Miami is known for its glamor and ostentatious wealth paired with one of the most famous beach fronts in the world.
From the white sandy shores of South Beach to the fantastic artwork of Wynwood, you’ll never be lacking for things to do in Miami.
To help you make the most of your trip to the Sunshine State, we’ve created this comprehensive packing list, which includes what to wear in Miami, what NOT to pack, and answers to the most important frequently asked questions.
Packing cubes are great for any trip, big or small. They’ll help keep your belongings organized and prevent you from overpacking for your trip to Miami. This set of packing cubes is our go-to because they come in different sizes and even include cases for shoes and laundry!
When you’re out exploring the city or spending the day soaking up the sun at the beach, the last thing you’ll want to do is have to go somewhere to charge your phone. Instead, toss this lipstick-size portable charger in your beach bag so you can charge your device on the go.
A VPN is a great tool to have while traveling. It protects your sensitive information from potential hackers whenever you connect to WiFi in public places. It also provides a way to get around paywalls on news sites and allows you access to websites from your home country in places that information may be censored, so a VPN is a great investment if you’re continuing onto another country from Miami.
A neck wallet is a great item to bring with you to Miami. It provides a safe and organized place for you to keep your valuables, including your smartphone, keys, credit cards, cash, and vital documents. Wear it around your neck and tucked safely under your shirt to keep your belongings out of view from pickpockets.
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Miami can get HOT! Add some of these electrolytes to your drinking water to ensure your body is absorbing all the vitamins it needs. After a day spent soaking up the sun or a late night out on the town, you’ll be glad you’ve got these electrolytes to help keep you hydrated.
If Miami is more than 100 miles from home for you, definitely consider buying travel insurance to protect your trip. Faye is a favorite of avid travelers, largely due to their incredible offering of coverage and affordable rates. With plans for medical coverage, theft, rentals, pet care, and even ‘trip cancellation for any reason,’ they cover you from the beginning of your trip to when your plane touches down at home. Customize the perfect plan for you, and download their app where you can track your flights for real-time updates.
Don’t get caught in Miami rain without your handy windproof travel umbrella! This one in particular is awesome because it folds up small and can easily be tossed in your beach bag or day pack, but can protect up to two people when it’s open.
During your trip, you’ll spend countless hours under the hot Miami sun. You’re likely to want to quickly freshen up when you don’t have time for a shower. Keep a pack of these deodorant wipes in your purse or backpack to keep you feeling and smelling fresh all day long.
A trip to Miami will probably be a trip spent on the beaches or walking around the city under the Florida sunshine. Keep cool with these non-toxic cooling towels that can maintain refreshing temperatures 20-30 degrees below the hot and humid Miami weather. Get the towel wet, drape it around your neck or wherever else you’d like, and enjoy cold relief from the heat. It will stay cool for up to 60 minutes. If you are left wanting more (which you most likely will be) just dip the towel in water again and you’re good to go for another hour!
Miami isn’t called “The Magic City” for nothing… You will do some shopping and pick up brag-worthy souvenirs like authentic Cuban coffee, mango chutney, Caribbean sodas, hot sauces, Cuban cigars, and more. This bag is our go-to for travel since it packs down compactly but can be filled with goodies you pick up at Wynwood boutiques or Bayside Marketplace. And it counts as your personal item for the flight home to avoid carry-on fees – let’s goooo!
As a US cruise hub, Miami frequents many travelers who are flying and cruising through. Your bags will be out-of-sight many times (like when you check it at the airport, hand it to the cruiseline, leave it in the giant pickup warehouse to be retrieved, or even on ferry boat rides where everyone’s bags are thrown together like a free-for-all). These locks offer the peace of mind that no one can open your luggage or rummage through your things. We’ve been robbed while traveling, so we can speak to the importance of this.
Show of hands – who will be hitting the daiquiris, mojitos, and Miami Vices while in Vice City? No judgement here, only the advice to come prepared with hangover relief. This brand has electrolytes, vitamins, and milk thistle to help alcohol process through your liver better. Take this so you don’t wake up feeling like crap while on vacation, it makes a world of difference.
Countertop space is not a guarantee in boutique hotels. This hanging bag is one of our favorite discoveries for organizing your self-care routine and helping to minimize the chaos in your suite. Hang it anywhere (a door, hook, shower pole, towel rack, tree branch if camping, whatever!) and you instantly have a shelf-like system that keeps everything at eye-level.
