South beach

Question

I have booked to stay in a hotel on south beach… stupidly I didn’t realise it’s a completely separate peninsula!! We won’t have a car and only staying 3 nights, we want to do bus tour, Everglades, millionaires row tourist type things… have I booked the completely wrong area?

As a Brit I just saw Miami Beach and didn’t realise they were 2 different thing’s

Answer

It sounds like you’re in a bit of a pickle, but no need to worry — South Beach (Miami Beach) is actually a great area to stay, and you can still easily access all the attractions you’re interested in! Let me break it down for you:

South Beach and Miami Beach:

South Beach is actually part of Miami Beach, which is a barrier island connected to the city of Miami by bridges. Miami Beach is split into several areas, and South Beach is the iconic area known for its art deco architecture, nightlife, and beach scene. While Miami (the city) and Miami Beach (the island) are distinct, they are very close to each other. Most tourists stay in South Beach, as it's convenient for beach access, restaurants, and the cultural vibe of the area.

Getting Around Without a Car:

If you’re not renting a car, South Beach is a great place to stay because it’s walkable, and you can easily use public transportation, buses, or rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. Many of the major tourist attractions, such as the Art Deco District, Ocean Drive, and the beach, are all within walking distance, so you won’t be completely isolated.

Tourist Attractions and Tours:

Everglades Tour: While South Beach is a little bit far from the Everglades (about a 30-45 minute drive), there are plenty of tour companies that will pick you up directly from your hotel in South Beach for Everglades tours, which is very common. Many of these tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, so transportation won’t be an issue.
Bus Tour and Millionaire's Row: You can definitely take a bus or a hop-on-hop-off tour from South Beach that will cover areas like Millionaire’s Row, the Art Deco District, and other popular sites. These tours often start in South Beach, so you’ll be right where you need to be.
Miami City and Boat Tours: For Millionaire’s Row, you can book a boat tour that takes you through Biscayne Bay where you’ll see the famous mansions. These tours are easily accessible from South Beach and are a must-do for a first visit to Miami.

Should You Have Booked Somewhere Else?

Don’t worry — South Beach is still a fantastic base for your trip. The only downside is that it might be a bit further from some of Miami’s other attractions, but the good news is that it’s easy to access public transport, and the area itself has plenty to offer. If you’ve already booked your stay, you’re in a great spot for the beach, the nightlife, and the iconic sights of South Beach itself. Plus, many tours will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Final Tips:

If you’re looking for a more central location to both Miami and Miami Beach, consider staying in Downtown Miami next time. But for a 3-night stay, you’ll be perfectly fine in South Beach.
Use Uber or Lyft for quick trips to places like the Everglades or Miami city tours — it’s the easiest way to get around without a car.
Look into hop-on-hop-off tours that cover multiple attractions; they often pick up and drop off right in South Beach.

In conclusion, South Beach is still a great location for your trip, and you can definitely do all the things you’ve planned. Enjoy your stay, and have fun in Miami!

South beach

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