Where to Stay in Miami (& Miami Beach)✔️ 10 TOP Areas

Aaaah, Miami. With a great climate, pristine beaches, and amazing nightlife, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to this fantastic South Florida city. As soon as you decide to spend your vacation here, you’ll start to wonder where to stay in Miami. 

Well, to make your choice easier, I’ve compared all the areas of Miami and created a list with the top 10. The first thing you should know is that Miami is split into 2 distinct regions: Miami City, on the mainland, and Miami Beach, a separate island city just off the Miami shore, situated a 10-min drive from each other. 

If you’re visiting Miami for the first time, I’d recommend staying in South Beach, situated on the island. It has amazing beaches, trendy restaurants, cool nightclubs, and gorgeous Art Deco buildings. 

To make things even easier, I went through almost all Miami hotels and carefully selected the best hotels in each of the recommended areas. On my list, there’s something for each type of traveler, from high-end boutique hotels to affordable apartment rentals, so I’m sure you’ll find something that meets both your preference and your budget.

Whatever you choose, book early! Miami hotels sell out very quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on the best deals!

Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are the best hotels in South Beach, Miami:

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Here is a quick map of the Miami neighborhoods we’ll be discussing in this post:

1. South Beach – where to stay in Miami for the first time

South Beach is situated on Miami Island and is known for its long sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and iconic Art Deco architecture. The area has a very lively atmosphere and offers a little bit of everything, including museums and family-friendly attractions, so it’s THE place to stay if you’re visiting Miami for the first time.

FUN FACT: Miami has the largest number of Art Deco buildings in the entire world!

The first thing you’ll want to do during your visit here is hit the beach – head to the eponymous South Beach (map) and spend the day swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t overlook Lummus Park (map), which also provides beach access and a nice playground. 

If fishing is more your thing, then spend the day at South Pointe Park (map); the South Pointe Park Pier is an amazing fishing spot and a great place to spend a relaxing day. Nikki Beach (map) is nearby and the beach restaurant serves fresh and delicious seafood – you might be feeling hungry after your active day! 

No stay in South Beach can be complete without going for a drive along the famous Ocean Drive! If you didn’t drive down to Miami, it’s a good idea to rent a car and enjoy the pleasant drive with your windows down. 

Other notable attractions in the South Beach area include the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (map), the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach (map), the ARTECHOUSE Miami, and the Miami City Ballet. 

If you’re wondering where to stay in South Beach, Miami, these are the best hotels in the area:

Other accommodation options in South Beach, Miami

Things to do in South Beach 

• Spend the day swimming at South Beach or Lummus Park
• Try your hand at fishing at the South Pointe Park Pier
• Go on a shopping spree at the pedestrian-only Lincoln Road Mall
• Try the amazing seafood at Nikki Beach
• Walk around the Miami Beach Marina (map)
• See a performance at the Miami City Ballet
• Snap some pictures at the Museum of Illusions and ARTECHOUSE Miami

2. Downtown Miami – best for business travelers

Downtown Miami is the heart of the city, but you’ll notice a sharp contrast from the laid-back style of South Beach, although the 2 are just a 15-min drive apart. The downtown area has a more formal, businesslike feel to it, enforced by the striking skyscrapers, international hotel chains, and luxury restaurants. 

Even though Downtown Miami is more oriented towards business travelers, it does offer plenty of places where you can relax and do some touristy things. So, if you want to escape the city noise for a little while, Bayfront Park (map) awaits with its waterfront promenade and lush palm trees. 

From the park, you can continue on to the Bayside Marketplace (map), an expansive shopping mall with a variety of stores and restaurants. 

The Kaseya Center (formerly the American Airlines Arena) hosts all of the Miami Heat’s home games and serves as a music venue, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule and book tickets for an event. 

I’d also recommend you stop by the Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College (map) – even though the museum is currently closed, you can still admire the building. As for museums, I suggest a visit to the Pérez Art Museum Miami, which boasts collections of modern and contemporary art, and the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science. 

Finally, if you’re in the city for a cruise and your main dilemma is where to stay in Miami before a cruise, then your best option is the downtown area. Downtown Miami overlooks the Port of Miami, situated on Dodge Island across Biscayne Bay. Plus, it has some of the best hotels in the city – it’s a win-win! 

TIP: when choosing a hotel in Downtown Miami, opt to stay near the waterfront as opposed to more inland in the neighborhood. The prices are more or less the same but the views from the waterfront hotels are unbeatable, so you get better value for your money!

