Where to Stay in Miami

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024

Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida is famed for its beautiful beaches and clear blue skies. The Sunshine State draws in over 20 million visitors each year – and with good reason! And while Miami is proud of its wonderful natural attributes, there’s a lot more to see here than just the city’s wonderful beaches. No, really – we mean it. For those who like to be in the center of everything, South Beach is a great choice. If you’re a creative type, we recommend Wynwood. Or, if you’re looking for something a little quieter, Coconut Grove really hits the spot. Remember, there’s no one perfect area – rather, one that is best suited to your travel needs. Still not certain about where you’d like to stay in Miami? Don’t worry, we’re got you covered! Have a read through our list of some of the most popular places that people like to stay in when travelling in Miami. However you choose to enjoy your trip, we’re sure it’ll be great!

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South Beach

When most people picture Miami, the paradisial image of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters springs to mind. Most people ain’t wrong. Thankfully, the city’s major tourist hub South Beach offers the chance to stay close up to the beach with the added bonus of being in the center of all of the action. Vibrant and buzzing with life, this area is great for those who like to be entertained. Streets are flanked with beautiful art-deco buildings, indie boutiques and sandal-friendly cafes – so you know that there’s no shortage of things to do here. Come nightfall, the area comes to life with celebrity chef dining options, beachside cocktail bars, and nightclubs. Whilst the area can get a little crowded, it’s one of the most fun places in Miami to stay in. South Beach can also be a little more expensive than other areas of Miami, especially during the summer months when the city becomes especially crowded. Still, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach. If you do plan to stay here, we suggest booking far in advance.

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Little Havana

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Miami presents no shortage of places to rest your head, each as wonderful as the next. If you're looking for a fun and cost-effective area to stay in, Little Havana just might be the answer. Located just west of downtown, this place is a center of social, cultural and political activity in Miami. Little Havana is currently the best-known Cuban exile neighborhood in the world, and is characterized by its vibrant community, historical landmarks and great food. In addition, the district is known for its historic bungalows, Mission Revival blocks and oolitic limestone facades, all of which are protected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Teeming with culture and full of life, this area when it comes to staying in Miami without breaking the bank. Plus, the food is to die for – hey, what more would we ask for, right?

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Downtown

Miami is perhaps best-known for its pristine white-sand beaches, though visitors will also find a whole host of other great things to appreciate from fascinating historic sites to delicious eats and beyond. If you’re looking to experience the Magic City from a whole other perspective, we recommend staying Downtown. Though Downtown is recognized as the historic heart of the city, this area has experienced something of a renaissance; walking through the streets, you’ll find an eclectic mix of modern high-rises and fascinating landmarks. Stay here, and you’ll be within minutes of a lot of popular visitor attractions, including the Pérez Art Museum, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and HistoryMiami Museum. In addition, the area grants spectacular views of the picturesque Biscayne Bay. Another plus side of staying downtown is that the area is well-recognized for its abundance of fun dive bars, cocktail lounges and mega-clubs. With so much to see, do and experience, those who stay here will be spoilt for choice!

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Coconut Grove

Another one of our favorite places to stay in Miami has got to be Coconut Grove. A tranquil oasis set just south of downtown, this spot delivers on every level. Known colloquially as The Grove by locals, this is the oldest continuously-inhabited neighborhood in the city. Brimming with history and culture, Coconut Grove has much to offer for those who like to incorporate a little education into their holiday experience. In addition, this area is well-recognized for its scenic lush greenery and relaxed atmosphere, as well as the peacocks which roam the streets. The area is a little quieter and less crowded than say South Beach or Little Havana, making it perfect for those who are looking for a laid-back vacation experience. The only downside of staying in Coconut Grove is that accommodation prices are higher than average, so you should be aware of that. Still, for a touch of culture and storied history, there’s nowhere better to stay in the city.

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Wynwood & the Miami Design District

A sprawling metropolis seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami has much to offer for all types of travellers. If you’re an artsy type, you might want to consider checking out either Wynwood or the Miami Design District. A once-gritty community, Wynwood is now a revitalized subdistrict with much to offer for those with a passion for the arts. Some of its most popular visitor attractions include Oasis, a massive outdoor entertainment venue, and Wynwood Walls, one of the largest outdoor urban art museums in the world. A few blocks away is the modern and upscale Miami Design District, known for its sleek architecture, trendy shopping destinations and great galleries. Those looking for great culture and vibrant nightlife should enjoy either of these areas, depending on the budget.

