Heading to Miami? A local wants you to know these 10 things

07.04.2024 - 17:35 / lonelyplanet.com

Like many South Florida residents, I came first as a tourist before my family made the leap and moved here.

But don’t lump me in with the new wave. I planted my roots in Miami back in 2009 – meaning I’ve been observing Miami’s distinct culture since well before the city’s recent trendiness. Getting to know Miami can be measured in more than years, though: my overuse of words like “bro”, “literally” and “super” – not to mention all sorts of Spanglish – marks me as a local. 

If you’ve got Florida on your vacation radar (and who doesn’t?), allow me to share all the things you should know before your visit to marvelous Miami. 

Visiting for the weekend? We have the itinerary for you

We don’t blame tourists for coming to Miami for our beautiful beaches – but it would be a shame if you were to only stick to the sand. Outdoorsy travelers will find plenty to keep themselves busy, with a handful of nearby state parks and even two national parks within easy distance to explore. And in town, Miami’s sensational neighborhoods – from Downtown to Wynwood – are worth savoring.

What really makes Miami stand out? Its unique blend of international influences, especially from the Caribbean and Latin America. So don’t miss out on perusing neighborhoods like Little Havana and Little Haiti.

Save our top neighborhood picks in Miami

Miami is a great destination year-round – with one exception: spring-break season. In recent years, spring break has become insufferably crowded, overpriced and in some cases even dangerous. Local authorities in Miami Beach have started cracking down by imposing curfews, enacting stricter rules around alcohol sales and increasing parking fees to as much as $100. In short, during spring break, you won’t get to fully experience Miami Beach – which I’d say is a must-see spot for first-time visitors. If spring break is the only time that works for you, then I suggest avoiding hotels in Miami Beach, and especially South Beach. 

Speaking of seasons, I’d be failing as your guide if I didn’t mention the rainy season. One summer, I met a Miami transplant who had recently moved from Ohio. He expressed his disappointment that it rained almost every day. I told him to count on rain every day from 2pm to 4pm during the summer – and plan accordingly. As we sat in that co-working cafe, it rained during that exact time frame, and I felt like a weather-controlling sorcerer.

Bottom line: South Florida is a tropical destination, so afternoon showers are the summertime norm. Don’t worry, though. Once the (sometimes apocalyptic) rain stops, things turn immediately bright and sunny again.

Greater Miami sprawls across thousands of square miles. And since the city was developed around cars, you can expect points of