Miami 101

While Miami remains a less glamorous alternative to some of the hottest new Caribbean and Mexico resorts, the city’s appeal will never fade. Given the circus that is commercial air travel these days, who wouldn’t rather jump on JetBlue, settle into a sexy hotel a few hours later and eat out at a hip restaurant every night? Although it isn’t the idyllic island getaway, Miami is quick and easy, especially for East Coast travelers, and these days whether traveling with your children or sneaking away with a spouse, those qualities are paramount. When the unreliable weather drops from eighty-five degrees and sunny to sixty-five and breezy, just remember – you’re only one massage away from couldn’t care less.

When to Go

Hurricane season is from June through November, so if you’re planning a trip during this time, it’s advisable to purchase a plane ticket you can change and to stay on top of weather patterns. It might seem adventurous, but you do not want to be stuck in Miami during a tropical storm, let alone a hurricane. High season runs from November to April, so expect to pay a premium on hotel rooms and to compete with crowds for dinner reservations. In July and August, temperatures can reach 95 degrees; it also tends to rain for an hour every afternoon between four and five o’clock (the sun comes out afterward, so the rain rarely ruins your day).

Getting There

Most major U.S. cities offer nonstop service to Miami. These include New York (American, Delta, United), Atlanta (Delta), Chicago (American), Los Angeles (American), San Francisco (American), Boston (American) and Philadelphia (US Airways). From Europe, there are daily flights from London (British Airways) and Madrid (Iberia Airlines). From Miami International Airport, it takes about fifteen minutes by car to downtown Miami and twenty-five minutes to Miami Beach. Tip: Check airfares to Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Flights here are often cheaper, and the airport is less congested. It’s about a forty-five-minute drive to downtown Miami.

Getting Around

Taxis are readily available. If you rent a car, be advised that valet charges have increased quite a bit from years past, and at several South Beach hotels, it can cost up to $24 to park for a two- or three-hour dinner.