This post is the fourth in a series of travel guides for vacation destinations around Florida. For great accommodations located all around the Sunshine State, browse Florida timeshare resales and timeshare rentals on the SellMyTimeshareNow.com inventory.

Famous for its glamor, nightlife, and beach bods, Miami Beach has been a favorite destination of travelers from all walks of life for generations. Within a stone’s throw of Florida’s southern metropolis of Miami, this beachside destination prizes its status as a mecca for beach bums, fishermen, and foodies alike. With unbeatable nightlife, amazing cultural attractions, and all the sun you could possibly ask for, Miami Beach provides a seaside escape unlike any other.

We’ve compiled this handy travel guide to Miami Beach to help you learn more about the destination’s best places to stay, visit, and experience should you choose to vacation there. Read more on this thrilling Floridian destination and book your next escape today!

Miami Beach Vacation Tips

If you’re interested in planning a Miami Beach vacation, there are a few things you should know. The first is knowing exactly where you’ll be vacationing. Miami Beach, while close to the city of Miami, is not actually part of the city. It is a barrier island just off the coast of the mainland, connected to Miami by the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle Causeways. As a result, Miami Beach, along with the popular and distinct area of South Beach, has formed its own identity as a spectacular vacation destination.

The best way to get to Miami Beach is via Miami International Airport, just a 20-minute drive away. A rental car is a great way to get across the city, however, certain hotels and resorts may not offer parking on-site. Public transportation is possible through taxis, buses, or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Consider these other quick tips when planning a Miami Beach vacation to create a stellar vacation:

1. Plan your travel dates carefully. Miami Beach has a tropical climate, and feels much like a Caribbean island destination. Peak travel times occur in the dry months (November through April), when the sun is always shining and the temperatures are comfortable. Visiting during the summer months can result in a bargain on travel costs, but travelers should be wary of frequent thunderstorms and hurricanes.
2. Pack sunscreen! Like all tropical destinations, the sun is much stronger in Miami Beach. The UV index during the dry season can reach 6 or 7, meaning higher risk of severe sunburns. Those sensitive to sun will want to keep a generous supply of sunblock ready.
3. Prepare for crowds. Many of the beaches around Miami Beach are incredibly popular among locals and tourists alike. Hotspots like South Beach can become crowded and very busy, so plan ahead. Quieter spots like Virginia Key (just a short drive south) can provide more secluded spots.

Things to Do in Miami Beach

From the powdery sands of the beach itself to the Art Deco and Cuban inspired landmarks and architecture, there’s no shortage of things to do and see around Miami Beach. With incredible nightclubs, unbeatable restaurants, and museums steeped in cultural value and importance, there is something for everyone at Miami Beach.

• Browse upscale shops at the Lincoln Road Mall
• Pay a visit to the world-famous South Beach
• Explore Ocean Drive to take in the unique Art Deco architecture
• Visit the Bass Museum of Art or the Holocaust Memorial
• Spend the day at the zoo at Jungle Island
• Stroll by the clear ocean waters of South Pointe Park and Pier
• Discover The Ancient Spanish Monastery, originally built in 12th century Spain and reconstructed in North Miami Beach.

Where to Stay

Picking a place to stay in Miami Beach that’s both luxurious and affordable can seem difficult. Hotels in the area are infamous for spiking rates during peak travel times, and often scrape by providing the bare minimum in accommodations and services. However, the timeshare resale and rental market in Miami Beach is thriving, with a variety of high-quality resorts providing top-of-the-line vacation experiences. Purchasing a timeshare resale in Miami Beach can be a great solution for those looking to revisit frequently, while timeshare rentals provide one-time travelers with an affordable way to visit the destination without sacrificing the luxury they want. Take a look at some of the recommendations from the SellMyTimeshareNow.com team:

• Hilton Grand Vacations Club at McAlpin-Ocean Plaza
• Westgate South Beach
• Crescent Resort & Spa on South Beach
• Crystal Beach Suites and Health Club
• Westgate Miami Beach – Newport Beachside

Best Restaurants in Miami Beach

Like most upscale vacation destinations, Miami Beach features restaurants and eateries on the forefront of the culinary scene. With many locales offering trailblazing and inventive dishes, Miami Beach will appeal to foodies from all walks of life. Whether its experimental cuisine you’re after, or traditional Cuban-inspired dishes, you’ll find it at the area’s best establishments.

• Yardbird Southern Table and Bar
• The Social Club at Surfcomber
• Tequiztlan Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar
• Smith & Wollensky
• Izzy’s Fish and Oyster Bar
• Red, The Steakhouse

Stay Tuned for More Florida Travel Guides

As part of our mission to highlight all of Florida’s best destinations, we’ll be adding more travel guides in the near future. In the meantime, read our previously-posted guides on Orlando, Key West, and St. Augustine for more travel inspiration!