It’s easy to get confused about the Miami area. There’s Miami vs. Miami Beach. Miami is on the mainland and Miami Beach is to the south connected only by a causeway across Biscayne Bay.
When deciding on a Miami vacation, it can be confusing to know which area to visit. Miami is a big city, and Miami Beach is a small beach town.
This is one of the few times I get perplexed by something in South Florida because everything seems synonymous with each other – similar to New York City and New York State.
You may have wondered why Florida City is called Miami Beach, as it feels like it’s a world away from its famous neighbor.
Here’s why!
In addition to the city, residents often use the terms interchangeably. In 2010, LeBron James further reinforced this confusion when he said he was moving to South Beach. Miami residents collectively rolled their eyes.
However, he did stay and eventually signed with the Miami Heat. In the end, he stayed and joined the city’s vibrant culture.
So, which is the better choice?
Let us compare the two. If you are traveling with a family, make sure you consider the age of your children when planning your trip.
Is Miami the same as Miami Beach?
No, Miami vs. Miami Beach is two different cities. Miami is a metropolis located in southeastern Florida, while Miami Beach is a barrier island city located east of Miami.
Although they are both parts of the Miami metropolitan area, these two cities have distinct cultures and attractions.
Both areas are great for different reasons. South Beach is more upscale and offers a more cosmopolitan feel, and the ambiance is often more mellow.
Both areas are full of restaurants and nightlife, so whichever you choose, you’ll find a place to fit your taste.
Is it better to go to Miami or Miami Beach (South Beach)?
When deciding which part of Miami Beach to visit, it’s important to consider the cost of hotels in both areas. If you’re trying to decide whether to go to Miami or Miami Beach, it can be a tough choice.
Hotel rates on South Beach are significantly higher than those in the northern part of town.
However, you’ll find more relaxing areas of Miami Beach north of Ocean Drive, including Mid-Beach, Atlantic Heights, and North Beach.
You’ll enjoy strolling these areas, which are within walking distance of the beach.
Both are great destinations for a fun, sunny vacation, and both have their own unique features that you might find attractive.
Miami has a lot more variety in terms of places to eat, drink, and be merry than Miami Beach. It also has more museums and art galleries, so if you’re into that kind of thing, you might get more out of your trip by visiting Miami.
It depends on what you’re looking for.
Miami is the larger of the two cities and has more things to do—it’s got a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of shopping and dining options.
Miami Beach is an iconic vacation destination for many reasons, including its white sand beaches and the Art Deco architecture that gives it a distinctive look. Miami Beach is also smaller and more compact, which means that you’ll have less trouble getting around on foot or by bike.
And if you’re looking for something special, there are some amazing boutique hotels in Miami Beach that give you a great feel for the city’s history.
The Meridian Hotel is located at the southern end of South Beach. This modern hotel offers suites in a minimalist style and features a pillow-top mattress in the bedroom and designer toiletries in the bathroom.
Other highlights include the outdoor pool, cabanas, and a cozy coffee shop.
South Beach is considered the most exclusive neighborhood in the city, and its rich residents often purchase properties in its upscale neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up some sun, Miami Beach is probably your best bet.
Ultimately though, your decision will depend on what kind of vacation experience you’re looking for—if you want lots of restaurants and clubs but don’t mind driving between them (or paying for cabs), then Miami might be better suited to your needs than Miami Beach.
If you’d prefer an elegant beachside retreat with less hustle and bustle, then perhaps Miami Beach is more up your alley!
Either way, we think either city is sure to provide an amazing getaway!
Whether you prefer the quiet, more lax feel of South Beach or the lively and crowded vibe of the former, the decision will be made based on your needs and the age of your family.
Both locations offer great scenery and are ideal for families with children.
Considering Moving to Miami?
If you’re considering moving to a new community in Miami, you might want to consider a Surfside vs. Miami Beach comparison.
The two communities are both beautiful and boast excellent beach access. Although both have their own advantages, the difference between these two communities is less apparent than it would be in Miami Beach.
For many people, the key difference between the two communities is their proximity to the ocean and cultural offerings.
While Surfside is a quieter and less populated community, Miami Beach is home to the annual Jazz Festival and Art Basel art fair.
These events are just a few reasons to consider both cities.
But you’ll also want to consider your personal preferences.
While Surfside is less developed than Miami Beach, it still has plenty to offer.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back beach atmosphere, Surfside may be the better option.
This town features a beautiful oceanfront shoreline, a charming residential community, and a thriving business district.
The beaches in Surfside stretch from Bal Harbour to North Beach, and between 96th Street and 87th Terrace, giving them over a mile of unspoiled shoreline. In addition, they offer a more tranquil atmosphere and a tranquil feel.
In terms of location, residents of Surfside can easily commute to downtown Miami in 30 minutes or less.
The main streets of Miami Beach, including South Beach, are easily accessible by Collins Avenue and are within a 25-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Regardless of the distance, public transportation is readily available in Surfside. Residents of Surfside make use of the free shuttle service to travel to the nearby area. You can also book a cab, taxi, or public transportation.
The differences between Surfside and Miami Beach are primarily in the housing market.
Bal Harbour has a few ultra-luxury condominiums while Surfside offers a variety of high-rise and mid-rise condominiums for sale.
Surfside boasts a 25% higher percentage of luxury condo sales in 2018 than Bal Harbour, but there are some differences between the two communities.
