Miami.

By Air Most visitors fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), which offers nonstop flights from across the United States and internationally. Another great option is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), located about 30 to 45 minutes north of Miami. Depending on your flights and where you’re staying, flying into Fort Lauderdale can sometimes save you money and it’s way less busy of an airport.

By car: If you’re already visiting another part of Florida, Miami is an easy road trip destination. I always drive from Central Florida, which gives me the flexibility to explore neighborhoods like Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and Little Havana at my own pace. Just keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour, and parking can be very expensive in popular areas like South Beach.

By train: Brightline is one of the easiest ways to travel between Orlando and south Florida. It connects Miami with Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and other stations along Florida’s east coast. If you don’t want to deal with traffic, it’s a comfortable and convenient option. Amtrak is also an option, but my recommendation is to stick with Brightline as Amtrak takes much longer and usually costs the same or more.

From the airport: Rideshares, taxis, and public transportation are all good options for the main Miami areas. Rental cars offer the most flexibility if you plan to explore outside Miami or take day trips. However, I’d recommend rideshares and public transport to avoid parking headaches and cost.

Budget tip: Compare flights into both Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Even after factoring in transportation to your hotel, flying into Fort Lauderdale can sometimes be significantly cheaper and as a bonus, it’s less hectic.

Book accommodations early: South Beach and popular neighborhoods fill up fast, especially December through March when snowbirds and winter travelers drive prices up significantly. Even shoulder season books quickly for well-reviewed properties, so don’t leave it late.

Travel insurance – Worth considering depending on your situation and how far you’re traveling. It can offer extra peace of mind, especially for international visitors or longer trips.

What to pack:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Hat and sunglasses
• A light layer for heavily air-conditioned restaurants and shops
• Comfortable walking shoes for neighborhoods like Wynwood and Little Havana
• Swimsuit and beach attire
• Nice clothes for dinner: Miami dresses up, especially in South Beach and some places have a dress code

See my complete Florida packing guide for seasonal advice from a local.

Getting around: Rideshares work well if you’re staying centrally and don’t want to deal with parking. A car is helpful for day trips to the Everglades, Key Largo, or Fort Lauderdale, but it’s not necessary for South Beach, Wynwood, or downtown areas. Parking in South Beach is expensive, so budget for it or avoid it entirely.

Tipping: Standard U.S. tipping applies. 18-20% is the norm for restaurants, and a few dollars for rideshare drivers and hotel staff is appreciated. Some restaurants will automatically add the tip, so check before leaving extra!

Credit cards & cash: Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Miami. Keep a little cash on hand for smaller spots, street vendors, or Cuban coffee windows.

Language: English is the main language, but don’t be surprised to encounter Spanish only speaking people in some areas.

Solo travel: While I haven’t been in South Florida completely solo, I have explored Miami alone. I felt safe in all the main tourist areas, but use common sense and stay sober no matter where you travel solo.

WiFi: Widely available at hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Download offline maps before heading out, especially if you’re driving to the Everglades or Keys where service can get spotty.