Miami's Best Solo Travel Accommodation Options

Miami is a great destination for solo travellers, with plenty of activities to do and sights to see. If you're looking for accommodation, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, hostels like Generator Miami and Freehand Miami offer dorm beds and private rooms at affordable prices, and provide opportunities to socialise with other guests. For a more upscale experience, hotels such as the Mondrian South Beach Hotel, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, and Fontainebleau Miami Beach are popular choices. These hotels cater to a mix of couples, families, and singles. Alternatively, if you're on a tighter budget, the Hampton Inn Miami-Coconut Grove/Coral Gables offers rooms at around $115 per night. Lastly, for solo travellers seeking a hostel-like experience, Viajero Miami in the South Beach art deco district is a great option, offering a friendly atmosphere, events, and amenities like a tiki bar, restaurant, and swimming pool.

Where to stay: Generator Miami and Freehand Miami are two highly-rated hostels with dorm beds for solo travellers

When it comes to accommodation for solo travellers in Miami, Generator Miami and Freehand Miami are two highly-rated hostels with dorm beds. Generator Miami is located on Mid Beach, just a block away from the white sands, and offers a pool, bar, restaurant, and dorm beds from $64 USD per night. Freehand Miami, meanwhile, is just a 5-minute walk from Miami Beach and a mile from the nightlife in South Beach. It offers an outdoor terrace with a pool, cocktail bars, and a restaurant, and dorm beds from $48 USD per night.

If you're looking for other options, Viajero Miami is a highly recommended hostel located right in the South Beach art deco district. It offers a tiki bar, restaurant, and swimming pool, and is known for its friendly staff and the events it organises for guests. However, booking in advance is recommended as accommodation in Miami can be expensive.

Things to do: take a helicopter tour, fly a hovercraft in the Everglades, or go on a Millionaire Row Cruise

Things to do in Miami for solo travellers

Helicopter tour

Take in the breathtaking views of Miami from above on a helicopter tour. With prices starting from $59 per person, you can choose from a range of helicopter rides, including day, sunset, and night flights. Soar over iconic places like the Hard Rock Stadium, Oleta River Park, South Beach, and the Port of Miami. The tours typically last around 30 minutes, but you can opt for longer flights of up to 63 minutes to explore more of South Florida.

Hovercraft in the Everglades

For an adventurous experience, explore the Everglades on an airboat or hovercraft tour. These tours offer a unique perspective of the Everglades' wildlife and natural beauty. You can book in advance or walk up, with departure points in Miami.

Millionaire Row Cruise

Discover the luxurious side of Miami on the Millionaire Row Cruise. For $35, you can enjoy a 90-minute bilingual sightseeing cruise along Biscayne Bay. Admire the spectacular coastal sites, including the downtown Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, and, of course, Millionaire's Row—the Homes of the Rich and Famous. Relax in the climate-controlled main level or take in the ocean breeze on the open-air top level.

Accommodation in Miami for solo travellers

When it comes to accommodation, Miami Beach offers three distinct areas: North Beach, Mid Beach, and South Beach. For a quieter and more upscale experience, North Beach is ideal. Mid Beach is a great central location, within walking distance of Ocean Drive and the Lincoln Mall. If you're looking for a lively party scene, South Beach is the perfect choice.

One highly recommended option in South Beach is the Kimpton Angler Hotel, which offers a rooftop pool and easy access to the beach, restaurants, and shops.

Getting around Miami

There are several ways to get around Miami, including:

• Citi Bikes: At $8 per hour, this is a convenient and quick option to move around without getting stuck in traffic.
• Miami Trolley/Bus: A free option to explore Miami, with stops at all the major places. However, you'll need to wear a mask and expect to sit in traffic on busier days.
• Rental options: You can rent a moped, golf cart, or spider for $35 to $100 per day, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Lyft/Uber: These ride-sharing services offer affordable rates, with rides within Miami often costing less than $20.

So, whether you're looking for thrilling adventures or relaxing sightseeing, Miami has something for every solo traveller!

Transport: Citi Bikes, the Miami Trolly/Bus, and ride-share apps are all good options for getting around Miami

Getting Around Miami as a Solo Traveller

Miami is a great place to visit as a solo traveller, with plenty of options for getting around the city. Here are some transport options to consider during your stay:

Citi Bikes

The Citi Bike program is a bike-sharing and rental system that offers a fun, efficient, and convenient way to get around Miami. The program provides sturdy and durable bikes available 24/7 from various docking stations located around the city. You can either become a member, which is ideal if you plan to stay for a while, or opt for hourly rentals, which are perfect for visitors and quick trips. With Citi Bikes, you can easily unlock a bike through their app and explore Miami at your own pace, avoiding traffic and unwanted attention.

