Located on the southeastern corner of Florida along the Atlantic Coast, Miami is known for its stunning skyline, the busy seaport, and tropical climate. Miami serves as a hub for entertainment venues, exciting restaurants, and sports arenas. With more than 80 scenic parks and gardens scattered throughout the city, there’s no shortage of green space to visit after a day of lounging on the beach. Check out these top 12 locations to find a vacation rental in Miami.
1. Downtown Miami, Florida
Stay right in the heart of the city with a vacation rental in Downtown Miami. Visit the Miami Children’s Museum, or watch the Heat play at the American Airlines Arena. Pack a picnic lunch and head to one of the city’s largest parks, Bicentennial Park or Bayfront Park. The downtown area is popular for biking, so be sure to pack gear for the whole family.
2. Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach vacation rentals are scattered among the hundreds of architecturally protected buildings in the Art Deco District, and you can schedule a walking tour to get a true appreciation for the area’s beauty. For the perfect start to your day, watch the sun rise over the ocean as you take a morning stroll on the beach. Grab a bite for lunch at one of the many cafes, and take the family fishing at Haulover Park.
3. Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida
Perfect for busy families, Coconut Grove is full of energy. Plan a full afternoon for CocoWalk, the dining and shopping district of Coconut Grove. As Miami’s oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove offers plenty of cultural attractions, including the Miami Science Museum and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Stop by Spartico on the way back to your vacation rental to pick up a Roman pizza for dinner.
4. Surfside, Florida
Find a gorgeous waterfront vacation rental along the border of Miami in the small town of Surfside. Life slows down in this small, relaxing community, which hosts just under 6,000 residents. A picturesque beach awaits your family, while a selection of boutiques offers treasures galore. Grab some yogurt as you stroll the shops, but save room for dinner, as the area boasts a huge variety of restaurants.
5. Coral Gables, Florida
Find a vacation rental nestled among the charming mansions in historic Coral Gables. Tree-lined streets offer the ideal setting for an evening walk, while the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination for families. Home to the University of Florida, Coral Gables has plenty to see and do. The Miracle Mile provides countless retail stores and eateries. Pick up some seafood for dinner at Titanic Brewing Company before calling it a night.
6. Hollywood, Florida
At 2.5 miles long, the Broadwalk in Hollywood lets you stroll along the sandy beach, watching the sun set over the ocean. In Hollywood, Florida, trolleys shuffle vacationers between eateries and small-town shops. Swim with aquatic wildlife at Wild Lime Adventures, and snap stunning photos at Flamingo Gardens. Be sure to take the kids to Young At Art Museum for hands-on exhibits that hold their attention.
7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
With its historic riverfront, Fort Lauderdale provides plenty of culture and beauty for your family. Take the narrated tour of Las Olas Boulevard to learn about the stunning mansions and luxury yachts that line Millionaires Row. Spend your morning in a gondola on the canal, and stroll along the Riverwalk in the evening. Perfect for the adventurous family, the Museum of Discovery and Science lets you see live animals up close, and you’re only a short car ride away from experiencing hiking in the Everglades.
8. Key Biscayne, Florida
Key Biscayne lies only a short drive from Miami. Reach this idyllic island via the Rickenbacker Causeway. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park bookend the island, offering plenty of adventure for your busy family. Spend an evening exploring a lighthouse or playing a few rounds of golf, then take the family out for dinner at one of the many Latin restaurants.
9. Homestead, Florida
Just north of the Florida Keys and south of Miami, the quaint town of Homestead is paradise for the busy family wanting to escape. Small eateries and shops fill the town center. Visit the nearby Everglades National Park to get some great snapshots of the wildlife that resides there, including eagles, panthers, and alligators. Head east to Biscayne National Park to view the mesmerizing coral reefs, or check out the incredible Coral Castle Museum.
10. Boca Raton, Florida
Find a vacation rental in Boca Raton, an ideal setting for relaxation. Shop the day away at the Boca Raton shopping mall, which boasts more than 220 high-end stores. Spend your mornings on the beach and afternoons on the golf course, then check out a concert at Mizner Park after dinner.
11. Pompano Beach, Florida
Referred to as The Heart of the Gold Coast, Pompano Beach provides something for interesting everyone in the family. Adventurers can snorkel or scuba dive, checking out the coral reef. Playgrounds along the beach offer fun for the little ones. Claim a picnic table along the sand, and grill up some burgers. Delight the nature lovers in your family with a trip to Butterfly World, and spend the evening playing mini golf.
12. Delray Beach, Florida
With so much to see and do, prepare to keep busy at Delray Beach. Explore high-end shops, visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, or try your hand at paddleboarding. Take a Segway tour of the beach, then choose from many fine restaurants for dinner. For the art lovers in your family, Delray Beach has lots of art galleries, including the Ora Sorensen Gallery, Avalon Gallery, and Ford Fine Art.