Exploring Miami by Hire Car
Not only since “Miami Vice” Miami is considered the dream city of many American tourists. The weather is mild all year round. The palm trees stand on the beach and the city beckons with a glittering skyline. A vibrant city life, numerous museums and excellent restaurants make Miami a diverse destination.
But also the surrounding area wants to be discovered. The famous Everglade National Park, for example, is close by. The best way to reach it is by hire car. For the rental and the trip we have a few tips for you.
Taking over the hire car
You can easily get to the hire car center near the airport by taking a train, free of charge. You will find the “MIA Mover” station on Level 3 in front of the Central Terminal.
Choosing the right hire car
On the wide and well-developed highways of the USA, you will travel most comfortably with a large hire car. In addition, gasoline in the US is also still quite cheap, so you can neglect this cost factor.
Hire car prices
Hire car prices in Miami tend to be in the mid-range. A cheap deal usually awaits you if you book well in advance and use our extensive price comparison.
hire car price comparison Miami
Insurance
Even on the comfortable roads of the USA, accidents can happen. You are on the safe side if you have taken out a fully comprehensive insurance without deductible. Then the insurance is also liable for minor damage to your vehicle. It is also important to pay attention to the coverage amount of the liability.
It comes among other things in personal injury. And there it can go also quite fast around million amounts. If the coverage of your rental company seems too low, it may be worth considering a so-called “traveler policy”. Talk to your insurer before booking.
age limit
Be aware of the terms and conditions under which your rental company rents cars. Many charge extra fees if drivers are under 25. And some don’t rent cars to drivers under 21. Before you book the car, check out your rental company’s terms.
Accessories
You may need accessories such as a child seat for your round trip. In this case, you should book well in advance to be sure to get one. And compare the rental prices. Often you can save a lot of money this way.
Free kilometers
In the land of unlimited possibilities, there should also be an unlimited number of kilometres you are allowed to drive in your hire car. If your rental contract only provides for a limited mileage, you will pay a fee for each additional kilometre driven. And that can get really expensive.
Customer Satisfaction Hire Car
Most customers are satisfied with the rental companies on site. However, some complain that they tried to talk you into additional and unnecessary insurance. Therefore, ensure you have adequate insurance cover at the time of booking and refuse to take out any additional insurance on site. Also, study our customer reviews before booking to avoid getting a dodgy rental company in the first place.
Safety Hire Car
In Miami, you can usually expect to get a roadworthy vehicle. Nevertheless, you should always check the lights and brakes before your first drive. Don’t forget to check your turn signals and brake lights, too. And make sure there’s a first-aid kit on board.
Bail
Choose a rental company that only blocks the deposit and does not actually charge it to your credit card. Then you don’t have to wait for the refund after returning the car. Some rental companies take their time with this.
Sights in Miami
Metromover: City tour for free
If you board the so-called Metromover at the beginning of your sightseeing tour, you can get a good overview of downtown. The elevated train passes many places worth seeing, for example the Bicentennial Park and the Freedom Tower. You don’t even have to buy a ticket, the ride is free.
Historical Musem of Southern Florida: Experience History
Florida’s history comes alive at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. 10,000 years of land development are chronicled in the wide-ranging exhibit, which features archaeological finds as well as, for example, a 1920s streetcar. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On the third Thursday of every month, you can visit the exhibit until 9:00 pm. A ticket costs five dollars.
Bayside Marketplace: shopping fun and cool drinks
At the Bayside Marketplace, you have the opportunity to fill your shopping bags at numerous gift shops. Or you can sit down at one of the chic cafes and enjoy the view of the yachts in the harbour with a cool drink.
Latin America Museum: On to Cuba
Cuban and Latin American artists show their work at the Latin American Museum. That’s open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you want to learn how cigars are made, you can visit the El Credito Cigar Factory. There you will have the opportunity to look over the shoulder of the workers during production.
South Beach: Beautiful people on the long beach
You will encounter many tanned and well-toned people when you head to South Beach to finish your city tour. This endlessly long beach is a great place to relax and unwind from your city tour.
Find a good restaurant
Immigrants from all over make it easy to find a restaurant to suit any taste in Miami. We recommend Puerto Sagua, which serves authentic Cuban dishes in a rustic setting.
Find a good hotel
There’s no shortage of good hotels in this tourist hotbed, either. You might book your room at the Biltmore Hotel. This magnificent establishment was built back in 1926 and has a huge pool and stylish rooms that leave nothing to be desired.
A worthwhile destination in the area
Maybe you feel like turning your back on the hustle and bustle of Miami and heading to Fort Lauderdale. There, you’ll be greeted by a stylish town of grand mansions and wide boulevards.
At the Museum of Arts, you can admire works by Dalí and Picasso, then rent a fishing rod and cast a line at Anglin’s Fishing Pier. And while you relax and wait for a fish to bite, you can plan the rest of your hire car tour around Miami at your leisure.
Suggestion of a round trip
Everglades: Subtropical Wilderness
First destination of a round trip could be Everglade National Park. You can be there in less than an hour. At Everglade National Park, you’ll experience a fascinating mix of lakes, rivers, swamps and grasslands. The best way to explore the park is by canoe or kayak. The only thing you should do is keep a respectful distance from the resident alligators.
Miccosukee Village: Modern Indian Village
In the Everglades you will also find the Miccosukee Village. There you can discover a village of the Miccosukee Indian tribe. Some still live in traditional Chikee huts. Most, however, are moving with the times and prefer living in trailers.
Naples: Moonlit town on snow-white beach
It’s only an hour’s drive to Naples from the Everglades. The contrast with the wilderness of the national park couldn’t be greater. Naples is a well-kept mansion town with wonderfully landscaped shopping areas. But the main attraction are the endless snow-white beaches, where you can recover from the car ride in the best way. And for the return trip to Miami, you need just under two hours.
Conclusion
Diverse Florida is best explored by hire car. From unspoiled nature to the glittering big city, there is something for everyone. And with our price comparison, you’ll always find a cheap rental vehicle, too.