Miami

Miami

A neon-lit coastal hub where Art Deco architecture meets the vibrant turquoise waters of the Atlantic.

Best time
November – April
Duration
2–4 days
Avg. budget
$275 / day
Scenic score
8 / 10
Camping score
4 / 10

Reservations · Low

Everglades and Biscayne Guided Tour Reservations

Entry to Everglades National Park requires a standard pass, but specialized ranger-led boat tours and tram slots at Shark Valley should be booked weeks in advance. Seasonal demand during the dry winter months is high; check the official NPS portal for the latest availability. Coastal accommodations in the Art Deco district often reach capacity during spring events.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

MIAMiami

Miami International Airport · 24 min drive

Find flights to MIA

Partner link · Aviasales

Where you'll want to sleep

View all stays

Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.

Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photoIllustrative · Domenicaachig · CC0Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Miami on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateCheck availabilityPartner link · Campspot

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Miami

  • Whole-home cabins and mountain lodges
  • Kitchens, fire pits and room for the crew
  • Pick dates on Vrbo for live prices
See cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Miami

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Resorts, inns and last-minute rooms
  • Easy to pair with flights and cars
See hotels on Expedia

Photos are illustrative, not actual listings. Opens Vrbo's or Expedia's own search. Minialife may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Traveling by RV near Miami?

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Partner link · Harvest Hosts

Minialife may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

RVs, campervans & cars near MIA

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Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Miami

  1. 01

    Art Deco and Atlantic Shores

    Suggested: 9 AM from South Beach

    • Art Deco Historic District

      Walk the concentration of 1930s pastel architecture along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.

    • South Pointe Park

      Observe cruise ships departing the channel from the southern tip of the island.

    Allow 30 minutes; walking is preferred in the historic core

    Parking in South Beach is limited; utilize public garages on 7th or 13th streets.

  2. 02

    Subtropical Wilderness Exploration

    Suggested: 8 AM from Coral Gables

    • Shark Valley Observation Tower

      Cycle the 15-mile loop to view alligators and migratory birds in the sawgrass prairies.

    • Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

      Stroll through rare tropical plant collections and extensive butterfly conservatories.

    Allow 2–3 hours round trip; conditions vary on Tamiami Trail

    Wildlife viewing is most productive during the dry season from November to April.

  3. 03

    Biscayne Bay and Cultural Roots

    Suggested: 9:30 AM from Downtown

    • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

      Tour the Italian Renaissance-style villa and formal gardens overlooking the bay.

    • Wynwood Walls

      View the curated outdoor museum of large-scale street art and contemporary murals.

    Allow 1 hour for local transfers; conditions vary

    Sudden afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through September.

Your first two hours

Pick up vehicle at MIA and transit to Coral Gables or Miami Beach for provisions and check-in.

The right vehicle

Standard cars are suitable for most areas; check rental terms for driving on unpaved swamp access roads.

Chase the light

Key Biscayne's Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers views of the historic lighthouse at dusk.

Plan your road trip

From Miami International Airport

24 min

about 12 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

Know before you go

Coastal Stationing

Public garages in South Beach are more reliable than street spots, which are often residential only. At the Everglades, use designated visitor center lots to ensure protection of native habitat.

Wetland Connectivity

Cellular reception is reliable in the city but drops significantly once entering the Everglades interior. Carry physical maps for navigation along the Main Park Road and remote keys.

Glades Transit

Top off tanks in Florida City or Homestead before heading into the national park. There are no refueling stations within the Everglades park boundaries beyond the main entrance corridor.

Wildlife Windows

Early morning is optimal for birding at Anhinga Trail before the midday heat. During summer, plan indoor museum visits for the mid-afternoon rain window.

Waterway Transfers

Access to Biscayne National Park's reefs is exclusively by boat from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. The Metromover provides free elevated transit within the Downtown and Brickell districts.

Check current conditions:Everglades National Park Official

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