Miami

south beach miami florida
Miami is where everyone goes to play in Florida. Famous for cruises, south beach, Cubans, beautiful people, and parties, Miami is a wild city. This where you go for fun in the sun. It’s not one of the cheapest American cities but it is definitely one of the funnest. If you like clubs, models, and beautiful beaches, this is a city to visit then. The city’s Port of Miami is also the number one cruise passenger port in the world and is home to many major cruise line headquarters.

United States Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
How to Find a Cheap Flight
What I Miss About America
Learning Across America
What I Miss About America
The History of Thanksgiving
How to Roadtrip the US
Three Day NYC Itinerary
Four Day Boston Itinerary
Free Things in Washington D.C.

Costs in Miami

  • Hostel Prices: Hostels costs between $20-$30 a night.
  • Budget Hotel prices: Cheap hotels range between $60-$90.
  • Average Cost of Food: If you are in the south beach area or any of the restaurants on the strip, you should expect to pay at least $30 a meal. But, go away from the main area, and you will be able to eat for half of the price. As elsewhere in America, there are a ton of fast food options for less than $7. Shopping for groceries will set you back $40-50 per week.
  • Cost of Internet: In Miami many hotels and restaurants have free Wi-Fi if you have your own laptop. If not, you can find internet cafes where you will pay $5 per hour.
  • Transportation Costs: Miami has a metro-bus and metro-rail as well as shuttles. Fare are $2 for the metro bus or metro rail.

Things to Do in Miami

  • South Beach: This is the major hotspot in the city. From shopping to partying, this area of Miami Beach is well known for being trendy and full of shops and bars. South beach can be more expensive than other areas, but worth checking out while you are there. Topless bathing is permitted. It is the quintessential Miami beach experience.
  • Everglades: Everglades National Park has 1.5 million acres of swamps, prairies, and sub-tropical jungles. It is one of the most unique public parks in the United States. It is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American Crocodile, the Florida Panther, and the West Indian Manatee.
  • See Coral Castle: Coral Castle is very unique attraction.This attractions was built by a Latvian-born Miami resident named Ed Leedskalnin as a monument to his lover. After 28 years of effort, he introduced his 1100-ton coral creation to the world. It’s a bit of a trip from downtown, but well worth the time.
  • Visit the Vizcaya Estate: No visit to Miami is complete without a stop at the historical 50-acre Vizcaya estate. This European-style mansion offers a glimpse at life in turn-of-the-century South Florida.
  • Lounge on the Beach: Besides South Beach, some additional waves to check out include; Virginia South Beach, Haulover Beach (the only legal nude beach), and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
  • Take the Underworld Tour: This is one of several tours that explore the Art Deco District. It will take you to former hotspots of illegal activity like Al Capone’s office.
  • Ancient Spanish Monastery: Originally built in Segovia, Spain in 1141, this monastery was originally to be a part of William Randolph Hearst’s property in California. Because the United States would not allow the monastery to be built in California, the monastery remained in New York Harbor until 1954, when a couple of businessmen bought the property and assembled it in Miami. Today the monastery is a church as well as a popular marriage location.
  • Go Clubbing: There is a very active nightlife in Miami and if you like clubs, Miami is one of the best places in the world to go clubbing. There is usually a cover to get into the clubs and most drinks are around $10 USD.

Budget Tips for Miami

  • Free Museums: Miami is a world class cultural center and many of the museums and galleries are free to the public on certain days.
  • Eat in: Miami is a party city! Therefore, save your money to eat out and drinks for happy hour and dinner.
  • Look for package deals: Because Miami is such a tourist destination, you can often find packages for flight and hotels. Sign up for deal alerts and be flexible on your travel dates. This is one of the easiest ways to save money.
  • Go Miami Card: If you are going to see the sights around Miami, you should get the Go Miami Card. You can get unlimited free admission to over 25 major Miami attractions for one price. The cards are up good for up to 14 days.