Top Things To Do In Miami
Explore Everglades National Park
Miami is located close to Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to fully comprehend the rich nature and wildlife of the Everglades is to take an airboat tour with a knowledgeable guide who will tell you about the history of the Everglades and point out its most popular feature: the many alligators that call it home. When the guide starts telling you about some of the stories surrounding these prehistoric looking creatures, we wont blame you if you scoot a little bit farther from the edge of the boat.
Walk Around Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Due to its wet, humid climate, gardens in Miami are able to prosper into lush, beautiful landscapes. One of the highlights of the Miami garden scene is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, where youll find an Italian-style mansion surrounded by manicured gardens adorned with lovely sculptures and a view of sparkling Biscayne Bay.
See Animals at Zoo Miami
A popular attraction in Miami for families is Zoo Miami, where you can see over 3,000 animal species. Kids have a chance to feed giraffes, rhinos, and camels, as well as play in the splash pads. Rent a Safari Cycle to navigate the expansive grounds of the zoo.
Pretend Youre Under the Sea at Miami Seaquarium
What should I eat in Miami?
Arepas: This popular South American food item is also popular in Miami. It infuses cheese into a flattened, folded pastry, which is then cooked until the dough turns golden.
Public Transport
Staying In Miami Overnight
Miami is a city of multiple charms with lots of attractions to enjoy during a longer stay. Unfortunately, most touristic promotions have been focusing on a few main sites and leave out many other interesting aspects of the city that are worth exploring. Besides the Beach , the Seaquarium, the typical Everglades experience or Little Havana there is much more to enjoy on a overnight stay in Miami.
Vizcaya Museum Garden, Miami
After all, how many have traveled 25 miles to Aventura Mall not knowing that Dadeland Mall is just 15-minutes away by train? Or went to Bal Harbor to have a look at luxury shops, when you can find the same and even more stores within walking distance at the Brickell City Center or at the Design District ? Why pay for a tour to the Vizcaya Gardens and Museum, to Wynwood or Little Havana when you have a Trolley that allows you to explore it on your own for free? What about renting a car â with a free shuttle from the port to the Car Rental center at the Miami Airport – and explore at leisure off-the-beaten-track places like the fabulous Miami Zoo, or Cape Florida.
Where To Stay Near The Port
Downtown Miami and Brickell are the closest neighborhoods to PortMiami with top hotels like the InterContinental Miami, The Gabriel Miami, Hyatt Centric Brickell, Four Seasons, and Kimpton EPIC Hotel.
Hotels with breathtaking views and luxury options abound in Downtown, which is home to popular tourist attractions including Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park, Museum Park and Lummus Park. While still very much urban, Brickell offers a more suburban feel. Plenty of hotels are found in the neighborhood, which also offers fantastic dining and shopping at Mary Brickell Village.
Miami Beach and South Beach are unbeatable locations with oceanfront hotels offering idyllic views close to pristine white sand beaches. These diverse areas are home to top dining, from fine dining world class restaurants to delicious dishes at casual beachside haunts.
Lincoln Road is lined with lively bars and is a popular spot to enjoy a walk, and the Bass Museum of Art is also in the area. Favourite hotels close to PortMiami include The Redbury South Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach, The Confidante Miami Beach, The Marlin Hotel, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, The Palms Hotel and Spa, and Hampton Inn Miami Beach.
Coconut Grove overlooks Biscayne Bay while Coral Cables is a picturesque neighborhood with fantastic shops, beautiful mansions and historic sites. Luxurious options include The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Miami, Biltmore Hotel, Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, and Hotel St. Michel.
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Best Time To Visit And Cruise From Miami
Miami is a year-round destination with plenty to see and do regardless of when you visit. Generally, mid-February through to May are great times to visit the city. The humidity of summer and uncertainty of Hurricane Season have not arrived, and you will find warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
If you are visiting Miami Beach, the best time is between March and May. You will find sunny days and comfortable temperatures hovering between the high 70s and low 80s. You also avoid peak season rates common during the winter and summer months with a spring-time visit.
Hurricane season typically runs from the beginning of June until the end of November. Most rain falls on Miami between May and September, while the winter period between December and February are the driest.
What Are The Parking Rates For Oversized Vehicles At Miami Cruise Port
Oversized parking for vehicles such as RVs, vans and trailers is available in Lot 2, located near Cruise Terminal E. The parking rate for oversized vehicles is an additional $22 on top of the standard parking rate. The height clearance on the first floor of parking garages D and J is 8’2”, while in Garage C it is 9′ and in Garage G it is 9’6”.
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Virgin Voyages Inaugurated Its New Home At Portmiami
Virgin Voyages inaugurated its new home at PortMiami with the ribbon cutting of Terminal V on Sunday, February 13,2022. Sir Richard Branson was joined by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava among Miami-Dade County officials to launch the new terminal. Terminal V is the home for The Scarlet Lady, which will set sail to the Caribbean, with more than 2,500 guests and 1,000 crew members.
