Ultimate Guide To Miami (Updated 2026)
Miami is home to gorgeous white sand beaches, an amazing art scene, a cool Latin Influence, and top notch restaurants. Situated on the southeastern tip of Florida, Miami is an fabulous city for a USA vacation - whether you are looking to lay by the beach, enjoy the nightlife, or learn more about Latin culture, Miami has got you covered. Read on to discover the ultimate guide to Miami.
I visit Miami almost every year and each time I uncover a new neighborhood or thing to do, so this post is constantly being updated. Read on to discover the captivating city of Miami, Florida.
This post may contain affiliate links - if you purchase a tour or hotel via Daisies Abroad we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
About Miami
Safety - Overall Miami is a safe city. However, any city is going to have some crime. Avoid Overtown, Liberty City, and North Coconut Grove while in Miami. Be sure to take normal precautions as well (avoid walking alone at night, beware of pickpockets.)
History - Miami was founded in 1896 and was most well known for being a major international port. Today Miami's economy thrives on tourism, the arts, universities, and large corporations relocating to the city.
Where To Stay in Miami
The best neighborhoods to stay in Miami are Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Brickell, and Key Biscayne. Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are the safest areas in Miami, although they are farther from the beach. (If you are looking for a place to stay in Coral Gables make sure its on or near Miracle Mile) They also both have really fun downtowns to explore. Key Biscayne is by the beach and also has a nice downtown, but it is not as walkable as Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.
$$$$ Biltmore The Biltmore is a luxury hotel situated in Coral Gables. The impressive Biltmore Hotel is home to 10 tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, spacious rooms, a bar and more.
$$$$ Ritz Carlton - The Ritz Carlton at Key Biscayne is the best hotel in Miami for a beach vacation. At the Ritz at Key Biscayne you will find 11 tennis courts, two pools, a bar, a gym, a private beach area, and more.
$$$ Mayfair - Located in the fun and funky Coconut Grove is the Mayfair Hotel. At The Mayfair Hotel you will be met with two fabulous restaurants, spacious rooms, a pool, a gym, and more.
$$ Thesis - Right next to U Miami. Not in the best area to walk around (next to a busy road), but perfect if you are visiting the U Miami.
$ citizenM Miami Worldcenter - Located in Brickell, the citizenM hotel in Miami is affordable and offers fabulous accomodations for an affordable price.
🛎️Read Next - Best Hotels In Coral Gables, Miami
What To Do In Miami
Explore Wynwood
Wynwood is Miami's art district. General admission to the Wynwood Walls is $10, totally worth it. Artists from all over the world come to Wynnwood to do their graffiti art on the walls.
Some notable artists whose work is currently on the walls are Add Fuel, Aiko, Ashop Crew, AvaF, Liqen, Okuda San Miguel, and more.
Wynnwood is lined with amazing restaurants and unique shops. Some great food options in Wynwood is Wynwood Food Truck and KUSH.
You could spend at least half the day at Wynwood there is so much to do and see here. Just make sure you don't go on a super hot day because most of the activities are outside.
Visit Coral Gables
Coral Gables is a charming neighborhood in the southwest area of Miami. This stunning neighborhood reminds me much of Spain due to its Mediterranean architecture and laid back vibe. In Coral Gables you will find tons of unique shops, Cuban cafes, amazing restaurants, parks, and museums!
Some of my favorite restaurants in Coral Gables include Fratellino, Caffe Abbracci, and Seasons 52.
Read Next - The Best Guide To Coral Gables
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is another charming neighborhood in Miami. Coconut Grove is always bustling. The nightlife, restaurants and shopping in Coconut Grove are all top notch. If found that Coconut Grove is a bit newer whereas Coral Gables has more of that old money vibe.
Some of my favorite restaurants in Coconut Grove include Los Felix, Chug's Diner, and Midorie.
Staying In Coconut Grove VS Coral Gables
Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are very similar. The difference is that Coral Gables is better to stay in and Coconut Grove is better to visit. Coconut Grove has a very lively nightlife, many amazing restaurants and so many shops. You could spend hours in Coconut Grove. Whereas Coral Gables is much more quiet and is in a great location.
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is a toned down version of the near by South Beach. There are small shops and hotels in Key Biscayne along with white sand beaches and turquoise water. If you are looking for a relaxing and chill day on your trip to Miami, Key Biscayne is wonderful.
South Beach
Art deco, bright blue water, color everywhere, South Beach embodies Miami in a way like no other. While, sometimes, South Beach, also called Miami Beach, gets a tough name, it is truly beautiful and worth a visit. You can find little hidden gems throughout, like La Sandwicherie and Miami Beach Botanical Garden.
