The city of Miami is one of the most popular destinations in the world, attracting 15+ million visitors a year, foreigners and Floridians alike. People love its beaches, art deco vibes, clubs, and literally thousands of amazing restaurants. If you’re thinking of exploring this seaside jewel for yourself, make sure to do your prep work. Here’s what factors you need to consider for a top Miami vacation experience.
Prepare for the weather
Miami is relatively warm whenever you go. Summer temperatures tend to peak at about 90, and in the winter it goes down to about 60. Since the area’s climate is coastal and subtropical, the afternoons can get rainy. There’s also a risk of tropical storms, and June to November is hurricane season. Be prepared. Brush up on emergency procedures and keep an eye on local weather announcements.
Figure out what to pack
We all know that traveling has many benefits for our lifestyle, but inventory definitely isn’t one of them! You have to learn how to pack smart, which means customizing your list to each destination. When it comes to packing for Miami specifically, you need to balance style and comfort. So, you want clothes that are easy to mix and match, and which will be comfortable enough if you spend the whole day sightseeing.
That means classic jeans, a few nice T-shirts or tank tops, and a stylish jacket if it gets cool in the evening. If you plan on clubbing, you’ll want a pair of heels and a cocktail dress, or smart sneakers and a nice button-up. You also want comfortable walking shoes so you can explore the city at leisure, and some flip-flops and cute swimsuits for your beach time. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat – nothing stylish about a lobster sunburn! Finally, make sure you pack your essential toiletries and any medication you might need.
Take your time researching accommodations
Miami hotels are renowned for their amenities, resorts, and stunning views. They’re some of the best in the States, but can be quite pricey, especially during festivals and peak tourist seasons. Plan well in advance, because availability and rates can dramatically change by the time you actually go out there.
If you’d rather avoid the competition for hotel rooms, look into apartment rentals in the area that serve as vacation homes for the season. Vacation rentals typically come at a fraction of the cost of hotels while being far more flexible in terms of location. Determine your specific needs and preferences before you book either a hotel or a rental. In addition to pricing, consider kitchen facilities, dining options, laundry services, pools, privacy, security, accessibility, and views.
Decide how you’ll get around
When it comes to transportation on your vacay, you need to consider a few things. The biggest factor, obviously, is whether you’re coming to Miami from elsewhere in Florida or from out of state. Floridians can expect a car ride of about two to four hours, depending on their area. Folks from other states or people visiting from abroad will most likely fly in through the Miami International Airport.
We recommend that you aim to make your trip in a non-peak season to get better rates. If you can’t make that work with your availability, make a point of looking for flight deals. Take an afternoon to compare different airlines and what they offer. If you’re not a member of some loyalty program, there are usually discounts, coupons, and similar perks for limited periods, and you might be eligible for some of those.
Then, once you actually get to Miami itself, you need to decide how you’ll navigate it. You can choose to use your own vehicle (if you’re a visiting Floridian), rent a car, scooter, segway, or bike, or rely on Miami public transportation. In the latter case, you have a choice between bus, trolley, and train. You might also opt for an Uber or a Lyft.
Learn the laws and customs
Once you get to Miami and start your fun in earnest, you’ll need to keep some ground rules in mind. You need to know the drinking regulations, the rules regarding beach behavior, and some general local customs so you can avoid cultural hiccups.
In terms of drinking laws, know that you can’t have alcohol if you’re under 21. That means any alcohol at all: beer, wine, hard spirits, cocktails, anything. You can’t drink even if you’re accompanied by a legal adult. If you’re over 21, Miami has a nice perk: bars close at 5 am instead of 2 am like most places, and there’s a section of downtown that sells booze 24/7. Remember: drinking is prohibited on public streets and on the beach.
Speaking of beaches, they’re closed to visitors from midnight till 5 am. Lifeguards come on duty at 9:30 am and stay until 6:30 pm. Keep these time frames in mind for your own safety. There are also some items and actions that are forbidden on Miami beaches: alcohol (as we mentioned), firearms, fireworks, fires, glass containers of any kind, vehicles, walking on dunes, disturbing wildlife, and bringing your pets (unless they’re service animals).
There are actually a few other things you might want to plot in advance, like what attractions to check out and what restaurants to explore (especially if you visit during Miami Spice, in August and September). Those are mostly customizations, though, and will probably change between trips. These five steps will be a part of your vacation planning every time, so get practiced at them. Miami has a lot to offer, so smart planning is your best bet to avoid being overwhelmed, achieve everything on your itinerary, and have a perfect vacation with every visit.
