Wondering where to stay in Miami without a car? In this post, I will help you to find the best areas to stay in Miami without a car along with a helpful map and the best hotels to stay in Miami without a car for all budget travelers.
Getting around Miami without a car is definitely possible, as the city offers several transportation options including public transit systems, biking, ridesharing services, and walking.
Miami has a public transit system that includes the Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus. Metrorail is a train system that connects various parts of the city, including the downtown area and Miami International Airport.
Metromover is a free automated people mover operating within downtown Miami, offering easy access to many attractions, shopping areas, and dining options.
The Miami-Dade Transit Metrobus system covers a wide area of the city and its suburbs. It’s an affordable option for getting around, and there are various routes to choose from that can take you to popular destinations.
Many neighborhoods in Miami offer free trolley services that circulate within specific areas, providing an easy way to get around locally. These trolleys are especially popular in neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove.
You can rent bicycles from various rental shops or use bike-sharing programs such as Citi Bike to explore the city at your own pace.
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Miami and is convenient for getting around, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
Depending on where you’re staying and what you plan to do, walking can be a viable option, particularly in areas, like Miami Beach or downtown Miami, with a high concentration of attractions and amenities.
Given Miami’s waterfront location, water taxis and ferries can be a unique way to travel between certain points along the coast and to nearby islands.
While you’re looking to avoid renting a car, there might be instances where renting a car for a day or two makes sense, especially if you plan to explore areas outside of the main city. Just be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours.
Where to stay in Miami without a car?
Some of the best areas to stay in Miami without a car are South Beach, Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, Brickell, Sunset Harbour, and Wynwood. Each has its own unique character and advantages for getting around without a car.
Keep in mind that Miami’s public transportation system, while improving, might not be as comprehensive as in some other major cities. However, these areas are generally walkable and offer access to various amenities and attractions.
When booking accommodations, consider choosing hotels that are located close to attractions, dining options, and public transportation to make the most of your stay without a car.
During my trip to Miami, I stayed at the 3-star budget-friendly Generator Miami. It was a good value for money accommodation, easy access to free trolleys and free buses. Easy access to the beaches and amenities.
Overviews of best neighborhoods in Miami without a car
| South Beach | Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and iconic Art Deco architecture, South Beach is a bustling area with plenty to offer. It’s pedestrian-friendly and has a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. |
| Downtown Miami | is the city’s central business district and offers a mix of cultural attractions, shopping centers, and dining options. The Metromover, a free automated people mover, makes it easy to navigate around Downtown without a car. |
| Coconut Grove | has a more laid-back and bohemian vibe compared to some of the busier areas in Miami. It features charming streets, parks, and waterfront views. While public transportation is available, Coconut Grove’s walkability adds to its appeal. |
| Brickell | As Miami’s financial district, Brickell has transformed into a modern and upscale area with high-rise buildings, fine dining, and shopping. The Metromover and Metrorail provide convenient options for getting around without a car. |
| Sunset Harbour | is a trendy neighborhood located in the South Beach area. It’s known for its waterfront views, boutique shops, fitness studios, and diverse dining options. The relatively compact size of Sunset Harbour makes it easy to explore on foot. |
| Wynwood | Famous for its vibrant street art and creative scene, Wynwood has evolved into a cultural hub with galleries, cafes, breweries, and unique shops. While not as well-connected by public transport as some other areas, Wynwood is relatively walkable and offers a distinct artistic atmosphere. |
Below is the Map of best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Miami without a car. You can scroll down to view the live map.
6 Best areas to stay in Miami without a car:
1. South Beach
South Beach, often referred to as SoBe, is one of the best areas to stay in Miami without a car. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Art Deco architecture.
South Beach is a pedestrian-friendly area. Many of the attractions in South Beach are within walking distance, including the beach itself, Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road Mall, and various restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
Additionally, South Beach has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and the Miami Beach Trolley, which can help you get around the area and connect to other parts of Miami.
Biking is also a popular mode of transportation in this area, with bike lanes and bike-sharing programs available.
However, it’s important to note that while South Beach is more walkable and accessible than some other parts of Miami, the overall walkability of Miami as a whole might not be as high as in some other major cities.
You can use a cab or Miami Beach Airport Express shuttle bus to get from Miami International Airport to Miami Beach.
Overall, South Beach is an ideal base in Miami without a car for first-timers, beach lovers, and those who enjoy vibrant nightlife. The area is well-suited for younger travelers, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy the Miami beach scene.
