Miami, FL, is a popular southern hub for eclectic food, exciting nightlife, and a one-of-a-kind coastal culture unique to South Florida.

Miami, Florida, Visitors Guide

Q: Is Miami safe for tourists?

Miami is considered a safe city for travelers. Like most crowded, metropolitan areas, the biggest concern is pickpocketing and other petty theft. For the safest travel, take extra care when visiting the areas of Overtown, Model City, Downtown Miami, and Little Haiti.

Q: Is it expensive to visit Miami?

Miami can be an expensive city to visit, but it depends on your itinerary. The average lodging, food, and drink price is slightly higher than other US cities ($8.97 avg price per beer according to MiamiNewTimes.com). On the other hand, tours and activities are very affordable. Popular activities including bike rentals, boat rentals, sightseeing cruises, and attraction tickets are comparable to other Florida beach destinations like Tampa, St. Pete, Destin, and Panama City Beach.

Q: Are Miami beaches free to visit?

All Miami-Dade County public beaches are free to visit. Like most public beaches in Florida, pets are not allowed and the use of glass is prohibited. The only fee may come with parking, so be sure to bring along cash or card.

Q: Why is Miami, FL, popular?

Miami is an eclectic city with a lifestyle all-its-own. Miami is perhaps most well-known for the Art Deco architecture of South Beach, year-round beautiful weather, and Latin-American cuisine and culture. Most visitors to Miami come for the beaches, food, art, nightlife, and watersport excursions.

Q: What is the best time to visit Miami, FL?

With scorching heat and thick crowds in the spring and summer, many travel enthusiasts consider October through February the best time to visit Miami, FL. October marks the end of the rainy season (May through September), and the city offers plenty of incredible events to celebrate fall and winter holidays.

Miami, known as Biscayne Bay Country in its early years, is the sixth largest city in the United States. Nestled between Fort Lauderdale, the Atlantic Ocean, and The Everglades National Park, Miami, Florida, has something to offer every kind of traveler. With watersports,[family-friendly attractions](https://www.tripshock.com/attractions/Miami/ "family-friendly attractions"), and a nightlife scene ranked among the best in the world, the city of Miami caters to children and adults alike!

From Little Havana to South Beach to the Wynwood Walls, Miami is a mecca of arts, culture, and design. With world-class beaches that are bustling all year long, and Key West only a short drive away, it’s no surprise that Miami is a must-see for people from around the world.

Geography

Miami is located between the Everglades and Biscayne Bay. The city sits mostly on Biscayne Bay, encompassing hundreds of natural and artificial barrier islands. Major highways that run through Miami include I-95, Airport Expressway, State Road 836, Florida’s Turnpike, Don Shula Expressway, and Snapper Creek Expressway. Miami is 36 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, 1.5 hours from West Palm Beach, and 4.5 hours from Daytona Beach.

Neighborhoods

Downtown Miami is a hub for entertainment, culture and sports. It features a variety of shopping areas and event venues, as well as cultural attractions, live music, and notable sporting events.
Brickell is home to an assortment of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It’s also home to [Millionaire's Row](https://www.tripshock.com/Millionaire-s-Row-Miami-Sightseeing-Cruise/details/3312/ "Millionaire's Row") and some of the iconic skyscrapers in Miami.
Coral Way is a historic neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets and architecture dating back to the early 20th century. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.

Top Places to Visit

South Beach

South Beach is full of action, and it’s one of the top beaches in Florida. It’s a great place to soak up some rays and take a swim. Many events and festivals are also held here.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park covers 1.5 million acres and is home to a variety of wildlife including alligators, birds, and snakes. You will find boardwalks and walking trails for viewing wildlife. One of the most popular ways to get the full experience is [on an airboat tour](https://www.tripshock.com/attractions/Miami/Airboat-Tours/ "on an airboat tour").

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is one of the largest green spaces in Miami, FL. It's home to several unique sculptures and monuments including the Challenger Memorial, which commemorates the crew of the Challenger spacecraft.

Climate

Miami has a tropical monsoon climate that includes hot, rainy summers and warm, dry winters. It's best to visit between November and April to get optimal weather conditions.