What's the best time to visit Miami?
To avoid throngs of tourists, book a trip to Miami between May and September. Sure, temperatures are brutally hot, but you’ll be able to score restaurant reservations more easily and relax on a beach that’s not nearly as crowded. Plus, you’re going on vacation to Miami to get a tan, aren’t you? Just don’t forget your sunscreen and airy clothing.
Many people choose to visit in the winter and spring months for the obvious reason: temperatures average in the 70s from January to April, something most people living in northern states aren’t accustomed to during that time of year. June through October is generally considered hurricane season in Miami, but temperatures and precipitation are ideal and accommodation costs are lower than that of the winter and spring months.
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6 hours agoAmanda Arnold answered the question:
What should I pack for a trip to Miami?
You’ll definitely need a swimsuit for this beachy destination, but what else should you bring for your trip to sun-filled Miami?
1. Sunscreen. Whether you’re going for an early morning jog on the South Beach boardwalk, enjoying an afternoon of shopping on Lincoln Road, or kicking back on one of your hotel’s cushioned beach chairs, you’ll need plenty of SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
2. Your trendiest, most brightly-hued clothes. As you’ve probably heard, fashion is dialed up to a higher volume in Miami, so you’ll actually feel out of place if you aren’t flaunting your loudest sundress and highest heels. Don’t be afraid to turn it up.
3. Beach bag. You’ll likely be spending plenty of time sunbathing (with your SPF on, of course), so be sure to bring along something cute and stylish to carry all of your belongings (e-reader, phone, sunscreen) in to the pool or to the beach.
4. Sunglasses. The sun is bright in Miami, so be sure to arrive in your shades. Though, if you do happen to forget yours from home, you’ll certainly find plenty of inspiration in Miami, where everyone seems to be wearing the hippest shades on the market. Purchase a new pair — automatic souvenir!
5. Nail polish. Either arrange for a pedicure at your hotel's spa or bring along your own polish — just make sure your toenails look their best for pool time and for those open-toed heels you're planning to wear at night. And the shade should be bright — Miami bright. -
On April 30Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are the best waterfront restaurants in Miami?
There are many restaurants here in Miami that offer killer water views that it's hard to really list them all. However, here are a few staples that have been supplying good food in an incredible waterfront atmosphere for many years and continue to wow us today.
Monty's Stone Crab Seafood House & Raw Bar
A staple restaurant in Coconut Grove, Monty's Stone Crab Seafood House & Raw Bar has been around for many years, shelling out decent seafood alongside an impeccable water view setting. The dining area is a bit fancier, while the outdoor patio area is casual with its beach bar-style and live music, but both areas provide stellar views.
Rusty Pelican
Panoramic views of the Biscayne Bay and Miami Skyline are what really makes this seafood house a must-see. An old-stand by for many years, the Rusty Pelican provides boat docks, hearty brunches, and some of the best views around.
IL Gabbiano
Situated right in the heart of Brickell, IL Gabbiano provides its guests with authentic Italian cuisine while showing off their stellar water view. The outside terrace is the place to be, where you can twirl your spaghetti while watching the boats cruise by the large Miami skyscrapers in the back drop.
Red Fish Grill
A hidden gem that takes a good ride to get to, the Red Fish Grill has one of the most beautiful views of the bay. Sit outside along the sandy beach and take in the gorgeous view, especially at night when the moon dances over the water.
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On April 30Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are the best places to get a hair blowout in Miami?
With the high levels of humidity here in Miami, having a good hair day isn't always an easy task. Let the experts help your hair look its best with a proper blowout at any of these topnotch salons.
B Dry Blow Bar
Located right near Lincoln Road in South Beach, B Dry Blo Bar offers exceptional blowouts without the exaggerated prices. For just $35, customers are able to choose from getting an effortless beach wave blo dry or retro makeup application with sexy cat eyes and red lips.
Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown
Inside a pretty pink setting right smack in the middle of busy Midtown Miami, there is Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown that offers many lavish services. Choose from getting the signature blo out with either a classy or vamp finish, or try one of the blo-on-the-go features, bringing the styling service directly to you at home or the office.
