For many, going to Miami Beach is a dream vacation that you can’t wait to see come to fruition. There is so much to see and do in this part of Florida that is hard not to get excited. As you consider what area of Miami Beach you would like to stay in, there are plenty of options on the table. It often comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for.
The seven best areas to stay in Miami Beach are South Beach, Bal Harbour, Key Biscane, Little Havana, Wynwood, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove. Each of these offers some distinct advantages in terms of things to do, so you will want to take that into account as you plan your next trip to Miami Beach.
Given the fact that Miami Beach has more than 300 days of sunshine every year, you would be hard pressed to find an area that is not ideal for a relaxing and peaceful vacation. There are several distinct regions that offer a different pace and vibe that you will want to know about. There are definitely a ton of things to do in Miami Beach. Continue reading to learn more about the seven best places to stay in Miami Beach.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Miami Beach?
The overarching consensus is that South Beach is the best area to stay in by far. This is the idyllic location that you have seen captured on television shows, movies, and various advertisements for decades. It is every bit as decadent and energetic an area as you have imagined all of these areas. It one of the many things that makes Miami worth visiting. We will describe it in more detail here in a bit.
The 7 Best Areas to Stay in Miami Beach
When you consider the best places to stay in Miami Beach, it is important to consider the range of restaurants, hotels, night clubs, and other attractions that are available nearby. With so much to offer, it is often difficult to decide on just the right spot to spend the majority of your vacation. Here are seven such areas that you really can’t go wrong when choosing.
1. South Beach
It seems as if just about everyone in the world has heard of South Beach, so it should come as no surprise that this on a list of the best areas in Miami Beach to stay. This is where you are just as likely to run into a major celebrity as you are to find your favorite restaurant waiting to tempt you with just the right dish.
South Beach is a great area to stay in because you do not even need a car to enjoy it. There is so much to see and do right within the vicinity that you would easily be able to spend a week or more without ever feeling the need to go anywhere else. You will find a range of accommodation types all around South Beach.
If you are a night owl, you will find plenty of clubs just waiting for you to dance the night away in. In addition to the clubs, you find plenty of activity around the boardwalks that dot South Beach. As you walk or bike your way along, you will encounter street vendors, musicians, and plenty of other activities to capture your imagination.
Naturally, South Beach is also the place to stay if you are a fan of water sports. The beach is superb and is calling your name just about every season of the year. Enjoy some wind surfing, beach volleyball, or just pull up a lounger and soak in the rays. The choice is up to you.
2. Bal Harbour
If you love the thought of staying near the water but are not too keen to be around the energy and buzz associated with South Beach, Bal Harbour is the area you want to stay in. This is an upscale region in the northern part of Miami Beach. It will give your vacation more of an intimate feel that you might crave when getting away from the busyness that is your normal routine.
Once you get to the waterfront in Bal Harbour, you will immediately understand why so many people prefer this part of Miami Beach. You will be able to walk along a path of gorgeous pavers and pristine garden landscapes. This is the serene type of life that you have been waiting for, complete with fishponds and bubbly fountains to line the way.
Bal Harbour has plenty of upscale dining options to suit you. This is a place to just kick back and enjoy your dinner. You will also find plenty of resorts right on the waterfront to stay in. Accommodations range from a number of three-star options up to luxury five-star resorts that can be quite pricey but are well worth it.
3. Key Biscane
Key Biscane an upscale and family friendly area of Miami Beach that is appealing to many. When staying here, you will be in the midst of an island that is roughly seven miles from the shore. You will have the pleasure of exploring two beautiful state parks, world-class golf courses, and plenty of water activities to keep you busy for weeks.
Crandon Pak is located in Key Biscane. While visiting, you can enjoy such activities as kayaking, kiteboarding, tennis, beach volleyball, sunset dinners, and so much more. There is even an outdoor roller skating rink where you can rekindle the joys of your youth.
For something different, you can enjoy the Nature Center on Key Biscane. Walk on raised boardwalks. As you do so, look for the nesting sea turtles. This alone will make the trip well worth it. There is also an art gallery that you will enjoy.
Accommodations on Key Biscane are a bit unique. Because of its secluded location, you will not find as many hotels as you will in other areas of Miami Beach. However, there are plenty of house rentals for you to take advantages. This will give you all of the comforts of home while you enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
4. Little Havana
If you are looking for a cultural adventure that comes with a lower price tag, Little Havana is a great part of Miami Beach to consider. This is where Cuban immigrants first began to settle back in the 1950s. It has evolved into an eclectic blend of lifestyles. You will never be bored when you are in Little Havana.
This is the place to be if you like to try different types of ethnic foods. This are always public art displays taking place, and you will love the range of music that seems to come at you from everywhere. There are plenty of tours to take part in during the day that will help you explore all that this area of Miami Beach has to offer.
Little Havana has many types of budget accommodations that you can consider staying at. While there, you will be able to take part in the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year. There is always somewhere to eat, drink, and enjoy your stay within a short walking distance.
5. Wynwood
Wynwood is the area of Miami Beach to be if you are an art lover. This district is located just to the north of the downtown. You will love walking the streets and just exploring the many colorful murals that the area is known for. Make sure to stop by Wynwood Walls. Developed 11 years ago, this is a great place to enjoy and appreciate art.
Wynwood also has a Fashion District that you will enjoy seeing. This is where you will find a number of museums, dance halls, markets, and so much more to spend both your days and nights. There are plenty of lodging options in the area, appealing to both budget minded and luxury oriented visitors alike.
6. Coral Gables
Aside from South Beach, this may be the most recognizable area of Miami Beach. It is as scenic as it is historic. You will love just gazing out at the water and green landscapes that seem to be everywhere. There are also plenty of cultural attractions that make Coral Gables a highly sought after place to stay in the region.
When staying in Coral Gables, you can enjoy such attractions as the Fairchild Topical Botanic Gardens, the Miracle Theatre, and the Venetian Pool. This is an area that couples and families alike will enjoy. You will find plenty of lodging options to suit your personal preference and budget.
7. Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is an area of Miami Beach that is quiet and laid-back. It is located right on the water near Biscayne Bay. It is an idyllic place to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the region. You can spend your days jogging or biking along many of the paths that the district has built throughout the area.
When you are in Coconut Grove, you will want to visit Peacock Park. This is where you can enjoy many different activities as you spend your time outside. There is also an outdoor mall called CocoWalk that you can visit when you need to have your shopping fix.
Is it Better to Stay in Downtown Miami or South Beach?
Both downtown Miami and South Beach have so much to offer. Deciding where to stay comes down to the reason you are visiting this part of Florida in the first place. If you are looking to maximize your time in the surf and sand, then South Beach has exactly what you need. However, if you wish to visit cultural attractions or attend business meetings, then downtown Miami is where it’s at.
South Beach is a place that always has something going on, no matter what time of day or night it might be. You will also find that the time of year really does not matter when it comes to South Beach. It is simply a great area to party, relax, or do whatever you please. For this reason, most people would argue that it is better to stay in South Beach.
No matter where you choose to stay, you can find an Airbnb in Miami Beach with a pool!
Wrap-Up
Planning a trip to Miami Beach is a lot of fun. There is a lot to take in and consider, so knowing what area you wish to stay in is a good beginning. Take a look at what the region has to offer and then make your choices accordingly. No matter which of these areas you decide to stay in, you are virtually guaranteed to have a great time in Miami Beach. Check out these cheap flights to Miami to start planning your vacation!