7 Miami Travel Tips

I recently traveled to Miami, Florida and discovered some very helpful info along the way. Here are some of my top Miami travel tips that first-time visitors should know. 
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Is Miami safe to visit?
Generally speaking, Miami is safe for travelers. However, there are certain areas that tourists should avoid such as the outskirts of Little Havana and the Wynwood Arts District. The main areas of these places are fine, but I would not suggest venturing too far away from the busier parts.
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As far as Miami Beach, we felt safe. That being said, you should still exercise caution, especially if you plan to party in the area. Avoid leaving your drink unattended or taking drugs from strangers, don't walk alone late at night, etc. 

Where to Stay
Miami and Miami Beach are two separate areas, though still close. Miami Beach is a stretch of island off of mainland Miami. While Miami is more of a city vibe, Miami Beach has the beachy, tourist appeal. Even though there are some great parts of Miami to check out, such as Little Havana and the Bayside Market, I would recommend booking your hotel in Miami Beach. This is also where South Beach is located.

The famous street in South Beach is Ocean Drive, which is where much of the action is. There are also plenty of hotels in this area too. Unless you are a 21-year old who loves to party, though, I advise staying further up Miami Beach to avoid late night noise. Our hotel was at 30th and Collins, and it was super easy to get down to Ocean Drive. 

Tipping 
One thing to know about Miami is that the tips are included in the bill. 

Transportation
One of the great things about staying near South Beach Miami is access to free trolley rides. They operate 7 days a week, have different routes, and run from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Of course, you can use ride shares or your own car to get around too.

Where to Eat
If you’re heading to Miami, you should definitely get some Cuban cuisine. There are plenty of great spots in Little Havana. I enjoyed Sala’s, especially since they also had live Latin music while we dined. Another great place to eat is Havana 1957 in South Beach. They’ve got an incredible menu and even include a piece of sugar cane with your mojito if you order one. Nice  touch.

Weather
Florida weather can be unpredictable, especially if you don’t go during the busy season, A.K.A. Spring Break. We knew we were taking a chance by going in September. However, don’t let the weather deter you if you can’t go during the Spring. We were there for 4 days and 3 of them were perfectly sunny. Our last day was the only time it rained, but it was just during the morning so it wasn’t bad at all.  

How long should I stay?
If you’re short on vacation time, you can definitely experience Miami in four days. The city is perfect for a long-weekend trip.