Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Miami, Everglades & Key West (Florida) is one of the United States' most rewarding destinations: Pastel Art Deco Ocean Drive, Little Havana cafecitos, Wynwood street art, Everglades airboats, and the 113-mile Overseas Highway to Key West.
Getting here and moving around is straightforward: Miami International Airport (MIA) via MIA Mover + Metrorail Orange Line to Downtown/Brickell ($2.25, 20 min) or Brightline high-speed rail connecting Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and MiamiCentral. Once in town, rely on Free Miami Metromover loops around Downtown/Brickell, Freebee electric shuttles, Miami Beach Trolley (free), and a rental car with SunPass for the Overseas Highway (US-1) to the Florida Keys.
Neighborhoods & key areas
South Beach & Mid-Beach (Miami Beach)
Steps from the Atlantic sand and Art Deco architecture.
Brickell & Coconut Grove
Bayfront high-rises, leafy bayfront parks, and direct Metromover/Metrorail access.
Old Town Key West (Duval Street & Historic Seaport)
Conch-style wooden verandas within walking distance of Mallory Square.
Top sights & experiences
South Beach Art Deco Historic District & Ocean Drive
Walk the pastel 1930s Streamline Moderne hotels along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Lummus Park beach.
Little Havana (Calle Ocho & Domino Park)
Sip Cuban espresso at a ventanita, watch cigar rollers, and hear live son cubano along SW 8th Street.
Wynwood Walls, Design District & Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Tour open-air mural galleries and waterfront contemporary art overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Explore the 1916 Italian Renaissance-style villa surrounded by subtropical formal gardens and mangrove shoreline in Coconut Grove.
Everglades National Park (Shark Valley & Anhinga Trail)
1 hour west of Miami; spot American alligators, roseate spoonbills, and river-of-grass sloughs.
Overseas Highway (US-1) & Seven Mile Bridge to Key West
Drive across 42 bridges over turquoise coral reefs to Ernest Hemingway's home and Mallory Square in Key West.
What to eat
Cuban Sandwich (Cubano), Ropa Vieja & Cafecito
Pressed Cuban bread with roast pork, glazed ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, paired with sweet Cuban espresso.
Florida Stone Crab Claws & Key West Pink Shrimp
Chilled, pre-cracked stone crab claws served with tangy mustard sauce (in season Oct 15–May 1).
Authentic Key Lime Pie
Tart yellow Key lime custard in a graham cracker crust topped with toasted meringue or whipped cream.
Ceviche, Tostones & Pan con Bistec
Latin-Caribbean seafood ceviches and crispy twice-fried plantains.
Where to stay by budget ($ USD)
Budget
$110/night — clean central hostels, 2-star motor lodges, and diner breakfasts.
Mid-range
$240/night — 3-to-4-star boutique or historic hotels in walkable neighborhoods (South Beach & Mid-Beach (Miami Beach)).
Luxury
$520+/night — 5-star landmark hotels, national park lodges, and luxury resorts.
Getting there
Miami International Airport (MIA) via MIA Mover + Metrorail Orange Line to Downtown/Brickell ($2.25, 20 min) or Brightline high-speed rail connecting Orlando, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and MiamiCentral.
Getting around
Free Miami Metromover loops around Downtown/Brickell, Freebee electric shuttles, Miami Beach Trolley (free), and a rental car with SunPass for the Overseas Highway (US-1) to the Florida Keys.
Day trips & side trips
Biscayne National Park Boat & Snorkel Tour
95% underwater national park protecting coral reefs and historic shipwrecks just south of Miami.
Dry Tortugas National Park (70 Miles West of Key West)
Take the Yankee Freedom ferry or seaplane from Key West to 19th-century Fort Jefferson.
Palm Beach & Fort Lauderdale via Brightline Train
Ride high-speed rail 30–65 minutes north from MiamiCentral.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant months to visit Miami, Everglades & Key West are November–April, when outdoor sightseeing and trail conditions are ideal. Reserve popular timed-entry tickets and national park permits 4–8 weeks ahead.