Miami

south beach miami florida
Miami is a major city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida. Miami is a well-known global city in commerce, culture, fashion, print media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade. 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. There are many reasons why Miami is a backpacker’s paradise including tons of sand and sun. Miami has beautiful beaches, beautiful people, and tons of music and dancing.

Costs in Miami

  • Hostel Prices: US$20-$30/$35-$50
  • Budget Hotel prices: US$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 plate. But, go away from the main stream area, and find some local places to dine, and you will be able to eat for half of the price.
  • Cost of Internet: In Miami many hotels and restaurants have free WiFi if you have your own laptop. If not, you can find internet cafes where you will pay US$5 per hour.
  • Transportation Costs: Miami has a metro-bus and metro-rail as well as shuttles. Fares range from US.25 for a shuttle to $2 full fare for the metro bus or metro rail. Specific fair information can be found at the Miami Dade Public Transportation Website.

Things to Do in Miami

  • South Beach: This is the major hotspot. 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. But beware, topless bathing is permitted. It is located on Ocean Dive, and 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.
  • Monkey Jungle: Monkey jungle in southern Miami-Dade County is one of a kind. You will have primates scampering above your head, swinging through the trees, and see them as if they were in their natural environment.
  • See Coral Castle: Coral Castle is truly a monument to the uniqueness of Miami! 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: Miami has some of the most beautiful beaches and this is a great opportunity to enjoy some fun in the sun! 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!
  • The Venetian Pool: In the 1920s, Denman Dink transformed this limestone quarry into a pool with a waterfall, an area for kids and an area for adults. The water in this pool comes from a spring and is drained daily. In addition to the swimming facilities there is a snack bar (you cannot bring outside food into the Venetian Pool) and lockers.
  • 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. However, if you want to glimpse with the models and celebrities of the world, a Miami club is no better place to be.

Budget Tips for Miami

  • Free museum days: Miami is a world class cultural center, but 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. When you are searching for a place to stay, look for hostels with equipped kitchens or accommodations with kitchenettes or refrigerators and microwaves. This will allow you to save a bit and eat breakfast and lunch in or at least make it for a picnic on the beach.
  • 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.
  • 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 and have various costs.