Miami has a unique vibe, unlike any other place I’ve been. There’s so much to do, no matter what you’re into. I recently traveled there for the Eras Tour and decided to turn it into a full vacation. While Miami didn’t capture me like some other destinations, we still found plenty to enjoy during our time there.
Lodging
Since we were heading to Miami at the same time as many other tourists for the concert, finding lodging wasn’t easy. Originally, we had a great Airbnb booked nearly a year in advance, but just two months before the trip, the owner canceled because they decided to sell the property. Booking that early had given us a lot of options, but suddenly we were left with only last-minute choices—and anything directly in Miami was just too pricey.
With everything in the city out of budget, we stayed about 30 minutes outside of Miami at The Tucker at Palmer Dadeland Miami. While it wasn’t too far in distance, the traffic there is truly awful, making the drive feel much longer than it should. Thankfully, our hotel was lovely, and I’d definitely recommend it despite the commute!
Transportation
One thing about Miami is that everything feels so spread out, making it tough to get around without a car. We rented one, and I’m really glad we did—honestly, I don’t know how you’d enjoy the city without one! Just a heads-up, though: traffic is pretty rough all the time, so we ended up spending more time in the car than I’d usually like.
Go City Pass
I’ve used this pass on past vacations and loved it, so we decided to get it again. You pay upfront, and everything included is free to enter, making it a great way to see popular attractions on a budget—and I’m all about saving where I can! While we still enjoyed using it, this pass didn’t quite measure up to the ones I’ve tried in other cities. The attractions were pretty spread out, making it hard to hit multiple spots in a day, and some activities weren’t all that exciting.
For me, the pass didn’t feel as worthwhile here as in other places. Maybe it wasn’t the pass itself, but more the city vibe that didn’t quite click with me. Still, we found things to enjoy—here are a few highlights!
Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures
This was such a blast! You’re taken out on a speedboat for a thrilling ride on the ocean. It was super windy with big waves when we went, so it was a high-speed, bumpy adventure. The views of the city skyline were fantastic. Just a heads-up—you will get wet! Those in our group sitting by the railing were soaked! It’s about 30 minutes long, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re up for some excitement.
Zoo Miami
This zoo was incredible! It was much larger than we expected, which was a pleasant surprise. Originally, we planned to spend about two hours there before moving on to our next activity. But as luck would have it, our other plans were canceled due to high winds, giving us the chance to fully explore the zoo for nearly six hours. We were able to see every single animal, and there were some amazing ones! Elephants, giraffes, alligators, and even a variety of frogs that were unexpectedly fascinating. While the zoo had food available, we opted to pack our lunch, which was a more budget-friendly choice. Still, we couldn’t resist grabbing some Dippin’ Dots and snow cones to cool down in the middle of the warm October day. I absolutely loved this zoo—it’s easily one of the best I’ve visited!
Everglades Alligator Airboat Ride
The pass offered a few options for airboat rides with alligators, and we ended up choosing one at an alligator farm in the national park since it was the closest to where we’d be that day. It turned out to be such a cool experience! We saw tons of alligators and learned all kinds of interesting facts about them from our skipper.
Being the first on the boat that morning was a great move because, as we found out, the alligators tend to hide from the sun as the day heats up, so they’re less visible later on. The timing worked out perfectly—we got to watch the alligators swimming right up to our boat! Seeing these amazing creatures up close and learning about them really made our day.
Big Bus Miami: Night Tour
This live-guided tour takes you to all the popular tourist spots around the city, giving you a chance to see the landmarks in a whole new light. The tour lasts about 75 to 90 minutes, starting at 8 pm, and it’s a great way to experience the city at night. I really enjoyed seeing everything lit up—it made for some amazing photos. Unlike the daytime hop-on, hop-off tours, this one is more laid back. You stay on the bus the entire time and just relax as the guide takes you through the city’s top sights.
The pass includes a variety of activities, but these were my top picks. Some of them were definitely more worth it than others, and a few activities weren’t available due to the weather, so it’s good to keep that in mind when planning.
Food
We had some amazing food in Miami, and I’m excited to share my favorites!
The Big Cheese
This amazing Italian restaurant has something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for pizza, subs, salads, or pasta, you’ll leave satisfied. As a local Miami spot, I was really impressed with the quality of the food. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious! We had a large meat lovers pizza, which was not only fantastic but also made for great leftovers. The manicotti in pink sauce was rich and flavorful, the lasagna was a classic favorite, and the Alfredo was creamy and perfect. It’s definitely a place worth visiting for any Italian food lover.
Jacalito
This Mexican restaurant served some amazing authentic Mexican food. Everything we ordered, even though I’m not exactly sure what some of the dishes were called, was incredibly tasty. Each bite was packed with flavor, and it was clear the food was made with care. Definitely a great spot for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine!
Experiences
One of my favorite experiences in Miami was exploring Bayside Marketplace. This lively spot is full of tourist shops and a variety of food options, making it an ideal place to wander and pick up unique souvenirs. Just a heads-up—the vendors can be a bit persistent, so be prepared for some enthusiastic sales pitches.
Another fascinating aspect of Miami is its bustling cruise port, one of the largest in the world. Watching the massive cruise ships come and go is truly a sight, especially on Saturdays when you can catch a glimpse of the Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. It’s an impressive experience you won’t want to miss!
Miami was definitely an interesting experience. While it wasn’t my favorite place to visit, I still found it worth exploring. The city has a unique vibe, with its mix of cultures, beaches, and nightlife. Even though it didn’t resonate with me as much as other destinations, I enjoyed seeing the sights and trying new things. Miami definitely has its own charm, but it’s not quite at the top of my list of favorite places.