Other accommodation in Downtown Miami

Things to do in Downtown Miami 

• Stop by the downtown Freedom Tower
• Catch a concert or sporting event at the Kaseya Center
• Shop until you drop at the Bayside Marketplace 
• Relax in the Bayfront Park
• See the cruise ships at Dodge Island
• Ride the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel
• Admire the collection at the Pérez Art Museum Miami
• Visit the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

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3. Brickell – where to stay in Miami for a local vibe

Brickell is situated South of Downtown Miami, the 2 being separated by the Miami River, and although it’s dubbed the ‘city’s financial center’ this is the best place to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. You’ll see many young professionals going about their day, and you’ll enjoy many trendy restaurants and rooftop bars overlooking the city. 

NOTE: technically, the Brickell neighborhood is part of the downtown area, but it extends a little further and has its own distinct character, which is how it got its spot on this list. 

The top attraction in the area is the Brickell City Center (map), a shopping mall with many upscale stores and amazing dining spots. Since this is a predominantly financial area lined with business buildings and luxury condos, there aren’t many tourist attractions, but that works in your favor if you just want to immerse yourself in the city’s daily rhythm.

And if you want to spend some time in the sun, you can reach South Beach in just 20 mins by car! As for where to stay in Brickell, check out the recommended hotels below! 

Other accommodation in Brickell

Things to do in Brickell 

• Let loose while shopping at Brickell City Centre
• Have brunch at the American Social (map) and enjoy the views of the Miami River
• Venture out to Brickell Key Park (map) and enjoy the city views
• Pay a visit to the Miami Circle National Historic Landmark (map)
• Enjoy a romantic dinner at Crazy About You (map)

4. Mid Beach – where to stay in Miami for a relaxing atmosphere

Situated on Miami Beach island, stretching along the shore between South Beach and North Beach, Mid Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere than the rest of the spots on the island. It offers a great selection of eateries, bars, and MiMo (Miami Modern) beach hotels – the perfect combo for a relaxing stay. 

You can spend your days tanning on Miami Beach (map) and your evenings trying world-class food at one of the numerous restaurants. I would recommend Nobu Miami (map) for an upscale sushi experience and The Tavern (map) for more affordable, classic American dining. 

Another great way to spend your time here is by going for a walk along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, which starts at Indian Beach Park (map). You can’t even opt out of walking and decide to stay in the park – the beach area is less crowded and very family-friendly, so if you’re traveling with kids, this is a great spot to spend your day. 

Other accommodation options in Mid Beach

Things to do in Mid Beach

• Enjoy the sun at Miami Beach
• Sample the sushi at Nobu Miami 
• Stop for a quick meal at The Tavern
• Go on a relaxing stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk
• Take the kids to Indian Beach Park

5. Coconut Grove – where to stay in Miami with family

Coconut Grove, playfully called ‘The Grove’ by Miami locals, is a classy, leafy neighborhood along the shore of Biscayne Bay, South of Downtown Miami (a 15-min drive) and Southwest of South Beach (a 30-min drive). Its more remote location and serene atmosphere make it the perfect spot for family stays in Miami. 

The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a must-visit in the Grove; this historic estate boasts beautiful gardens and sculptures, as well as a museum within the imposing mansion. 

Then, you can move on to explore the green spaces in the area – The Barnacle Historic State Park (map) and The Kampong, an amazing botanical garden featuring a variety of tropical plants. 

CocoWalk (map) is a popular shopping mall with a variety of stores, restaurants, and even a movie theater – you can take the kids to see a film after you’re done shopping. 

There are also many special events held in Coconut Grove throughout the year, though the best one might be the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, known as Florida’s most vibrant outdoor art festival, held each February. 

In case you’re looking for more family-friendly activities in the area, I suggest you make the drive to Virginia Key and visit the Miami Seaquarium, then move on to Key Biscayne to see the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse (map) and explore Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (map). 

If you’re convinced this is the spot for you, take a look at the top Coconut Grove hotels:

Other accommodation options in Coconut Grove

Things to do in Coconut Grove

• Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
• Explore The Barnacle Historic State Park and The Kampong Botanical Garden
• See the Ermita de la Caridad shrine (map)
• Spend some time in the shops at CoCoWalk
• Relax in David T. Kennedy Park (map)
• Attend the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in February
• Drive out to Virginia Key and visit the Miami Seaquarium
• Visit Key Biscayne and the Cape Florida Lighthouse

6. Wynwood & Miami Design District – for art & culture

Wynwood is a hip and artsy district known for the street art lining the streets, situated a 10-min drive North of Downtown Miami and a 20-min drive Northwest of South Beach. The Miami Design District is another art-oriented neighborhood a little further North of Wynwood and is recognizable for its modern architecture.

