Major city · United States
Miami Beach
Stay 2–3 nights on the island itself, in South Beach if you want walkable nightlife, Mid or North Beach for cheaper rooms and quieter sand.
Miami Beach is its own city on a barrier island east of Miami, not a neighbourhood of it. The island runs about 13 km north to south and splits into three bands: South Beach (the Art Deco core, walkable, loud), Mid Beach (23rd–63rd St, resort towers, quieter) and North Beach (63rd St up, residential, best value). Winter is peak season with the highest room rates; summer is hot, wet and much cheaper. You do not need a car on the island, but you do need one to reach most of mainland Miami.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, 24–27°C (75–81°F) days); Mar–Apr busiestNov–Apr (dry, 75–81°F (24–27°C) days); Mar–Apr busiest
- avoid Jun–Sep (heat, humidity, afternoon storms), peak spring-break weeks in Mar
- Airports
- MIA · FLL
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Miami Beach911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Miami Beach Police non-emergency305-673-7901
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Miami Beach, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyMiami Beach is heavily policed and generally safe in the tourist core; the real issues are night-time drinking crowds on Ocean Drive…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 305-673-7901 Miami Beach Police non-emergency
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMIA Miami International (Closest; taxi to South Beach is a flat zone rate of roughly $24–52, or bus 150 to South Beach for about $2.25).
- Getting aroundSouth Beach is walkable end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCafecito (Cuban espresso)$2–4
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, mid-range, per personAdd 18–22% tip; check whether service charge is already included.$30–60
- Street or quick mealCuban sandwich$9–15
- BeerDraft beer or cocktail on Ocean Drive$10–20
- Metro or bus rideBus ride (Miami-Dade)$2.25
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (the Bass, Art Deco Museum)$10–20
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedArt Deco hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$220
- High-end bedArt Deco hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$450
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$110 · Mid US$210 · High US$400
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MIA Miami International (Closest; taxi to South Beach is a flat zone rate of roughly $24–52, or bus 150 to South Beach for about $2.25) · FLL Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (Often cheaper flights; about 40 min by shuttle depending on traffic)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Best: Apr, Nov–Feb. Mixed: Mar. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Aug (16 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Miami Beach: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
Dec
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
South Beach is walkable end to end. The 100 bus runs the full length of the island and on to downtown Miami every ~12 min in the day and hourly overnight; the South Beach Local loop costs 25 cents. Bikes rent for about $8/hour or $30/day, and the Beach Walk path runs behind the sand. Taxis and rideshare are easy but surge at night. A car is a liability on the island (parking costs) but useful for mainland Miami and the Everglades.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30–45 min
Bus 100 or 150 over the causeway, or a 15–25 min taxi/rideshare
Wynwood walls, Little Havana food, Pérez Art Museum. Go for a half day or an evening, not a full one.
Door to door: 30–40 min
Taxi or rideshare via I-95 and US-1
Mediterranean-style centre, the Biltmore, good restaurants. Best with a car or a rideshare.
Key Biscayne
goDoor to door: 30–40 min
Taxi or rideshare via the Rickenbacker Causeway
Calmer beaches and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park; a good half-day escape from the crowds.
North Miami Beach
cautionDoor to door: 40–55 min
Bus 100 north along Collins Ave
Mostly residential and shopping; only worth it if you are already staying north.
Hialeah
skipDoor to door: 45–60 min
Bus or rideshare via mainland Miami
Cuban-American everyday Miami, but no beach and no sights that justify the trip for a short stay.
Florida City
overnightDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Car via the Florida Turnpike, or bus from downtown Miami
Gateway to the Everglades and the Keys; too far for a comfortable return day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
South Beach
5th–23rd St. Art Deco hotels, Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, most nightlife. Walkable; noisiest and priciest. Best for a first visit and for anyone without a car.
Mid Beach
23rd–63rd St. Big resort hotels and condo towers on Collins Ave; quieter beach, 10–20 min by bus or bike from South Beach. Best for families and pool-and-beach stays.
North Beach
63rd St north. Residential, cheapest rooms, own small commercial strip; 20–30 min by bus to South Beach. Best for longer stays and budget.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $160–260 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Art Deco hotel double room1 × 3 nights × US$220 | US$660 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$210 | US$1,260 |
| MIA to South Beach, flat-fare taxi zone1 × US$40 | US$40 |
| Bus 150 MIA to South Beach, one way2 × US$2 | US$5 |
| Bike rental, one day2 × US$30 | US$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$207 |
| Trip total≈ US$379 per person per day, bed included | US$2,272 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Cafecito (Cuban espresso) | $2–4 |
| Cuban sandwich | $9–15 |
| Sit-down dinner, mid-range, per personAdd 18–22% tip; check whether service charge is already included. | $30–60 |
| Draft beer or cocktail on Ocean Drive | $10–20 |
| Bus ride (Miami-Dade) | $2.25 |
| South Beach Local loop | $0.25 |
| Beach chair and umbrella rental, per day | $20–40 |
| Museum entry (the Bass, Art Deco Museum) | $10–20 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat and humidity: plan indoor or beach time 12:00–16:00, and drink water.Summer heat and humidity: plan indoor or beach time 12:00 PM–4:00 PM, and drink water.
- Hurricane season runs Jun–Nov; watch forecasts if travelling then.
- Ocean Drive and Collins Ave restaurant touts: check the menu prices and any automatic service charge before sitting down.
- Peak spring-break weeks bring heavy drinking, crowd surges and extra police; some Ocean Drive venues add cover charges.
- Seaweed (sargassum) can pile up on the sand in summer months.
- Parking on the island is expensive and scarce; if you rent a car, confirm the hotel's parking fee first.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Miami Beach Police non-emergency
- 305-673-7901
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Miami BeachMiami Beach
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies on the island; consulates-general are in mainland Miami (check the address for your country).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- MIA to South Beach, taxi flat zone: about $24–52, 20–35 min
- MIA to South Beach, bus 150: about $2.25, 40–60 min
- Bike rental, one day: about $30
Say or show
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-see-as)
- Por favor — Please (por fah-VOR)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The check, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-day es-TAH lah PLAH-yah)
- No hablo español — I don't speak Spanish (noh AH-bloh es-pah-NYOL)
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Miami Beach. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, 24–27°C days); Mar–Apr busiest · avoid Jun–Sep (heat, humidity, afternoon storms), peak spring-break weeks in Mar · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MIA and FLL: last bus and shuttle times, flat-fare taxi zones, rideshare pickup points.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Ocean Drive and Lummus Park, Lincoln Road and Española Way, Collins Ave design strip, North Beach bandshell area.
- Place pages with verified hours and entry fees (Art Deco Welcome Center, the Bass, Holocaust Memorial, Vizcaya) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hurricane-season and spring-break fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Miami Beach (official)
- officialMiami-Dade Transit
- officialMiami International Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Miami Beach, revision 5290833 (CC BY-SA 4.0)