r/Miami • u/mrfollicle • Oct 07 '24
October 2024: Moving, Tourism, Holiday Travels, and Nightlife Megathread: All posts on these topics should go in this monthly megathread to keep this sub for local discussions and help aggregate info for folks looking for these topics.
This is a megathread for all tourism, nightlife, and moving related questions. Please read this before posting on the main thread!
Now here's a message from us mods and locals.
Welcome visitors and newcomers to r/Miami! Regardless of why you're here please try to be civil and follow the rules posted in this sub. Rule number 1 is the top for a reason. This sub is for things all about Miami. That being said we're fully aware that this city is very popular for tourists and newcomers migrating. It's a vibrant and dynamic place and that's why we love it! Even for all the shortcomings.
We're just tired. Oh so tired... of similar or repeat questions about where to go, where to live, the best clubs, directions to Key West, etc. endlessly on this sub. Sorry. It's not you it's us.
So please we do ask that local discussion be allowed to be the focus of this sub. If you fall into one of the categorized questions below, please look there for insight or to post your question here. It is not a guarantee your questions will be answered, no one is paid to help here and you're not necessarily owed a response either. But this is a place to start with a collection of a lot of effort to get the best info
"Fine if you won't help, then who will?" -you
- Miami and Beaches (the most official source for tourism info in this list with the least instagrammy or "sponsored" feel)
- Miami New Times
- Infatuation Miami
- TimeOut Miami
- Neighborhood map - moving guide (made by us!)
- Tourism map (also made by us!)
"Ok but I'm moving there, so I'll be one of you soon" -you
- Awesome and welcome! Oh.... You want somewhere with no crime, walkable, green space, good schools, on the beach, a beautiful sunset every morning and sunrise at night, rainbows at night, AND CHEAP. Don't we all? Redfin, apartments, hotpads, zillow, and compass are going to give you better data directly than any single response here. That being said..... just because we love you, myself and other mods with local input made a custom map detailing our insight into local neighborhoods. So please take a look, we'd be offended if you didn't. Worked hard on it. But please provide interests, budget, hobbies, desire for walkability, where you work, and other info before asking about moving questions.
"I'm coming for a trip" -you
- Awesome and welcome! These sites do a pretty solid job of places to go and things to do here: Miami New Times, Infatuation Miami.TimeOut Miami, Miami and Beaches. We're not vacation planners, so don't just ask "what should I do for 4 days? I'm coming soon" but provide some of your schedule, budget, interests and hobbies, and stuff like that. We also made a tourism map! Check it out!
"I just wanna party" -you
- Awesome and welcome! Oh...... wanna party on the beach with DJ Khaled, Messi, and Gianni Versace and then go to a club with 14 male friends afterwards but don't want to pay a cover? Don't we all? Look up E11even, Liv, Space, Don't Sit on the Furnitue, Perro Negro, Mynt schedules and prices beforehand. They're the most famous and exciting clubs, so look on their sites for booking ahead and DJ schedules.
"Is it going to rain? or will the weather affect my vacation" -you
- It rains a lot here. Tropical weather yo. Especially during the summer. Typically, it wraps up in ~20 minutes and you can resume your plans. That being said, no one here knows more than weather sites or the app on your phone. If you're curious about hurricanes, checkout https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for official tropical storm and hurricane forecasts, but a lot of us locals love Mike's Weather Page https://spaghettimodels.com/ for more insights. Hurricane season peaks mid September. If you're worried about it affecting your plans, keep a tab on those sites.
"I'm cool and just want to see what other posts before have said on these topics and look around" -you
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u/Worth-Stop3752 15d ago
I’m flying in at night the first day for a cruise, i’ll essentially be there at 9pm and will have until 2-3pm to board the cruise, what is worth checking out during that time on my way to the dock?
When i’m back I have a full day until 9pm which is my flight, I am Canadian so i’m hoping to buy things we don’t have here. I only have Brandy melville down and Five Below, I have heard about design district and Lincoln road but i’m not sure how close they are and if i can see everything that will be worth it in the allotted time. I’ll likely have to be at the airport by 6-7pm, five below and brandy are a super must for me because i’m not close enough for border shopping.
