Want to visit Miami - unsure where to stay?

Question

Hi, I want to visit Miami in the first week of March but I am unsure where to stay.

- I will be travelling solo.

- I do not drive so will be relying on Uber.

- In the evenings I like to go to bars where I can have a drink and not feel out of place (i.e. no nighclubs).

Part of me feels like South Beach is the place to go, but I figure the sea will be too cold to swim in, and even if it wasn't, don't really want to be leaving my phone / wallet around whilst I go for a swim. Again being on my own I'd feel like easy pickings. So outside of beach days, I'm unsure whether a week there would drag.

I've heard Bricknell may be the better option. That way I can go the South Beach for a day. North beach for a day. Coconut Grove for a day etc. And of course explore Bricknell.

Any help or advise would be msot welcome. Thank you.

Answer

For a solo traveler visiting Miami in early March, choosing the right neighborhood is important for safety, convenience, and enjoyment. Given that you won’t be driving, it’s wise to consider areas that are walkable, have good public transport or easy access to Uber, and a lively but safe evening scene.

South Beach (Miami Beach) is the classic choice and very popular with tourists. It offers beautiful Art Deco streets, easy access to restaurants, bars, and the beach. However, as you mentioned, the ocean might be cool in March, and leaving belongings unattended can be risky, especially solo. South Beach can also be tourist-heavy and a bit loud, which may or may not suit your style.

Brickell is a more modern, urban neighborhood with a mix of residential and business areas. It’s safe, walkable, and has plenty of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. It’s quieter than South Beach but still offers nightlife that is more bar-oriented than club-heavy, which fits your preference. Brickell also gives easy Uber access to South Beach, Coconut Grove, Wynwood, and other areas you might want to explore.

Pros of South Beach: Close to beaches, restaurants, bars, and nightlife; iconic Miami experience.
Cons of South Beach: Ocean may be cool, beach safety for belongings is a concern, can be crowded and touristy, less quiet for solo travelers.
Pros of Brickell: Safe, modern, walkable neighborhood with bars and restaurants; easy Uber access to other Miami neighborhoods; quieter than South Beach.
Cons of Brickell: No immediate beach access; less of the classic Miami Beach vibe.

Other areas to consider include:

Coconut Grove: Bohemian, leafy, and safe; great for cafes, boutiques, and exploring during the day; further from South Beach but accessible by Uber.
Wynwood: Artsy, full of murals, galleries, and casual bars; can be busy at night but fun for solo exploration; further from beaches.
North Beach: Quieter than South Beach, good for a relaxed beach day; fewer restaurants and bars nearby, so less activity for evenings.

Overall, if your priority is safety, good evening bar options, and exploring multiple parts of Miami without driving, Brickell is likely the best base. You can still plan day trips to South Beach and North Beach, as well as other neighborhoods like Coconut Grove and Wynwood, without feeling stranded.

Tip: Look for Airbnb or hotels in Brickell that are near walking-friendly streets and have easy Uber access. Even if you skip swimming every day, Miami has plenty of daytime activities, from museums and gardens to scenic walks along Biscayne Bay.

Want to visit Miami - unsure where to stay?

More Miami Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions