When they hear Miami, many people immediately think of Miami Beach. These two are not the same thing, and if you’re visiting Miami make sure you know the key differences between these two locations!
This blog post is for you if you want to find out the main differences between staying in Miami or at Miami beach, and which of the two would be a better option for you!
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I spent a week staying at Miami Beach and exploring downtown Miami. Here are my opinions and key differences between the two because I really want you to choose the best option for your stay!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH?
People often think that Miami and Miami Beach are the same thing, but they’re not. While the city of Miami is on the mainland of Florida, Miami Beach is a separate island connected to the mainland by causeways. The city of Miami is more work-oriented with lots of traffic, whereas Miami Beach is a relaxed, more touristy location.
MIAMI OR MIAMI BEACH: WHERE TO STAY?
Miami is a huge city, so choosing where to stay can drastically affect your budget and flexibility while on holiday. If you’re travelling with a smaller budget, the city of Miami might have more options for you. Miami offers more variety when it comes to accommodation. Keep in mind that Miami is already very expensive, so it will put a dent in your pockets regardless of where you stay.
If your budget is a bit more flexible, you might find some hotels on South Beach charming. Those closer to the beach will be more expensive, but if you’re okay with being a few minutes away from the beach, you’ll find more affordable options.
We stayed at The Fritz Hotel on South Beach, and it was a decent option. While we weren’t overly impressed, its incredible location right on Ocean Drive made our stay memorable.
MIAMI OR MIAMI BEACH: WHAT TO DO AND SEE
The main thing that will help you decide where to stay is your itinerary. If you think you’ll spend most of your time at the beach, it’s logical to stay at Miami Beach. If you’re more for luxury shopping and skyscrapers, you’ll want to stay in downtown Miami.
For inspiration, here’s our detailed 4-day itinerary you can check out!
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN MIAMI
Visit Bayside Market Place
Nestled along the Biscayne Bay is Bayside Marketplace, a lively waterfront destination that captures the true feel of Miami. This iconic marketplace provides a range of experiences, including shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s a place you absolutely must visit, and it’s situated in downtown Miami. We loved walking through many shops and stopping for lunch at the Bayside Market Place.
See a Miami Heat basketball game
If you want a really special experience, check out if Miami Heat are playing any games at home at the Kaseya Center. Grab some tickets online and enjoy cheering on one of the most popular NBA teams! We really wanted to experience an American basketball match, but unfortunately there were none in Miami while we were there.
Visit Little Havana
Another place in Miami you can’t miss is Little Havana. Walk its colorful streets, feel the Cuban vibe, and enjoy the main street, Calle Ocho, where you’ll find upbeat salsa music and tasty Cuban food. It’s a must-visit for a true Miami experience, and you will easily reach it if you’re staying in Miami.
Shop at the Dolphin Mall
Dolphin Mall is a popular shopping and entertainment destination located in Miami. With over 240 retail outlets, Dolphin Mall has some of the best outlet and discounted prices in Miami, so if you love shopping, you’ll have the time of your life there. It’s situated close to the Miami Airport, so you’ll need a car or a taxi to get there.
Visit Wynwood
Wynwood, located in the heart of Miami, has transformed into a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its art, culture, and hip atmosphere. It’s got plenty of outdoor street art and murals, making it one of the world’s largest open-air street art installations. It’s a fun place for great Instagram pictures, so give it a shot!
WHAT TO DO AND SEE AT MIAMI BEACH
Go to the beach
Miami Beach is a real slice of heaven. With its exquisite white sand and the inviting, warm turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a perfect destination to spend a few hours of your day. Whether you choose to swim, sunbathe, or simply unwind, Miami Beach is a truly relaxing experience for your holiday. We’ve had some of the most relaxing time on the gorgeous South Beach. Our favourite past time was playing pickleball!
Cycle to the South Pointe Pier
If you’re staying on South Beach, or Miami Beach in general, make sure you rent a bike and cycle to the South Pointe Park and Pier. The ride will be nice and relaxing, and at the end you’ll get some of the most stunning views of Miami Beach and the Miami skyscrapers as well. You can rent a CitiBike easily just with your credit card at many locations on the beach.
Visit Espanola Way
Espanola Way, situated in the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, is a delightful and historically rich street. It features a captivating mix of Mediterranean-style architecture, a range of dining choices, and a vibrant ambiance. It’s one of the most interesting streets on South Beach, and it’s a perfect dinner location!
Shop at Lincoln Road
If you’re a shopper, Lincoln Road is a location you’ll love. The road spans over a few blocks and has some of the best shops on Miami Beach. From luxury stores to those more affordable, everyone will find something for themselves. We had a wonderful time just window-shopping, so you don’t even need to spend any money to enjoy it. If you get tired, you can always sit down for a drink or lunch, since there are many fun restaurants and bars on Lincoln Road as well.
Have a drink at Ocean Drive
While Ocean Drive looks stunning during the day, it completely transforms in the evening. The buildings light up in various colours and invite you to enjoy the night in one of the many bars on the famous street. There’s lots of people drinking and dining, and the overall atmosphere is exciting and lively. Sit down for a drink or a bite and immerse yourself in South Beach nightlife at least once!
Eat tacos at Dulce Vida
Some of the best tacos we’ve had in our lives were from Dulce Vida. This small restaurant is on 6th Street and it will be a staple restaurant for you if you like Mexican food. We’ve gone to Dulce Vida at least 3 times during our week at South Beach and I couldn’t recommend this restaurant more!
Overall, we enjoyed staying at Miami Beach and I would choose the same location over and over again. We had so much fun in South Beach, while walking through downtown Miami often seemed boring to us. What’s a location you’d prefer to stay at?
I was surprised to learn that Miami and Miami Beach are not the same thing, ha! I would definitely stay in Miami Beach, the city doesn’t seem that interesting.
Thanks for sharing your recommendations for what to do and see at Miami Beach. It sounds like there is a lot to explore here! I’ll be saving this for a future trip!