Your trip to Miami brings you to the southern-most tip of Florida, near Cuba, where you’ll see a melting pot of culture and diversity. First-time travelers to Miami will find the city welcoming and catering to tourists. But before you break out your bikini and head to South Beach, take some time to explore other aspects of Miami.
Miami flights give way to Coral Gables and Miami Gardens, which are a short drive from the city center. Little Havana boasts one of the largest Cuban populations in the country. Miami visitors should also reserve a rental car for the duration of their trip. Take a drive through Miami-Dade County and enjoy the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world. North Miami Beach features more modern architecture and Spanish-influenced designs and landscapes. Flying to Miami for a cheap vacation in South Beach means days on the beach and the nights at some of the hottest clubs in the country.
The Port of Miami – one of the largest ports in the U.S. – accommodates the major cruise lines. Cruise passengers embarking and debarking from Miami will do so via the Port of Miami Cruise Terminal and those passengers on Miami flights will be shuttled to/from the airport to the cruise port. Whatever the reason for booking flights to Miami, visitors are likely to return home rejuvenated and ready to book their next Miami vacation.
Find flights to MiamiBack to top
Miami’s climate is just as diverse as its culture. First time-travelers flying to Miami are welcomed with palm trees and sunny skies. Greater Miami enjoys a subtropical climate that ensures plenty of sunshine all year round. While the city does see its share of rain and tropical storms, the weather does maintain a good amount of warmth and sunshine throughout the year. Miami flights are normally booked during rainy season, which usually falls from June to November and coincides with hurricane season.
Back to top
You’ll likely find Miami flights to be packed with snowbirds looking to escape the cold winter season. May and October through December can be great times to take a flight to Miami.
Peak season:
Miami is very popular from January through April. Temperatures are in the 60s to low 70s with blue skies, and crisp air. Miami fills up during the winter season, so book Miami flights and hotels far in advance. The best Miami airfare deals are those booked in advance, especially during peak season. Budget and economy Miami hotels and resorts fill up fast during peak season, so plan ahead and book your Miami flights and hotel accommodations together.
Off season:
Miami swelters during the summer and it’s likely to rain every day, although the rain is mild and only lasts a short time. However, this is a perfect time to fly to Miami. If you’re not afraid of the heat, booking Miami flights and hotels during the summer will save you money better spent on fine dining and souvenirs. Watch out for the official hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Back to top
For the easiest access around Miami, reserve a rental car when you book your Miami flight. Driving around Miami is easy and parking is plentiful on the street or in designated parking areas.
If driving isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Miami caters to all tourists! Miami flights arrive at Miami International Airport where visitors can board the Super Shuttle straight to South Beach.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Distance: 7 miles northwest of Miami
Drive time: about 20 minutes
Super Shuttle charges around $16 to go to South Beach.
The local city bus service, Metro-Bus, provides services to all areas of Miami-Dade County.
Back to top
Driving is an easy way to get around Miami, but you’ll have plenty of options. You can find desks for rental car companies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise and Hertz at Miami Airport. You can also take the Miami Metrorail from Dadeland to Palmetto for just a few dollars. The Metrobus covers the whole county for similarly priced fares. If you need to change buses, make sure you ask for a transfer when you buy your ticket. You can also take the Metromover, a free automated people mover that runs downtown. It’s a great way to see Miami’s most popular tourist and shopping areas.
Back to top
- Although it is not enforced strictly, there is an alleged curfew in effect for minors after 11pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends in all of Miami-Dade County. After these hours, children under 17 should not be out on the streets or driving unless accompanied by a parent or on their way to work. Remember that when you see them at Coconut Grove and on South Beach.
- Around half of Miami's population is Latin American. Visit the Museum of Hispanic & Latin American Art to better understand their culture. The annual Art Basel Miami Beach is helping the city fast become an art capital.
- Take full advantage of South Beach Nightlife. Miami's pulsating dance clubs are considered among the best in the world.
- Explore the Everglades in an airboat and get close to the swamps' inhabitants such as alligators, manatees, raccoons and Florida panthers.
- The largest Botanical Gardens in the U.S., the Fairchild Tropical Garden, has 83 acres of palms and other exotic fronds. From Miami, the drive here through Coral Gables offers great views of some fine old Florida mansions. Open daily, admission is $10.
- If you’re planning on leaving Miami and heading to Latin America, boarding a cruise ship, or transferring to another Miami flight, make sure you have the right identification and documentation with you. Most cruise lines only require a picture ID from U.S. citizens, but those travelers boarding Miami flights to other cities in other countries will need a valid passport.
Back to top
