Destination Guides: Miami Beach, United States - City Information

Population:                  87,933

Elevation:                    4 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   7.0 square miles

Location:                     Located in the southeastern section of Florida on the Atlantic Ocean, approximately one hour from Fort Lauderdale

Time Zone:                  Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Miami Beach, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles).  Miami Beach observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October.

Weather:

 Climate:

Local Seasons:

Miami Beach is a vibrant, energetic city, alive with a Latin beat any day of the year, particularly when the sun sets.  Winter tends to be the busiest time of year when people from the north come to experience the beautiful beaches with swaying palm trees and warm ocean breezes.  However, at any time of year, the city is alive with tourists from throughout the world.  When summer arrives there is an influx of visitors from both South America as well as Europe, making this truly an international destination.  Spring and fall tend to be less crowded and are wonderful for enjoying all the city has to offer with a few less people. 

How to get there:

By Car:

Miami Beach is easily accessible via Interstate 95 from the north (Fort Lauderdale), Interstate 75 from the west (Fort Myers), the Florida Turnpike from the northwest (Orlando), and U.S. Highway 1 from the south (Key West).  Signs are clearly posted.

By Air:

Miami International Airport

4200 NW 21^st Street

Miami, FL 33142

Located 15 minutes west of the city

305-876-7000

The airport is served my many of the worldwide airlines as well as certain regional Carriers.

Ground Transportation:

Car Rental:

All of the major car rental companies are located at or near the airport.

Taxis:

Available curbside at the airport

Shuttle:

Super Shuttle is available at the airport

305-871-2000

By Train:

Amtrak

8303 NW 37th Ave
Miami, FL 33147

800-USA-RAIL

By Bus:

Greyhound

4111 NW 27TH ST
Miami, FL 33142

305-871-1810

Closest station to Miami Beach

Getting Around Town:

The easiest way to get around is by either personal or rental car.  Rental cars are available throughout the city as well as at the airport.  Keep an eye out for signs marked with an orange sun on a blue background.  They are designed to assist visitors on the most useful routes to the city’s main attractions.

Public Transportation:

Metro-Dade Transit

305-638-6700

Metro trains run on a single line between the northern suburbs and south Miami.  Some key stops are Government Center, Coconut Grove, and the University of Miami.  Downtown Miami is also circled by the Metromover, a monorail that gives a good view of the city and provides some basic transportation.  Metrobuses cover the entire city.

Call for routes, schedules, and additional information

National Holidays:

New Year’s Day, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January

President’ Day, the third Monday in February

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve, December 31