Cruise Port in Miami Guide
Dante B. Fascell
Port of Miami,
Cruise Port in Miami,
United States
The Port of Miami, often referred to as the “Cruise Capital of the World,” is one of the busiest cruise ports globally. Located in the heart of downtown Miami, it offers easy access to world-famous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse culinary and cultural experiences. Whether you’re spending a day exploring before or after your cruise, Miami offers plenty to see and do.
Cruise port in Miami, Florida
General
General
Information
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET) | UTC -5 (Standard), UTC -4 (Daylight Saving Time)
Language: English, but Spanish is widely spoken.
Electricity: 120V, 60Hz (North American standard plug types A & B)
Tipping: Common practice; 15-20% for restaurants, 10-15% for taxis
Emergency Number: 911
Getting Around
- Walking: Downtown Miami and Bayside Marketplace are within walking distance of the port.
- Public Transit: Miami-Dade Transit operates buses and the Metromover, a free elevated train in downtown Miami.
- Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available.
- Shuttles: Many cruise lines and hotels offer shuttle services.
- Car Rentals: Available at Miami International Airport (MIA) and downtown.
Top Attractions & Activities
- South Beach – Famous for its art deco architecture, white sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
- Bayside Marketplace – Shopping, dining, and waterfront entertainment near the cruise port.
- Wynwood Walls – Outdoor museum featuring large-scale street art and murals.
- Little Havana – A taste of Cuban culture, music, and food along Calle Ocho.
- Everglades National Park – Take an airboat tour to see alligators and unique wildlife.
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – A historic Italian-style villa with stunning gardens.
- Miami Seaquarium – Marine life exhibits, including dolphins and sea turtles.
- Jungle Island – Interactive zoo with exotic animals and fun exhibits.
- Brickell City Centre – Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment in downtown Miami.
Monthly Weather & Events
| Month | Avg Temp (°F / °C) | Weather Notes | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F / 20°C | Mild and dry | Miami Marathon |
| February | 70°F / 21°C | Pleasant weather | South Beach Wine & Food Festival |
| March | 73°F / 23°C | Warm, spring break time | Ultra Music Festival |
| April | 76°F / 24°C | Warm and sunny | Miami Beach Pride |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | Hotter, start of rainy season | Rolling Loud Festival |
| June | 83°F / 28°C | Hot and humid | Miami Film Festival |
| July | 85°F / 29°C | Very hot, thunderstorms | Independence Day Celebrations |
| August | 85°F / 29°C | Peak hurricane season | Miami Spice Restaurant Month |
| September | 83°F / 28°C | Hot, rainy | Brazilian Festival Miami |
| October | 80°F / 27°C | Cooler, start of dry season | Miami Carnival |
| November | 75°F / 24°C | Pleasant and breezy | Miami Book Fair |
| December | 70°F / 21°C | Warm and festive | Art Basel Miami |
Guided Tours
- City & Boat Tour | 4 hours: Explore Miami by land and sea with stops at key landmarks.
- Everglades Airboat Tour | 3 hours: Experience Florida’s famous wetlands and see alligators up close.
- Little Havana Food Tour | 2.5 hours: Discover Cuban cuisine and history in Miami’s cultural district.
- Art Deco Walking Tour | 2 hours: Learn about Miami Beach’s historic architecture and vibrant past.
- Key West Day Trip | Full or half day: Take a scenic drive across the Overseas Highway and explore Key West.
Cruise Port in
Miami Guide
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Getting To and From Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Distance: 8 miles from the Port of Miami.
- Transportation Options:
- Taxi: 20 minutes, approx. $27.
- Shuttle: Shared shuttles available from cruise lines and hotels.
- Public Transit: The Miami Metrorail connects MIA to downtown.
- Car Rentals: Available at the airport.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Luxury:
- The Ritz-Carlton South Beach – Oceanfront luxury with impeccable service.
- Four Seasons Hotel Miami – Upscale hotel in the heart of Brickell.
- Mandarin Oriental, Miami – Five-star experience on Brickell Key.
- Mid-Range:
- Kimpton EPIC Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel with waterfront views.
- JW Marriott Marquis Miami – Elegant accommodations downtown.
- Loews Miami Beach Hotel – Great beachfront location and family-friendly.
- Budget:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell-Downtown – Affordable with great amenities.
- Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown – Budget-friendly and close to the cruise terminal.
- YVE Hotel Miami – Stylish and affordable, near Bayside Marketplace.
Shopping, Cafés & Dining
- Best Shopping Areas:
- Bayside Marketplace – Outdoor shopping mall with waterfront views.
- Lincoln Road Mall – Pedestrian shopping street with boutiques and cafes.
- Brickell City Centre – Luxury shopping and dining in downtown Miami.
- Best Cafés:
- Panther Coffee – Local favorite for specialty coffee.
- Vice City Bean – Cozy café with great espresso.
- Pura Vida – Healthy smoothies, bowls, and organic coffee.
- All Day – Trendy café with excellent pastries.
- Best Restaurants:
- Joe’s Stone Crab – Famous seafood spot since 1913.
- Versailles – Iconic Cuban restaurant in Little Havana.
- CVI.CHE 105 – Highly rated Peruvian cuisine.
- Komodo – Stylish Asian fusion restaurant in Brickell.
Recommended Reading & Local YouTubers
- Books About Miami, Florida:
- “Miami: A Cultural History” by Anthony Maingot
- “The Florida Keys: A History & Guide” by Joy Williams
- Youtube Videos about Miami, Florida:
- The MIAMI travel tips you NEED to know! by Travel Tips Group
- MIAMI VLOG: SPONTANEOUS BAECATION, BEACH DAYS, BRUNCHES & NIGHTS OUT by Lydia Dinga
- 3 Days in Miami Travel Guide l Best Things to Do, Where to Stay, Miami Travel Tips by New Yorker Juhui
Printable Map
Download a detailed map of Miami here: Printable Map.
