If you’re not from Miami, you might not realize the differences between Miami and Miami Beach. Miami Beach is not just a beach, it is an entire island off of the coast of Miami.
“Miami Beach is not Miami!”
“Miami Beach has a different vibe.”
“We want the old Miami Beach back.”
Various local residents on the Miami Beach resident social media groups exclaimed similar sentiments.
Travel Dates: November through March are the best months to visit Miami Beach in terms of weather; however, there are advantages throughout the year depending on where you’re coming from. Early August is the start of lobster fishing season, which I’m not familiar with but just heard a neighbor discussing. June through November there is a possibility for hurricanes and daily rain, but that also means better deals to be had on flights, hotels, and less tourism.
Airline: You can fly into Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) airports. Adding FLL to your search will open up airlines like Southwest and Frontier. Actually, the north end of Miami Beach is the same distance to FLL as it is to MIA (approx. 19 miles one way).
Quick Launch: Articles can be boring, and you just want to find what you need! Let me try to break it down for you, depending on what you’re looking for on Miami Beach.
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Toddlers & kids
- A great playground along the beach (Allison Park at Mid-Beach) (within 1 block of the actual beach, as there are many other playgrounds and parks throughout the island, but they’re a further walk from the sand)
- Or the brand new pirate ship playground at North Beach
- A family-oriented beach (Surfside)
- Turtles & fish in small ponds within a local mall
- Iguana sightings along the intracoastal
- Wavy boats at the Haulover Inlet
- Haulover State Park
- Oleta State Park
Fitness
- Fitness path (running, jogging, and biking) along the beach
- Intracoastal fitness route
- Outdoor fitness equipment along Miami Beach
- The famous fitness park (Ocean Drive’s Muscle Beach)
Are you hungry?
- Our favorite local burger in North Beach
- A fun tourist-y restaurant (Tip: get a Groupon first!)
- A classic American restaurant in Surfside
- Our favorite Brazilian Steakhouse
- A taste of Cuban nearby, first recommended by our realtor (a local)
- A refreshing Acai bowl (The Carrot has multiple locations)
- Nearly all of Surfside, FL is Kosher-friendly
- A delicious Peruvian restaurant (with multiple locations around Miami)
Lives of the Rich & Famous
- Celebrity homes
- The Beatles performed here!
- A gorgeous open-air, luxury shopping mall just 2 blocks from the beach in Bal Harbour with high-end restaurants
- High-end restaurants throughout Miami and Miami Beach