Getting Around Miami - How to Get Around Miami for Tourists

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.

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
Miami

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!

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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

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.

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Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do Alone in Miami

In many ways, Miami is the perfect solo city. With its pristine beaches, fantastic cultural attractions and world-famous nightlife, the Magic City boasts no shortage of great things to do. And luckily for us, pretty much anything you want to do in the city can be done alone – it's just up to you to pick your favorite. If you’re an outdoorsy type, head over to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to experience the true beauty of Florida. Or, if you want to inject a bit of education into your travel experience, check out the Rubell museum. And of course, no Miami vacation would be complete without a trip to the beach – we like South Beach for its energetic atmosphere. So you see, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a creative type, or a seaside lover, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Looking for the best things to do alone in Miami? Have a read though our list! See the Sites If you’re into architecture, you might just enjoy the next item on our list. Located in the scenic Coconut Grove area of the city, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a historic villa and estate well worth the visit. The magnificent structure was built in Mediterranean Revival style to resonate with the tropical climate. Though this beautiful spot once served as a private home to businessman James Deering, it is thankfully now open to the public for viewing. A feast for the eyes and excellently preserved, the museum features much of the original art and furniture from Deering’s private collection. Visitors will no doubt also enjoy ambling through the meticulously maintained extensive formal gardens, as well as the native woodland which surrounds the estate. A thoroughly unique experience, we love this spot for offering a glimpse into the life of luxury in a different time. With the city‘s perennial wonderful weather and clear blue skies, it’s only right to check out some of the local outdoor exhibits. A quintessential Miami mainstay and historical feature of the city, Coral Castle has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. In 1923, Edward Leedskalnin first began creating Coral Castle in secret following a difficult breakup with his fiancé. Since the structure is made of over 1, 000 tons of sedimentary rock in a time when no modern construction advances were available, this unusual attraction brings up many questions. To this very day, the site has many scientists, engineers and philosophers questioning the artist’s method of construction. The attraction was a spectacular success, and has been drawing in visitors from near and far ever since out of sheer curiosity. A thoroughly unique experience, this place is perfect for those who are craving something a little different. Soak Up the Sun A Miami vacation just wouldn’t be a Miami vacation without hitting the beach – are we right? Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or go for a dip, we recommend South Beach - almost for its beautiful scenery alone. Standing out from a lot of other beaches in the area, this spot is known for its pristine, palm-fringed shores and turquoise waters. Because of its inherent beauty, this spot is often used as a backdrop for modelling shoots, and many popular TV shows - walking down the beach, you might even catch some in action! For those who are looking to kick back and relax, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent upon arrival. You’ll also find that there are many activities at the beach, including surfing, paddleboarding, longboarding, and sailing. We suggest staying until the evening time, since the surrounding area has a lot of great bars and restaurants to be enjoyed. For those who want to take refuge in the beauty of the natural world, there’s no better place than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Accountant Robert H. Montgomery first established this garden in 1936, naming it after his friend, renowned botanist and plant collector David Fairchild. Today, the park stretches over 83 acres, and still houses many of Fairchild’s tropical plant collection which was brought back from his travels. Think magnificent centuries-old oak trees, wild romantic trailing vines, and colorful flora of all kinds. The garden is also home to the largest palm collection in America, and the biggest tropical bamboo repository in the world, with over 125 species. Walking through the park, visitors will also enjoy viewing the wide variety of wildlife which thrives there. A tranquil urban oasis, this space is perfect for getting some fresh air and taking a little time for yourself. Get Creative There are some things that are certain in life, and Miami weather is one of them. If you’re looking to beat the heat, there’s no better option than checking out one of the city’s incredible cultural amenities. We particularly love the Rubell Museum for its impressive collection of contemporary art. In fact, its repository is the largest of its kind in North America. The institute houses many recognizable names, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, and Cindy Sherman. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroee, 1967 and Damien Hirst’s Dance Naked, 1997. We recommend setting at least a couple of hours aside for this, so that you can truly take in the masterpieces here. No doubt one of the best museums in the city, this place works to provide a fantastic visual experience to remember. Another one of our favorite solo spots in the city is Wynwood Walls. Situated in the trendy Wynwood Art District, this fantastic outdoor art museum works to spotlight some of the best working urban artists today. Covering over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is one of the largest open-art installations in the world. Visitors can expect to see everything from bold tagging pieces and stencils to wheat paste posters and ceramic tile works. The murals change constantly, but some names you might recognize include Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink, and Miss Van. We recommend sticking around to explore the surrounding area, where you’ll find quaint cafes, unique stores and of course, tons more galleries! A great stop for all artsy types, we love this space for bringing something new to the table. Miami is a mecca for millions of tourists per year – many of whom tackle the city solo! 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
Explore Miami with Go City
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Miami 4th of July Weekend

Visiting sunny Miami during this 4th of July holiday season? If so, you’ll likely be in search of some top local activities, events, and things to do to help celebrate the occasion.
Katie Sagal
Things to Do in Miami in the Morning
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Things to do in Miami in the Morning

Early birds, rejoice! Your time is now. No longer will you be shunned for waking up at the crack of dawn and going out into the world full of verve and splendor. You're built different, and that's cause for celebration. Thankfully, if you're visiting Miami this year, there are a ton of things to do before the clock strikes 12. This guide is all about the best things to do in Miami in the morning so you can make the most of your awakeness. So leave the losers to sleep in and get out there! Below, we'll discuss: Beautiful sunrises A hearty breakfast Big bus tours Exhilarating snorkeling trips and much more! What time is morning rush hour in Miami? If you want to beat the worst of the traffic, you'll need to know when Miami's rush hour is. Typically, that's between 7AM and 9AM, so avoid the roads around then if possible. Major highways suck around then, so stay away like the plague. Thankfully, most of our recommendations take place after the dreaded rush, so we've got you covered! Alternatively, if you can get to any of them by foot, happy days! When is the sunrise in Miami? No morning in Miami is complete without experiencing its legendary sunrise. Head to South Pointe Park or Miami Beach early to watch the sky come alive with oranges, pinks, and golds. A synth wave album cover comes to life; nothing quite compares. Phone cameras at the ready, people. This is no drill. It's synth wave. Sorry. Breakfast of champions If you ever considered starting your morning without a hearty breakfast, how dare you...close the door on your way out. Okay, now they're gone, let's talk about the best breakfast spots in the city! Right, now that you're full of energy, let's explore the best things to do in Miami in the morning! And those were the best things to do in Miami in the morning! Of course, those were just some of the best Miami attractions on offer. If you want to fill out your itinerary beyond the morning, check out Go City. With a Miami pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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