Miami Travel Guide
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As recently as 20 years ago, Miami was unfairly labeled as one giant retirement community, with harsh references to it like “God’s Waiting Room” or “Sun City East.” Fast forward to today, where the real Miami is leaps and bounds from this image of octogenarians lounging poolside. The old folks are now mingling with bikini models and world-renowned fashion designers, as Miami has become a definitive melting pot of cultures, with just over half the population of Hispanic heritage. The international viewpoint that lends to the city of Miami is rare in the USA, and provides the open-minded traveler with a distinct flavor of Latin American food, entertainment, and spirit.
It doesn’t get a whole lot further south in the US than Miami. This means hot is HOT, and winter is the peak season for visitors. During this time, the city is stretched at the seams by the amount of people wishing to escape their hometown’s brutal weather. There are some “in between months,” especially August to November, when there are also a wide range of festivals going on. If you’re making plans around any of these times for your Miami vacation, or looking for discount airfare to Miami, you should be diligent and very proactive in making reservations for travel and activities.
Miami is known for its boutique hotels, especially those in South Beach. While offering unparalleled design and amenities, the downside of many boutique hotels is the small size of the rooms, particularly those built during the height of the Art Deco period in Miami. Travelers valuing space may want to reconsider whether a boutique hotel is the right type of hotel for their Miami vacation. There are several upscale high-rise hotels in the downtown district, with the InterContinental Miami and the Four Seasons at the top of the list. Miami also has its share of less costly chain hotels for those who value both space and money. Don’t forget that peak season is around November to April because of the lower temperatures, and practically requires that you book months in advance. On a final note, Miami hotels have a 12.5% room tax and some (especially boutiques) may add a 15% service charge based on booking directly through the hotel or which indirect agent/website you use.
Miami’s hedonistic beaches are the main image conjured up at first thought of the city. While the beaches are admittedly as gorgeous as its scantily-clad inhabitants, with a little digging you’ll find some truly impressive art, including fodder for architecture buffs and amateurs alike. There are also festivals abound, which should come as no surprise since Miami has a widespread party reputation. The largest festival is the Carnaval Miami, spanning over nine days at the beginning of March, which features a Miss Carnaval pageant, nighttime concerts at the Orange Bowl, skating contests, cooking contests, and even a Latin drag show. Fashion and shopping are an essential part of the Miami experience, and can be found almost anywhere you look. Well beyond the standard “mall culture” is a trendy selection of boutiques, books, art, and of course, cigars.
Miami has an elaborate public bus system that covers all of Dade County and connects to the Greater Fort Lauderdale bus system. However, because of high local traffic, buses tend to have a harder time remaining on schedule and are probably best incorporated into a loose itinerary. There is also an elevated rail system, the Metrorail, which serves Miami and surrounding areas. Although not very expansive, it does extend through many areas of tourist interest, including downtown, Dadeland Mall, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and many other nearby shopping areas. Overall, if you plan on staying anywhere other than downtown, you’ll find a car to be exceedingly convenient in Miami, and cheap compared to other major US cities.