Where to Stay in Miami

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 Itinerary – 3 Days in Miami for First Timers

Spending a long weekend in Miami and aren’t sure what to do with your time? Check out this popular 3 Days in Miami Itinerary for ideas on what to do and where to go. This 3 day itinerary includes: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Little Havana (free!) Everglades Tour from Miami Key West Day Trip Duck Tours South Beach Art Deco Walking Tour Miami Seaquarium Only have a few days in Miami? We’ve also put together a 1 day and 2-day itinerary to help you with your planning. On the flip side, if you have more vacation time, we recommend you spend some additional time down in Key West - this Florida Keys road trip itinerary is a fun way to explore Miami and everything in between Key West. DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus Miami Sightseeing Tour This hop-on, hop-off tour is an ideal introduction to the city of Miami itself. Big Bus Miami will take you throughout the city and the surrounding neighborhoods, hitting all the major highlights and hotspots. Some included sights on your tour include the Vizcaya Museum, the Freedom Tower, and much much more. Remember to pick up your ticket in advance at the Big Bus Miami Central Station. You can choose to hop on or off at any of the stops along the way, or, stay on for the full length of the tour (which will take about 3 hours). Stop #2: Little Havana (free!) Something you should not miss on your Miami vacation is the chance to explore on of the city's most famous neighborhoods – Little Havana. It's the locus of a whole bunch of cultural, social, and culinary traditions with a primarily Cuban influence (although many other Hispanic cultures are also represented here). You'll find frequent festivals and special events (so check an event calendar before your visit). Cultural Fridays are a recurring one that should be easy to check out. Or, if you just want to get a taste for the area – literally – hit up one of their authentic restaurants. Stop #3: Everglades Tour This Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Tour is the perfect way to see and experience the fantastic natural world of the Florida Everglades. It’s a half-day-long excursion that exposes you to the wild and wonderful throughout the swamplands. Take an airboat ride, marvel at the Wildlife Nature Show, stroll the Jungle Walkway, and more at this enchanting attraction. Don’t forget your camera to capture some photos of the iconic Florida alligator (from a safe distance, of course)! This tour lasts approximately 5 hours. DAY 2 Stop #1: Key West Day Tour Today is your day for total relaxation and fun. Take a Key West Day Trip and do nothing but lounge and enjoy the sunshine and waves. Or, you can opt to shop, dine, and otherwise explore Key West itself. Some optional activities you can do while in Key West include paying a visit to the Hemingway house, hopping aboard an eco-kayaking adventure, or setting sail on a dolphin-watching cruise. Whatever suits your fancy, you’ve got all day in Key West to enjoy it. Be sure to time your trip so that you see the setting sun in Mallory Square – you'll get some of the most beautiful photos you'll ever take. This tour will take the entire day, beginning early in the morning. DAY 3 Stop #1: Duck Tours South Beach Take your last day in Miami to spend a little more time in South Beach. The Duck Tours South Beach will give you a broad overview of the highlights and hotspots of South Beach and beyond, providing some really stellar photo opportunities. Some highlights of your tour will include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire’s Row, and Star Island, among many others. Plus, your tour guide is a professionally trained actor and comic who is sure to delight passengers the entire time. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Stop #2: Art Deco Walking Tours Another excellent perspective on South Beach comes with a stroll through its famous historic Art Deco district. Featuring the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the entire world (you read that right), this neighborhood is a must-see for architecture nuts and history buffs. This tour will take approximately 90 minutes, and is conducted on foot. We recommend comfy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Stop #3: Miami Seaquarium Located on lovely Virginia Key, the Miami Seaquarium is the premier destination for all things marine life in Miami. Filled with exciting animal shows, educational exhibits, and informative presentations, an afternoon at the Seaquarium will delight the whole family. This institution is also dedicated to wildlife conservation and rescue, so many of the creatures that call the Seaquarium home have actually been rescued and rehabilitated from the wild. Be sure to pay a visit to the manatees, who represent the single largest population of rescued marine creatures at the park. We recommend reserving about 2 hours for this attraction. Save on Attraction Admission This 3 days in Miami itinerary is designed to combine the best of beachy, relaxing attractions with entertainment and education. Our suggested list of things to do will also help you really get a feel for the area, and allow you to leave knowing you’ve made the most of your limited time. Pick up a 3-day pass for Miami by Go City® and save big on combined admission prices vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3-day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami. Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.
Katie Sagal

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