By Caitlin Hornik
The beach, the heat, the food – Miami has it all and more! Sip cocktails on the famous South Beach before you shop downtown at Bayside Marketplace and then cap it off with fresh seafood or a Cuban-themed dinner. Miami’s culture is unique and exciting and you’ll feel that from the moment you arrive. So get ready to pack your bags and soak up some Miami sunshine!
What to Know
Miami is a cultural melting pot. You’ll find different languages, foods, types of music, and more! Keeping an open mind throughout your visit is key to understanding the city and all it has to offer. Learning a few key phrases in Spanish beforehand might be beneficial!
Miami was officially incorporated as a city in July 1896. At the time, the population was only around 300 people! Of course, that’s not the case anymore. Currently, Miami’s population sits at approximately 478,000 people.
Truth be told, Miami is a party city. You’ll find that people will be out and about until all hours of the night and into the early morning! And don’t be surprised if they’re glammed up -- There are dress codes enforced at many restaurants, bars, and clubs. Pack accordingly!
Another note on Miami? It’s definitely one of the more expensive places to visit in Florida. Budgeting ahead of time is a good idea to help you stay on track throughout your trip.
When to Go
There’s truly no bad time to visit the Sunshine State. Temperatures will be slightly cooler between November and March, and you’ll have more tourists who flock to Florida from up north during those winter months. Many will say that February through May is the best time to visit due to the lack of humidity and tapering crowd sizes.
Miami will reach peak heat between June & September, and hurricane season kicks into high gear shortly thereafter. But don’t let that discourage you, especially if you live for heat and humidity! The city is always ready to welcome tourists because of the consistently warm temperatures.
How to Get Around
It’s easy enough to get around Miami using rideshare services when needed and walking depending on proximity. But there’s also a public transit system! It takes a bit of maneuvering but might be worth looking into if you’re traveling to different parts of the city during your trip. Miami Trolley and Metromover are two cost-effective options, but only connect to certain parts of the city, excluding Miami Beach. The Metrobus is more expansive and also cost-effective, but be prepared to add extra time to your travel plan as traffic in Miami can get congested fairly quickly. If you’re renting a car or driving your own, know that parking is notoriously tricky and costly! Depending on where you’re staying and what you plan to see, walking is always a great option.
What to Eat
Miami has a heavy Latin American and Cuban influence due to its location. If you enjoy empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, and seafood, you’ll have no problem finding delicious food -- Only narrowing down your list of restaurants!
One Miami specialty to look out for is a Cuban sandwich called the frita. It’s a spicy hamburger made from beef (or sometimes chorizo). You shouldn’t have trouble finding it at lunch spots around the city.
Oh, and don’t forget to try some Cuban coffee during your stay, too!
What to See
Miami’s art scene isn’t traditional, but it’s totally worth checking out. You might not find traditional museums and galleries, but art is everywhere. From painted murals in Wynwood to art fairs and free exhibits throughout the city, creativity permeates the Miami air.
Miami is a major sports city. Depending on the timing of your visit, you could catch the Miami Marlins in the Spring/Summer, the Dolphins in the Fall, or the Miami Heat in the Winter! Miami is also home to the Florida Panthers hockey team. Be sure to check the schedules for each team before your trip!
And, of course, Miami Beach and South Beach are not-to-be-missed. South Beach is just one section of the larger Miami Beach. It’s famous for its art deco buildings, savvy restaurants and clubs, and, of course, the beautiful beaches. But if the South Beach scene isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other palm tree-lined beaches to suit your needs, including Ocean Terrace and Lummus Park.
Tips and Tricks
Pro tip: In the peak summer months, afternoon storms are common. Don’t fret -- They dont tend to last long! But it’s wise to have an umbrella on hand to be safe.
Another pro tip: If you make dining reservations, pay attention to the dress code requirements! The last thing you want is to be stuck outside of a fancy restaurant dressed in attire they deemed to be unacceptable.
Day Trips
Miami’s location provides ample opportunities for day trips. National parks lovers can saunter over to Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park. You could also experience the Florida Keys like Key West or Key Largo. Ambitious travelers could even take a high-speed ferry to the Bahamas! There are plenty of opportunities for adventure if you’re willing to seek them out.