Miami Cruise Terminal Aa/aaa
Currently, under construction, Terminal AA/AAA is due for completion 2022 at a cost of $300 million. It will have 2 berths to serve MSC Cruises who are financing, building, operating, and maintaining this terminal to use as a homeport for their future fleet.
MSC previously used Terminal F. Designed by Aquatonica, the planned new mega-ship terminal will have two terminals and two berths. It will be able to simultaneously accommodate two of MSCs new World-Class cruise vessels . The daily capacity will be a staggering 28,000 passengers.
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Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Led Aspen Ideas: Climate Shore Power Panel At Portmiami
On the opening day of Aspen Ideas: Climate, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will host the Powering a Floating City panel together with PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb, Florida Power Light and Company, and cruise line executives. The panel will present the countys efforts to implement shore power at Port Miami.
Terminal B The Pearl Of Miami
1751 North Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Not to be outdone, Miami Cruise Terminal B is in the final stages of constructing a new state-of-the-art terminal serving Norwegian Cruise Line . Known as the Pearl of Miami, this futuristic 166,500 sq.ft.terminal was designed by Miami-based architects Bermello Ajamil & Partners.
The open plan design features a Nautilus theme. It will accommodate cruise ships with a capacity of up to 5,000 passengers, offering a more advanced embarkation and debarking process.
Started in 2018. Terminal B is in the final stages of completion at a cost of $239 million with expected completion in 2021. It will have a dedicated waiting lounge, bar lounge, service area and dedicated parking garage with optional valet service.
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What Time To Arrive
Your arrival time depends on when your specific ship is scheduled to leave. Check with your cruise line for more information. PortMiami recommends all passengers arrive at the port no fewer than two hours prior to sailaway to allow ample time for check-in and security screening.
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Go To South Beach By Shuttle From The Port Of Miami
If you do not have much time in Miami, you need to go to South Beach straight away. As soon as you disembarked the cruise, get a shuttle from the cruise port and arrive at South Beach.
Yes, you need to book the shuttle in advance at a rental car company.
The shuttle will take you to the rental car companys office in South Beach. You can pick up a car and explore the city. It is not a dream but can have rental cars at Miami Beach.
Most rental car companies have offices in Miami International Airport. You can drop off a car and get your flight at the airport.
The advantage is:
- You can enjoy one of the most famous vacation destinations, South Beach, immediately after disembarking the ship.
- Explore the beauty of Miami and return home from Miami International Airport.
- Or you can stay over at a hotel in South Beach and see what Miami can offer you the best.
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How To Get To The Port Of Miami
Royal Caribbean opened Terminal A, a brand new, 170,000 square foot terminal at the Port of Miami, in 2018. Nicknamed the Crown of Miami due to its unique shape, Terminal A is where all Royal Caribbean cruise passengers will depart from when sailing out of Miami.
PortMiami is located on its own island, Dodge Island, just east of downtown Miami. The address of Terminal A at PortMiami is Dodge Island, 1015 N. America Way, Miami, FL 33132.
Whether you fly or drive to Miami, make sure to arrive the day before your cruise .
Where To Shop Near The Port
If you need to stock up on some last-minute cruise supplies, PortMiami is near two major shopping centers, Bayside Marketplace and Brickell City Centre.
Bayside Marketplace is an open-air shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront that buzzes with energy and offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the cruise port. If this is your first time cruising out of Miami, a visit to the marketplace is a must. In addition to shopping and live performances, the waterfront marketplace offers numerous dining options including a Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Segafredo. This is also the place to book sightseeing tours and even a thrilling speedboat tour if youre in town before or after your cruise.
If youre already at the port and want to do some last-minute shopping at Bayside Marketplace, get on the free Coral Way Trolley and disembark at the Biscayne Blvd. stop. You can also walk to the mall it takes about 15 minutes from the port.
From Downtown Miami and the Brickell area, take the free Metromover Inner Loop to the Bayside stop.
If you have high-end shopping on your mind, head on over to Brickell City Centre , where four floors and more than 120 stores are dedicated to designer labels and luxury. The Saks Fifth Avenue here is 107,000 square feet! Theres also a dine-in movie theater, CMX. For restaurants, there are many to choose from. We like Lukes Lobster, Pubbelly Sushi and Quito la Huella .
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Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal B & Parking Garage
The project also includes a new multi-story parking garage for 809 vehicles. The garage is connected to the terminal via a walkway on the second level.
This is a LEED Gold certified project, focused on innovation in design and terminal operation to create a platform that optimizes energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiencies, and maximized use of local materials and resources.
