Where to stay in Miami: the best areas, with a walk through each
6 areas compared. Watch the streets before you book.
Miami is really two places: Miami Beach, a long barrier island of sand, art deco and resorts, and the mainland city of Miami across Biscayne Bay, with its skyline, art districts and Latin neighbourhoods. Where you stay depends on whether you came for the beach or the city.
These are the six areas most visitors choose between. For each you'll find who it suits, who should look elsewhere, what is on foot, and a walk through its streets so you can picture your stay before you book.
The best areas to stay in Miami at a glance
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Beach | First-timers, Beach lovers, Nightlife | Art deco hotels, Ocean Drive and the famous beach | Walkable; buses and ride-hail to the mainland |
| Mid-Beach | Families, Resorts, Quiet stays | Big beach resorts, a boardwalk and calmer evenings | Buses and ride-hail; about 10 minutes to South Beach |
| Brickell | Business, Nightlife, City life | Skyscrapers, rooftop bars and a buzzing financial district | Metromover and Metrorail; 20 minutes to the beach by car |
| Downtown Miami | Culture, Cruises, Events | Bayfront parks, museums and the cruise port | Metromover and Metrorail; next to the Port of Miami |
| Wynwood | Street art, Nightlife, Young travellers | Giant murals, galleries, breweries and clubs | Ride-hail; trolley and buses to Downtown |
| Coconut Grove | Couples, Families, Relaxed stays | Leafy streets, marinas and a village atmosphere | Metrorail at Coconut Grove; ride-hail to the beach |
1.South Beach
- First-timers
- Beach lovers
- Nightlife
Walk through South Beach: video by Sunshine Riding on YouTube.
The southern tip of Miami Beach, famous for its pastel art deco hotels, Ocean Drive's outdoor bars and a wide sandy beach. It's walkable, lively and the classic Miami experience.
Stay here if
- It's your first visit and you want the beach and nightlife on foot
- You love art deco architecture
- You want to walk everywhere without a car
Skip it if
- You want quiet nights: Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue are loud
- Spring break and weekend crowds would bother you
Within a 10-minute walk
Ocean Drive · Lummus Park beach · Art Deco Historic District · Lincoln Road · South Pointe Park · Española Way
2.Mid-Beach
- Families
- Resorts
- Quiet stays
Walk through Mid-Beach: video by Walks & Wall Street on YouTube.
The stretch of Miami Beach north of South Beach, lined with large resort hotels and a long beachfront boardwalk. It's calmer and more spacious than South Beach, with the nightlife still a short ride away.
Stay here if
- You want a beach resort with a pool and space
- You're travelling with children
- You'd like quiet evenings but South Beach nearby
Skip it if
- You want to walk to bars and restaurants every night
- You plan to spend most days on the mainland
Within a 10-minute walk
Miami Beach Boardwalk · Collins Avenue resorts · Indian Creek · Faena District · Bass Museum (a longer walk) · Mid-Beach beaches
3.Brickell
- Business
- Nightlife
- City life
Walk through Brickell: video by Florida 4K on YouTube.
Miami's glossy financial district, a forest of towers with rooftop bars, restaurants and the Brickell City Centre mall. It's walkable by Miami standards and connected by the free Metromover.
Stay here if
- You want a modern, urban base with restaurants and bars
- You're in Miami for business
- You'd like to use the free Metromover
Skip it if
- The beach is your main reason to visit
- You want historic character
Within a 10-minute walk
Brickell City Centre · Mary Brickell Village · Miami River · Brickell Key · Simpson Park · Bayfront views
4.Downtown Miami
- Culture
- Cruises
- Events
Walk through Downtown Miami: video by Everyday South Florida on YouTube.
The bayfront city centre, with Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park, the Pérez Art Museum and the arena. It's the most convenient base before or after a cruise, and a short ride from Wynwood and Brickell.
Stay here if
- You're starting or ending a cruise
- You're attending a concert, game or event
- Museums and the bayfront appeal to you
Skip it if
- You want a beach holiday
- Quiet streets after office hours would feel empty to you
Within a 10-minute walk
Bayside Marketplace · Bayfront Park · Pérez Art Museum Miami · Frost Science Museum · Kaseya Center · Port of Miami
5.Wynwood
- Street art
- Nightlife
- Young travellers
Walk through Wynwood: video by 4K WALK on YouTube.
A former warehouse district turned open-air gallery, with the famous Wynwood Walls, colourful murals on almost every building, breweries and late-night bars. Nearby Midtown and the Design District add shopping.
Stay here if
- You love street art and creative neighbourhoods
- You want nightlife and breweries nearby
- You'd like the Design District close by
Skip it if
- You want the beach on foot
- You prefer quiet residential streets
Within a 10-minute walk
Wynwood Walls · Wynwood murals · Midtown Miami · Miami Design District · Wynwood breweries · Rubell Museum
6.Coconut Grove
- Couples
- Families
- Relaxed stays
Walk through Coconut Grove: video by 5K CityVideos on YouTube.
Miami's oldest neighbourhood, a green, laid-back village of banyan trees, waterfront parks, marinas and sidewalk cafés. It feels far from the party scene, yet Brickell is only 10 minutes away.
Stay here if
- You want a calm, leafy and charming base
- You love waterfront parks and sailing
- You'd like to visit Vizcaya and Coral Gables
Skip it if
- You want the beach outside your door
- Nightlife is a priority
Within a 10-minute walk
CocoWalk · Peacock Park · Dinner Key marina · Barnacle Historic State Park · Vizcaya Museum and Gardens · Kennedy Park
Beach or city?
If the beach is the point, stay on Miami Beach: South Beach for nightlife and art deco, Mid-Beach for resorts and calm. If you want city life, food and art, stay on the mainland in Brickell, Downtown, Wynwood or Coconut Grove.
Traffic over the causeways can be slow at rush hour, so a base that matches your plans saves a lot of time.
Getting around
The free Metromover loops through Downtown and Brickell, and Metrorail links them with the airport and Coconut Grove. For Miami Beach, buses and ride-hailing are the easiest options; parking is expensive.
Seasons and fees
Winter is high season, with the best weather and highest prices. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms and a hurricane season from June to November. Many beach hotels add resort fees, so compare the final price.
Where to stay in Miami: common questions
What is the best area to stay in Miami for first-timers?
South Beach. The beach, Ocean Drive, art deco architecture and nightlife are all on foot.
Is it better to stay in Miami Beach or Miami?
Miami Beach if you want the beach and a holiday feel. Miami's mainland, in Brickell or Downtown, if you prefer city life, restaurants and art districts.
Where should families stay in Miami?
Mid-Beach, for big resorts and a calmer beach, or Coconut Grove, for parks and a relaxed village atmosphere.
Where should I stay in Miami before a cruise?
Downtown Miami, a few minutes from the Port of Miami.
Is South Beach too loud?
Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue can be loud late at night, especially on weekends and during spring break. Hotels on quieter streets near South Pointe or in Mid-Beach are calmer.
Areas change over time. Check recent reviews and the exact location of your hotel before you book. Hotel links may earn Walking Atlas a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring Miami
The Miami city guide has more 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Miami city guide →