Miami Vacation Rental in Sunny East Coast Florida Paradise
Good to Know About Miami
Miami is located in the state of Florida in Miami-Dade County. With just under half a million residents, Miami is considered one of the smaller cities in the U.S. But the entire region, with more than 6 million residents, still has the vibe of a true major metropolis. The Magic City was founded in 1896. The name traces back to the area around Lake Okeechobee. At the time of the Indigenous people, it was still named after the tribe that lived here: Lake Mayaimi.
Miami at a Glance
- State: Florida
- County: Miami-Dade
- Area: 1,433.14 km², including 92 km² of land area
- Population: 442,241
- Nickname: The Magic City, Gateway to the Americas, Capital of Latin America
- Elevation: 2 meters above sea level
- Time zone: Eastern (UTC−5/−4)
The Best Time to Visit Miami – Climate and Weather
Whenever you want to head to Miami Beach: as soon as you step off the plane at Miami International Airport, you can expect sunshine and warm to hot temperatures. The climate here is tropical, shaped by the Gulf Stream of the Atlantic and a monsoon climate. That means summers in Miami are very hot and humid, while winters are warm and dry. In summer, it rains frequently, which is very welcome in the heat. If you want to travel to Miami in the fall, be prepared for frequent storms—hurricanes can occur as well.
It’s warmest in July and August with average temperatures of 30 °C. January is the coolest month with average temperatures of 21 °C. The perfect time of year to explore Miami with all your senses is late spring. In May and June, it’s the quietest, and the temperatures on land and in the water are ideal.
| Season | Average temperature | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 23 °C – 28 °C | Mild and dry |
| Summer | 27 °C – 32 °C | Warm and humid |
| Fall | 24 °C – 29 °C | Pleasant |
The Top 10 Attractions in Miami
1. Art Deco District in South Beach
In the Art Deco District, you can admire around 960 historic buildings from the 1930s and 1940s. The facades are painted in light shades of blue and yellow. They look like the sun and the sea in Miami. A walking tour with an audio guide is a bit like a stroll through a fantasy world—but truly impressive.
2. Wynwood Art District
The Wynwood neighborhood used to be a purely working-class area not too long ago. Now, it’s a must-have on your Miami tour. What was once extremely dangerous is now the Wynwood Art District—today, with the Wynwood Walls and many other street-art highlights, cafés, galleries, bars, and restaurants, it’s absolutely hip!
3. Downtown Miami
Of course you have to check out Downtown when you’re in Miami. Here, countless skyscrapers try to touch the sun. The tallest is Panorama Tower at 265 meters. In Downtown Miami, people don’t really live—most of it is for work. Some of the most popular attractions include the Freedom Tower, the American Airlines Arena, Bayfront Park, and the Hard Rock Café Miami.
4. Little Havana
Buzzing and loud, the Little Havana neighborhood welcomes you. From every alleyway and from every restaurant, bar, and café, loud music spills out. The center of Little Havana is Calle Ocho, the main street that runs straight through the lively neighborhood. Authentic Cuban food, the exiled Cubans playing dominoes in Maximo Gómez Park, the cigar rollers on the streets, and the Walkway of the Stars transport you into a completely different world.
5. South Pointe Park
At the very southern tip, South Pointe Park and the adjacent South Pointe Pier are waiting for you. Here you’ll have an excellent view of the endless bay of South Beach and the Downtown Miami skyline. It’s especially beautiful in the evening. Countless restaurants and bars along the promenade on Espanola Way invite you to linger.
6. Miami Beach and Ocean Drive
Of course, a quick visit to Miami Beach is part of a Miami vacation. Here in the southern part of the city, you’ll find not only the water and the fine sandy beach, but also Miami’s Ocean Drive—an incredibly interesting and lively beachfront promenade.
7. Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is a collection of shops, cafés, and restaurants that feels like a huge open-air shopping mall. Everything is lined up along a crescent-shaped bay. Strolling, eating ice cream, grabbing coffee, and of course spending plenty of money in the shops are all part of the experience. There’s also live music here again and again. Right next door is Bayfront Park, which is perfect for relaxing.
8. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Coconut Grove impress with their architecture and the major art treasures you can admire here. The villa has 34 rooms in Renaissance style and a picturesque courtyard. Here, you won’t feel like you’re in the U.S. anymore, but rather in 15th- and 16th-century Europe.
9. Miami Lifeguard Stands
You may already know them, and they’re a true Miami landmark: the Miami lifeguard stands. Lifeguards sit in the colorful little huts and keep an eye on swimmers in South Beach. The 15 huts in different colors are a popular photo spot.
10. Villa Versace (Casa Casuarina)
Villa Versace gained tragic notoriety. Here in South Beach, the famous fashion designer Gianni Versace was found murdered on the villa’s steps in 1997. Today, the residence is a luxury hotel with a restaurant.
Miami from Above – Helicopter Tour
The best way to get a perfect overview of Miami and the surrounding area is a helicopter tour. On the big 30-minute flight, you can discover all the highlights of the Magic City from a bird’s-eye view. You’ll fly over the coastal beaches from North Miami to South Beach. The route takes you over Sun Life Stadium, Gulfstream Park, and Oleta River State Park to the Fisher Islands, over the Miami Seaquarium, and all the way to Key Biscayne.
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Miami
Anyone looking in Miami for a beach for sunbathing, swimming, diving, sailing, surfing, and relaxing can’t miss Miami Beach and South Beach. The famous beach isn’t located directly in Miami, but on the coast of a beautiful barrier island. If this beach is too crowded for you, you can also let yourself be enchanted by other dream beaches in the surrounding area north and south of Miami:
- Key Biscayne
- Key Largo Beach
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Hollywood Beach
- Historic Virginia Key Park
Experience Nature and Wildlife in Miami
There’s a lot to see and do in Miami. If you want to unwind in nature after shopping, sightseeing, and that trendy beach vibe, you can do so in and around Miami as well. Many parks, such as Lummus Park or Matheson Hammock Park, invite you to stroll and relax. With Everglades National Park, there’s an area full of endangered native animal and plant species that’s truly one of a kind. Biscayne National Park offers an impressive underwater world, and in Big Cypress National Preserve, you can discover rarities like the Florida panther during an incredible canoe trip through the swamps.
Food and Nightlife in Miami
You could give tips on where to eat in Miami for pages and pages. Look around—you’ll discover stands, small cafés, bars, and trendy restaurants everywhere. Depending on where you are, you’ll find Creole-influenced cuisine, Cuban cuisine, or international seafood waiting to be sampled. There are even food tours through individual districts like Wynwood or Little Havana.
Shopping in Miami
In addition to Bayside Marketplace, many other malls and shopping streets invite you to shop. Browse glamorous outfits in the Design District, pick up the hottest pieces from high-fashion brands at Aventura Mall, or shop on a budget on Lincoln Road in South Beach.
Worthwhile Day Trips from Miami
Day Trip to the Everglades
A day trip to the Everglades brings you much closer to nature. A little variety between skyscrapers, the beach, and shopping is always nice! In Everglades National Park, you can discover countless animal and plant species. Tours are available by kayak or airboat.
Off to the Bahamas!
The Bahamas? Yes—the island paradise is only one hour away by island-hopper flight or 2.5 hours by ferry. With a trip to the Bahamas, you’ll top off your Miami vacation. Here, you’ll find beaches, sunshine, wonderful food, and plenty of shopping opportunities.
Key West Is Worth the Trip
You should also plan a day trip to Key West during your Miami vacation. You can go by bus or explore the area on your own in a rental car. Whether you just check out the town or book a tour with snorkeling and dolphin watching is up to you. For couples in love, a romantic sunset sailing tour in Key West is an absolute highlight.
Explore Miami and the Surrounding Area by Rental Car
In Miami itself, you have many ways to get around. For one, you can rely on your own two feet, but you can also rent bikes. Many sightseeing tours by bus and the famous trolley give your feet a break, and you’ll also get to know many things and points of interest along the way. However, many beaches and some day-trip destinations are a bit farther out. That’s why renting a car in Miami is highly recommended if you want to explore the area independently.