Miami holidays

With its sizzling nightlife and sunny weather, Florida’s southernmost metropolis gets portrayed as a party zone of neon bikinis and bottomless flutes of Cristal. But the best holidays to Miami take a more soulful path. From the Cuban flavours of Little Havana to the Art Deco grandeur of Miami Beach to a flurry of new restaurants remixing the city’s rich multiculturalism, see why Miami has just as much substance as style. 

Miami holiday highlights

Brickell
Greater Miami Visitor Bureau

City of art

Put a creative spin on your holidays to Miami. Admire the murals and street art at Wynwood Walls where you may even witness some artists at work. Head downtown to see contemporary works from the US and Latin America at the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). Miami gets especially artistic in December when it hosts Art Basel Miami Beach and Miami Art Week.

Caribbean culture

Miami is a hub for Caribbean and Latin American culture. Visit the Caribbean Marketplace in Little Haiti or relax in Little Havana's Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park). Try Jamaican cuisine at Jrk! and Bahamian specialties at Mamey Miami. Look for flights and hotels to Miami in early October, when the city holds its Caribbean carnival. 

Tropical adventures

When planning holidays to Miami, don't miss Everglades National Park where you can encounter alligators, wild hogs and other exotic wildlife. It’s about an hour’s drive outside of Miami. Or go on a mountain bike adventure in Oleta River State Park. Explore protected forests in Barnacle Historic State Park or discover over 500 fruit species in South Dade's Fruit & Spice Park.

Join the global celebration

From its city parks to its packed stadiums, South Florida’s fútbol passion runs deep. Expect the energy to kick up when the world’s best players visit Miami Gardens this summer. The open-air canopy keeps most seats shaded, while the surrounding plazas buzz with food trucks and fan zones.

Closest airport: Miami International Airport (27 kilometres)

Public transport: Take the Metrorail to Dr Martin Luther King Jr Station, then bus 27 or 199 to the stadium.

Miami: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

December – February

Low season

August – September

Find the best time to go to Miami

Weather in Miami

May – October: The city’s wet season welcomes frequent afternoon rain, thunderstorms and high summer temperatures in the 30s°C. It’s also peak hurricane season, so be sure to stay on top of weather reports. Although it’s hotter and wetter, you’ll often find deals onhotels, and you’llbe able to take advantage of Miami’s indoor attractions.

November – April: Miami’s dry season is the best time to visit, with warm temperatures in the mid-20s°C. Expect lots of sunshine — perfect for beach days, exploring the Everglades and outdoor sightseeing. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, with crowds increasing during spring break and the winter holidays.

Events in Miami

Miami International Boat Show (February): Tell your friends you attended the largest boat and yacht show in the world. Walk the decks of an opulent superyacht and watch demos staged in a 151,400-litre freshwater pool.

Ultra Music Festival (March): This popular festival welcomes the biggest names in the global electronic music scene. Dance to DJs like Tiësto and deadmau5 with crowds of over 100,000 fans.

Art Basel Miami Beach (December): See the latest works by artistic heavyweights alongside emerging talent at this buzz-worthy showcase. Attend talks on everything from architecture to artificial intelligence, and explore special exhibitions at local art museums.

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The best neighbourhoods in Miami

Wynwood

Wynwood

Wynwood is the best neighbourhood to stay in Miami for art lovers. Gaze up at the giant murals of the Wynwood Walls and stop by the world’s first graffiti museum. Then mingle with local artists at the Bakehouse Art Complex. When you’re ready for a drink, head to Cerveceria La Tropical to try Cuban beer brewed onsite.

Good for: Graffiti art, bars, dining

Brickell

Brickell

When deciding where to stay in Miami, Brickell is the top choice for convenience. This neighbourhood offers easy access to the city transit hubs. Dine on Peruvian dishes at La Mar and get a taste of the French Riviera at LPM Miami. Enjoy alfresco shopping at Brickell City Centre. Then climb to the rooftops to sip sunset cocktails at sky bars like Sugar.

Good for: Skyline, convenient location, dining

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove (just 'the Grove’ to residents) is where to stay in Miami if you love the outdoors. Watch a sailing regatta from Peacock Park or learn the ropes yourself at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Shop for gifts or catch the latest film at the open-air CocoWalk mall and dine in style at Los Felix and Glass & Vine.