Wynwood’s main attraction is the Wynwood Walls, an open-air art gallery that showcases the murals of many popular street artists. The Paradox Museum Miami is another very cool modern art museum, while the Mana Wynwood Convention Center hosts a variety of events – both art-related and otherwise. 

The top spot to visit in the Miami Design District is the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, but there are also some smaller art galleries that are worth exploring if you have the time.

Both of these neighborhoods offer a variety of pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, and a vibrant club scene, always teeming with young adults. Plus, either of these neighborhoods is great if you’re traveling without a car, seeing as they are within easy walking distance of each other – just follow Biscayne Boulevard, and you can easily access all the top attractions!

Other accommodation options in Wynwood & Miami Design District

Things to do in the Wynwood & Miami Design District

• Admire the street art at the Wynwood Walls
• Visit the Paradox Museum Miami
• Have a fun afternoon at the FunDimension Game Center
• Attend an event at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center
• Explore the collections at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami
• Sign up for a party bike bar crawl in Wynwood

7. North Beach & Bal Harbour – for luxury travelers

North Beach is a residential beach area in Miami Beach, situated North of both Mid Beach and South Beach (a 15-min and a 25-min drive, respectively), while Bal Harbor is an upscale village just a 10-min drive from North Beach. Both of these areas are mostly residential, with a relaxed atmosphere and an abundance of luxury resorts and upscale boutique hotels. 

The most relaxing place to spend time in North Beach is the North Beach Oceanside Park (map). Beach lovers will appreciate the low-key beach area in the park, but there’s something for everyone else as well – shops, cafes, and restaurants, all surrounded by hotels recognizable for their Art Deco architecture. 

You can spend your evening at the North Beach Bandshell, also known as the Miami Beach Bandshell (map), a live music venue hosting a variety of performances under the open sky. 

Bal Harbor is slightly quieter than North Beach, so it’s even more relaxing. Bal Harbour Beach (map) is the perfect spot to soak up the Miami sun without dealing with the crowds, and if you want to do some shopping, the Bal Harbour Shops (map) provide ample opportunities. 

TIP: the water on this side of Miami Island is a little shallower, so the beaches are great if you’re traveling with young kids and don’t want to worry too much. 

Between North Beach and Bal Harbor, you’ll find Surfside, a residential beach community that, besides the high-end apartment rentals, offers a great selection of hotels and a long, sandy beach.

In case you were wondering where to stay in Miami Beach for the ultimate luxury experience, I can tell you that North Beach and Bal Harbor host some of the best luxury resorts in Miami, and either of them is a great destination if you want to splurge on your Miami trip. Below, you’ll find the recommended hotels for your stay in these areas. 

Other accommodation options in North Beach & Bal Harbour

Things to do in North Beach & Bal Harbour

• Visit the beach at North Beach Oceanside Park
• Attend a performance at the North Beach Bandshell
• Get away from the crowds and relax on Bal Harbour Beach
• Spend a day at Haulover Park (map)
• Make the most out of the Bal Harbour Shops
• Check out the small town of Surfside

8. Coral Gables – where to stay in Miami for couples

Located 20 mins South of Miami Downtown by car, Coral Gables is a city in the Miami Metropolitan Area known for its lush green, tree-lined boulevards, ivy-covered mansions, and historical landmarks. The neighborhood has a very lively and romantic atmosphere, which is why it’s the ultimate Miami spot for a romantic vacation. 

One of the top attractions in Coral Gables is the Venetian Pool (map), a public swimming pool dating back to the 1920s, boasting waterfalls and a tropical backdrop where you can easily spend an entire day. 

 For relaxing romantic strolls, I recommend Matheson Hammock Park & Marina (map) and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, where you can learn about stunning exotic plants. 

Of course, you cannot miss Miracle Mile, covering a stretch of Coral Way, the city’s main road. The street is lined with many, many shops and restaurants, so you can spend the day shopping and then have a lovely dinner for 2 at one of the dining establishments. 

Ponce de Leon Avenue is also worth exploring during your stay in Coral Gables – you’ll see the historic Ponce de Leon Hotel and quite a few shops, too. 