Key Components and Unique Features:
Project built around continuously operating cruise wharf and port operations Procured all major subcontracts with local firms The JV procured 8,221 tons of steel and self-performed steel erection Passenger boarding bridges
Public Transportation From Mia
Board Metrorails Orange Line to Downtown Miami, which will take less than 30 minutes. The fare is $2.25 per person. Its about a 1.5-mile-walk from the Freedom Tower station to the port, so youll want to grab an Uber or taxi from there. Or take the Miami Trolley Coral Way route all the way to the port. You can track the location of the trolley in real time with this handy, interactive map.
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Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
If you have time in Miami and want to enjoy the outdoors, you couldnt do better than a visit to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park open 8 a.m. through sundown. Located at the tip of Key Biscayne, it has 400 acres of nature hemmed in by a one-mile-long beach. You can rent bikes to ride the trails, go swimming and tour a lighthouse from the early 1820s. Admission is $8 per car , $4 for a single-occupant car and $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists.
Are There Future Developments For Miami Cruise Terminals
Port Miami has many major ongoing construction and improvement projects listed above. These are at Terminals AA/AAA, B/C, F, J, K and V.
In additional, future plans include a train station at the cruise port to allow high-speed trains to connect with Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport. Watch this space!
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Useful Information About Miami For Cruise Passengers
Miami has an extensive public transit system, which connects you to all major attractions in the city. Metrobus, Metrorail, and free trolley buses make it easy to explore Miami without a car. Miami Beach and Downtown are easily explored on foot, although having a car or traveling by taxi and public transit are the best way to get between districts.
Downtown Miami is home to the citys major attractions and is the commercial hub of the city. From theaters and shops to government officers and corporate headquarters, the district is a bustling part of the city with plenty of hotels and things to do.
To the north is Midtown and the hip Design District, while Cuban culture flourishes with authentic Latin restaurants and shops in Little Havana to the west. Coconut Grove is a lush part of the city with historic sites, fine dining and luxury hotels.
Miami Beach sits on a barrier island east of Downtown Miami. Often thought of as part of Miami, it is a separate and distinct municipality. The popular beach destination on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean is home to several oceanfront resorts, sandy beaches, and colorful South Beach.
Port Of Miami Parking
If you are driving your own vehicle to the port, parking garages and lots are conveniently located at all the cruise terminals. There are designed parking spots in each garage for disabled permit holders, and a wheelchair accessible shuttle connects passengers from their vehicle to their cruise terminal.
If you are driving a recreational vehicle or have a trailer, there are spots for oversized vehicles at Lot 2 close to Terminal E. All parking facilities are patrolled by security.
All parking areas at cruise terminal and Lot 2 are open on cruise days only. Long-term parking states at around $22 per night. On non-cruise days, you will need to contact PortMiami or port security to gain access to your vehicle.
Payment for parking is available using major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You can also pay using major U.S. Travelers Checks or cash. Parking at Garage J is only available on a pre-paid basis.
Affordable short term parking is available at two designated lots. These are great options for friends, family and others if you are being picked up. Cell phone waiting lots are found across from Terminal B and Terminal 2 .
Additional several Miami hotels offer cruise parking for the duration of your voyage. You pay a fee/ night to leave your car at the hotel or book a parking package which includes a night stay, shuttle service and cruise parking.
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Where To Eat Or Shop Near Port Of Miami
There are four locations in the immediate port area where passengers can buy food: the Seaman’s Center, across from Terminal E the cafe in the port’s administration building and two cafeterias in the Royal Caribbean building. Food trucks also set up outside of the terminals on days when ships are in port. Other restaurants and shops for purchasing last-minute toiletries and other items can also be found in downtown Miami, which is just over the bridge that connects to the port.
Porters are available at the entrance to each terminal to take your luggage.
How Car Rentals In Miami Cruise Port Works
You can rent cars in Miami International Airport. They have offices at the Miami Car Rental Center in the airport. There are parking lots. You can pick up a car from there. Its surprising that the rental car companies do not have their offices in Miami Cruise Port. But you can rent a car in the cruise port.
How is that possible?
Find car rental near the Port of Miami. Most of the car rental companies have free shuttles. They will pick you up and will take you to a rental car parking lot. The shuttles from the rental car companies stop by all the Terminals where you disembarked the cruise.
The rental car companys offices this article listed are open and friendly. They are willing to provide a dedicated service to cruisers. Take their shuttle service and maximise your stay in Miami. This is the way to get a rental car near Miami Cruise Port.
VERY IMPORTANT: You need to pre-book a rental car and arrange the shuttle in advance.
ImportantTip: Please make sure that you have a copy of your rental agreement in hand. This is important! Otherwise, they wont let you into the shuttle. The driver needs your rental confirmation.
There are three recommended options to pick up a rental car from Miami Cruise Port. Make car rentals in Miami port for cruises possible. Find Out NOW!
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