Cheap Flights To Miami
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When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around
Overview
Why should you go to Miami? It's one of America's most diverse cities, with a strong touch of tropical Latin glamour. One of the best places to see this in action is along Calle Ocho, in Little Havana. To top it off, if you're looking for a beach vacation, Miami and the surrounding area have miles of beaches whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or time with the family. The city's architecture is also spectacular, from modern high rises that glow with neon along Biscayne Bay, silhouetted in the sunset, to the tropical art-deco hotels and restaurants in Miami's South Beach.
You can't beat the city's fantastic entertainment. Head during football season to catch a Miami Dolphins game, or check out the Bayside Marketplace's open air concerts on the waterfront. Children will love the Miami Seaquarium and Jungle Island, both amazing places to learn about wildlife. Sophisticated art lovers can head to the Bass Museum in Miami Beach, or the Miami Art Museum, a host during the ArtBasel events. Art lovers from around the world descend onto the city for this affair. At night, couples can find romantic outdoor dining spots all over town, from Coconut Grove to Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
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When to Go
High Season
The sunny, warm weather proves almost irresistible to those living in places with harsher winters, so peak travel tends to fall between January and April. Crowds descend on the region in December, visiting relatives for the holidays. March weather is mild and less crowded. Still this month and April are busy with Spring Break revelers. Even during this period, however, there are cheap flights to Miami available for the smart airfare shopper.
Low Season
Summer offers the biggest bargains, but the city's temperatures can soar to the humid 90's. September and October bring rain, and the chance of hurricanes. It's cheap to fly in both seasons.
Best Time to Go
Late April and May is the shoulder season. It's not uncomfortably humid or hot and you'll still be able to find some worthwhile travel bargains. November gets busy come Thanksgiving, but the weather this month is usually mild and dry.
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Airport Information
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Distance: 10 miles west of downtown Miami
Drive time: 20 mins
Miami International's website provides access to shuttles, buses, public transit, taxis, limousines, and on-site and off-site rental cars. Shuttles and buses serve designated areas. To find one that goes to your destination, check the Passenger Information section of the website.
Average airfare, before fees and taxes, to Miami International Airport (MIA) from San Francisco is about $300, around $250 from New York City, and $200 from Chicago.
Alternative Airports
Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) - 27 miles from downtown Miami
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) - 77 miles
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Weather
Miami can be hot, but that's the point. Summer time is the hottest. Fall weather gets milder, but that's also the rainy hurricane season. Whenever you go though, always be ready for rain or sunshine, bring both an umbrella and sunblock!
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Things to Do
Lincoln Road
Head to Lincoln Road in Miami's South Beach, a pedestrianized street full of art deco treasures. In the daytime, you'll find fantastic shopping. At night, the street becomes a glamorous causeway with locals and visitors out on the town, or dining at some of the city's best restaurants.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace isn't just any other urban shopping experience. This complex has fantastic shopping and a food court that makes you feel like you're in Cuba. Best of all, they have live outdoor entertainment overlooking Biscayne Bay while the city skyline glitters behind you.
Art Deco Welcome Center
The Art Deco Welcome Center lets you learn how Miami Beach's art deco architecture was built and how it was all preserved by Barbara Capitman and others after a long battle with developers. The Welcome Center offers several tours, including an underworld tour exploring the Beach's gangster history.
Coconut Grove
Affectionately known by locals as "The Grove," Coconut Grove is an easily strollable neighborhood in Miami, overlooking Biscayne Bay. Spanish colonial architecture is one of its main charms, and numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants are some of its others. Head here for a bite to eat, the more to power you for shopping in the several boutiques and galleries. If you're feeling cerebral, head to the Grove's Barnacle Historic State Park with the 1891 home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove's founders.
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Local Attractions
Jungle Island
Kids will love Jungle Island, a tropical paradise off MacArthur Parkway, full of birds and other exotic animals.
Miami Seaquarium
The Miami Seaquarium sits on nearly 40 acres of landscaped grounds with a view of the downtown skyline. Whether you like animal tricks - from dolphins and sea lions - or human tricks, like spectacular diving and aquatics, the Seaquarium makes a great day in Miami.
Miami Art Museum
The Miami Art Museum is home to a broad collection and host to events like ArtBasel, one of the most important art events in the world, a time when Miami is at its most glamorous. The museum houses largely modern art with an emphasis on art of the Americas.
Miami Children's Museum
The Miami Children's Museum offers an excellent place to take the kids. Displays are interactive and bilingual, and it's located on Watson Island. There's even a summer camp.
Miami Improv
A night on the town doesn't have to be without a laugh. Head to the Miami Improv, for dinner, drinks, and a joke.
