
Florida
Miami vacation rentals
Art Deco icons, Caribbean-blue water, and a dining scene that never sleeps.
Best time to visit
December through April for dry, sunny 70s–80s; summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms but lower rates.
Rental types
Beachfront condos · Bay-view apartments · Art Deco boutique rentals · Luxury villas with pools
Getting there
Fly into Miami International (MIA); Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is a cheaper alternative 30 miles north. Brightline trains connect Miami with Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
About Miami
Miami is really two trips in one: the beach, with its white sand and bath-warm Atlantic water, and the city — a Latin-flavored metropolis where Spanish is as common as English and the food, music, and art scenes run deep. South Beach delivers the postcard version; Little Havana's Calle Ocho, the Wynwood Walls, and the Pérez Art Museum show you the rest.
Boating is part of daily life here. Biscayne Bay separates Miami Beach from the mainland, and rentals range from high-rise condos over the water to quiet bungalow courts a few blocks inland.
Vacation rentals in Miami
Miami vacation rentals cluster in three zones: South Beach condos and Art Deco buildings steps from the sand; Brickell and Downtown towers with bay views and resort-style pools; and residential neighborhoods like Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Miami Shores with houses and villas for longer stays.
Rates peak from Christmas through Easter and during major events like Art Basel in December. If your dates are flexible, late spring and early fall bring the best value. Note that the City of Miami Beach tightly regulates short-term rentals in some residential zones — condos in designated areas and licensed buildings are the reliable choice.
Things to do in Miami
- Walk the Art Deco Historic District and swim at South Beach
- Eat your way down Calle Ocho in Little Havana — cafecito, croquetas, and dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park
- See the murals at Wynwood Walls and the Pérez Art Museum on Biscayne Bay
- Kayak or paddleboard among the mangroves at Oleta River State Park
- Take a day trip down the Overseas Highway toward Key Largo and the Florida Keys
- Drive 40 minutes north to the canals and beaches of Fort Lauderdale
Beaches, nightlife, and day trips
The beach is the daily default — South Beach for scene, Surfside and Bal Harbour for quieter sand, Haulover for a clothing-optional stretch and kite-flying. Nights run late: rooftop bars in Brickell, salsa in Little Havana, mega-clubs on Miami Beach.
Everglades National Park's Shark Valley entrance is under an hour west for airboat tours and alligator spotting, and Key Biscayne's Crandon Park offers calm, family-friendly water fifteen minutes from downtown.
Where to stay in Miami
South Beach
The famous stretch — Art Deco hotels, Ocean Drive, and Miami's widest, liveliest beach.
Brickell & Downtown
Glass towers, rooftop pools, and bay views — Miami's urban core, best for car-free stays.
Wynwood & Design District
Street art, galleries, and indie restaurants in Miami's creative quarter.
Coconut Grove
Leafy, bohemian village feel with marinas, sidewalk cafés, and bayfront parks.
Miami FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Miami?
South Beach for first-timers who want the classic beach trip, Brickell for an urban stay with great dining, and Coconut Grove or Coral Gables for a quieter, residential feel.
Is Miami expensive to visit?
It can be in winter high season. Visiting in May–June or September–November cuts lodging rates significantly, and neighborhoods outside South Beach offer much better value.
Do you need a car in Miami?
Not if you stay in South Beach or Brickell — both are walkable with good transit and ride-share coverage. Rent a car only for day trips to the Keys or the Everglades.
Keep planning
Rental guideHow to Choose the Perfect Vacation Rental: A Step-by-Step Guide
The difference between a great rental and a regrettable one is decided before you ever click book. Here's the process seasoned renters use.
8 min read
Rental guideVacation Rental vs. Hotel: Which Is Right for Your Trip?
Neither wins every trip. Here's the honest math on cost, space, and convenience so you can pick the right tool for each vacation.
6 min read
Save this guide to your account for later.
Traveler reviews
Have you been here? Share your experience.
Loading reviews…
Discussion
Questions or tips? Join the discussion.
Loading comments…