Aside from being close to the beach, Bal Harbour offers a more exclusive, upscale, and exclusive setting.
Buying a luxury condo in Surfside will likely result in a better overall return on investment.
Wynwood
Wynwood Miami is a neighborhood in Miami, Florida. It was founded in the early 1920s as the city’s first “modern” planned community and at first, was based around a large swimming pool that occupied 50 acres of land.
Wynwood is known for its many murals which can be seen throughout the neighborhood. The murals are made by artists who are both local and have come from nearby countries such as Brazil and Peru.
The term “mural” actually comes from the Latin word for wall, “murus”.
While the two neighborhoods are similar in appearance, they have different personalities. Wynwood is a hipster neighborhood where you can find tons of funky shops and restaurants.
It is known for its colorful murals and massive galleries.
While Miami Beach is more famous for its beaches and sunny skies, Wynwood offers an urban feel with more diverse cultures and attractions.
The former industrial district is home to a thriving Puerto Rican community.
Located directly across I-195, Miami Design District features over 130 galleries, hip shops, antique dealers, and restaurants.
The area is also home to museums and galleries, including the Haitian Heritage Museum and the De la Cruz Collection.
There are also bars and restaurants in both neighborhoods. For those who prefer the art scene, there’s nothing quite like the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami.
But there’s a downside to both, and it’s up to you to choose which part of town you’ll enjoy more.
If you’re a car person, you may want to avoid the Beach. You may have trouble finding parking, as many apartments in the Wynwood district don’t include garages.
You may have to park your car in local parking lots or pay for overnight parking. Another option is to take an Uber if you’re unsure about parking. This will cost you less than $10.
The difference is clear: Wynwood is more fun!
If you’re in the area for the nightlife and art, you should definitely check out Wynwood.
While the two neighborhoods share similar characteristics, they are very different when it comes to quality of life.
Wynwood’s vibrant energy has inspired its name. Once a dingy warehouse neighborhood, it is now home to over 70 art galleries, hip restaurants, and hipster bars.
The Wynwood South Beach hotel offers a convenient location. It’s less than a mile away from Ocean Drive and 2 miles from the Miami Beach Boardwalk.
It is also more affordable than 91% of other nearby accommodations and has better room amenities.
You will have access to a rooftop pool with cabanas.
Among other amenities, Wynwood South Beach offers a resident lounge where you can entertain guests.
Downtown Miami
The debate between Miami vs. Miami Beach and buying a condo in Downtown Miami or the sands of the nearby beaches is a long-standing one.
The city has both advantages and disadvantages, and the answer depends on what you’re looking for in a new condo.
While both locations have a high demand for real estate, one is generally preferred over the other.
Here are some reasons why.
Downtown Miami’s growing popularity means that its prices have also gone up.
Downtown Miami: While both neighborhoods are vibrant, Downtown Miami is the more vital area of the city.
If you’re looking for an urban feel with luxurious amenities, Downtown Miami may be the right choice.
It has a growing population, with more than 40,000 people living here in 2000.
However, it has been steadily growing and is expected to grow even more. As a result, it’s a great place to buy a property in the long term.
Downtown Miami has many upscale and expensive restaurants, but compared to its beach counterpart, Downtown Miami is more affordable.
In addition, you’ll be less likely to feel cramped. There are also many more restaurants to choose from.
For instance, Downtown Miami is home to a 60-story building designed by Zaha Hadid, and Miami Beach boasts more restaurants than the other.
However, you’ll need to be careful when choosing between the two.
In addition to the luxurious restaurants, Miami Beach also boasts lively nightlife and a thriving arts scene.
The Metromover, a free elevated train, winds through the downtown area and heads north towards Bayside Marketplace and other waterfront green spaces.
The Skyviews Miami observation wheel offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. Both neighborhoods are connected by a six-mile beachfront path that’s designed for walking and bicycling.
The Julia Tuttle Causeway is also bike-friendly, allowing for a comfortable commute.
The Downtown Miami vs. Miami Beach debate has a lot to do with cultural appreciation.
While downtown Miami may not have as many attractions as Miami Beach, there’s plenty of entertainment to keep you entertained in either location.
The Freedom Tower, for example, is a renowned landmark, and the Miami News Building began life as an office building for the Miami News.
It later became a government reception center for Cuban refugees and is now a contemporary art museum. It is a National Historic Landmark.
Conclusion
On the surface, Miami vs. Miami Beach is very different. But once you dig a little deeper, you find that they have a lot more in common than you’d expect.
Their histories tell two parts of the same story—and it’s a fascinating one.
Although South Beach is the most cosmopolitan and tourist-friendly area in Miami, the rest of Miami Beach has a much more diverse and less crowded scene.
There are many more exclusive restaurants and nightclubs in South Beach, and there are also more quiet spots and residential neighborhoods.
If you’re traveling with children, you may want to choose South Beach if you’re planning to have a family vacation.
If you’re looking for more action and excitement, however, Miami might be better. Miami has a vibrant nightlife scene that includes many of the country’s hottest nightclubs and bars (also known as “lounges” in Miami).
It also has more hotels than any other city in the United States—over 1,500—so there’s something out there for everyone’s budget.
If you’re just looking for some beach time and relaxation, then Miami Beach will probably suit your needs just fine.