The Bass Museum of Art
The Bass Museum of Art got its start in 1963 when John and Johanna Bass donated their collection to the city of Miami Beach. The eclectic collection spans the centuries, from Renaissance religious art and portraiture to the most cutting-edge and esoteric modern pieces.
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Must See Sights
Biscayne National Park
There's a lot of fantastic nature close to Miami, like the Biscayne National Park. It has the only living coral reef in the continental United States, and is excellent for scuba diving.
Miami Metro Zoo
The Miami Metro Zoo is a fantastic place for kids and adults when visiting Miami. The warm year round weather means that animals are always active.
The Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool is one of the most amazing things in Coral Gables to see. It's an enormous pool carved into the coral bed and surrounded by 1920's Mediterranean buildings, giving you the feeling of stepping back in time.
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Insider Tips
Getting Around
The City of Miami and the Miami-Dade area are both largely suburban, so it can make sense to rent a car. Miami Beach, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are easily walkable, so you can just head here and forget about a rental. Most hotels in Miami Beach are no more than a few blocks from the beach, with everything accessible by foot. Coconut Grove and Coral Gables are especially good for restaurants and shopping, but if you are looking for the beach, you'll need a way to get there.
Metro Rail connects downtown Miami to other parts of the city, with some routes run along major highways, allowing access to suburban regions. Metro Rail connects with the Metro Mover, a free train in downtown's core. This elevated rail system is great for business travelers and convention goers, and also offers great views overlooking the Biscayne Bay waterfront.
The Metro Bus system is extensive, with many 24 hour routes. Reduced fares are available for seniors and students.
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Miami Attractions
Miami Restaurants
Miami Travel Tips
Miami Nightlife
Motels in Miami
Cheap Flights To Miami
OverviewWhen to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around
Overview
Why should you go to Miami? It's one of America's most diverse cities, with a strong touch of tropical Latin glamour. One of the best places to see this in action is along Calle Ocho, in Little Havana. To top it off, if you're looking for a beach vacation, Miami and the surrounding area have miles of beaches whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or time with the family. The city's architecture is also spectacular, from modern high rises that glow with neon along Biscayne Bay, silhouetted in the sunset, to the tropical art-deco hotels and restaurants in Miami's South Beach.
You can't beat the city's fantastic entertainment. Head during football season to catch a Miami Dolphins game, or check out the Bayside Marketplace's open air concerts on the waterfront. Children will love the Miami Seaquarium and Jungle Island, both amazing places to learn about wildlife. Sophisticated art lovers can head to the Bass Museum in Miami Beach, or the Miami Art Museum, a host during the ArtBasel events. Art lovers from around the world descend onto the city for this affair. At night, couples can find romantic outdoor dining spots all over town, from Coconut Grove to Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
Back to top
When to Go
High Season
The sunny, warm weather proves almost irresistible to those living in places with harsher winters, so peak travel tends to fall between January and April. Crowds descend on the region in December, visiting relatives for the holidays. March weather is mild and less crowded. Still this month and April are busy with Spring Break revelers. Even during this period, however, there are cheap flights to Miami available for the smart airfare shopper.
Low Season
Summer offers the biggest bargains, but the city's temperatures can soar to the humid 90's. September and October bring rain, and the chance of hurricanes. It's cheap to fly in both seasons.
Best Time to Go
Late April and May is the shoulder season. It's not uncomfortably humid or hot and you'll still be able to find some worthwhile travel bargains. November gets busy come Thanksgiving, but the weather this month is usually mild and dry.
Back to top
Airport Information
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Distance: 10 miles west of downtown Miami
Drive time: 20 mins
Miami International's website provides access to shuttles, buses, public transit, taxis, limousines, and on-site and off-site rental cars. Shuttles and buses serve designated areas. To find one that goes to your destination, check the Passenger Information section of the website.
Average airfare, before fees and taxes, to Miami International Airport (MIA) from San Francisco is about $300, around $250 from New York City, and $200 from Chicago.
Alternative Airports
Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) - 27 miles from downtown Miami
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) - 77 miles
Back to top
Weather
Miami can be hot, but that's the point. Summer time is the hottest. Fall weather gets milder, but that's also the rainy hurricane season. Whenever you go though, always be ready for rain or sunshine, bring both an umbrella and sunblock!
Back to top
Things to Do
Lincoln Road
Head to Lincoln Road in Miami's South Beach, a pedestrianized street full of art deco treasures. In the daytime, you'll find fantastic shopping. At night, the street becomes a glamorous causeway with locals and visitors out on the town, or dining at some of the city's best restaurants.
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace isn't just any other urban shopping experience. This complex has fantastic shopping and a food court that makes you feel like you're in Cuba. Best of all, they have live outdoor entertainment overlooking Biscayne Bay while the city skyline glitters behind you.