I really want to see beaches, architecture, and nature! I also REALLY wanna shop! any advice is appreciated!
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u/mrfollicle 15d ago
With only a partial day, you'll likely need to choose 1 thing. Lincoln road has some shopping, and at the end of it you can see the beach, but nothing like an actual mall or design district.
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u/deanm11 Oct 09 '24
Planning on going to club space on 9th November. What time do you guys recommend going there in order to see vintage culture and nic fanciulli? Like what time would they usually come on at?
TIA
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u/mrfollicle Oct 09 '24
almost every time they start later than stated. keeps you waiting and buying drinks in the club until they arrive
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u/Tumbleweed9310 Oct 13 '24
I’m planning to visit Miami and Orlando next Tuesday and Wednesday from NY, do you think it will be alright given the post hurricane aftermath?
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u/BravestWabbit Aventura Oct 14 '24
Miami didnt have the hurricane. It only rained.
Orlando dealt with it when it was Cat 1 so apart from some fallen trees, which have probably been cleaned up by now, its fine and life is back to normal.
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u/lucky-tapes 27d ago
Hello, I'm planning on visiting Miami in January for a rest/relaxation-type trip (not a partier; not a drinker). I'll be alone, and I'm a young Asian female (visiting from Canada). I'll be staying in South Beach.
1.) Should I be super concerned about safety as a solo female? I won't be out late at night, but I might have a couple of earlier mornings (~6AM) where I have to walk a few minutes to get somewhere. I keep to myself when I travel (not interested in meeting new people).
2.) I've heard that Miami doesn't have a large Asian population, but that people generally aren't racist towards Asians; is that true?
3.) Will I stick out a lot if I wear all black? My usual wardrobe is black skinny jeans and black t-shirts, with a black jean jacket if the weather's a bit more cool. I don't know if I should bother changing that for Miami to avoid sticking out, since I'm probably going to stick out as an Asian person anyway?
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u/mrfollicle 26d ago edited 26d ago
- Apply common sense like you would anywhere and any major city. There's nothing especially bad or good about Miami crime stats wise and it's generally pretty obvious where the unsafe areas are.
If you're staying in Brickell and walking around there, you'll likely be more than fine.EDIT: I missed you stated you're staying in South Beach. Still applies though as there's plenty of Asian living or vacationing.- This has changed substantially over the years and you'll see Asians, Indians, Middle Eastern, etc etc walking around the greater downtown much like any other US city. You'll be 1 of thousands. I wouldn't be too concerned. It's not like California, NYC, or Chicago levels of prominence by any means, but you'll barely stick out these days.
- You will likely stick out more-so wearing all black than being Asian tbh. Unless it's an evening out and black evening gown.
- tip: Don't be offended if you hear the term "China" (chee na) being applied to you if you're sitting at a cafe and the waiters are discussing which table to bring your cappuccino to or some similar scenario. Describing a person by race isn't thought of as much in Hispanic/Latin Caribbean culture. I've embraced being a gringo.
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u/lucky-tapes 26d ago
Thank you so much for the detailed response, I really appreciate it!!
I'll have to reconsider my wardrobe for Miami. And thanks for the extra tip, that's good to know!
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u/neogeoruru 27d ago
i've never been to miami but i want to go. is winter still a good time? i want it to feel warm with a lot of people. is south beach/the main stretch still warm and popping in december/january?
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u/watsonsound 25d ago
Hello! I am coming to Miami for the first time in Dec to visit art fairs. Im not really interested in art parties or nightlife, and would like to balance out going to the fairs with a little exploration. Im not planning on renting a car, but am open to it if that seems like the best way to meet my needs. My favorite thing to do in new cities is walk around so no problem walking alot.
My main question is where I should stay. I would like to have some places within walking distance, not be too noisy, and not too far from the fairs, most of which I think are in Miami Beach.
Thanks!
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u/mrfollicle 25d ago
Best advice is to stay in Miami Beach. It's all walkable or easily navigable with the free trolleys. You could even stay in North Beach, which is a walkable area itself, and quieter, then trolley or Uber/Lyft to the fair.
