Miami

Getting Around Miami - How to Get Around Miami for Tourists

Our 'how to' of the best ways to get around Miami and explore the city.
By Casey Makovich

Miami can seem like a maze for first-time visitors, but where there's a will, there's a way! We've put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around the city like a pro.

Heading to Miami? Here's our guide to the best ways to navigate the Gateway to the Americas.

Renting a car is recommended as it’s the most convenient option for getting around Miami beyond the downtown area unless you plan on staying in one area and relying on taxis to get around. There are also eight moveable drawbridges across the city and many toll roads to navigate. When in Miami-Dade County, public transportation is much more accessible and convenient. Let's go!

Planning to visit lots of Miami attractions?

Be sure to check out the Go City® Miami pass. The more you do, the more you save.

By car (recommended)

happy-people-having-fun-convertible-car

The easiest and most convenient way to get around Miami is by car, as many of the city’s top attractions are spread out and require multiple transfers on public transportation. Car rental companies can be found at the Miami International Airport and select locations throughout the city. The major routes going into Miami are I-395, S.R. 836, and I-95.

Avoid morning and evening rush hours and give yourself extra time for frequent drawbridge openings. Downtown, streets are divided into NE, NW, SE, and SW at the intersection of north-south Flagler Street and east-west Miami Avenue, where street numbers begin. Collins Avenue is the major thoroughfare in Miami Beach, traveling north-south along the barrier islands.

Miami intersection

Eastern Florida's major destinations are within easy reach of I-95 or the parallel U.S. 1. Sometimes called the Overseas Highway, U.S. 1 continues southwest through Homestead and the southern tip of the Everglades, and on to the Florida Keys. Addresses along the Keys are designated by mile markers (MM), with Key West at MM 0.

Keep in mind that there are many toll roads in Central and Southern Florida. We recommend using a SunPass, EZ-Pass, I-Pass (or similar) because the tolls can be quite expensive. It's also tough to only bring cash because as areas modernize, they often move towards electronic-only tolling. If you are renting a car, there are sometimes options to purchase an add-on EZ-Pass (for an additional cost, which can be high).

Public Transportation

two-cheerful-friends-young-woman-man

Public Transportation

Miami-Dade County's public transit system includes Metrobus, Metrorail is a 25-mile long elevated light rail system, and Metromover trams. The bus system extends 25 miles from Miami Beach in the east to West Miami-Dade and from the Middle Keys north to the southern reaches of Broward County. You can also reach Miami International Airport (MIA) via Metrorail For more information on fares and trip planner tools for Miami public transportation, check their website.

Miami Metrorail

Insider tip: Keep quarters on hand for parking meters if you want to try to avoid steep parking garages and valet parking fees. The South Florida Tri-Rail offers service to destinations along the coast connecting West Palm Beach to Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, including a stop at the Miami-Dade County Airport.

Walking & Biking

beautiful-senior-couple-walking-their-bike

Miami’s main attractions are too spread out to plan to walk everywhere but areas within Miami, such as South Beach, are very walker-friendly. Consider renting a bike for the day to bike along the boardwalks and beaches with packed sand. It's a fun way to explore the beautiful Miami coastline. Although biking in Miami is a fun activity, it’s not recommended as a main means of transportation. 

Insider tip: Be sure you lock up your bike whenever you’re not using it.

Taxis & Ride-share

Taxis are widely available throughout Miami. Many visitors (and locals) prefer taxis to public transportation. Taxis are easily found at popular tourist destinations and outside of popular nightclubs and hotels in the evening.

Taxis at Miami airport

Ride-share apps like Lyft and Uber are also popular options, with the flexibility to set pick-up points and pay via credit card. Just remember that you'll need to download the app in advance and create an account.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of Miami attractions including Duck Tours South Beach, Miami Children's Museum, Ft. Lauderdale Glass Bottom Boat, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

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Things to do in Design District Miami

