Travel Guide
Miami Beach
Pastel-colored Art Deco buildings, white sandy beaches that stretch miles long and warm temperatures when the rest of the U.S. is freezing.
These are just a handful of the perks of visiting Miami Beach, so it’s no surprise so many people love coming here.
My Experience in Miami Beach
I spent three years living on Miami Beach when I first moved to Florida back in 2017, and even though it was super touristy, I have zero regrets.
It was a vibrant home base during my early 20s, and as a recent college grad fresh from 20-some years living in West Virginia and Ohio, I couldn’t get enough.
I loved taking early-morning walks on the gorgeous Boardwalk before work, and being a short trolley ride away from famous architecture, museums and beachfronts meant I was always outside enjoying what the city had to offer.
Miami Beach (and South Beach, in particular) is one of the most popular places to visit in South Florida, which means it gets super crowded here throughout the year — especially during busy seasons like Spring Break and the winter holidays — but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this famous city on Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
Whether you’re craving a quiet vacation with easy ocean access or a nonstop adventure in one of Florida’s busiest beachside towns, there are plenty of reasons to plan a vacation to Miami Beach.
I loved taking early-morning walks on the gorgeous Boardwalk before work, and being a short trolley ride away from famous architecture, museums and beachfronts meant I was always outside enjoying what the city had to offer.
When is the best time to visit Miami Beach?
One of the great things about visiting Miami Beach is that the weather is always pretty warm — even in the winter. But that doesn’t mean all seasons are treated equally when it comes to planning your trip.
In general, the best time to visit Miami Beach is in the shoulder seasons, which, in South Florida, means spring and fall. Specifically, I always recommend visiting in late February-early March and October because you avoid:
- Unbearably hot Florida summers (June-August).
- Crowded snowbird season (November-January).
- Hurricane season (June-September)
- Spring break crowds (March-April).
And to top it off, the weather in spring and fall is usually the most tolerable. In my opinion, it’s the best time to get that legendary Florida sunshine without the oppressive heat (or massive crowds) that usually comes with it.
Where to Stay in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is divided into three distinct areas: North, Mid and South Beach. While South Beach is the most popular for travelers — though Miami Beach as a whole is usually pricier to stay in than Miami.
Since I’m a Miami resident, I don’t often stay in hotels down here. However, the recommendations you’ll find below are based on my experience as a local — whether through word-of-mouth reviews or research.
North Beach
I spent three years living in North Beach (NOBE) and absolutely loved it. Even though the area is changing a lot, it’s still a true local’s neighborhood, which is great if you’re looking for a quieter home base for your Miami Beach getaway.
Fair warning, though: There aren’t too many hotels here compared to South Beach, and a lot of the ones that are here have always seemed kind of sketchy to me. These ones check out though:
- The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a super luxe hotel right on the sand. And unlike a lot of places in Miami Beach, it’s somewhere locals actually go to take advantage of their day spa packages. They have fitness classes, four pools and a sauna — not to mention plenty of ocean view rooms. This is definitely a great place to stay if you want to treat yourself on a solo vacation in Miami Beach and splurge on a relaxing trip.
- The Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort is cheaper than the Carillon and gives off more of a family-friendly vibe. This beachfront resort, like many in Miami Beach, comes with easy ocean access, a cute pool and the option to get a room with a balcony overlooking the Atlantic. This hotel is super close to where my apartment was, and it’s within walking distance to Allison Park.
Mid Beach
Mid Beach is the widest part of Miami Beach, and the farther west you head toward Alton Road, the more residential it gets. However, if you stay toward Collins Avenue in the east, you’re bound to find your share of luxury resorts and budget-friendly options.
- I walked into the lobby of Faena Hotel Miami Beach when I first moved to the city because I heard it was otherworldly beautiful, and it definitely was. The lobby looks like a palace, and the encased gold elephant out back is weird and whimsical — but in the best way. This is one of those places I personally would love to splurge on and stay at.
- Eden Roc Miami Beach is a family-friendly resort in the heart of Mid Beach. Like most other Miami Beach resorts, it’s ocean front and comes with pools, cabanas and palm trees. If I were planning a fun, upscale staycation with my godkids, this is where I would go.
- When I first moved to Florida and was trying to find an apartment to rent, I stayed at Freehand Miami. It’s technically a hostel, but it definitely gives “hotel” vibes — especially if you stay in a private room. It was a comfy, safe place to stay as a solo female traveler in Miami Beach, and I always recommend the Freehand as a budget-friendly hotel in the city.
South Beach
I feel like there are more hotels in South Beach than I could ever possibly review in a lifetime, and there are always new ones popping up. I don’t often visit (let alone stay on) South Beach, but these are some of the hotels I consistently hear good things about:
- Located near the famous Lummus Park, the goodtime hotel has a strong reputation for being fun and funky. One of its co-owners is Pharrell Williams, and it’s definitely on my list of places to visit next time I plan a solo staycation or girl’s trip in South Beach.
- The Betsy Hotel is beach-front and family-owned, two things I love to support when it comes to making travel plans. The rooms definitely give a homey vibe (in the best way), and the overall open, airy atmosphere make me want to stay here.
- The Setai is one of those hotels I look at with intrigue and wonder. The design is a mesmerizing blend of Eastern and Western styles, and the spa here consistently ranks as one of the best in the city. Without question, this hotel is super luxurious. Plus, it’s located near the Miami Beach Convention Center — not that I think I’d want to venture off property if I ever stayed here.
South Beach Travel Blogs
Planning a trip to South Beach? These blog posts can help.
Best Things to Do in Miami Beach
- Take in the Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive in South Beach on a walking tour.
- Bike the Miami Beach Boardwalk, which runs through North, South and Mid Beach.
- Spend an afternoon enjoying the sunshine in South Pointe Park.
- Shop, dine and hang out on Lincoln Road or Española Way.
- Have a picnic in North Beach Oceanside Park.
- Wander through The Bass Museum of Art.
- Head to the beach, of course.
Where to Eat in Miami Beach
- For family-friendly Argentine food and pizza, visit Manolo’s.
- For easy brunch al fresco, head to Front Porch Cafe.
- For tasty fried chicken kids will love, visit Yardbird.
- For coffee and coworking, go to Capital One Café.
- For straightforward Cuban food, try Havana 1957.
- For tasty Spanish-style paella, stop at Tapelia.
- For Chinese takeout, order from Beijing Cafe.
Getting Around Miami Beach
Miami proper has a reputation for being a car city — meaning it’s very difficult to get around without a car.
But thankfully, that’s not a problem in Miami Beach.
I spent my years living on Miami Beach without a car, and it really didn’t impact the quality of my life at all. North, Mid and South Beach are all pretty compact, and they’re easy enough to navigate on foot, by city bus or with a bike.
However, my favorite way to get around Miami Beach is with the free trolley system.
These blue vehicles have designated neighborhood loops (with a few different ones running in South Beach alone), and there’s even a Collins Express that’ll take you from North Beach down to South Beach.
I practically lived on this trolley during the months when I stayed in North Beach and took CELTA classes down on Alton Road in South Beach. And a few months later when I taught ESL on 5th Street, I would hop on the trolley every morning and afternoon for a free commute. This is easily one of the most budget-friendly was to get around Miami.
Miami Beach Travel Blogs
Want more tips to help you plan your Miami Beach vacation? Check out these blog posts to help you plan your trip.
