Although it might not get quite as packed as the city of Miami, its neighboring Miami Beach is still super popular, attracting millions of visitors every year. From its beautiful beaches to tons of family-friendly excursions and things to do, it’s not hard to see why. However, if you’re making your way out there, it’s important to plan for two things: how to deal with the Florida sun (especially in summer) and how to navigate the crowds for a more relaxing, enjoyable experience. Here are a few tips to help with the latter.
Be Smart With Your Beach Visits
South Beach is by far the most popular beach in the area, and for good reason. It is iconic. But it’s far from the only beach available, and the crowds are nowhere near as thick near Surfside or Sunny Isles Beach, for instance. You can get the same beautiful sea and sand with fewer tourists and, as a result, a more authentic local feeling. If you time your visits strategically, such as by heading out during the early mornings, you can get yourself a prime spot to enjoy some time before the crowds arrive.
Skip The Resorts
Some people love the amenities and entertainment that often come with staying in a resort. However, you should assume that the crowds are going to come with that, too. By choosing boutique accommodation, such as The March Hotel in the heart of Miami Beach, Florida, you are going to enjoy a more intimate and private vacation by definition. There’s a distinct level of personalization and service that goes into the boutique experience that can make your stay there feel a little more special, too.
Get Into Some Nature
The crowds are going to fill up the streets at certain points of the day, and when that happens, your best bet might be to enjoy solitude a little further from civilization. For instance, Oleta River State Park offers plenty of opportunities for biking, hiking, walking, and picnics among beautiful mangrove trails. The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a little less wild, but just as beautiful, with a wide array of exotic plants to admire and take snaps beside. Of course, there’s plenty of fun to be had on the water, too, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, exploring the blue ocean, and even visiting nearby islands at your leisure.
Explore The City’s Cultural Side
You don’t have to go quite as far as that to get out of the crowds. While everyone might be enjoying the seaside fun and retail therapy the city has to offer, you can head into spots like the Wolfsonian-FIU museum, always alive with exhibitions, installations, and events that explore the local arts scene, contemporary and historical. There are also landmarks like the Ancient Spanish Monastery or the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens that help flesh out the depths of the city’s history with a more serene atmosphere than its other locations.
And if you plan to explore beyond the beach—perhaps taking in a game or concert—remember to secure essentials like your Hard Rock Stadium parking pass ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.
You might not be able to escape the crowds entirely on any trip to Miami Beach, but the tips above should at least make it a lot more manageable.
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Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