With beautiful beaches, tropical weather and great journeys of the imagination, it's no wonder that Miami is an uber-popular destination for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Located just north of Downtown, the Miami Design District is a cutting-edge and creative neighborhood with a lot to be discovered. Though small, the area packs a punch with everything from trendy art galleries and luxury shopping destinations to enticing food halls and bars. Still not sure how to tackle the Miami Design District? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Have a read through our list of things to see and do in the area. However you choose to explore this unique area of Miami, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast! Get Creative Those looking for art and culture in Miami will not be disappointed with what the Design District has to offer. For a long time, the area has been a center of innovation and creative thought, drawing visitors in from both near and far. If you’re looking for a source of inspiration, perhaps the De La Cruz Collection would be right up your alley. This trendy attraction works to educate its visitors, with a focus on well-established current working artists. Those featured here are a result of reputation, research and exquisite work. Though the institute specializes in contemporary art, you’ll notice that there’s a wide variety of styles – from abstract and surrealist paintings to unique video work and installations, there truly is a lot to see here. We love this place because it’s refreshing and gives us a taste of what’s new in the art world. Some of the best trips include a day or two spent deep inside the halls of a museum. Luckily, perhaps no area more than any other presents more opportunity for fulfilling this very need other than the Design District. If you’re looking to view some first-class art within a beautiful space, there’s no better place to be than the Institute of Contemporary Art. The gallery’s impressive and thoughtfully considered repository works to showcase the recent history of modern art as well as new development within the community. Though the collection steers towards emerging artists, the institute’s permanent collection has works by Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein, and Roy Lichtenstein, among others. Whether you’re a modern art aficionado or a crafting geek, you’re sure to enjoy this wonderful bright space. Art galleries are chock-a-block in the Miami Design District, each offering something a little different. Founded in 1998 by ultra-cool duo COOPER and Elizabeth Withstandley, Locust Projects is a non-profit exhibition space for up-and-coming contemporary artists. Built into a bright renovated warehouse which screams cool, the site is a joy to visit and tends to attract the more creative crowd. Since the space encourages innovation and experimentation, you’ll find a wide variety of styles on display here. The staff is knowledgeable and approachable, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. We love this spot because it works to provide a great look into where the art scene is heading next. Eat and Drink in the Design District Aside from all of the great creative spaces which the Design District is perhaps best known for, the area boasts some seriously great food stops. In fact, there are so many great places that it would be difficult to list them all, but if you’re looking to sample a few different things, we recommend checking out some of its fantastic food halls. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, one of the area’s most renowned food halls has got to be St. Roch Market, a southern-style stop with all the flavor. Serving up a carefully cultivated mix of local food and beverage talent, this place is a sure winner. Another one of our top picks is MIA Market, known for its gourmet culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a tempting mix of cuisines from all across the globe. Whichever you choose to go with here, there’s seriously no going wrong! As if all of the fantastic cultural attractions weren’t enough, the Design District is also home to a great variety of places to wet your whistle. From cool, laidback hangouts to ritzy cocktail lounges, the area has much to offer no matter your style. If you’re looking for the ultimate upscale experience, we recommend Abaco Premium Wines for their scheduled tastings. Known for its impressive collection and knowledgeable staff, this place will make you feel like you’re sipping Pinot Noir in the Napa Valley. Whilst the drinks aren’t cheap here, the experience can’t be beaten. For those who are looking for something a little more laidback, we recommend Wood Tavern, a cozy all-American style bar which specializes in quality craft beers. The Design District comes to life after the sun goes down, so we recommend staying to check out some of the area’s fantastic watering holes, such as Sweet Liberty and Jaguar Sun. Learn Something New When travelling, it’s always a good idea to incorporate a little education into your vacation. For this reason, one of our favorite spots in the Design District is the award-winning Haitian Heritage Museum. Since its inception in 2004, the institute has worked to highlight and maintain the rich culture and background of the region internationally, nationally and locally. The institute is known for its carefully-curated and transcending exhibitions featuring everything from historic artefacts and documents to fantastic art and music. Walking around the place, you’ll no doubt be drawn in by everything that it has to show. Combining art, history and culture all under one roof, there’s a lot to see here. Since Little Haiti is nearby, we recommend taking some time to explore this beautiful and complex area of the city – trust us when we say that you won’t regret it for one minute! Forever fun and undoubtedly cool, the Design District is one of the best places in Miami to explore. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Miami
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Best Time to Visit Miami

All you need to know about when to visit the Florida fave.
Sarah Harris
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Things to do in Miami for Birthday

