Five Tips to Make the Most of Your First Vacation in Miami

If Miami isn’t on your bucket list, it should be! This vibrant Southern Florida city is unlike any other. With a colorful culture, no shortage of excitement, and sunny, beachy days, a trip to Miami isn’t something you’ll forget any time soon.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean your trip is guaranteed to be successful. Things are a little different in Miami than they are in other cities around the world. If you want to make the most of your trip, make sure you follow our guide to Maimi for first-time visitors.

Use Public Transportation

There’s no doubt that renting a car can make getting around Miami a little easier, but it can also be dangerous. With fast, flashy cars and a lot of people living in a small area, your chances of getting into an accident are increased when you’re driving a car you just rented in an area that you’re unfamiliar with. Avoid having to file for a personal injury or property damage claim after your vacation is over by considering your public transportation options first.

Fortunately, there are some really great ways to get around that don’t involve you having to buy a car! A few options include:

• Free Trolley
• Metromover
• Metrorail
• Bus
• Uber or Lyft
• Taxi cab

If You Plan on Staying Out Late, Stay Out Late

There’s nothing like the nightlife in Miami. That’s true when it comes to the type and quality of the activities you can do when the sun goes down, but it’s also true when it comes to what’s considered late.

Back home, the party might get started at 10 or 11 and go until 2 or 3 in the morning until it’s time to go home. That’s not the way it works in Miami. If you get to the club between 10 and 11, you are likely to find that you’re one of the only people there. It isn’t uncommon for crowds to build after midnight. The headline DJ may not even start playing until hours after that.

If you want to be out late, plan to be out late. That might mean taking a nap in the afternoon and eating a late dinner so you have enough energy to go the distance.

Be Prepared to Protect Yourself From the Sun

Miami is a warm and sunny place. Whether you plan to spend time on the beach or you’re simply walking around town, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.

Leave your hotel every day with sunscreen and other protective gear, like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. When you’re out, choose covered areas when you can, which might include setting up an umbrella if you find yourself on the beach.

You may also want to avoid being out during the hottest part of the day. Consider going out first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid getting burned quickly during the early afternoon hours.

Choose Restaurants Away From Ocean Drive

Like most major cities, you’ll find some amazing food in Miami. That doesn’t mean every restaurant is worth five stars. That’s definitely the case on Ocean Drive. This is where you’ll find more chain restaurants. Food may be good, but not great, and you’ll find prices are much higher.

Instead, do a little research and be willing to travel away from Ocean Drive when it’s time to eat. There are many wonderful restaurants that are worth the extra trip.

Be Mindful of How You Tip

Tipping seems straightforward. The size of your bill and the level of service determines how much you tip your waiter or waitress. Things a little more confusing in Miami.

It isn’t uncommon for tips to be included when you receive your bill. Make sure you take a close look so you don’t accidentally end up tipping twice if you don’t want to. If you are using a tablet or a portable device to pay your bill, make sure you look at where the tip amount is set so you don’t automatically get roped into paying a gratuity you aren’t comfortable with.

You may also want to bring cash. Some fast-casual restaurants ask for a tip upfront. If you have cash in your pocket, you can skip tipping ahead of time and tip only after service is rendered.

If you want to have a little fun and soak up the sun, look no further than Miami! Just make sure you follow these tips to make the most of your trip.