Miami is a coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida. It is the second-most populous city in Florida with a population of 442,241 at the 2020 census, while the Miami metropolitan area in South Florida has an estimated 6.46 million residents and is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Wikipedia
Best Months: March–May
Warm, breezy weather (70s–80s °F)
Fewer crowds post-winter high season
Winter (Dec–Feb): Dry and popular with tourists (expect higher prices)
Summer (June–Aug): Hot, humid, with afternoon storms; low season
Fall (Sept–Nov): Cheaper, but it’s hurricane season
By Air:
Miami International Airport (MIA): Major hub, just 8 miles from downtown.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 30–40 minutes north; often cheaper.
By Car:
Connected via I-95, US-1, and the Florida Turnpike.
By Train:
Brightline high-speed train from Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
Amtrak services Miami station.
By Bus:
Megabus, Greyhound, FlixBus all run to Miami.
South Beach (SoBe) – Famous beach, Art Deco buildings, and vibrant nightlife.
Ocean Drive – Lively beachfront street with neon lights, cafes, and music.
Wynwood Walls – Outdoor museum of colorful street art and murals.
Little Havana – Cuban culture, cigars, music, and great food on Calle Ocho.
Bayside Marketplace – Waterfront shopping, dining, and boat tours.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – European-style villa with stunning gardens.
Miami Design District – High-end fashion, art, and architecture.
Everglades National Park – Airboat tours and wildlife just 45 minutes away.
Miami Seaquarium – Marine life shows and exhibits.
Key Biscayne – Quieter beaches, biking trails, and nature at Crandon Park.
Metrorail & Metromover: Connects parts of downtown/Brickell.
Bus: Miami-Dade Transit buses run citywide.
Trolley: Free routes in certain neighborhoods (like Coral Gables, Little Havana).
Rideshare: Uber/Lyft are easy and reliable.
Car rental: Recommended if planning day trips (like Everglades or Keys).
Walk/Bike: Great for South Beach and Coconut Grove areas.
Luxury:
The Setai, 1 Hotel South Beach, Faena Hotel
Mid-range:
Loews Miami Beach, Eden Roc, YVE Hotel Downtown
Budget:
Freehand Miami (great hostel), Selina Miami River
Trendy/Local:
Stay in Wynwood, Downtown, or Brickell for nightlife, food, and culture.
Miami cuisine is a fusion of Latin American, Caribbean, and coastal flavors:
Must-try dishes:
Cuban sandwich
Stone crab (in season, Oct–May)
Arepas and empanadas
Ceviche
Mofongo (Puerto Rican)
Churrasco with chimichurri
Famous Places to Eat:
Versailles (Little Havana) – Classic Cuban food
Joe’s Stone Crab – Iconic seafood (South Beach)
La Mar by Gastón Acurio – Upscale Peruvian
The Salty Donut – Gourmet donuts in Wynwood
Coyo Taco – Top-tier tacos (Wynwood)
Nightlife: Ultra Music Festival (March), clubs like LIV, Story, and E11even.
Latin American Influence: Cuban, Haitian, Colombian, Dominican culture thrives.
Festivals:
Art Basel (Dec) – World-class art fair
Calle Ocho Festival (March) – Latin music and dance
South Beach Food & Wine Festival (Feb)