Best places to stay in Miami’s South Beach without a car:
Luxury ($$$): Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach, an IHG Hotel, 5-star resort, located in a historic Mediterranean Revival setting, featuring a rooftop pool with bar and eco-friendly amenities. Short walk to South Beach and Miami Beach Marina with its water sport activities.
Mid-range ($$): Urbanica Fifth, 4-star hotel, located within walking distance from Lummus Park Beach, offering free bikes, private parking, a restaurant and a luggage storage space. Easy access to South Pointe Park Beach, Fisher Island Beach and Miami Beach.
Budget ($): Miami Beach Rooms B&B, great bed and breakfast, located near Lummus Park Beach, South Pointe Park Beach and Fisher Island Beach. It has a shared lounge, complimentary WiFi, and bicycle rental services.
BEST HOTELS IN SOUTH BEACH2. Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami is a convenient area to stay in if you don’t have a car, as it’s a hub of transportation options and has a relatively walkable layout.
Downtown Miami is well-connected by public transportation, including Metrorail, Metromover, Miami Trolley, and buses. This makes it easy to get around the city and reach various attractions without needing a car.
Downtown Miami offers a decent level of walkability, especially around the central areas. Many restaurants, shops, and entertainment options are within walking distance.
Many of Miami’s popular attractions, such as the Bayside Marketplace, American Airlines Arena, and Bayfront Park, are located in or near Downtown.
Downtown Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. You’ll find theaters, museums, art galleries, and plenty of restaurants and bars.
Downtown Miami is situated along the waterfront, providing beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. The Bayfront Park area offers green spaces, walking paths, and outdoor events that visitors can enjoy without needing a car.
Renting a car can be an added expense, including costs like rental fees, insurance, and parking fees. Staying in an area with good public transportation options can help travelers save money.
Best places to stay in Downtown Miami without a car:
Luxury ($$$): InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel, 5-star hotel located in Miami’s business district, offering views of the Biscayne Bay. It is only 2 minutes’ walk from the Bayfront Park Metromover Station.
Mid-range ($$): Eurostars Langford, 4-star family-friendly hotel, in a historic building in central Downtown Miami. Within walking distance from Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park, and city center.
Budget ($): Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell Area, 3-star hotel, centrally located in Downtown Miami, ideal base for travelers with no car on a budget. It is close to lots of eateries and a grocery shop. Easy access to trains and buses.
BEST HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN MIAMI3. Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is one of the more pedestrian-friendly and charming neighborhoods in Miami, making it a suitable option for staying without a car.
It is situated south of downtown Miami and east of Coral Gables. It’s bordered by Biscayne Bay to the east and US Route 1 (South Dixie Highway) to the west.
Coconut Grove offers a mix of upscale shops, dining options, cultural attractions, and parks. It’s known for its laid-back vibe and artistic community.
The neighborhood is relatively compact and has a walkable downtown area, which includes CocoWalk, a shopping and entertainment complex. This can make it easier to explore the neighborhood on foot.
While Coconut Grove has its own attractions, like Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Barnacle Historic State Park, and Peacock Park, it’s not as close to some of the major tourist spots in Miami Beach or downtown Miami, but can be reached by public transportation or rideshares.
Accommodation costs in Coconut Grove might vary, so it’s a good idea to compare prices with other neighborhoods to make sure it fits your budget.
Best places to stay in Miami in Coconut Grove without a car:
Luxury ($$$): Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, 5-star boutique hotel, located in Coconut Grove, walking distance to numerous stores and restaurants. It features a rooftop pool, bar and lounge, and on-site gourmet dining.
Mid-range ($$): Private Oasis at Arya, great accommodation, located right in the center of Coconut Grove, within walking distance to many shops, restaurants, cafes, close to Cocowalk Shopping Center, featuring free private parking, a sauna.
Budget ($): Hampton Inn Miami-Coconut Grove/Coral Gables, great popular 3-star hotel, located across from the train station, offering easy access to a number of beaches, museums and restaurants. The excitement and recreational activities of Miami Beach are also located nearby and are ideal for a day trip.
BEST HOTELS IN COCONUT GROVE4. Brickell
Brickell is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Miami without a car. It is a vibrant neighborhood located in the downtown area of Miami and is known for its urban atmosphere, modern high-rise buildings, luxury condominiums, and proximity to various amenities.
It’s a hub for business, dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and residents.
Brickell is highly walkable, with many essential services, restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertainment options within walking distance. The neighborhood’s compact layout makes it easy to get around on foot.
