Beach town in Miami, United States
Miami Beach
Art Deco South Beach, beach clubs and nonstop nightlife on a long, narrow barrier island. Great for beach and party stays, but crowded, pricey and loud; a quieter pace is found north of 23rd Street.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$5,200–7,400Comfortable, one person · $5,200–7,400Details
- Value for money2/100Better value than 1% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Air quality6.2 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and safe; it can taste of chlorine, so many locals use filters.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–350Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phone pay work almost everywhere; carry cash for valet tips and some beach vendors.Details
Where to stay in Miami Beach
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| South Beach (South of Fifth to 20th) | Art Deco, beach, nightlife and walkable first stays |
| Mid-Beach (23rd to 63rd) | Quieter beach hotels and the Boardwalk |
| North Beach | Calmer, cheaper stays near Normandy Isle |
| Lincoln Road area | Pedestrian shopping street, cafés and galleries |
Apps that work in Miami Beach
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis exist but charge more than rideshare; confirm the meter. Many South Beach clubs have designated rideshare pickup zones.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phone pay work almost everywhere; carry cash for valet tips and some beach vendors.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in United States
- New York CityCity
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- OrlandoCity
- MiamiCity
- San FranciscoCity
- HonoluluCity
- Washington, D.C.Capital city
Going to Miami Beach solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Miami Beach meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- City of Miami Beach (trolley and transportation)
- Miami-Dade Transit
- Miami International Airport
- Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.