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MIAMI TRAVEL GUIDE
A NOTE FROM CHRISTI TASKER
I live, work, and play in Miami!
In 2015, Boyd and I packed our Las Vegas condominium and moved to Miami to launch Casa Wynwood and Wynwood Lab! Loving the Caribbean life, we moved as far south as a Southern girl can go and still be in the United States! I call Miami the True South, the Banana Republic with few bananas and a lot of monkeys. Hence the launch of Miami’s Banana Republic News.
There are so many parts of Miami that my travel blogging family and I tell friends to explore. Some of the places may already be on your must-visit list, while most of my list is the best of the best of Miami. Find my real-life go-to places categorized by the types below.
Which area of Miami suites your vibe?
My MIAMI travel guides are searchable by regions as miami is made of several parts and sections.
You may want to take my neighborhood quiz to decide which neighborhood is best for your Miami vacation. Each neighborhood in Miami is completely unique.
Below you’ll find each neighborhood, district and/or region complete with things to do, restaurants we love, places to stay and where to shop. To give you a quick glance I have included each neighbor’s vibe. Click on each bullet to see photos and specific recommendations for each part of Miami:
- South Beach, the beach scene most think is Miami, very touristy but must see once
- Faena, historic district filled with fine art & shopping
- Downtown Miami is Miami's biggest tourist attraction w/ waterfront parks, boat rides, food
- Miami Design District, the Rodeo drive of Miami with luxury brand boutiques and great food.
- Wynwood Arts District, famous Wynwood Walls graffiti wall art, unique artsy shopping.
- Calle Ocho, the old school Cuban vibe and Cuban food hub of Miami
- Brickell, Financial District with a city centre, indoor/outdoor mall like shopping
- Edgewater, Midtown Miami is an area frequented by locals with shopping & local foods
- Key Biscayne, beautiful city views, national park with beach, lots of public beaches along the way, bike rides, relaxed locals vibe
- Coconut Grove, locals Bohemian neighborhood with sailors, shops, great food, & parks
- Coral Gables, Miracle Mile, local vibe, shopping & restaurants of all kinds
- South Miami has tropical gardens, lots of shopping, more urban sprawl
My MIAMI travel guides are searchable by regions as miami is made of several parts and sections. If miami if it’s not included, it’s probably because it’s not worth your time or money…
- Best Restaurants in Miami
- Best Shopping in Miami
- Best Coffee Shops in Miami
- Things To Do in Miami
- Best Things To Do in Miami
- Best Places To Eat in Miami
- Best Happy Hours in Miami
- Best Beaches In Miami
My favorite place: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Eat & Shop in Coconut Grove
Go for brunch at Rusty Pelican
Relax at the Ritz on Key Biscayne
When should you go to Miami?
Coming to Miami is a good time all year round, but I live here, and the breezy humidity is great for me. Budget will have a big weight on when most people plan Miami vacations.
Winter months are peak times to travel to Miami. Most of the “snowbirds” (people and birds from the north) fly south to visit or even move to South Florida during the winter months. November until March is considered “Winter” in Miami but it’s super nice and very comfortable most days. Yes, you can still go to the beach, and the water is warm. Most pools are heated, if not they will feel rather cool to south Floridians, but they may seem fine to visitors.
Summer months are hot and humid, perfect for the pool or beach, but not so great for walking around, exploring, or going inland to places such as the Everglades. During peak months, you’ll expect a lot more traffic, more tourists, and more conferences, fairs, and trade shows – all of which drastically increases costs.
What should you pack for Miami?
1. think summer!
2. Packing Tips
Miami is the true south of the United States. Nine months out of the year, it’s like a great summer day with a little extra humidity compared to most places. March through October, temperatures easily stay around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It does get cooler at night during the spring and summer months, so pay attention to my packing tips.
October through March, pack a lightweight sweater or jacket. December-February, it can get as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. If you’re coming from Scotland, this will feel like your summer, and yes, you can wear a bathing suit year-round in Miami without looking silly; however, you will look like a tourist.
Miami is a very fashion-forward city. Wearing flip-flops, and bathing suits everywhere is a great way to say “I’m a tourist”. If you want to fit in, pack your bathing suit no matter what time of year you come. Our pools are heated, and the water is much warmer than anywhere else I’ve ever been no matter what time of year. Ladies, pack a pair of nice sandals or cute tennis shoes. Set aside the South Beach sleazy look and pack full coverage bathing suit coverups so that you could go from the pool to lunch without feeling naked. SWIMS loafers are great for guys. There’s no better place to bring out your most interesting wear as long as you’re not sweating through the process. Pack breathable fabrics such as linens and cotton.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY & CONVERSION IN MIAMI?
Currency: Miami currency is the USD – United States Dollar.
Credit Cards & ATMs: Most Miami stores and Miami shops take Visa & Mastercard credit cards. Some also take Discover, American Express and other credit cards. Most stores offer Apple or Google pay too.
Currency Conversion Tips: Waiting to convert at the airports in any destination can be costly. Check your credit card and ATM companies to find their currency conversion policy. Use the credit card that converts the most daily. Then, if you need to convert to cash, check with your local bank prior to departure or use an online currency converter.
Which beaches are best?
Most tourists think of ONE beach in Miami, but there are several beaches to consider. Where to stay and on what beach really depends on each individual preference on what to do in Miami; some prefer the nightlife and more club scene, others like to watch the beach bodybuilders, and others simply want to relax, read a book, and have ice cold beverages delivered beach or poolside. Miami has a little something for everyone.
Take the Miami beach quiz to find out which beach best suits your personality:
My Complete Miami Photo Album
Complete List of Miami Destinations
Miami Must See Destinations
The Best places to see and the best things to do
There are a wealth of things to see and do in Miami. I often find that people jump on or off a cruise ship at the Port of Miami and they miss the best parts of the Magic City. I’ve prepared there articles you must read or see to help you decide which places are best for you.
Final thoughts
I live where most vacation! Why? I often travel for work, so I want to live where I feel like I’m on vacation. Miami is one of the best places in the world to vacation. I must admit, it’s the closest thing you’ll get to Latin America or the Caribbean on mainland America.
One more really important thing to note: get in the mindset that you’re visiting Latin America when you arrive in Miami! Most people here speak Spanish, Spanglish, and very few speak conversational English! Don’t expect communication or driving to be great. Put on your seatbelts and get ready to have a great time in MYami!
#TRAVEL GUIDE
#TRIP
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Hi! I’m Christi. My life’s journey is somewhat extensive and verrry interesting – people, places and things always come full circle. See my lifeline & learn more about me.
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John Sandman MAR 25
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Rachel Gordon MAR 25
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Ready to jet set or tour beautiful interior design homes? Welcome to PSthisRocks. I'm Miami designer and serial entrepreneur Christi Tasker. Join me, my husband Boyd Tasker and my mom Pamela Reeves. We'll share the people, places and things that Rock on life's journey. Like stories?
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