Miami is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year. There are a ton of fantastic things to do, places to visit, and great spots to eat in The Magic City. And now, you don’t have to miss out! 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
Go City Travel Expert

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Miami in January

Don’t miss the best things to do in Miami. You can fill your days and nights with visits to incredible museums, tropical gardens, and historic sites, and still barely have scratched the surface. Or maybe you just want to just kick back at the beach with a podcast and soak up the sun. Trust us when we say that the possibilities are endless. No, really – we mean it. Drawing in 25 million visitors each year, Miami ranks as America’s second most popular tourism hub – after New York, of course. Yep, I guess we could say that you'll never be bored here. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the Magic City, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Not sure quite where to start? Well, luckily for you, we've done all of the heavy lifting here! We’ve spent a lot of time in the area and are sharing our favorite things to do in Miami. Keep scrolling to learn more. See the Sites On January’s hotter days, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the fantastic outdoor attractions that the city has to offer. Around this time of the year, we recommend bringing a light jacket, just in case the weather decides to change up on you. If you’re looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Miami, there’s no better place to be than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. No doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the city, Fairchild is considered amongst the best tropical gardens in the world. A sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, this quiet and serene space is brimming with all kinds of rare and exotic flora. Some are bold and vibrant, whilst others are small and delicate. Undeniably, all of them are a treat for the senses. In addition, this site is home to the largest palm collection in the United States. A total Instagrammer’s dream, it would be easy to spend an entire day getting lost in this spectacular display of greenery. If you’re an animal lover, this next item on our list will be right down your alley. Located just east of the city, Jungle Island is recognized as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. Combining the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with a jungle full of wonderful animals from near and far, this place is pretty much the perfect day out. Walking around this spacious and natural habitat, you’ll be able to appreciate these beautiful creatures thriving happily in a safe and appropriate home for them. The site houses around 3, 000 critters, with over 1, 000 parrots (as the institute was formerly known as ‘’Parrot Jungle’’). For those who want to interact with the animals, you can visit the petting zoo, or catch feedings at certain times. In addition, the park is home to Parrot Cove Beach, Miami’s only private beach. With so much to see and do, this place provides an extraordinary one-of-a-kind experience for you and your loved ones. Learn Something New For those looking to learn about the history of the area, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Built into Miami Beach’s first synagogue, the Miami Jewish Museum seeks to cultivate interest in the cultural history of the area. As one of the most highly populated Jewish states in America, Florida has a long and storied Jewish history just waiting to be explored. Inside the interesting building, you’ll be able to view a comprehensive collection of over 100, 000 artifacts, including historic photographs, documents, religious objects and artworks. The museum’s core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, tells the story of nearly 250 years of the development of the community. In addition, the institution has a number of temporary exhibits which serve to preserve and interpret different periods of Jewish history. Thoroughly fascinating, we love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Though Miami is well known for its sugar-sand beaches and perennial sunshine, January is one of Florida’s coldest months. Whilst that might not sound like much in an area with a subtropical climate, the city can definitely have some ‘’off days’’ around this time of the year. Should a cloudy January day crop up on you, we recommend checking out one of Miami’s wonderful cultural attractions. One of our ultimate favorite places in the city is Pérez Art Museum for its wonderful collection of contemporary art. Walking around the institute, you’ll be able to enjoy an impressive collection of around 2,000 pieces, focusing on works from the Americas, Western Europe and Africa. Highlights include seminal pieces by Frank Stella, Dan Flavin, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The perfect stop for all art lovers, the institute provides a fantastic visual and cultural experience for those of all ages. Try Something Different Those who come to Miami seeking something a little different will not be disappointed. No doubt one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, Coral Castle has been baffling visitors for decades. The mystery surrounding the park begins with its creative process. Constructed out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone at a time when no modern construction technology was available, the sculptures bring up many questions. In fact, this site has long been the subject of many conspiracy theories, theorizing that artist Edward Leedskalnin used reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to create the piece. Whilst nobody is ever quite sure how Coral Castle came to be, the outcome has remained a defining characteristic of the city ever since its opening in 1940. An undeniably mind-bending attraction, this spot is a total must-see. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can capture some snaps of this utterly unique site! Well, what else can we say? Some places are popular for a reason, and Miami is definitely one of them! January is a fantastic time to visit since it’ll still be warm enough to hit the beach and enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions, sans all of the crowds and humidity. You should also be able to find great deals on accommodation and travel around this time of the year. So, what are you waiting for? Explore the city to its full potential with Go City’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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Miami in March

