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

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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

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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. 

Grab whichever Miami attraction pass suits you best, and save while you see it all!

Casey Makovich

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Miami Spring Break 2019 - Things to Do in February & March During Your Vacation

Miami is a fabulous spring break city. It’s on the top of every vacation list for many reasons, and you won't be surprised to hear that it's a popular destination among couples and groups of friends traveling during this spring vacation season. It's also a great family destination, with much to offer in the way of arts, culture, and outdoorsy fun. Check out our list of popular spring break attractions in Miami, including: Vizcaya Museum Biscayne Bay Cruise Zoo Miami Key West Day Trip and more! Many of the attractions listed here are included on the Go Miami® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top Miami attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Relax on Beaches City Tours A great idea for families visiting Miami is to take a tour of the city. It's the perfect opportunity to see more of the city than you'd be able to explore on your own without an expert guide, and it's a lot of fun, too. Choose a hop-on hop-off option for the most flexibility to choose your own attractions and make your own itinerary, or select a duck boat tour for an incredibly fun time that incorporates land and water explorations. Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami tickets and South Beach duck boat tickets are both included with the Go Miami® Card. Day Trip to Key West Art Deco Architecture Art Museums Cruises, Cruises, Cruises The Everglades Animal Parks Whether you’re an avid animal lover, or you just enjoy the sight of a few tropical fish now and again, Miami has something to keep you happy. Pay a visit to Zoo Miami and meet some of your favorite critters as they romp around spacious and modern enclosures. This zoo has a great deal of variety, housing creatures from across the globe. You'll get opportunities to feed selected animals, too. For those of you who prefer aquatic creatures to furry ones, then the Miami Seaquarium is an excellent option. Known for their rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the Miami Seaquarium joins conservation, education, and fun into one fantastic experience. Getting In: Admission to Zoo Miami and admission to the Miami Seaquarium are both included with the Go Miami® Card. The Miami Children's Museum If you're traveling with the whole family for your Spring Break trip, then you'll want to devote some time to something the kids are sure to love. That's where the Miami Children's Museum comes in -- a totally interactive environment that encourages learning through exploration and play. Come here to see the myriad of exhibits, activities, classes, and special programs that go on daily at this local mainstay. Getting In: Admission to the Miami Children's Museum is included with the Go Miami Card. Frost Museum of Science Enjoy Shopping & Parks Don't forget to leave some time to explore Bayside Marketplace, a fun little shopping and dining destination located right by your cruise pickup location. Have lunch or dinner here, and save some time for souvenir hunting. The nearby Bayfront Park also has a lot to explore, from the beautiful fountain to amphitheaters and open-air pavilions. There may be an event or two going on during your stay, so be sure to check it out for any outdoor concerts or plays! Save on Admission So there you have it – a fabulous list of suggested attractions that makes the most of all that Miami has to offer visitors during their Spring Break vacation. Whether you’re available for a long weekend or for more time, we’re sure you’ll find something to love about sunny South Beach.
Katie Sagal
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Things to Do in Miami for Adults

South Beach Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends
Katie Sagal
Blog

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

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