Miami Solo Trip Guide
As a Florida student about to graduate, I realized I'd never visited the legendary Miami! My main goals were to see the islands of Key West and do a little "GTA 6 pilgrimage" 🫡. So, in late April, I grabbed just one backpack, hopped on a RedCoach bus, and embarked on a 4-day, 3-night "micro-special forces" style solo trip! 🏨 Accommodation: CitizenM World Center Location & Safety: The location is excellent—in a relatively safe part of Downtown, which offers better value for money than the often-overpriced South Beach. It's right across from the Miami Heat stadium, and the rooftop offers lovely views of Bayside. 🏙️ The Room: The room is tiny (as expected with CitizenM), BUT the bed and comforter are incredibly comfortable. 😴 Overall, I was very satisfied with my stay. Day 1: Arrival & Bayside Vibes 🕓 3:30 PM: Arrived in Miami. By 4:00 PM, I was checked into the hotel. 🚶♀️ Bayside Exploration: While there was still daylight, I walked to Bayside Marketplace. This area is bustling with restaurants, bars, and tourists. It felt very lively and safe for a solo traveler. 🚤 Harbor Cruise (My Favorite Part!): At the Bayside marina, you can take a boat tour to see Miami's celebrity mansions and the stunning city skyline from the water. I absolutely love these yacht tours! 🛥️ Booking Tip: I bought my ticket in advance on Viator for about $18. You can also buy tickets on-site from any of the boat companies that catch your eye. Verdict: Highly recommended if you don't get seasick! The views are gorgeous, and the mansions are a quintessential Miami sight. Day 2: The Key West Day Trip 🚌 The Journey: I took a bus to Key West. The route goes over the famous Seven Mile Bridge—sit on the right side of the bus for the best views out the window! 🌉 🏝️ Key West Exploration: The island's main attractions are all concentrated on two main streets. I visited the Southernmost Point, the start of U.S. Route 1, and the Hemingway Home Museum. It was all quite interesting and walkable. 🦞 Food Review: Lobster Roll: Strongly recommended! 🥪 The lobster meat was cold, fresh, and sweet, mixed with a little salad and served on a warm, buttery, toasted bun. Perfection. Key Lime Pie: Eh... it was exactly what you'd expect from a standard American dessert—very, very sweet. 🥧 💰 Cost: The round-trip bus ticket was $49 on Viator (transportation only). It was a great, hassle-free experience for a day trip. Day 3: Hop-On, Hop-Off & South Beach Chill 🚍 Big Bus Tour: I bought a 24-hour ticket for the Big Bus Tour (around $50+). If it's not too hot, sitting on the open-top deck is very comfortable. The route covers most of the city's famous landmarks, and you can hop on and off as you please. Check the route map in advance! 🏖️ South Beach Stop: Joe's Stone Crab: I got off at South Beach specifically to buy stone crab claws. 🦀 The meat is huge and delicious, but wow, it's expensive! Still, a must-try delicacy. Beach Time: South Beach's water is incredibly blue—I think it's even more beautiful than the beaches on the West Coast! There are even outdoor gym facilities where you can... ahem... "appreciate the scenery" of fit people working out. 😉👀 (¯﹃¯) My Plan: I only planned to chill at South Beach, so I didn't get off at the other stops. I just enjoyed the street views from the bus. The city's architecture is fantastic, and the bus tour is perfect for those short on time. Day 4: Farewell, Miami! 👋 Last Look: I spent my last morning wandering around Bayside one more time. ✈️ Airport Warning: The traffic to the airport was very heavy. Make sure to leave plenty of extra time to get there! 🚗💨 This trip proved that you can have an amazing Miami adventure completely car-free. It was the perfect solo graduation trip! #US #Florida #Miami