Good for: Sailing, dining, outdoor activities

Things to do in Miami

Miami
Emergent Media

Family friendly things to do

The Venetian Pool should top the itinerary for things to do with family in Miami. Swim in the freshwater pool, surrounded by tropical foliage. Experience free-falling drops and thrilling turns at Tidal Cove waterpark. Visit Zoo Miami for a close encounter with animals like a pygmy hippo. Cap your holiday by taking the family on the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel.

Shopping

Take advantage of the tropical latitude and try outdoor shopping in Miami. Find designer boutiques at Bal Harbor Shops north of Miami or the Miracle Mile Shopping District in Coral Gables. Hunt for souvenirs at South Beach's Lincoln Road or in the Bayside Marketplace. Support South Florida artists by buying from galleries in Wynwood.

Take in the culture

Explore history, art and science at unique museums in Miami. Learn about aviation at the Wings Over Miami Air Museum and visit an aquarium and planetarium under one roof at the Frost Museum of Science. Delve into Miami's history from pre-Columbian times at the HistoryMiami Museum, and snap some photos with one of the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Illusions.

Nightlife

You’ll find a wide range of options for nightlife in Miami. Go to salsa clubs in Miami Beach or relax with smooth jazz at Ball & Chain in Little Havana. Spot celebrities at E11EVEN or splurge on bottle service at Mr. Jones in South Beach. For something casual, try Mac’s Club Deuce, a 100-year-old South Beach bar. 

Places to eat

Restaurants in Miami include street food, family-run eateries and fine-dining venues. Order a gourmet pizza at Arkadia Grill in Miami Beach or try Michelin-starred steak at COTE Miami in the Design District. Dine outdoors at Coconut Grove's favourite GreenStreet Cafe. Hop the bus to Little Havana for strong coffee, croquetas and hearty ‘ropa vieja’ (spicy beef stew).

Beaches

Beaches in Miami run between the city and the Caribbean Sea. Lounge in the sand and appreciate the Art Deco buildings on South Beach. Escape the crowds at Sunny Isle Beach and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddling at Crandon Park Beach.

Plan your holiday to Miami

Budget

For a cheap holiday to Miami, consider booking during the wet season. Prices will be lower, and the city’s cultural institutions will be running at full steam. An inexpensive meal in Miami will cost you about 25 US dollars ($). A domestic beer costs about $8, and a cappuccino is less than $6. A short taxi ride starts at under $10.

Day trips from Miami

Explore an up-and-coming arts district and kayak through urban canals in Fort Lauderdale, just an hour north of the city, depending on traffic. If snorkelling is your thing, head south to Biscayne National Park. Here, you can book excursions to explore the park’s vibrant coral reefs, home to schools of tropical fish.

Getting around Miami

The Metrorail system covers most of Miami’s main neighbourhoods. Use the 90 Metrobus routes to reach the rest of the city. Buy an Easy Card at any train station and reload it via the Easy Card mobile app. Planning to explore outside the main districts? Consider hiring a car for maximum flexibility.

FAQs about Miami holidays

English is what you'll hear the most while you're here. Get familiar with a few local phrases during your city break in Miami and you'll fit in perfectly.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for payments while on your trip to Miami. Pay by card when it's convenient, but keep some cash with you for places that don't take cards.
Weather in Miami is pleasant year-round, with average high temperatures never dipping below 23°C. The American spring break season (March) and summer holidays (June to August) are quite busy in the city. April and May bring lighter crowds and lower prices on flights and hotels to Miami.
August is the warmest month in Miami, with temperatures reaching highs of 32ºC (90ºF).
Miami is generally safe for tourists. But you’ll still need to exercise normal safety precautions on holidays to Miami. Stay in crowded areas at night and seek advice from trusted locals when venturing off the beaten path.
With around 21 cm of rainfall, September is the wettest month. If you're going on your Miami holiday then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Enjoy a meal at one of the city's top dining spots, chill at a cosy cafe, or indulge in some retail therapy.
Take advantage of cheap holidays to Miami to see the city highlights in two or three days. Set aside four or five days to explore neighbourhoods like Little Havana, Wynwood and Coconut Grove, as well as go on road trips to attractions like Everglades National Park.
Plan your Miami holiday for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 13ºC (55ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Whether you splurge a little or save a lot, your travel style will partly determine the cost. When budgeting for your Miami flights and hotels, consider all the options, from flying business class or economy to booking simple or luxurious stays. The time of year also matters, with some seasons bringing better value for a city break in Miami.
Wynwood Walls and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are only a small taste of what's in store for you here. Look up all the things to do in Miami and discover why it's a trip worth taking.

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