transfer: https://gettransfer.tp.st/UrHsCxDC
- Airport Transfer: https://airporttransfer.com
- MIA Mover: Free, and can help you get closer to your destination.
- Miami Beach Airport Express: https://www.miamidade.gov/transportation-publicworks/routes_detail.asp?route=150
Offers daily express bus service between Miami International Airport and Miami Beach with multiple stops from 1st to 41st streets on the beach. Buses depart from the airport approximately every 30 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 11:40 p.m., seven days a week. Passengers ride aboard 40-foot buses equipped with luggage racks and comfortable seating.
- Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
- If you're staying at a hotel, you can ask if they provide shuttle services.
- Use guided tours that include pickup/drop off transportation.
HOW TO GET AROUND:
- Walking: South Beach is pedestrian-friendly, with Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, and the Art Deco Historic District being perfect for exploring on foot.
- Bikes/Scooters: Rent bikes from Citi Bike stations located throughout South Beach. Alternatively, electric scooters from companies like Lime and Bird are available for rent! This is a fun way to zip around the area, enjoy the scenic views, and avoid traffic!
- Miami Beach Trolley: The free Miami Beach Trolley offers several routes, including loops around South Beach. It's an excellent option for getting around without spending a dime.
- Metrobus: The Miami-Dade Transit Metrobus has multiple routes servicing South Beach, providing a cost-effective way to travel longer distances.
-- Taxi, Uber, or Lyft
Staying Connected:
- Most accommodations offer free wifi, and many public places have wifi too. If you're an International traveler and need a mobile plan, you can look into E-sim options here: https://airalo.tp.st/fIDiCaVD
-Try downloading "Instabridge" or "Wifi Map" for finding free wifi! They provide the log in info for typically locked wifi spots.
Best Time to Visit
This largely depends on what you're looking to experience. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during different times of the year!
- For Perfect Weather: Visit between December and April.
- For Best Deals: Consider the shoulder seasons (May to June and September to November).
- For Avoiding Crowds: July and August offer fewer crowds but be prepared for heat and humidity.
Peak Season: December to April
- Weather: Warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C).
- Activities: Ideal for beach activities, outdoor dining, and exploring the city.
- Events: Art Basel Miami Beach (December), South Beach Wine & Food Festival (February), Miami Open (March).
- Pros: Perfect beach weather, lively atmosphere, numerous events.
- Cons: Higher costs, crowded beaches, and longer waits at popular attractions and restaurants.
Shoulder Seasons: May-June and September-November
- Weather: Warm with temperatures from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). May and September can be more humid.
- Activities: Great for beach outings, water sports, and exploring local attractions.
- Events: Miami Fashion Week (May/June), Miami Spice (August-September), Art Deco Weekend (October).
- Pros: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better deals on accommodations.
- Cons: May and September are more humid, and there's a higher chance of rain.
Off-Season: July to August
- Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures from 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Activities: Ideal for water sports, beach time, and indoor activities like museums and shopping.
- Events: Miami Swim Week (July), Miami Spice (August-September).
- Pros: Lower prices, less crowded beaches and attractions.
- Cons: High heat and humidity, frequent afternoon rain showers, potential for hurricanes.
Hurricane Season: June to November
- Considerations: While June to November is technically hurricane season, the peak risk is from August to October. It's important to stay informed about weather forecasts if traveling during this period.
- Pros: Significant discounts on hotels and flights, fewer crowds.
- Cons: Risk of tropical storms or hurricanes, high humidity, and frequent rain.
You can find the current weather conditions below:
Where to Stay:
There are plenty of options whether it's an Airbnb or Hotel! If you're specifically looking for cheap hostels/private rooms, I love using Hostel World. It will also provide you with a chat for other travelers visiting during your stay, which can be useful for solo travelers: https://hostelworld.tp.st/Xiu3ebmP
$ Budget
$$ Mid-range
$$$ High-end
Tours/Experiences
This list includes bookable activities, free activities, beaches, and spas.
All links to book these tours are in their descriptions! The address/pins are based on the start location/general location of the tour departure, so please double check where to meet with the tour provider once you book to be safe.
Download the "Experience Miami Beach" app to explore the area’s shopping, hotels, restaurants, and more:
Food + Drinks
Menus for every option below have been linked in the "link" section once you click on the place! Please keep in mind that many of these places may offer everything between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and some may have specific hours.
-Download "Open Table" to make restaurant reservations in advance for many spots in South Beach.
Breakfast/Cafe's/Brunch
Lunch/Dinner:
Sweets:
Bars/Nightlife/Drinks
Bonus: Mini 4 Day Itinerary
Need help packing? Check out my categorized products to see if you’re missing anything!
Day 1: Arrive
-Arrive at the airport (MIA) & catch an Uber to The Betsy Hotel
-Join the "Taste of south beach food tour" to get a head start by experiencing the best food spots!
-Head to the beach for sunset, or get some rest for a long day tomorrow! If you got in late and couldn't make the food tour, then check out one of the rooftop bars for sunset views and drinks.
Day 2: Beach Day
-Breakfast at The Local House
-Beach Day at Lummus Park and South Beach. Spend time in the water, tan, rent rollerblades, join the beach yoga tour, and even join in for some beach volleyball! I recommend bringing an ice chest with drinks/lunch.
-Dinner at Gianni's (Make a reservation)
Day 3: The Ultimate Miami Beach Experience
-Breakfast at Bacon Bitch
-Join a Watersports tour (Jetski, yacht, or jetcars)
-Relax
-Sunset helicopter tour or Clear kayaking tour
-Grab tacos to-go from Dulce Vida and head to the beach for a chill dinner with friends. If you're looking for something more fast paced, head to LIV for nightlife!
Day 4: Say Goodbye
-Time to head back to the airport):
-Late flight? Have the hotel hold your bags and check out some museums or shopping.
-Board that flight!