This brand is based in Hawaii and made by women who thought of everything – even little details like elastic bands to hold your makeup brushes or prevent bottles from slipping and sliding. Pick your favorite pattern and it will become one of your favorite travel accessories.
Whether it’s the pool, the beach, or another fun water activity, you will need to bring a towel, but not all towels are created equal. Quick-dry towels are hands-down the superior way to go when traveling. These microfiber towels dry extremely quickly (as in, 10x faster than cotton), meaning you won’t have any smelly wet towels stinking up your bags. They are also ultra-compact, super absorbent, and sand-resistant, which makes them top-tier for Miami beach days.
Though it’s safe to drink tap water in Miami, it’s always nice to have a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter for added protection. You’ll definitely want to keep hydrated during your trip, so don’t waste money and damage the environment by buying bottled water, it also improves the taste of any overly-chlorinated tap.
Keep your devices protected from the elements by bringing along this convenient waterproof phone case! You won’t have to worry about leaving your smartphone on the beach while you dip in the water, you can simply bring it with you and even use it while you float in the waves.
Don’t neglect to strap on this flotation bracelet. For boat tours, jet skiing, or even pool days, you don’t want to dive in after your lifeline (and in some darker water, it may drift into the deep before you can rescue it… I speak from experience…) A small investment for major relief.
You’ve heard ‘no shoes, no shirt, no service’ and some establishments won’t let you move from the beach or pool to their dining area (even if it’s outside), so this stylish swimsuit cover-up will work perfectly. Throw it on and head over for lunch or a drink at one of Miami’s many bars and cafes.
You can’t go wrong packing at least one gorgeous outfit for your vacation in Miami. You’ll definitely want to check out the nightlife in the city, whether it’s going out for dinner or enjoying the vibrant club and bar scene. This dress is ideal because it cinches in the waist and is flirty but classy while also looking great on many different body types.
Instead of throwing sandy kicks into your suitcase (or bringing the sand home with you, bleh!) use these shoe bags to confine the mess. Not to mention, city grime is not very sanitary, and I personally don’t like grease and fecal matter (yes, that’s on the ground) rubbing up against my nice clothes. I get a few different bag styles to match with my different shoes – one for beachy sandals, the brown elevated bag for nicer shoes, and the pink or black for everyday tennis.
As Miami sits along the edge of Florida’s coast, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for swimming and water activities during your trip. Be sure to capture all your favorite moments by packing an affordable underwater camera like this one! It’s compact, durable, and reliable so you won’t miss a thing.
Use this for the beach, unplanned picnics, festivals, or when you simply find the perfect spot with sunset views. While you don’t want to pack a giant blanket, this one is amazing since it’s pocket-sized and folds up to about the size of a fist. The waterproof material ensures your booty won’t be damp when you stand up, and it’s sandproof to easily shake off the granules before you pack it away.
You’ll want to bring a trendy backpack like this one around with you for your day trips and excursions in Miami. You’ll need to carry things like your portable charger, water bottle, jacket, and more during the day, so you’ll be glad you brought a backpack. This one is stylish, has the zipper on the inside so no one can rob you from behind, and you’ll fit right in in this fashionable city!
As mentioned, your bag will be thrown carelessly to the wind by baggage handlers, conveyor belts, cruise staff who toss things unabashedly into bag retrieval rooms, and ferry workers who corral everything like livestock.
Instead of sifting through every black bag that is identical to yours, attach these luggage straps that will make your bags identifiable from a mile away. You will immediately know it’s your set of things in a crowd, and the extra security ensures your bags will remain shut during transit.
You’ll be spending a lot of time in and out of the water during your trip to Miami, so make sure you’re protected from the sun by wearing a rashguard like this one. A rashguard will also regulate your body temperature so you won’t have to worry about getting too hot or too cold.
Bring the party with you wherever you go in Miami with this handy portable speaker. Set the mood when you’re hanging out at the beach or getting ready to head out for a night on the town. This waterproof option is lightweight, durable, and perfect for your trip to Miami.
Even the most experienced beach-goers run the risk of getting a sunburn out under the hot Miami sun. Be prepared by packing aloe vera gel to cool and heal your skin in the case of sunburn! Keep your aloe in the fridge for extra relief after a day spent in the heat.
Miami boasts warm weather year round, which lends itself to showing off your beach body! During the day, bring plenty of beachwear and stylish outfits to pop into the trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants that this city is known for.