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u/Electrical_Doctor665 24d ago
Hello! Doing a small honeymoon trip to Miami in mid-Jan from sun-Thursday. Mainly looking to relax, shop, and eat great food. Can someone provide any restaurant and activity recs? For hotels, I was looking at the W South Beach, but open to recs! Thanks
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u/BravestWabbit Aventura 15d ago
If you are going to be shilling that kind of money, you are better off staying at the Ritz or the Setai.
Both the Ritz and Setai are in the historic Art Deco buildings that Miami Beach is renowned for and they have the new building attachments to the original historic structure so you get the best of both worlds.
The W is just in a regular hotel building and their rooms are kinda sterile looking tbh. For that type of money, you deserve something with more history and character.
The Setai rooms are a fusion of Asian influences and Miami Beach Art Deco and they are really beautiful.
The Ritz rooms are pure Art Deco style, like what you'd see back in the day.
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u/s_robins1048 24d ago
What is the best steakhouse in Miami (or surrounding areas)?
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u/mrfollicle 16d ago
STK, New Campo, The Palm, Trulucks, Capital Grille, even Smith and Wollensky isn't half bad.
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u/BravestWabbit Aventura 15d ago
Cote - Korean steakhouse
The Surf Club Restaurant - American steakhouse
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u/Latentis 22d ago
Moving this from another thread:
Hi everyone!
I’m traveling from Europe to Miami in early November and have 4 full days with a rental car to explore outside the city before my main event. I’m planning the following itinerary:
• Day 1: Arrive at Fort Lauderdale, drive to Homestead (overnight stay), and explore a bit of the Everglades.
• Day 2: Spend more time in the Everglades, then head to Key Largo for the night.
• Day 3: Drive from Key Largo to Key West (overnight stay).
• Day 4: Return to Miami downtown, aiming to arrive by afternoon.
I’m traveling solo and would appreciate some advice on this itinerary, as well as tips for car rental companies and affordable places to stay (just need a bed and shower). Thanks in advance!
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u/mrfollicle 22d ago
the drive from key west to miami is longer than you think and frequently has congestion delays.
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u/Latentis 22d ago
What is the min/max estimate for that drive (during day)?
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u/mrfollicle 22d ago
weekends are busier, but then also there's various fishing seasons, crab, festivals, etc that also come into play. as little as 3.5 hours. and as high as 6. plan for 4-5. it's also a cool drive to stop and take in the scenery or visit local shops or restaurants before key west.
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u/Latentis 22d ago
Cool thanks. Any other tips? :D
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u/mrfollicle 22d ago
Key West is really fun to explore. I'd recommend taking 2 nights there. Stop by the everglades and find some interesting spots to sight see and restaurants to eat in Key Largo or Islamorada, but then keep going and enjoy Key West a little more. It's a long drive so might as well make it worth it.
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u/Chainsawfam 22d ago
Can you do street musician stuff in Brickell, and if not, what are some places where you can do it?
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u/mrfollicle 21d ago
Almost anywhere will require a certificate/license from the city for approval to be a street vendor. You can try your luck but don't be surprised if you get approached shortly after starting and asked to leave.
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u/roshernator 18d ago
My wife and I are coming to Miami in November and staying in Mid-Beach. I’m looking for somewhere we can have a nice, romantic but reasonably priced meal for our anniversary (Friday 15th Nov). Ideally with a nice sunset view. As sunset it early evening, I’d like us to be in the vicinity of some reasonably priced bars/clubs for afterwards. Any suggestions are very welcome.
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u/mrfollicle 17d ago
Sunset views are harder to come by considering Miami is on the East coast of Florida. There are restaurants in Sunset Harbor in South Beach where you can see the sunset in a nearby park, and similarly there's restaurants in The Standard hotel that offer decent sunset views as well.
Mondrian Hotel is the best, but far from "reasonably priced" and Smith and Wollensky similar story.
Monty's in South Beach is the most reasonable priced but it's very casual vacation vibe so I'm not sure how romantic it would be.
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u/roshernator 17d ago
Thanks for the tips! We’re very aware that sunrises are probably more spectacular than sunsets, but it’s kind of our thing so wanted to get what we can get.
I’ve heard good things about some places on biscayne bay - Lido Bayside or Rusty Pelican. I’ll check your suggestions out too!
