Taking a vacation to sunny South Beach, but unsure about how to spend your time? While there are tons of great attractions to keep the whole family busy, there are also a number of Miami tourist traps you may want to avoid. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the most commonly identified problems that tourists often encounter in Miami and some advice on what to do instead.
Overpriced Food & Drink
South Beach restaurants
Sometimes this is a given on vacation, especially when you’re talking about a major urban center like Miami. That said, some neighborhoods are going to always be pricier than others, as they cater to a certain crowd. If you’re looking for the premier experience, then South Beach is the destination for you. However, if you want something a little more affordable, stick to Miami Beach instead. You’ll find top quality restaurants for more reasonable prices.
Expensive Beach Spaces
South Beach in Miami
Everyone who comes to Miami wants at least a little time on the famous beaches. After all, Will Smith’s iconic ode to the city praises their legendary party status! Unfortunately, not all beaches are created equal. Many beaches require a hefty minimum deposit to reserve space, or a minimum on food and beverage purchases just to be on the beach! Fortunately, there are plenty of beaches that require only a small fee for admission and allow you to park your blanket wherever you can find space. We recommend North Beach as an affordable and family-friendly destination.
Low-Quality Tours
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Miami Harbor at night
Tours are a great way to get a real feel for Miami, especially since much of its cultural real estate is pretty spread out. However, not all tours are created equal. You’ll find some that are high cost, low value. We recommend a tour like Big Bus Miami, which includes a
hop-on/hop-off pass, allowing you to make the most of your explorations without the hassle of driving. If you’d prefer to
see Miami by water, then check out the Miami Water Taxi! (Better yet, bundle the two with a
Build Your Own Go Miami Card and save 20% off admission tickets) So when you’re planning your next trip to South Beach, pick out a few top Miami attractions while avoiding these common tourist pitfalls. To save even more time and money, pick up an all-inclusive Go Miami Card to save up to 55% on attraction tickets. That way, you can eat, drink, and sightsee to your heart’s content, worry-free! Happy Exploring!