Art Deco Welcome Center
The Art Deco Welcome Center lets you learn how Miami Beach's art deco architecture was built and how it was all preserved by Barbara Capitman and others after a long battle with developers. The Welcome Center offers several tours, including an underworld tour exploring the Beach's gangster history.
Coconut Grove
Affectionately known by locals as "The Grove," Coconut Grove is an easily strollable neighborhood in Miami, overlooking Biscayne Bay. Spanish colonial architecture is one of its main charms, and numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants are some of its others. Head here for a bite to eat, the more to power you for shopping in the several boutiques and galleries. If you're feeling cerebral, head to the Grove's Barnacle Historic State Park with the 1891 home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove's founders.
Back to top
Local Attractions
Jungle Island
Kids will love Jungle Island, a tropical paradise off MacArthur Parkway, full of birds and other exotic animals.
Miami Seaquarium
The Miami Seaquarium sits on nearly 40 acres of landscaped grounds with a view of the downtown skyline. Whether you like animal tricks - from dolphins and sea lions - or human tricks, like spectacular diving and aquatics, the Seaquarium makes a great day in Miami.
Miami Art Museum
The Miami Art Museum is home to a broad collection and host to events like ArtBasel, one of the most important art events in the world, a time when Miami is at its most glamorous. The museum houses largely modern art with an emphasis on art of the Americas.
Miami Children's Museum
The Miami Children's Museum offers an excellent place to take the kids. Displays are interactive and bilingual, and it's located on Watson Island. There's even a summer camp.
Miami Improv
A night on the town doesn't have to be without a laugh. Head to the Miami Improv, for dinner, drinks, and a joke.
The Bass Museum of Art
The Bass Museum of Art got its start in 1963 when John and Johanna Bass donated their collection to the city of Miami Beach. The eclectic collection spans the centuries, from Renaissance religious art and portraiture to the most cutting-edge and esoteric modern pieces.
Back to top
Must See Sights
Biscayne National Park
There's a lot of fantastic nature close to Miami, like the Biscayne National Park. It has the only living coral reef in the continental United States, and is excellent for scuba diving.
Miami Metro Zoo
The Miami Metro Zoo is a fantastic place for kids and adults when visiting Miami. The warm year round weather means that animals are always active.
The Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool is one of the most amazing things in Coral Gables to see. It's an enormous pool carved into the coral bed and surrounded by 1920's Mediterranean buildings, giving you the feeling of stepping back in time.
Back to top
Insider Tips
- For useful information about the city and its attractions, it's hard to beat the city government's website. Click the Visitor link for great information and local events. Also check out the website www.miamiandbeaches.com, run by the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- Miami New Times is the city's main arts-and-entertainment weekly, with detailed information on current film, music, theater, and arts and an extensive dining guide and database of restaurant reviews.
- The Rusty Pelican, in spite of its strange name, is a great restaurant on Key Biscayne in the middle of Biscayne Bay. It has excellent food, but the highlight is its panoramic view of the Miami skyline. It's a fantastic sunset dining choice.
- One of Miami's hidden treasures is the lovely Vizcaya Mansion and Gardens Museum, an Italian Renaissance style mansion built in 1916 by industrialist John Deering, surrounded by tropical gardens. It's the site of the annual White Party AIDS fundraiser, and has been used in many film shoots to simulate Mediterranean palazzos.
One of the best places for authentic Cuban food in Miami Beach is Puerto Sagua. If you can't get to Havana, this decades old holdout is your best choice, and has existed here since long before Miami Beach was glamorous.
- The News Cafe has a bit of a morbid history, even if it's a very pleasant place for morning coffee. Before his untimely death, Gianni Versace came here every morning, and you'll know why once you pay a visit. It's Miami Beach's favorite breakfast spot, but since it's open 24 hours a day, come anytime.
Getting Around
The City of Miami and the Miami-Dade area are both largely suburban, so it can make sense to rent a car. Miami Beach, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are easily walkable, so you can just head here and forget about a rental. Most hotels in Miami Beach are no more than a few blocks from the beach, with everything accessible by foot. Coconut Grove and Coral Gables are especially good for restaurants and shopping, but if you are looking for the beach, you'll need a way to get there.
Metro Rail connects downtown Miami to other parts of the city, with some routes run along major highways, allowing access to suburban regions. Metro Rail connects with the Metro Mover, a free train in downtown's core. This elevated rail system is great for business travelers and convention goers, and also offers great views overlooking the Biscayne Bay waterfront.
The Metro Bus system is extensive, with many 24 hour routes. Reduced fares are available for seniors and students.
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More on Miami
Things to Do in MiamiMiami Attractions
Miami Restaurants
Miami Travel Tips
Miami Nightlife
Motels in Miami
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