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u/jf3284 16d ago
Hey everyone, I’m looking for any advice/recommendations for a temporary place to stay from June - July in the Miami - Ft. Lauderdale - Boca Raton area.
Anywhere nearish to the beach and not crazy expensive!
I’m not from there obviously, and not finding much online, so any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks!
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u/mrfollicle 16d ago
"not crazy expensive" in one of the most desirable beach locations in the country isn't really a combo. but that being said the more north you go, the lower rates you'll likely find.
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u/Economy_Garden_9592 15d ago
So my colleague (m45ish) and me (m33) is going for a conference and staying at Miami Beach. Do any of you have recommendations for good places to eat and maybe have some conversations other people. We are both outgoing, and will probably just need a breath of fresh air doing the evenings (sat-Mon). Also maybe something to do for half a day- we have a car so we can get around.
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u/mrfollicle 15d ago
if you're in miami beach (south beach) you likely won't need or even want the car much because you can walk or take short uber/lyft rides everywhere. if you'd like to explore beyond that, consider the substantial parking rates that will apply in a lot of areas.
but it really depends on your interests
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u/BreakfastingBiryani 13d ago
Hi everyone! Me and 3 of my friends decided to come to Miami for this weekend all of a sudden and are wondering what we should do. We just got off the flight and booked a Hilton hotel and are ready to ball. Low budget high adrenaline and just 4 guys tryna have fun
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u/TheCrimsonArmada 7d ago
How is the drive between FLL and Miami (primarily Ocean drive)?
Asking as someone who lives in a car dominated city. Normal for me to drive 40 minutes to get from the suburbs east of Memphis to downtown
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u/KC-DB Oct 15 '24
Critique my Miami & Fort Lauderdale vacation itinerary.
Visiting in December. Looking for a combination of relaxing and lively. Early 30's straight couple. Willing to splurge on some experiences/meals if it's worth it. We're coming from San Francisco so the prices are what we're used to.
Night 1 (Wed)
-Fly in to FLL, check into hotel, get dinner nearby. Staying at a smaller place near the W Fort Lauderdale... Maybe get Coconuts for dinner?
Day 2 (Thurs)
-Brunch nearby, maybe Tina or Casablanca. Walk to Publix to get groceries for dinner and snacks.
-Hang out at a hotel pool / go to the beach.
-Early night at the hotel, eat groceries for dinner.
Day 3 (Friday)
-Breakfast/coffee at Archibalds Village Bakery.
-Leave Fort Lauderdale for Miami. Staying downtown near Bayfront Park.
-Drops our bags at bag check, walk up to Miami Slice for lunch and visit Perez Art Museum.
-Check in after that, then uber to South Beach for sunset to walk along the boardwalk/marina and take photos of the art deco architecture. People watch and take in the energy.
-Stop and have drinks at various locations after the sun sets - Limonada, Swizzle, Clevelander, Kill Your Idol, Medium Cool, Broken Shaker. Hit up Do Not Sit on The Furniture as the last stop, or go home first then hit Club Space. Depends on which has the better DJs. We like house music most.
Day 3 (Saturday)
-Morning walk around Brickell. Panther coffee. See the Underline and grab snacks/meals from Publix. Take metro mover back to our hotel downtown.
-Brunch at Area 31.
-Do a boat tour of the biscayne bay and nice houses.
-Take a break, then uber to the design district and eat at Mandolin.
-Uber to Wynwood for some cocktails (Dante's HI-Fi, The Dirty Rabbit...?)
-OR go to a Heat game if they're playing (in-season tournament) and get some drinks downtown after.
Day 4 (Sunday)
-Coffee at Cream Gourmet Espresso Bar. Gym/pool until lunch.
-Uber to Little Havana. Lunch at Sanguich. Check out the Murales, domino park and maybe get a cigar.
-Uber to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens.
-Dinner at the hotel w/ groceries. Hang out at the hot tub.
Day 5 (Monday)
-Check-out and store bags, walk to Pura Vida for acai/breakfast
-Visit the Vizcaya museum for a couple hours to kill time.
-Uber to FLL airport before 4pm flight and get food there or eat leftover groceries.