Other accommodation options in Coral Gables

Things to do in Coral Gables

• Take a dip at the historic Venetian Pool
• Explore Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
• Check out the art at Lowe Art Museum
• Admire the plants at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
• Visit the Coral Gables Museum
• Hit the shops on Miracle Mile
• Stroll along Ponce de Leon Avenue
• Make dinner reservations at Motek Coral Gables (map)

9. Little Havana – where to stay in Miami on a budget

Located directly West of downtown Miami, Little Havana is the Cuban heart of Miami. This charming, lively neighborhood is full of busy restaurants and cool shops and offers a great selection of affordable accommodations, meaning it’s the best destination for budget travelers. 

FUN FACT: originally, the area we now know as Little Havana was actually highly populated by Jewish residents. However, during the 1950s and 1960s the amount of Cuban refugees arriving in the area grew significantly, and the community became known as Little Havana.

If you’re looking for things to do around the neighborhood, stop by the Little Havana Visitor Center (map) – the staff will be more than happy to direct you to all the best spots around the neighborhood. Domino Park (map) is quite popular among the locals, and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park (map) nearby is also worth your time. 

TIP: Little Havana is close to Miami International Airport, so it’s a good place to make your base if you’re in the city for a short while and need to catch a flight at an early or late hour. 

But there’s one place that you absolutely have to visit – the Versailles Restaurant (map), which holds the (self-proclaimed) title of the ‘World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant.’ Here, you can try authentic Cuban cuisine and enjoy the vintage decor of the dining room.

NOTE: as Little Havana is a more budget-oriented neighborhood, you won’t find any upscale hotels here. If you’re after a luxury stay, you can always book a hotel in downtown Miami and spend a day exploring this vibrant neighborhood. 

Other accommodation options in Little Havana

Things to do in Little Havana

• Learn about famous Cubans on the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame
• Stop by Domino Park and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park
• Enjoy the activities at Jose Marti Park (map)
• Relax at the riverfront Sewell Park (map)
• Try authentic Cuban food at the Versailles Restaurant
• Catch a game at LoanDepot Park (map)
• Check the schedule of the Florida Grand Opera and drive over for the performance

10. Upper Eastside – where to stay in Miami for architecture

Miami’s Upper Eastside is situated a 15-min drive North of Downtown along Biscayne Boulevard and is most well-known for its Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture, a very specific type of regional architecture that was developed in South Florida after the Second World War – architects and artists alike are sure to appreciate it! 

Morningside Park (map) is one of the main points of interest in the neighborhood, a sprawling green surface along the waterfront that offers kayaks and paddle boats if you want to go out on the water. 

The neighborhood abounds with cafes and restaurants that offer opportunities to try cuisines from around the world – you can enjoy Venezuelan food at Doggi’s Arepa Bar (map), Brazilian at Boteco (map), and much much more. 

I’d also recommend you venture West to the Little Haiti neighborhood and pay a visit to the Little Haiti Cultural Complex (map), where you can see traditional Afro-Caribbean dances, theater performances, and music shows. 

NOTE: even though it’s a very popular spot, the Upper Eastside is a largely residential area and doesn’t have any high-end hotels. For a splash of luxury, check out the hotel offers in nearby Wynwood. 

Other accommodation options in Upper Eastside/ MiMo

Things to do in Upper Eastside/ MiMo

• Spend a relaxing day at Morningside Park
• Admire the Miami Modern architecture in the neighborhood
• Go for a walk in Legion Park (map)
• Dine at Doggi’s Arepa Bar or at Boteco
• Venture to Little Haiti and visit the Little Haiti Cultural Complex

👑 Luxury price:	US$400
💵 Mid-range hotel:	US$260
🛏️ Budget:	US$180
📍 Best area:	South Beach
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	1 Hotel South Beach
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Hotel Ocean
👛 Best budget hotel:	Starlite Hotel

FAQs about where to stay in Miami

Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of my guide on where to stay in Miami! I hope that you’ve already picked something from my Miami area map and decided on a hotel. 

But even if you’re not sure yet, no worries! Here are the 2 best hotels in the Miami South Beach area: 

• 1 Hotel South Beach – an upscale oceanfront hotel with an adults-only rooftop pool and 6 on-site restaurants
• Hotel Ocean – a very comfortable hotel on the famous Ocean Drive, offering a full-service bar and concierge services

Whatever you pick, make sure to book in advance to get the absolute best deals on Miami hotels and secure the dates for your trip.

If you have any comments or questions, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments section – I’ll be happy to answer! 

Have the time of your life,

Hristina

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