Salon Vaso
Known to have some of the best hairstylists around, Salon Vaso has been making plenty of customers happy for years, especially when it comes to blow drying. With a very chic yet comfortable atmosphere and topnotch stylists, this South Beach salon will turn anyone's unruly tresses into a stunning smooth works of art. -
On April 30Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are the best places to get a hair blowout in Miami?
With the high levels of humidity here in Miami, having a good hair day isn't always an easy task. Let the experts help your hair look its best with a proper blowout at any of these topnotch salons.
B Dry Blow Bar
Located right near Lincoln Road in South Beach, B Dry Blo Bar offers exceptional blowouts without the exaggerated prices. For just $35, customers are able to choose from getting an effortless beach wave blo dry or retro makeup application with sexy cat eyes and red lips.
Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown
Inside a pretty pink setting right smack in the middle of busy Midtown Miami, there is Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown that offers many lavish services. Choose from getting the signature blo out with either a classy or vamp finish, or try one of the blo-on-the-go features, bringing the styling service directly to you at home or the office.
Salon Vaso
Known to have some of the best hairstylists around, Salon Vaso has been making plenty of customers happy for years, especially when it comes to blow drying. With a very chic yet comfortable atmosphere and topnotch stylists, this South Beach salon will turn anyone's unruly tresses into a stunning smooth works of art. -
On April 30Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are the best places to get a hair blowout in Miami?
With the high levels of humidity here in Miami, having a good hair day isn't always an easy task. Let the experts help your hair look its best with a proper blowout at any of these topnotch salons.
B Dry Blow Bar
Located right near Lincoln Road in South Beach, B Dry Blo Bar offers exceptional blowouts without the exaggerated prices. For just $35, customers are able to choose from getting an effortless beach wave blo dry or retro makeup application with sexy cat eyes and red lips.
Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown
Inside a pretty pink setting right smack in the middle of busy Midtown Miami, there is Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown that offers many lavish services. Choose from getting the signature blo out with either a classy or vamp finish, or try one of the blo-on-the-go features, bringing the styling service directly to you at home or the office.
Salon Vaso
Known to have some of the best hairstylists around, Salon Vaso has been making plenty of customers happy for years, especially when it comes to blow drying. With a very chic yet comfortable atmosphere and topnotch stylists, this South Beach salon will turn anyone's unruly tresses into a stunning smooth works of art. -
On April 30Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are the best places to get a hair blowout in Miami?
With the high levels of humidity here in Miami, having a good hair day isn't always an easy task. Let the experts help your hair look its best with a proper blowout at any of these topnotch salons.
B Dry Blow Bar
Located right near Lincoln Road in South Beach, B Dry Blo Bar offers exceptional blowouts without the exaggerated prices. For just $35, customers are able to choose from getting an effortless beach wave blo dry or retro makeup application with sexy cat eyes and red lips.
Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown
Inside a pretty pink setting right smack in the middle of busy Midtown Miami, there is Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown that offers many lavish services. Choose from getting the signature blo out with either a classy or vamp finish, or try one of the blo-on-the-go features, bringing the styling service directly to you at home or the office.
Salon Vaso
Known to have some of the best hairstylists around, Salon Vaso has been making plenty of customers happy for years, especially when it comes to blow drying. With a very chic yet comfortable atmosphere and topnotch stylists, this South Beach salon will turn anyone's unruly tresses into a stunning smooth works of art. -
On April 30Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What restaurants have the best views in Miami?
Miami offers many restaurants with impeccable views coinciding with extraordinary delectable menu choices. Depending on the view of choice: water view, skyline, cityscape, there are plenty of venues that will offer ample viewing with palatable cuisine.
Smith & Wollensky
One of the most popular steakhouses around, Smith & Wollensky not only offers premium meat, but the view is also captivating. Sit outside by the bar or grab a cozy seat for two, and both the Miami skyline and water view will be sure to grab your attention.
