Is Miami the Same as Miami Beach?
Is Miami the same as Miami Beach? Well, those are two different cities. It’s confusing for most people — a lot of people think that the two cities are one in the same. TripShock has created a guide to help you understand the difference between the two and help make your vacation planning much easier.
Table of Contents
- Is Miami Beach Separate from Miami?
- Is Miami or Miami Beach Better for Families With Children?
- Miami vs. Miami Beach - Popular Things to Do
- Is Miami Beach More Expensive Than Miami to Visit?
- What is More Walkable, Miami or Miami Beach?
- Where to Stay
- Takeaway
Is Miami Beach Separate from Miami?
Pictured above is South Beach in Miami.
Miami Beach and Miami are two separate municipalities with their respective governing bodies. Miami features a wide selection of delicious cuisine from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond. When it comes to Miami Beach, you will find more trendy options from the likes of celebrity chefs. The Miami Beach culinary scene offers visitors and residents alike a huge array of impressive masterpieces, including Matador Room, Stubborn Seed, and more.
If you want to see celebrities, Miami and Miami Beach both offer noteworthy nightclub scenes. Miami clubs tend to stay open late and feature a robust selection of Latin music venues. If you want to enjoy cocktails with friends or family, Miami Beach offers many options.
Is Miami or Miami Beach better for families with children?
Pictured above are tourists riding bikes in Miami Beach.
There’s no doubt that Miami and Miami Beach are both great places for families to visit. So, is Miami the same as Miami Beach? They have a lot in common, but there are also some differences that could make one better suited for your family than the other.
While families can have a great time in Miami, the city has a reputation for being a hip city that attracts young adults with its nightlife and vibrant culture. This means that there aren’t as many kid-friendly activities or attractions in Miami as there are in Miami Beach. It has lots of nightlife and entertainment options, which are perfect for adults looking to have a fun-packed weekend.
Miami Beach is more family-friendly than Miami. With plenty of activities for all ages, you’ll never run out of things to do. Not only does Miami Beach have a wide variety of restaurants and shops, but there are also watersports activities that are perfect for everyone in your family, like jet skiing and dolphin tours. It has plenty of beaches where you can enjoy spending time with your little ones while they build sandcastles or splash around in the water.
{Read Reviews & Book Miami Boat Tours Online}
Miami vs. Miami Beach - Popular Things to Do
Urban graffiti at Wynwood Walls. Image by thewynwoodwalls.com.
Both Miami and Miami Beach offer plenty of things to do. Is Miami the same as Miami Beach, you ask? Miami is a massive city with endless possibilities for fun and adventure. From arts and entertainment to the bustling downtown area, you’ll find something for everyone here. If you’re looking for some relaxing time away from the bustle of life, you’ll love the quiet neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables.
If you want to get out and explore the area, there are plenty of museums, botanical gardens, and cultural sights as well as unique shopping opportunities throughout the city. Here are recommendations for the top neighborhoods to visit on your trip to Miami:
- Wynwood Arts District
- Downtown and Bayside Marketplace
- Little Havana
Miami Beach is just across Biscayne Bay from Miami but it offers its own unique vibe that can’t be found anywhere else in South Florida. The Art Deco District with its colorful hotels and shops makes for an interesting day trip from Miami, while Lincoln Road Mall offers lots of shopping options along with great restaurants and bars if you’re looking for nightlife options during your stay. We have laid out some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Miami Beach, which include:
- Miami Beach Botanical Garden
- Flamingo Park
- Miami Beach Boardwalk
- Art Deco Historic District
- Ocean Drive
When it comes to Miami Beach, it’s a perfect place for families to visit with activities that are suitable for all ages.
{Read Reviews & Book Miami Tourist Attractions Online}
Is Miami Beach More Expensive Than Miami to Visit?
Pictured above is the Downtown Miami skyline.
When it comes to visiting Miami Beach, you can expect to pay more than you would for a trip to the city of Miami. For example, transportation costs in Miami Beach, like gas prices and bus fares, are higher than in Miami. The average cost of a one-week trip to Miami Beach is $1,869 for a single traveler, $3,357 for a couple, and over $6,000 for a family of 4. Hotel stays in Miami Beach can cost up to $795 per night and vacation rentals usually range from $230 to $1060 per night.
It costs $1,682 for a single person to visit Miami for one week, $3,021 for a couple, and $5,663 for a family of four. A hotel room in Miami can cost up to $249 per night and vacation rentals range from $160 to $1000 per night.
What is More Walkable, Miami or Miami Beach?
Pictured above is a couple enjoying a walk on the beach.
Miami Beach is a pedestrian-friendly city known for its many amenities within walking distance of each other. From enjoying the beach to dining out at one of South Florida’s best restaurants, there are plenty of ways to get around without a car and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
The city also offers free trolley service, bike rentals, and electric scooters for visitors who want to explore off the beaten path. Check out the most walkable neighborhoods in Miami Beach below:
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Lincoln Road
- South of Fifth
- Meridian Avenue
{Read Reviews & Book Miami Beach Bike Rentals Online}
Where to Stay
Inside of a room at Loews Hotel in Miami Beach. Image by loewshotels.com.
Miami and Miami Beach offer a variety of accommodations. From sizeable hotel suites to home-away-from-home vacation rentals, each lodging option offers easy access to a wealth of attractions and activities. Check out TripShock’s picks for the best accommodations in Miami and Miami Beach below:
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
1633 N Bayshore Dr
Miami, FL 33132
Fortune House Hotel
185 SE 14th Terrace
Miami, FL 33131
Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach
17875 Collins Ave
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
1601 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Takeaway
Pictured above is Miami Beach on Ocean Drive.
Is Miami the same as Miami Beach? Miami and Miami Beach are often used interchangeably, though they’re not exactly the same. Both cities have plenty to offer travelers and are great destinations for vacations. If you’re looking for more family-friendly activities, consider Miami Beach.