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About this guide
South Florida is home to one of the most culturally rich sun-kissed regions in the country. With world-renowned beaches, fun nightlife, and showstopping cuisines, the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area welcomes travelers from around the world with diverse sights, music, and flavors. Whether you're drawn to cultural landmarks or want some rest & relaxation under the tropical sun, South Florida shares a myriad of opportunities to play, gourmet, and get away.
- Best time to travel: December to April (peak season), May and November (shoulder season), June to October (off-season)
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Currency: USD ($)
- Language: Spanish, English
- Noteworthy: Ultra Music Festival (March), Calle Ocho Carnaval Festival ( March), Miami Beach Pride (April), South Beach Wine and Food Festival (February), Art Basel Miami Beach (December)
- Best for: Beach Getaway, Couples Trip, Shopping & Nightlife, Food & Drinks, Music Festivals
Get Away: Getting To and Around Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Florida
By Air
The two major airports in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale areas are Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Be mindful during hurricane season from June to November, as this may affect travel itineraries, flights, and safety.
By Car
Both Miami and Fort Lauderdale have several car rental companies to choose from. Look up directions ahead of time and be mindful of the defensive driving style needed on Miami roadways.
Public Transit
Miami has a Metrorail and Metromover system while Fort Lauderdale has a bus system. Be mindful that their routes take longer to get to different destinations. Both cities also have a shared bike program that can be a fun way to get around.
Explore Miami/Fort Lauderdale On Foot
Exploring Miami or Fort Lauderdale on foot can be a delightful stroll near the beaches or a long trek in the city. There’s great shopping, food trucks, and live music to dance to around South Florida.
Quick facts
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
USD ($)
English and Spanish
Good For
Beach Getaway
Shopping, Food, and Drinks
Couples Trip
Music Festivals
Keep in mind
- Ultra Music Festival (March)
- Calle Ocho Carnaval Festival ( March)
- Miami Beach Pride (April)
- South Beach Wine and Food Festival (February)
- Art Basel Miami Beach (December)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places to Eat in Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Versailles Cuban Restaurant, the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant since 1971, serves the island’s beloved dishes and Caribbean cocktails. Menu highlights include Yuca Croquettes, plantain soup, classic Ropa Vieja, and Cuban flan dessert.
BLVD Bae’s in Fort Lauderdale is a versatile open-kitchen restaurant offering a nostalgic all-day brunch and lunch menu. The cozy outdoor dining area to enjoy classic dishes like eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, and coconut chia pudding.
Red Rooster Overtown showcases true American cuisine through the lens of Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The menu includes jalapeño honey cornbread, oxtail pepper pot, old-school seafood broil, and more.
Chef Danny Kou created a beloved Fort Lauderdale gem with the Peruvian and Asian fusion spot, Kousine Peruvian Cuisine. Every dish is an ode to Peru from delicious seafood ceviches to meat skewers.
Owned by a loving family, Vicky Bakery is a Cuban household name in the South Florida area. The Miami staple serves special family recipes passed down through generations of abuelas from sweet treats to delicious meals.
Marabú Restaurant pays homage to Cuba with artisanal countryside-style charcoal cooking for a smoky, rich flavor. There’s also a swanky Havana-inspired bar serving traditional Cuban cocktails with a modern twist.
El Sitio Coffee Bar is a Venezuelan cafe that serves coffee, breakfast, dinner, and desserts. The menu includes arepas, sancocho soup, asado negro BBQ, churros, and brownies with ice cream.
In the heart of Las Olas, Casa Sensei is Fort Lauderdale’s brilliant fusion eatery blending Pan-Asian recipes with Latin American traditions. It features a full Omakase sushi bar, Gondola dining, a premium liquor bar, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Stay
Stay: Places to Stay In Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This cozy Modern Miami Cottage is a guest favorite on Airbnb with guest access to the entire home. There’s also a large backyard with a four-seat outdoor set and hammock to soak up some sun.
For an old-school Caribbean-style getaway, the Life House Little Havana hotel has a lush courtyard and a rooftop bar & restaurant. This 1920s hotel adorns textiles and vintage furnishings inspired by the tropics of Cuba and the roots of African style.
This five-star Airbnb studio is only a 15-minute drive from the Miami International Airport, SouthBeach, and the Port of Miami. Husband and wife duo Line and Ron fully renovated the Maison Bleue Studio with a touch of Caribbean modern and retro woman-forward art.
Hotel Greystone is a historic 1920s Art Deco stay turned into a chic adults-only getaway South Beach spot. The neutral colors, open layouts, small rooftop pool, and modern amenities give the hotel a sophisticated modern touch.
In the popular LGBTQ+ community of Wilton Manors, the cozy 5-star CASA HERMÈS Wilton Manor guesthouse with beautiful interior design. There is a private balcony, continental breakfast, a hot tub, and a private terrace to relax.
With oceanfront access to pristine beaches, the Royal Blues Hotel is the only Relais & Chateaux property in Florida. They offer elegant dining options and exclusive amenities with a fitness center and yoga class open to guests at this Deerfield Beach retreat.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Salty Soul Adventures offers guided nature tours throughout the area’s waterways and canals. Visitors enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or bird watching with educational programs like Save Our Bees around the South Florida area.
See another side of South Florida with a ride on the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi with plenty of celebrity homes. The crew will share recommendations on dining, shopping, beaches, and parks for the ultimate trip itinerary.
Shopping at Dania Pointe has everything needed for top-tier shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. The curated shopping center has popular stores like Ulta Beauty, TJ Maxx, Tommy Bahama, and more.
Everyone loves to laugh and the Dania Beach Improv Comedy in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect spot for a night out. Plenty of nationally known comedians launched careers here and often return with new stand-up comedy sets with the community.
End the vacation with a relaxing spa day at Better Body Spa in Fort Lauderdale with massages, facials, and acupuncture. There are couples packages, lymphatic drainage treatments, waxing, and more.
AfroChef Lela’s island cooking class combines her two passions: feeding the local community and sharing flavors from around the world. Guests learn different ingredients, techniques, and flavors to make food inspired by her travels.
Indulge in the flavors of Cuban coffee, home-style cooking, and a satisfying lunch during the Little Havana Food and Walking Tour. Led by a local guide, guests learn stories behind each recipe, meet local artists, and witness skilled cigar rollers at Domino Park.
This private helicopter tour has the most breathtaking aerial views of Miami beaches in Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. Highlights include spotting marine life at Tahiti Beach, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and the Matheson County Preserve.