Happy birthday! Well, it might not be your birthday just yet, but it’s always good to be prepared, right? If you’re planning on travelling to the Magic City for your cake day and are having a little trouble coming up with some ideas, don’t worry – we've got you covered with a great list of things to see and do in the area. Well recognized for its sugar-sand beaches, great nightlife, and all of the glitz and glam, Miami is the perfect place for celebrating. From clear bottom kayaking and swimming with dolphins to drinks at South Beach, there’s a lot to do here for all types of travellers – all you have to do is pick your favorite! So grab a notepad and get ready to jot some things down. No matter how you choose to spend your special day, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Relax! For those who are looking to just kick back and relax on their birthday, we recommend the Venetian Pool. Standing out from all other aquatic attractions in the area, this refreshing tourist hotspot is well-recognized for its unique architecture and history. The pool first opened to the public in 1924, and has long served as a great respite from the Miami heat and humidity. To reflect and celebrate the local community, the attraction was designed in Mediterranean Revival style, utilizing a large amount of coral for ornamental features. Filled with around 820,000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this place is known as the largest freshwater pool in the continental United States. The spot is perfect for sunseekers, too, with a tranquil sunning area and bar to be enjoyed. Totally swoon-worthy and luxurious, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a hot day in the Sunshine State. If you’re the type who likes to take things slow on their birthday, why not try a hand at deep-sea fishing? Whether you’re a total novice at the sport or a seasoned angler, this is a great way to take in the wonderful natural attributes of the southeastern coastline. For the best experience, we recommend Therapy-IV. Set sail from Miami Beach in a luxurious yacht and spend the day with the company’s highly knowledgeable and friendly crew to guide you through the experience. This tried and true spot is known for landing some big game – you'll be reeling in mahi-mahi, sailfish, and even hammerhead sharks! Soak up the sun, crack open a frosty cold one, and enjoy those breathtaking ocean views. A great choice for all outdoorsy types, this one-of-a-kind experience is not to be missed. Find Fun Activities Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well, now you can! Bringing all of our childhood dreams to life, Dolphin World provides ultimate animal encounter adventures for those of all ages. Interact with the ocean’s friendliest and most intelligent creatures and learn more about them at the same time. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t fret – this place also has shallow pool experiences, where you can touch, train and play with the dolphins. Still, dolphins aren’t the only thing that there is to see here. Aside from the exciting dolphin packages, you can also hang out with seals, penguins, sea lions, and much more! In addition, you can do deep-sea scuba diving at this location to get up close with unique tropical fish, string rays and a wide variety of fascinating sea creatures. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a massive smile spread across your face. Miami is one of the dreamiest destinations in America, and a perfect place to spend your birthday. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the area provides a wide array of fun activities and day trips to choose from. For a delightful and scenic adventure to remember, why not try out clear bottom kayaking? Providing a new perspective on life under the sea, this unique excursion is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. On the tour, you’ll be able to see everything from colorful tropical fish and sea turtles to dolphins and manatees up close. This tour is great for kayakers of all skill levels since you’ll be accompanied by friendly and informative guides. We recommend that you bring water and lots of sunscreen along for the trip to stay comfortable. Exciting, captivating, and just a little bit different, we like this one because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Have a Blast! Another one of our favorite things to do in Miami for a birthday is a trip to South Beach. Well-recognized for its unparalleled natural beauty, this popular tourist hotspot is a fantastic place for spending your cake day. A quintessential Florida activity, a day at the seaside is great for those travelling in big groups because there’s a lot to see and do here – the best part is that the beach is really what you make of it. For those who like to relax, you can rent out lounge chairs and beach umbrellas upon arrival, and just kick back with a podcast under the sun. Still, if you're looking to get active, there are a wide variety of water sports to be enjoyed, including surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing and sailing. We suggest staying until after dark since the area is well known for its vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a pina colada at a swanky oceanfront cocktail bar, or explore the surrounding area’s fun dance clubs and karaoke bars. The world’s your oyster! Miami is one of the best places to celebrate your birthday. With a wonderful array of fun and exciting attractions and activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing what to do for your big day. Whether you’re looking to relax at the pool, kiss a dolphin on the nose, or have blast at one of South Beach’s many great bars, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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