Top Neighborhoods for First-Timers
South Beach
The iconic South Beach neighbourhood should top your list for that quintessential Miami experience. Stroll along the colorful art deco architecture on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Snap selfies in front of the Lifeguard Stations dotting the white sand. Then, slip on your shades and claim your spot to soak up the sun on South Beach itself. After dark, South Beach transforms into a hub for glittering clubs and hip restaurants. This pedestrian-friendly district puts you steps from the beach. Boutique hotels like The Betsy – South Beach and trendy eateries line the streets. Just bear in mind that South Beach is also the priciest and most touristy part of the city.
Downtown Miami
Staying in downtown Miami puts you in the heart of the business district yet close to major attractions like the Perez Art Museum Miami and the Philipe and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Downtown hotel prices are generally more budget-friendly than South Beach. Highlights include strolling along the Miami Riverwalk, people watching in Bayfront Park and admiring colorful Wynwood Walls. Catch a concert or NBA game at the American Airlines Arena. And be sure to try Cuban cuisine in historic Little Havana, just a short drive west of downtown.
Must-See Attractions
Miami Beach
Of course, no trip to Miami is complete without ample time to bask on the beach! For that postcard-perfect scene, head to South Beach for wide stretches of sparkling white sand and turquoise waters. Be sure to pose for a pic in front of the candy-colored Lifeguard Stations dotting the shoreline. Or try beach volleyball on the sands of North Shore Open Space Park in Mid-Beach. For longer beach walks, the South Point Pier and North Beach Bandshell Pier extend nearly 1,500 feet into the Atlantic. And beachfront parks like Lummus Park Beach provide facilities like restrooms and playgrounds.
Everglades National Park
Looking to escape the city? Make the one-hour drive south to Everglades National Park for a fascinating look at South Florida’s natural landscape. Here you can take an airboat ride and spot alligators, turtles, egrets, herons and other wildlife that call “the River of Grass” home. Walk along boardwalks like the Anhinga Trail for views across the vast sawgrass marshes. Or embark on ranger-led activities like the Indigenous Tools and Weapon Tour, which sheds light on the Native Americans who traditionally inhabited the region. With over 1.5 million acres to explore, you’ll gain a new appreciation for South Florida’s unique ecosystem.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
This lavish estate on Biscayne Bay offers a glimpse into Miami’s early 20th century heyday. The 1914 mansion contains 34 rooms decorated with European antiques, tapestries, paintings and more. Meander through formal gardens straight out of Italy and France, punctuated by fountains and classical sculptures. Don’t miss the stunning waterfront views of downtown across the bay.
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood has emerged as Miami’s edgy epicenter of art and culture. At the center, Wynwood Walls showcases monumental works by renowned muralists. Galleries, coffee shops, breweries and hip eateries pack the surrounding streets. Even the graffiti-covered warehouses have an industrial-chic vibe. Capture that iconic Wynwood look against the neighborhood’s larger-than-life murals.
Little Havana
You can’t leave Miami without experiencing its Cuban flavor. Take a walking tour through Little Havana to see locals sip café cubano on the street, take in a ballgame at Domino Park or roll cigars at a tabaqueria. The rooster-themed murals on SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) make an instantly Instagrammable backdrop.
Art Deco Historic District
This National Register Historic District dazzles with its classic art deco hotels, restaurants and commercial buildings. Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue in South Beach boast perfect pastel-hued examples of the style. Take a guided tour to learn more about the architecture. Don’t miss snapping photos in front of the iconic Colony Hotel.
Getting Around Miami
Public Transportation
Miami’s public transit network includes Metrorail, Metromover and Metrobus. Metrorail runs from Kendall through downtown, with stops at popular places like Brickell, Vizcaya and Little Havana. Riding the free elevated Metromover is handy for seeing downtown attractions. Metrobus covers more neighborhoods than Metrorail, but service can be sporadic and slow when stuck in Miami traffic. That said, public transportation provides an affordable way to experience Miami without a car.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are easy to find at hotels, restaurants and attractions around Miami. Uber and Lyft both operate throughout Miami. Rideshares often provide more predictable pricing than taxis and don’t charge for wait time stuck in traffic. Plus, you can easily split the fare with friends.
Charter Buses
For group travel or special events like corporate outings, weddings and concerts, charter buses offer a convenient, comfortable transportation option. You can select buses sized from 24 seats up to 56 seats to accommodate your group. Benefits include door-to-door service, leather seats, climate control, restrooms and luggage storage. Some buses also offer amenities like WiFi, entertainment systems, HD TVs and reclining seats for exceptional comfort. Charter buses take the hassle out of group transportation.
Car Rentals
Renting a car allows maximum flexibility to explore Miami at your own pace. Be prepared for challenges like finding parking at popular beach spots and dealing with aggressive drivers on Miami’s congested freeways. Secure parking will also add to your rental costs. Having a car can make sense if you plan to spend time away from the downtown or Miami Beach areas. But don’t underestimate Miami’s heavy traffic when crafting your sightseeing itinerary.
The Miami Monorail
This 3-mile elevated track provides quick access between downtown Miami and Brickell. The air-conditioned monorails depart every 6-15 minutes and the one-way trip takes just 5 minutes. While the monorail only services limited areas, it’s perfect for reaching attractions like the Frost Science Museum, the Perez Art Museum Miami and the Brickell City Centre shops and restaurants.
Ready for an Amazing First Trip?
We hope this Miami guide gets you pumped for an unforgettable trip to one of America’s hottest travel destinations. With vibrant nightlife, magnificent beaches and Cuban flair around every corner, Miami offers incredible diversity in one sun-soaked destination. Can’t wait to experience the magic for yourself? Let us handle your group transportation needs in comfort and style. Just call to request a quote!