Planning on travelling to Miami this spring? Well, you’ve come to the right place! From fantastic tropical gardens and natural resort centers to fascinating museums and historical sites, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in a group or travelling solo, trust us when we say that you’ll find no shortage of interesting things to do here. However you choose to explore The Magic City, we’re sure that you’ll have a blast. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are sharing our favorite things to do here to help you plan the perfect trip. So, without further ado, grab a notepad and let’s dive in! Explore the Area Perhaps one of the things Florida is best known for is its jaw-dropping natural attributes. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, you won’t have to search far. Standing out for its unparalleled beauty and unique holdings, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is well-recognized as one of the best parks of its kind in all of the United States. Established way back in 1936, this unique attraction is home to the expansive and rare collection of avid plant collector and botanist David Fairchild, which he brought back from his travels. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, since the spectacularly manicured displays will be in full bloom. In addition, this famous green space is home to the largest palm collection in America, with over 500 species to be enjoyed. Quiet and serene, this exquisite display of greenery is not to be missed. If you only visit one garden in Miami, let it be this one. March is a wonderful time to visit Miami, since it should be warm enough to enjoy all of the city’s best outdoor attractions without being too hot and humid. If you’re looking for something a little different, Coral Castle is a great stop carrying a lot of fascinating history. Standing out as one of the city’s most unusual visitor attractions, this interesting sculpture park dates way back to the early twentieth century. Carved out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction methods were available, the structure is just as famous for its creative process as it is for its looks. In fact, the ‘’castle’’ has been bewildering scientists, engineers and scholars ever since its opening. For a truly mind-bending experience steeped in history, head just a little south of the city to check out the park for yourself. Exciting and quirky, this place provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience to remember. Find Fun Activities There’s nothing quite better than a trip to the zoo – and trust us when we say that Miami could not be better for this type of experience. The most obvious place to hit up in the city if you’re looking to see some impressive animals is, of course, Zoo Miami. Spread over an impressive 750 acres of land, the institute is in fact recognized as the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The zoo’s broad and impressive collection includes over 3, 000 animals across 500 species to be enjoyed. Highlights include jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. If you want to get up close with your favorite furry (or slimy) friends, don’t worry – this place has interactive experiences of all kinds! We recommend checking times before setting off, so you’ll be sure to catch any feedings, live educational shows, and special tours that you want. Both fun and educational, we love this place for bringing that sense of childlike wonder back into our lives. Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of March (or any time of year, really) is visit the Miami Seaquarium. The perfect stop for all animal lovers, this place offers a unique and captivating experience that’s well worth the visit. First opened in 1955, the Miami Seaquarium is well-recognized as one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of over 10, 000 exotic sea and freshwater specimens. Indeed, this is one of the largest collections of marine animals in the entire world as it stands - so take good advantage of this! Amongst the oceanarium’s collection, you’ll find everything from colorful tropical fish and jellyfish to sharks and orcas. In addition, the institute houses semi-aquatic animals, including penguins, turtles, and seals. Undoubtedly one of the best aquariums in the world, this attraction is surely not to be skipped! Learn Something New Though Miami is perhaps best known for its scenic sugar-sand beaches and unique tropical beauty, its cultural amenities are not to be ignored. Working to share the power of science in a fun and digestible way, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum has been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. Perfect for those with curious minds, you’ll find that the institute covers a wide range of topics in a clear and easy manner. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Learn about magnetism and electric currents through immersive exhibitions. Catch a comprehensive glimpse of what life looks like under the sea at the aquarium. Or, dive deep into the fascinating details of the universe at the planetarium – the choice is yours! With so much to do, see and experience, it’d be easy to get lost and spend the entire day here. No doubt, Miami is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Still, we especially love the Magic City in springtime for its light breeze, balmy weather, and smaller crowds. The best things to do in the city run the gamut – from seriously fun to fantastically entertaining, this place has it all. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city and make memories to remember. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Couple in Miami
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Romantic Things to Do in Miami for Valentine's Day

Miami is an incredibly romantic city. Warm weather, breezy beaches, great nightclubs, delicious food – you name it, Miami’s got the perfect date night in store. If you’re going to be spending Valentine’s Day in sunny South Beach, or on another romantic occasion, then you’re probably searching for a few ideas. Fortunately for you, we've got a few suggestions in mind: Enjoy a day trip to Key West Tour the city's Art Deco district Peruse the Pérez Art Museum Tour Florida's Everglades Dine on world-class cuisine And more! Soak Up Artistic Inspiration Prefer paintings and sculptures? The Pérez Art Museum is a must-see for you. It’s filled with amazing, internationally and internationally-inspired artwork from predominantly modern and contemporary styles. They often have rotating special exhibits, too, like this year's "On the Horizon," featuring contemporary Cuban art. Or, if you love architecture and artwork, then you will not want to miss out on a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of the most magnificent buildings in the entire state and truly the most beautiful estate as a whole. Depending on when you take your romantic vacation to Miami, there are also likely to be a number of film or art festivals floating around – like the Coconut Grove Arts Festival that happens annually in February. Roam the Beaches It may seem like a no-brainer, but spend some time outside while you’re in Miami this February! The weather is going to be lovely (and possibly much warmer than where you’re used to), so take advantage of its temperate climate and enjoy a little beach time. South Pointe Beach and Key Biscayne are typically recommended as having the best views, but there are a ton of other options, too. If you want to be out but the beaches sound too touristy for you, try a walk along the very romantic pedestrian walkway on Lincoln Road. Or, opt for something more active with a bike ride around South Beach. Take a Nighttime Tour of the City If you're new to Miami and want to see a bit of the city, but hope to do so in a more romantic way, then a night tour seems like a good fit. This option from Big Bus will highlight the sexy and sultry aspects of Miami at night - including the evening illuminations that distinguish Miami's skyline. Of course, it's also a smart sightseeing opportunity, too, because the tour will showcase Miami's best landmarks and hotspots. It will give you some ideas for what to do the next day, too! Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Miami, just in time for Valentine's Day. Remember, some of these great options are included on the pass for Miami by Go City®, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with your pass.
Katie Sagal

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