The Everglades
The Everglades is a national park in south Florida full of alligators and excotic wildlife. Only 40 minutes away from Miami, the Everglades is a perfect break from the city, especially if you are into nature and the outdoors
Some of the most popular things to do in the Everglades are fishing, bird watching, biking, camping and boating.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are known for its beautiful architecture and views of Biscayne Bay. You can enter Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for $18. Vizcaya was owned by a extremely wealthy businessman, James Deering, before the villa was made into one of the most popular tourist attractions in Miami.
Read Next - One Week Florida Road Trip
Little Havana
Named after Cuba's capital, Little Havana, is home to many immigrants from South America, The Caribbean, and Central America. It feels like you are stepping into another country in Little Havana. Some things to do in Little Havana are... Enjoy the outdoors at Little Havana's Domino Park, Admire art and listen to live music with a cocktail and a cigar at Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, Go to Ball and Chain for some live music and drinks.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside marketplace is an open air market with loads of shops and restaurants. If you are looking for something to eat, Black Market Bayside has really good seafood.
You can also go on a Bayride tour on a boat. There are party boats, dinner boats, sightseeing boats, fishing boats and even pirate boats at Bayside marketplace. Bayside marketplace could entertain you for about half a day.
The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden
A secret garden in the beautiful Coconut Grove neighborhood. Think lush palm trees, mercky Florida mangroves, waterfront views, peacocks, and rare tropical plants - The Kampong is a lovely little hidden gem in Miami certainly worth the visit.
Go On a Boat Tour
There are so many boat tours you can do in Miami. There are fishing tours, sunset cruises, snorkeling tours, speedboat tours, you name it Miami has it. Going on a boat tour is a great way to spend an extra day in Miami.
Historic Art Deco District
Located between 5th and 23th street on Miami Beach is the stretch of beautiful Art Deco buildings that date back to the 1920s. These colorful buildings offer a look into one of a kind architectural designs - think pastel colors, geometric curves and lines, and chic chrome details. This district showcases the bold, risk-taking, and unapologetically stylish side of Miami.
How To Get Around Miami
You can get around Miami without a car. Some public transportation options are the Metromover, Metrorail, Metrobus, Miami Trolly, water taxis and ubers. Renting a car is great too, if you don't want to deal with public transportation, just more expensive.
Staying in a more walkable neighborhood would be best. Then, if you want to go somewhere farther, public transportation is great and cheap. Some walkable neighborhoods are Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.
What To Do With Kids In Miami
There is so much to do with kids in Miami! These things are enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Kids would love the Miami Zoo. There is an underwater crawl-space that you can go in and see alligators up close swimming above you.
The Everglades is interesting to everyone. Go on an Everglade safari, you will see so many animals for the first time in the wild.
When To Visit Miami
You should go to Miami in the winter or spring months. The summer and fall in Florida are extremely hot and a bit uncomfortable. Fall and summer is also hurricane season in Florida. March is my favorite month in Florida because it is the perfect temperature and there is usually no seaweed in the water.
The Best Food In Miami
Best Coffee Shops In Miami
Navi Flowers - Set in Coconut Grove, Navi is a 'neighborhood' coffee shop and strives to be your home away from home. This small coffee shop is beautifully appointed and offers amazing lattes, teas, and baked goods.
Panther - With locations in Wynwood, Sunset Harbor, Coconut Grove, Mimo, and Little Haiti, Panther is a coffee company that specializes in small-batch roasting and handcrafted drinks.
Crema Gourmet - There are Crema's all over the place in Miami. This all day everyday breakfast joint is the perfect place to relax or work as each cafe is quite spacious.
Emissary - Originating in Washington D.C., Emissary is a boutique coffee shop located in Coconut Grove. The cafe offers a seasonal menu with only the freshest ingredients alongside delectable coffee!
Best Restaurants In Miami
Baires Grill - With locations all over Miami, Baires Grill is a lovely Argentinian Restaurant. There is something relaxed and unforced about this place - think greenery throughout, lounge seating, and dim lighting.
El Turco - Vibrant restaurant set in a beautiful indoor/outdoor concept building serving authentic Turkish food.
The Den at Azabu Miami Beach - Under the radar fine dining Japanese restaurant with Tokyo train chefs in Miami Beach.
Miami FAQs
How Did Miami Get Its Name?
Miami got its name from the Miami river. 'Miami' means big water.
What is Miami known for?
Miami is known for its Cuban influence. You will find Cuban coffee shops and stores everywhere, especially in Little Havana. Parts of Miami feel like you are in a different country. Of course Miami is also known for being the perfect spot for a vacation. With its gorgeous beaches and amazing restaurants Miami is hard to beat.
Ultimate Guide To Miami Wrap Up
Miami is truly an amazing city with such a cool and unique culture - a mix of Latin culture and old Florida. I hope that this Ultimate Guide to Miami helps you plan the best Miami trip ever! If you liked this post you will love our Guide to Coral Gables, Nantucket Itinerary, New England Road Trip, Bahamas on a Budget and The Best East Coast Road Trip.
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