Where to stay, by the trip you are on

Miami is six cities with one name. Say what the trip is and the neighborhood picks itself; then read why, how you move, and where to sleep.

Key Biscayne

An island of calm beaches and bike paths, twenty minutes from Downtown over one causeway.

ProCrandon Park: shallow, calm water for kids
ProBike paths separated from traffic
ProThe lighthouse park at the tip
ConTwo hotels and little nightlife
ConA car or a long ride for everything on the mainland
ConPark entry fees per car
AroundBikes on the island; a car over the Rickenbacker Causeway; the bus to Brickell is slow.

Key Biscayne · our places near the hotels

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami4.5 on Google (2,962)Check datesBooking

Coral Reef Suites3.2 on Google (316)Check datesBooking

First time · Beach · NightlifeSouth BeachThe postcard: Art Deco on Ocean Drive, the beach a block away, bars until late.
Without a car · Nightlife · First timeBrickellTowers, rooftops and the free Metromover: the easiest base without a car.
Quiet · With kids · Car and day tripsCoconut GroveThe oldest neighborhood: banyans, the bay, a village you can walk, Vizcaya next door.
With kids · Beach · Quiet · Car and day tripsKey BiscayneAn island of calm beaches and bike paths, twenty minutes from Downtown over one causeway.
Quiet · Car and day trips · First timeCoral GablesMediterranean streets, the Venetian Pool, the Biltmore: the elegant base with a car.
Nightlife · First timeWynwoodMurals, breweries and the late burger: the base for art and nights out, not for sleep-ins.
Without a car · First time · With kidsDowntownThe museums, the arena, Bayfront Park and the Metromover loop: the base for a trip without a car and with a ferry to the beach.
First time · Quiet · Car and day tripsLittle HavanaCalle Ocho, cafecito windows and live son: the cheapest base with the most character, ten minutes from Brickell.
Quiet · First time · Car and day tripsDesign DistrictFashion houses, galleries and courtyards: the polished base between Wynwood and the bay, quiet at night.