Juvia
A beautiful penthouse that overlooks all of Miami Beach really makes Juvia the place to be for an ideal view inside a serene setting. Whether seated outside on the large open terrace, or indoors tucked away in a comfy booth, this restaurant has amazing views in every area of its lush space.
Red Fish Grill
Noted as one of South Florida's "most romantic" venues, the Red Fish Grill provides a beautiful view, tucked away from it all. Located in Matheson Hammock Park, you'll have to drive down a long path to get there, but it's well worth it, especially when seated at a table outdoors under the swaying palm trees, overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Area 31
Sitting high on top of the Epic Hotel, Area 31 provides picturesque views of Downtown Miami. While the outdoor terrace is stunning with its cozy couches, small marble bar, and ideal boat watching along the bay, the dining room inside is also magnificent and furnishes spotless views of the city as well. -
On April 30Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are the best boutique hotels in Miami?
Miami is known to have some truly beautiful and unique boutique hotels. While it's difficult to point out each and every one, here are a few of the best boutique hotels that this city has to offer.
Hotel Astor South Beach
Located right in the middle of Miami Beach, this historic Art Deco boutique hotel has been around for years and still continues to be one of the leading hotspots in its area today. It's simple yet elegant design provides a touch of modern luxury in a classic retreat, while offering its guests essential accommodations and amenities.
The Anglers Resort
Priding itself on giving its guests a timeless old Florida style venue but with the liveness of South Beach, this charming boutique hotel shows off stylish sophistication in the heart of it all. Guests have the option to choose from staying in a luxury suite or a lavish villa with pool views, spiral staircases, and private patios with jacuzzis.
Epic Hotel
Located Downtown, this fancy boutique hotel sits right on the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, providing ample water views inside an elite setting. Everything from the dining to the spa is high-end and gives guests state-of-the-art accommodations that will surely live up to even the highest of expectations.
Hotel St. Michel
A historical staple that sits pretty in the lush shady streets of Coral Gables, this hotel hosts its guests in a very classic space with handmade original furniture pieces to give it that legendary luster. A truly relaxing sanctuary with fantastic architectural heritage and proper accommodations, this is a hotel that is great for anyone looking for a proper get away in South Florida.
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On April 30Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are quirky local customs in Miami?
While not necessarily all quirky, Miami does have a few local customs worth mentioning. Between the celebratory festivals that take place throughout the year and the crazy driving, there's plenty of local traditions worth mentioning.
Art Deco Weekend in Miami Beach takes place in January and is a festival that celebrates the historic Art Deco era with lots of food and entertainment, all on South Beach's very own landmark, Ocean Drive.
Every year, Little Havana has its free Calle Ocho Street Festival, where communities from all over come together and show off their heritage with authentic food, cigar rolling, live music, and lots of salsa dancing.
Miami is also known for adding gratuity on bills instead of having the patron do it himself. This happens especially when dining on the beach. Visitors will also notice that many times there is a " beach tax" added onto the bill as well. Each area in Miami varies in regards to gratuity and taxes, but it's always a good idea to look over the bill carefully so you don't end up paying more than you owe.
The driving here in Miami is also one of a kind. You'll find anything from cars zipping through lanes, to ones going way less than the speed limit. And be on the look out for turn signals not being used when they should be. It seems almost a tradition here that most drivers don’t use their turn signals, but instead just push on the brakes and make a go for it. -
On April 29Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
Miami is always changing and it seems like there's always something new popping up, including lots of clubs, restaurants, and activities.
Deco Bike is one of the newer attractions to hit South Beach, and provides a fun and healthy alternative to driving your car or using other forms of public transportation. All around town people can find these Deco bikes parked in a particular location, which allows customers to rent and then drop them off at any other location within the city.
There's plenty of new stores to shop too, including places that recently opened up on Lincoln Road. Now, shoppers can find a large Forever 21 and two-floor H&M, alongside their other staples in the outdoor Lincoln Road Mall. A newcomer that plans on opening in mid-May in this mall too is New-Era, and promises fun finds and live beats from Miami's own top DJs.
