Miami & Key West: A December Trip Review (For the Non-Party Crowd!)
Everyone raves about hitting the beach in summer, but for someone like me who wilts in the heat, late-year Florida is where it's at!
Disclaimer: This review is for those who prefer exploring to partying, but still want to experience Miami at least once.
Essential Tips Before You Go
- Sun Protection is Key: Pack a hat and sunscreen! Even in winter, Florida's sun is intense.
Getting There
- Flight: I flew from DC to Miami, FL on Frontier Airlines, and everything went smoothly with no delays.
Miami: The Lowdown
☀️ Weather
Expect pleasant temperatures around >70°F – perfect for exploring and even swimming! It's a welcome escape from the shock of going between AC indoors and the outdoor heat. However, on my last day, temperatures dropped to 60°F with strong winds, so a light jacket is advisable.
🏩 Accommodation
I booked a Marriott hotel in Miami for the first few days and an Airbnb near Mid Beach for some ocean breeze vibes. If you crave peace and quiet, steer clear of South Beach!
🍴 Where to Eat & What to Do
- Mizumi Buffet: Totally worth the money! Go on a Saturday or Sunday evening, but be prepared to queue if you arrive after 6 PM.
- Other Options: Pollo Tropical, Joe's Stone Crab (personally, I found it overrated). If you're tired of heavy food, check out the salad bar at Whole Foods.
- Little Havana: Go after 6 PM to experience the Cuban culture. Unfortunately, I couldn't find parking, so I only drove through.
- Bayside Marketplace: Perfect for sunset viewing.
- Miami Beach: Take a stroll or bike ride along the beach to South Pointe Park Pier. Or, hop on the free Miami Trolley for a tour of South Beach! Download the Trolley app for schedules and locations.
- Bal Harbour Shops
- Miami Downtown
- Explore: I also drove around different neighborhoods to get a feel for the city.
🌟 My Miami Takeaways
- Book Direct: Book hotels directly. 3rd party websites may not display hidden fees.
- Traffic Alert: Miami traffic is intense, and parking is challenging (think Saigon on a larger scale!). If you don't need to drive much, skip the rental car. If you are only in Miami Beach skip the car and use the trolley/bus.
- Service Isn't Stellar: Miami is a tourist city, but don't expect amazing service or super-friendly people.
- Culture Clashes?: If you don't speak Spanish or aren't a fan of Latin culture, this might not be your place.
- Final Verdict: If you're torn between Miami and somewhere else, I'd honestly suggest skipping Miami. As someone in a group once said, Miami is a Sh** show. If you're not a party person or are traveling on a budget to explore, Miami is especially not for you. Go for the experience, but don't get your hopes up!
Key West: A Breath of Fresh Air
Head there during the week to avoid traffic and crowds! Key West is a world apart from Miami, with friendlier people and better service.
🚗 Getting Around
I rented a car to drive from Miami to Key West. Check car rental company reviews, as some can be shady. Note that the road between Key Largo and Key West has a lot of construction, increasing the risk of flat tires. I saw many cars with flats, and eventually, mine got one too despite my best efforts!
🍴 What to Do & Eat
Key West is a small town with some picture-perfect spots. I wandered around for about 3 hours. For lunch, I ate at Two Friends Patio, which I found overrated. The lobster combo and burger were disappointing. Check reviews before choosing a restaurant if you didn't pack a lunch.
- Seven Mile Bridge: The most beautiful part of the drive is the Seven Mile Bridge. Don't be glued to your phone and miss the incredible views!
- Bahia Honda State Park: On the way back, I stopped at Bahia Honda State Park for a swim and to watch the sunset. If you don't swim here, you'll regret it! You can also walk around the park and spot some interesting wildlife. I saw a giant iguana but couldn't get a photo.
🏩 Accommodation
Since it's a 4.5-hour drive from Miami to Key West, I stayed overnight at a Marriott hotel in Marathon before returning to Miami. Marathon city is located between Key West and Key Largo, which is very convenient, many restaurants and a Publix grocery store are available.
The Bottom Line
If you're just looking for beaches and good food, I'd choose Orlando, Clearwater, Daytona Beach, or Tampa. Miami is worth experiencing once, but I wouldn't go back.
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