Layover in Miami? Head to South Beach!
Miami International Airport is the gateway for most Caribbean and Latin America trips. It’s a major hub for American Airlines and also a focus airport for LAN Airlines (South American airline), so it’s not surprising that we’ve often found ourselves in Miami on a layover.
Rather than get upset and frustrated about your lengthy layover, we suggest you add an extra night or two and plan to spend a couple days in Miami, specifically South Beach. Many airlines allow a multi-day layover without incurring additional costs. We’ve capitalized on this travel tip a few times and are always greatful for the extra time spent in this sizzling city.
If you only have a short 2-5 hour layover, we don’t suggest you leave the airport. During rush hour, Miami has terrible traffic and South Beach is at least a 45 minute drive away.
However, if you have a night or two to spend in the city, we suggest you head straight to the world famous beach.
The most common ways to get to South Beach from Miami International Airport is to take an airport shuttle bus, taxi or rent a car directly at the airport. Some hotels offer a pick-up service, a nice bonus if you can find it.
Hotels and villas in the sunshine state of Florida can vary in location and price, so its wise to do your homework ahead of time. For example, North Beach is not very close to the popular South Beach strip and requires transportation. Whereas most South Beach accommodations are within walking distance to Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, a trendy street that has been converted into an outdoor mall.
Foodies will love South Beach. The warm climate allows for a long growing season, producing year-round fresh local fruits and vegetables. And with its location along the ocean, freshly caught seafood is plentiful.
We loved spending our lazy afternoons at an outdoor coffee shop and evenings on a patio enjoying the food, views and tropical ambiance. Like most touristy areas in North America, there are plenty of high-end retail stores, fancy restaurants and entertaining outdoor bars.
South Beach has a little something for everyone, from a relaxing vacation by the pool to crazy beach parties at flashy outdoor nightclubs.
With a laid back lifestyle during the day and evenings filled with excitement, there’s good reason to take advantage of that Miami layover and check out South Beach!
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What do you do on long layovers?
Share your travel tips in the comments section below
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Cameron and Nicole Wears are Canadian married couple and newbie parents living in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. A passion for travel and outdoor adventure has taken them to over 50 countries on 6 continents in the past 7 years. Consider following us via 
Good idea. I’ll be honest I never thought of inquiring about an extended layover. I flew through Miami late last year and now wish I had stopped!
On long layovers however, I usually try to find a cozy spot in the airport/station to catch up and get work done!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Crossing Canada By Train: Part One
Yea, its a great way to capitalize on your location. We try to do the same in New York and California too
Cam recently posted..Drinking Beer Around the World – Part Ten
That sounds like a great idea!
Sailor recently posted..One Night Getaways – Short Cruises in the U.S. Northwest
Give it a try the next time you get stuck in MIA!
Cam recently posted..Now THIS is a Crazy Mountain Road in the Chilean Andes
Honestly speaking, I never tried to visit USA. However, I heard that this place have fantastic beaches and a good location to hang out. I am hoping to visit that soon.
Celine Lee recently posted..הדרכת הורים
This can be a perfect spot for family vacation, I never seen such beautiful beach like this in my entire life, maybe if I get extra income I would like to visit this with my family to spend our weekends soon.
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Great article! Florida is a fantastic vacation destination — good for layovers. Depending on how much time you have, you can go to the beach or check out the shops around town. You could always see a movie or have one downloaded to your iPad. People watching is always fun!