Miami

Miami travel guide

Driving routes, distances and day-trip ideas nearby.

Miami is an easy destination to plan yourself: hotels, flights, car rental and activities in one place, no juggling ten different sites. Miami works well as a base for day trips to nearby towns and scenic routes. The nearest airport is in a neighbouring city, and a rental car is the easiest way to cover the rest. There are currently around 20 places to stay listed in and around Miami, covering a range of budgets. The catalogue includes 8 vetted activities and tours with real guest ratings. 4 routes to nearby towns are mapped out from Miami, handy if you're planning side trips beyond the city itself.

Accommodation in Miami starts at around €72 per night, with a typical rate near €148 across roughly 20 nearby options — handy for budgeting your trip.

Well-reviewed hotels: EB Hotel Miami Airport, 4-star, guest rating 9.6 from 2452 reviews, from €133 per night; The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, 4-star, guest rating 9.4 from 2123 reviews, from €93 per night; Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach, 5-star, guest rating 9.4 from 2957 reviews, from €188 per night; The Elser Hotel Miami - An All-Suite Hotel, 4-star, guest rating 9.2 from 7223 reviews, from €126 per night; Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, 5-star, guest rating 9.2 from 1060 reviews, from €147 per night.

Day trips & routes: Miami Beach — about 15 km, 16m drive; Doral — about 24 km, 25m drive; Fort Lauderdale — about 45 km, 34m drive; West Palm Beach — about 113 km, 1h 7m drive. Fastest option is Miami Beach: 16m by car.

Miami: what to know

Things to see: "Miami: 60 Minute Private Everglades Airboat Ride", rated 5 from 155 reviews, from €120.59; "Award-winning Art Deco & Neon Lights Walking Tour in Miami Beach", rated 5 from 150 reviews, from €43.77; "Miami: 90 Minute Private Everglades Airboat Ride", rated 5 from 143 reviews, from €165.25; "Miami Helicopter Tour Hard Rock and Beach", rated 5 from 73 reviews, from €150.25; "Miami Art Deco Gems & Jewels Small Group & Exclusive Access Tour", rated 5 from 57 reviews, from €71.46.

Miami has no direct airport — most travellers fly into the nearest airport city and continue by rental car or transfer. Getting around the city and out to the 4 nearby destinations listed above is easiest by car — intercity public transport tends to be slower and less frequent. The median nightly rate in Miami is around €148, useful for comparing overall trip cost against nearby cities.

To rent a car in Miami you usually need a passport, a driving licence and a bank card for the deposit hold. With 20 places to stay nearby, it's worth comparing a base near the rental desk against one closer to the sights. Given 4 routes worth driving from here, check the mileage and one-way drop-off terms before you book. When touring United States, plan stops in advance: fuel stations and car parks in smaller towns are not always open around the clock.

Weather in the days ahead2633 °CPatchy rain nearbyFull forecast

What to see in Miami in 7 days

A ready week, day by day: highly rated places, lunches, tours and trips out of town. Ratings and opening hours come from Tripadvisor, distances are real driving distances.

day1

Getting to know Miami

An unhurried first day: the centre on foot, one landmark and a quiet dinner near where you're staying. Don't plan anything far — after travelling, getting your bearings matters more.

  • Morning

    Miami Beach Boardwalk

    4.6· 7428 reviews

    #8 of 162 things to do in Miami Beach

    Miami Beach Boardwalk, Miami Beach, FL 33140

    Mon: 00:00–23:59

    Miami Beach Boardwalk — rated 4.6 across 7428 reviews · #8 of 162 things to do in Miami Beach · opening hours: Mon: 00:00–23:59 · Miami Beach Boardwalk, Miami Beach, FL 33140.

Hotel check-in is usually from 2pm — if you arrive earlier, most places will store your luggage.

day2

The main sights

The fullest day: two or three key places back to back. Start early — queues build by midday at the popular ones, and the light is better for photographs after lunch.

  • All day

    A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.

Up to 33 °C in the days ahead — do the walking in the morning and spend midday indoors.

day3

Museums, history and local food

A day for what needs time and attention: museums, historic quarters, and lunch somewhere locals actually go.

Many museums close on a Monday or Tuesday — check the opening hours before you set out.

day4

A day out of town

Get beyond the city: the nearby towns and countryside are usually what stays with you. A rental car is the practical way — public transport on these routes is slow and infrequent.

  • All day

    Miami Beach

    Miami Beach is 15 km from Miami, about 16m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.

Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.

Rent a car in Miami
day6

A tour, or a second trip out

A good day for a guided tour: a guide tells you what the signs don't, and takes the driving off your hands.

  • All day

    Doral

    Doral is 24 km from Miami, about 25m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.

Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.

Rent a car in Miami
day7

Last day and departure

A calm finish: a favourite spot once more, some shopping, a late lunch. Leave yourself room before the airport.

Allow twice what the map says for the airport run — it is never the quiet hour when you need it.

Route map

Where you can drive from Miami.

What to see and where to eat

What to see and where to eat in Miami

Tap a place for photos, opening hours and reviews

Top attractions

Restaurants and cafés

What travellers say about places in Miami

Source — Tripadvisor

5 El Toro Loco Steakhouse Little HavanaFamily

Excellent restaurant and great foos

The food was amazing and we all loved the vibe. Our waitress was not very friendly and as soon as we paid and left the tip she was off and no thanks or anything. Anyway we had a nice night and the food was great.
AndyAbroad772026-08-07on Tripadvisor

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