Miami rewards a little planning. The city is spread out, the weather has two very different seasons, and where you stay decides how you get around. This page gathers the practical Miami travel information most first-time visitors look for, with links to our detailed guides.
Details were checked against official sources in October 2026.
Getting here
Airports
- Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main airport, about 9 miles from PortMiami and downtown. A free train, the MIA Mover, links the terminal to Metrorail, Tri-Rail, buses and the Rental Car Center.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is about 27 miles north of PortMiami. Fares are sometimes lower, but allow about an hour to reach Miami by car.
Private and charter flights often use Opa-locka Executive Airport, about 7 miles north of MIA.
Trains
Amtrak serves Miami from the north. Brightline runs fast trains between Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and MiamiCentral station downtown.
Cruises
PortMiami sits on an island beside downtown. If you are sailing, read how to get to PortMiami from MIA and FLL.
When to visit
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry season | December to April | Warm, sunny and less humid. The busiest and most expensive time. |
| Shoulder months | May and November | Warm, with fewer crowds and better prices. |
| Wet season | June to October | Hot and humid, with short, heavy afternoon storms. Lower hotel rates. |
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Most trips in those months go ahead without trouble, but book flexible rates, consider travel insurance and watch forecasts from the National Hurricane Center in the week before you fly.
Where to stay
- South Beach. Beach, Art Deco hotels, restaurants and nightlife, all walkable. Parking is scarce and expensive.
- Mid-Beach and North Beach. Quieter stretches of Miami Beach with larger resorts and more space.
- Downtown and Brickell. High-rise hotels, the bayfront, the arena and museums, with the free Metromover at the door. A short ride from the cruise port.
- Wynwood and Midtown. Street art, galleries, breweries and restaurants.
- Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Leafy, relaxed neighborhoods south of downtown, both on the Metrorail line.
Miami Beach and Miami are separate cities, joined by causeways across Biscayne Bay. Getting between them takes 15 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Getting around
You can cover downtown, Brickell and South Beach without a car. For the Everglades, the Keys and the suburbs you will want one.
- Transit: Public transportation in Miami and the free trolleys
- Everything else: Miami transportation services, from taxis to bikes
- Renting: What to know about renting a car and how to save money on it
- Driving: 7 fast facts about driving in Miami and how rental car tolls work
- Parking: Miami Beach parking guide
Money
- Sales tax is 7 percent in Miami-Dade County, added at the register.
- Hotels add taxes on top of the room rate, and many charge a daily resort fee. Check the total before you book.
- Tipping is expected: around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, 15 to 20 percent for taxis, and a few dollars for valets and housekeeping.
- Check the bill before you tip. Many restaurants, especially in Miami Beach, add a service charge automatically.
- Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, including on Metrorail and buses.
Language
English and Spanish are both used everywhere, and you will hear Haitian Creole and Portuguese as well. Most hotels, restaurants and attractions have staff who speak both English and Spanish.
Beach basics
Miami Beach enforces its beach rules. The city prohibits:
- Alcohol in public, including on the sand
- Glass containers
- Smoking on beaches and in parks
- Coolers, tents, tables and inflatable devices
- Styrofoam, plastic straws and balloons
- Loud music
The full list is on the city’s visitor rules page. Swim near a lifeguard tower and check the warning flags. Rip currents are the main hazard, and the flags tell you when the water is rough.
Sun, heat and storms
- The sun is strong all year. Use sunscreen and drink water, even on cloudy days.
- In summer, plan outdoor time for the morning. Storms usually arrive in the afternoon and pass quickly.
- Lightning is common in summer storms. Leave the beach or pool when you hear thunder.
- Streets in low areas can flood during heavy rain and seasonal high tides. Do not drive through standing water.
Staying safe
Miami is a major city and ordinary city sense applies. Keep valuables out of sight in a parked car, watch your phone and bag on the beach and in nightlife areas, and use official taxi stands or a ride app at the airport. In an emergency, call 911.
Useful official links
- Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau for events and attractions
- Miami International Airport
- Miami-Dade Transit
- FL511 for live traffic
- National Hurricane Center
For trip ideas, the Miami pages from Frommer’s, Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor are good starting points, and our own Miami: Explore the Magic City covers the main sights.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Miami?
For weather, December through April. For lower prices with good weather, try May or November.
Do I need a car in Miami?
Not if you are staying in South Beach, downtown or Brickell. Rent one for day trips to the Everglades or the Keys.
Which airport is better for Miami, MIA or FLL?
MIA is much closer to Miami and Miami Beach. FLL can be cheaper to fly into, but it is about an hour away by car.
Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Miami Beach?
No. Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Miami Beach, and that includes the beach.
The bottom line
Pick your neighborhood first, because it decides whether you need a car. Come between December and April for the best weather, or in the shoulder months for value, and read the bill before you tip.
Details were checked against Miami-Dade County, City of Miami Beach and airport sources in October 2026. Prices and rules change, so confirm before you travel.