The Miami Metrorail and Metromover systems have stations in Brickell, providing convenient access to different parts of the city. Uber and Lyft are also readily accessible.
Many of Miami’s attractions, such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), the Frost Science Museum, and Bayfront Park, are located in or near Brickell.
Brickell offers a diverse range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries. The area also has a vibrant nightlife scene. Additionally, several grocery stores and markets are located within or near Brickell, making it easy to shop for daily essentials.
Brickell is located along the Biscayne Bay waterfront, providing beautiful views and the opportunity for waterfront activities.
Best places to stay in Miami in Brickell without a car:
Luxury ($$$): EAST Miami, 5-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in Miami City without a car, excellent location in Brickell City Centre, offering easy access to the best shops and restaurants in the area. It has premium retail shops, a movie theater, restaurants & bars, spas, and more.
Mid-range ($$): citizenM Miami Brickell, 4-star hotel, situated conveniently in the center of Miami, within walking distance to everything. It has an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a fitness center.
Budget ($): Tru By Hilton Miami West Brickell, 3-star accommodation, located in a quiet and safe neighborhood. Within walking distance to Downtown Miami, convenient to Key Biscayne and the cruise port. Easy reach the Metrorail and bus stations.
BEST HOTELS IN BRICKELL5. Sunset Harbour
Sunset Harbour is considered a desirable neighborhood located in South Beach, known for its trendy atmosphere, waterfront location, and proximity to various amenities.
Sunset Harbour is a walkable and bike-friendly neighborhood, with a range of restaurants, cafes, shops, and fitness studios within walking distance.
The neighborhood’s central location provides convenient access to other popular Miami Beach attractions, such as Lincoln Road Mall, South Beach, and the Art Deco Historic District.
It’s also relatively close to the beach and offers picturesque views of the bay. This can make it convenient for getting around without a car, as you can easily access many essential services on foot or by bike.
It has numerous trolley stops, offering easy access to Downtown Miami and the Arts & Entertainment district, via the Venetian Causeway.
Best places to stay in Sunset Harbour without a car:
Luxury ($$$): The Standard Miami, 5-star adult-only hotel, located on Belle Isle, right in between the popular neighborhoods of Wynwood and South beach, within walking distance to Lincoln Road Mall and 5 minutes’ drive to South Beach. It has an outdoor infinity pool, bicycle rental service, and a private boat dock, where you can enjoy paddle boarding and kayaks.
Mid-range ($$): Kimpton – Hotel Palomar South Beach, 4-star hotel, located close to everything on South Beach, including Lincoln Road, Holocaust Memorial, LIK Fine Art Miami, and New World Center. It offers free bikes, private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a 24-hour front desk.
Budget ($): Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach South Beach, 3-star hotel, located in Miami Beach, within walking distance from Lincoln Road and Miami Beach Convention Center.
6. Wynwood
Wynwood is indeed a popular and vibrant neighborhood in Miami known for its artsy and creative atmosphere. It’s famous for its colorful murals, galleries, boutiques, and hip restaurants.
Wynwood is known for being a relatively walkable neighborhood, especially within the Wynwood Walls area where many of the attractions are concentrated. If you’re comfortable walking and don’t mind staying in a smaller radius, it could work well for you.
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are prevalent in Miami, which can provide convenient options for getting around the city without a car.
Additionally, Miami has been working on improving its bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, making biking a viable mode of transportation in certain areas.
While Wynwood has a lot to offer, you might want to explore other parts of Miami, such as South Beach, Downtown, and Coral Gables. Getting to these areas without a car might be a bit more challenging, but it’s not impossible with a combination of public transportation and ridesharing.
Best places to stay in Miami in Wynwood without a car:
- Mid-range ($$): Arlo Wynwood Miami
- Mid-range ($$): Sentral Wynwood
- Mid-range ($$): Nomada Destination Residences – Quadro
You can continue reading about Miami and other cities nearby in these articles:
- Best areas to stay in Miami for families with kids
- 6 safe areas to stay in Miami for first time
- Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale without a car
- Where to stay in Washington DC without a car
In conclusion, South Beach, Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, Brickell, Sunset Harbour, and Wynwood are some of the best places to stay in Miami without a car. These areas offer walkable streets, excellent public transport, and a plethora of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.
South Beach and Downtown Miami are the most popular areas for first-timers and car-free travelers. South is best for beach lovers and those who enjoy vibrant nightlife, Downtown is best for visitor seeking a cultural experience.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.