Miami Trolly/Bus

The Miami Trolly/Bus is a free and convenient way to get around the city. The trolleys stop at all the major places, including South Beach and North Beach, and usually come every 10 minutes. While you'll need to wear a mask and may have to sit in traffic on busier days, it's a great option to get from one end of the beach to the other without breaking a sweat.

Ride-share Apps

If you prefer the convenience of ride-sharing, Miami offers several options, including Uber and Lyft. These apps provide affordable and readily available transportation throughout the city. Ridesharing is a great choice if you're looking for a quick and easy way to get from point A to point B, especially during the day when rates tend to be lower.

With these transport options, you'll be able to navigate Miami with ease and explore all that the city has to offer solo travellers. Remember to download the necessary apps, compare prices, and stay street-smart during your travels.

Food and drink: try the Cuban treats in Little Havana, or head to South Beach for a free yoga class followed by brunch

Food and Drink in Miami

Miami is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its diverse food scene. One of the best neighbourhoods to experience this is Little Havana, known for its robust Cuban influence. Here are some spots to try:

• Versailles Restaurant: Dubbed the "World's Most Famous Cuban Restaurant," this iconic spot serves up classic Cuban dishes and has been a fixture in Little Havana since 1971.
• El Rey De Las Fritas: Try a frita, a Cuban-style burger made with ground beef and chorizo, served on a soft bun with potato strings.
• La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market: This iconic spot is known for its quickly fried snapper sandwich, served on a Cuban bread bun.
• Cafe La Trova: Indulge in classic Cuban comfort food with a twist, created by James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, alongside expertly crafted Cantinero-style cocktails.
• Ball & Chain: This historic spot has been a staple in Little Havana since 1935. Enjoy salsa dancing, mojitos, and Cuban sandwich spring rolls while taking in live music.
• Los Pinarenos Fruteria: Step into this semi-outdoor market and be transported to an island oasis, with rows of fresh fruit and art on display. Don't forget to order a guarapo (sugar cane juice) made to order.
• Azucar Ice Cream Company: Sample unique ice cream flavours like flan, passion fruit, and mamey, inspired by the Little Havana neighbourhood.

If you're in the mood for something other than Cuban food, Little Havana also offers a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Nicaraguan, Japanese, and Thai.

For a post-brunch activity, head to South Beach for a free yoga class. Some options include:

• 3rd Street Beach Yoga: Practice yoga on the beach every day, with classes starting at 7 am and again in the late afternoon/early evening. Donations are recommended.
• Green Monkey Yoga at Collins Park: Join a free yoga class every Monday and Wednesday at 6 pm, with a Green Monkey instructor. No need to RSVP.
• Weekly Yoga at Bayfront Park: Unwind with professional yoga instructors every Monday and Wednesday at 6 pm, and again on Saturday mornings at 9 am.
• Miami Beach Botanical Garden Yoga: Enjoy yoga amidst a slice of nature for $5 for garden members or $10 for non-members. Classes are offered on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm and Saturdays at 9 am.

Safety: Miami has a high crime rate, so stay vigilant, especially at night

Miami is a great destination for solo travellers, but it's important to keep in mind that the city has a high crime rate, so staying vigilant, especially at night, is crucial. Here are some detailed safety tips to keep in mind during your solo trip to Miami:

Know the Crime Statistics

Miami's crime rate is considerably higher than the national average, with a rate of 30 crimes per 1,000 residents. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in the city is 1 in 34. Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, occur at a rate of 4 per 1,000 inhabitants. Property crimes, including motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary, have a rate of 26 per 1,000 population, giving a person a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim.

Stay in Safe Areas

When choosing accommodation, opt for touristy areas, such as Mid Beach and North Beach, which are generally considered safer. South Beach, while a great location for those seeking a vibrant party scene, might be best avoided if you're travelling solo, especially at night. The northwest part of the city is considered the safest, while the south neighbourhoods have a higher crime rate.

Be Vigilant at Night

Solo travellers, especially women, should be cautious when travelling at night. Stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone in isolated places. If you need to get around, consider using ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber, which are readily available in Miami.

Keep Your Belongings Secure

Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like restaurants and bars. Be aware of your surroundings, and if possible, avoid carrying valuable items that could make you a target.

Stay Informed and Alert

Before your trip, do some research on the latest safety updates and any local insights. Stay alert during your travels, and pay attention to your surroundings, especially when using taxis or ride-sharing services. Keep your phone charged at all times, and consider carrying a portable power bank.

Trust Your Instincts

If a situation or location doesn't feel right, remove yourself from it. Trust your instincts and take precautions to ensure your safety. Miami is a vibrant and exciting city, but it's important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Frequently asked questions