The Gale Hotel is also a huge addition to Miami's nightlife scene since this space is packed with everything: a funky basement lounge, a fine dining restaurant, and a couple of bars that make some serious cocktails. After a few of the potent concoctions mixed up in the Regent Cocktail Club, you might be calling it a night in one of the stylish vintage guest rooms. -
On April 28Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are the best day trips near Miami?
Miami has tons to offer, but while you're visiting here, there are also some great day trips near the city to check out too. When you want to get out of the heart of it all, there are plenty of easy trips to take that aren't too out of the way.
If adventure and wildlife is what you're looking for, then the Everglades National Park in Homestead is something to see. Roughly about an hour or so outside of Miami, you'll encounter alligators lounging around the swamp while coasting in an air boat ride. Then, you’ll have to try the infamous delicacies: fried gater bites.
Heading to the Florida Keys is also a relatively easy trip, which takes roughly 3 hours or so, depending on which area you want to visit. Walk around and take in the sites, while removing yourself from the bustle of the city and into the relaxed atmosphere the Keys are known for.
The Bahamas are also very close to Miami, and relatively inexpensive to get to. You can find a cheap cruise of less than $200 that will ship you out to island for the day, or you can try the Ferry Bahamas that’ll take you directly to the island in just a few hours when leaving from Fort Lauderdale. -
On April 28Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What are some things to know before visiting Miami?
If you're planning to visit Miami, there are a few things to know before getting off the plane and into the Magic City. Miami is a very diverse, cultural city and you'll be sure to see that from all the different people that live and visit here. There is a very large Latin population so don't be surprised if you hear the Spanish language sometimes even more than you hear English -- depending on the area you are visiting.
The weather is also something to consider. While it’s usually always warm and sunny, Miami is also a tropical climate which means there’s lots of humidity and random rain showers. You might be walking around Lincoln Road on a sunny day and then the next minute clouds roll in and bring lots of heavy rain with it. The good thing is, the rain never usually lasts very long and the sun always tends to make its way back out, but it's always a good idea to carry an umbrella with you when you are planning to be outdoors.
Beauty and cosmetics takes a huge role here too. You'll not only see some beautiful people, but you'll also hear a lot about plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Miami really is all about the glitz and glam, and that really goes for the people here too.
Be prepared to do a little traveling. Miami is very spread out and has a lot to offer, so you’ll need to do some traveling in the car to check out all the different neighborhoods this place has to offer, such as Wynwood, Coral Gables, Midtown, and of course South Beach.
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On April 25Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What is the best time to visit Miami?
Usually, the ideal time to visit Miami tends to be in the spring. Traveling here during the winter can be nice as it's usually in the 70's during the day and the 60's or 50's at night, but if you're looking for the perfect Miami heat without too much of the sticky summer humidity, spring is the best time to visit. It's usually relatively hot, well into the high 80's and the nights are still warm too, so dining outside in the evenings are ideal.
However, traveling to Miami in the spring can sometimes be a little pricey since there is spring break to think about. April can be a tough time to get to Miami on the cheap since so many kids are out of school and traveling here for their break. March and May can be betters time to find decent plane tickets and deals on hotels. But if you're looking for super cheap flights, you can always travel in the summer. Just be sure to book your stay somewhere directly on the beach because you won't want to be doing much of anything else but staying in the water. -
On April 25Carissa Chesanek answered the question:
What is the best new restaurant in Miami?
There are always new spots opening in Miami and some of them last, while others fade in the dust. Right now there are a few amazing new restaurants that opened, making it a little tough to decide on the "best" new one, but there is a particular spot that comes to mind in Coral Gables.
Swine Southern Table & Bar has to be one of the best new restaurants to open recently in Miami. Created by the 50 Eggs Inc. restaurant group that brought us Yardbird in South Beach, this new eatery prides itself on a hearty pork-infused menu along with carefully crafted cocktails, all in a comfortable yet rustic setting. While the food is ridiculously good, the entire vibe here also helps make this spot a winner. From its warm wood tones, loft-style floor plan, and lively chatter, this is definitely a gathering place for good comfort food in a charming atmosphere.