In the evening, wear your sexiest outfit paired with high heels to enjoy Miami’s world famous nightlife like a local.
In Miami, women should dress for warm weather. Miami locals aren’t shy about showing a little skin, so you don’t have to be either! Prepare for occasional bouts of rain by bringing along a rain jacket and an umbrella. For evenings out, be sure to dress to impress. Heels are a staple in Miami nightlife, and don’t forget a gorgeous outfit or dress!
Men visiting Miami should be prepared for warm to hot weather with the occasional bout of rain. Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing and bring plenty of shorts and t-shirts. For evenings out, be sure to wear nicer clothes, meaning long pants and closed-toe shoes to ensure entry into various venues.
The weather in Miami is warm to hot during the entire year. The hottest and most humid season is summer, which is also hurricane season. Any time you visit Miami, be prepared for some rain by bringing an umbrella and a rain jacket. Pack lots of warm weather clothing, including shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses and you’ll be comfortable year-round!
Winter is the tourist season in Miami, as it’s cold and snowy in the rest of the country! This is when prices will be the highest and crowds of tourists will flock to the beaches. Don’t expect too much rain during the winter months. Daytime temperatures will be warm and will cool down slightly at night.
Spring is arguably the most pleasant month to travel to Miami. The weather is warm but not hot and you won’t experience too much rain, as hurricane season has not yet begun. Be sure to bring a light jacket to wear in the evenings when temperatures cool down.
Summer temperatures in Miami can be excruciatingly hot and humid, and as it is also hurricane season, you can expect it to rain at least once every day. Though there may not be any hurricanes, you should always be prepared for one during this season.
Hurricane season in Miami lasts through November, so expect there to be an abundance of rain and humidity throughout the fall. Hotel prices are down, there are less crowds, and the weather is still hot, making this season an ideal time to visit Miami and hit the beach.
Exploring the City - You’ll want to look trendy as you explore the vibrant streets of Miami. Wear a sundress or stylish outfit that’s fit for the warm temperatures. Wear shoes that are comfortable enough to spend the day outside walking around and exploring.
Nightlife - Miami nightlife is infamous throughout the world. Be sure to dress to impress as you hit the streets. Women, wear your favorite heels and most stunning outfit, and men, be sure to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a nice shirt to ensure your entry into the hottest venues.
Miami is warm year-round, so you’ll have no need for a winter coat or heavy jacket. Instead, opt for a lightweight sweater or jacket to wear on cooler evenings.
You won’t want to be bogged down by heavy and overstuffed luggage during your trip to Miami. Bring versatile clothing in neutral colors that you can wear over and over again to maximize your space.
If you’re only headed to Miami for a few days or a week, there’s no need to bring full-size liquids on your trip. Instead, bring travel-size toiletries that can easily be refilled or replaced.
Regular towels are bulky and take a long time to dry after being used and made soggy. Leave your towel at home and opt instead for a lightweight microfiber travel towel that’s compact and dries fast!
Don’t risk your expensive jewelry or electronics getting lost or stolen and ruining your trip to Miami! Only bring the absolute essentials and leave the rest at home.
If you plan to do some poolside or seaside reading at the beach, there’s no doubt you’ll want to bring a good book with you. However, opt for bringing a lightweight Kindle instead of a ton of heavy books!
Yes, Miami is a very expensive city, so be sure to budget for that before you go! With all the glitz and glamor Miami is known for, it’s no surprise that prices for restaurants, bars, and hotels reflect that type of lifestyle. Be sure to plan accordingly!
There are a number of ways to get around Miami. The cheapest way to get around is of course walking, though distances can be far and the weather is hot. Miami has a bus system and in some parts of the city, a free trolley system which provides you with inexpensive methods of public transit. Uber, taxis, and renting a car are also popular ways to get around the city.
Overall, Miami is safe, especially for tourists. There are some parts of the city that are seedier than others, but they are far from the typical tourist destinations. Be sure to keep your belongings secured, as you may encounter pickpockets in touristy locations. Avoid walking alone at night, as in any big city.
There are tons of things to do in Miami, from laying on the beach to exploring the unique neighborhoods throughout the city. Enjoy the pristine beaches on Miami Beach, visit the fun and historic bars and restaurants on Ocean Drive, go shopping, check out the unique artwork in Wynwood, visit Little Havana, enjoy the exciting nightlife, and so much more.
It has only snowed once in Miami’s history, back in 1977. You likely will not experience any snow during your visit to Miami, regardless of the season!
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
