Driving to your spring break? Don't let Miami parking take all the fun out of your road trip – here's how and where to find the best parking spots in ...
Driving to your spring break? Don't let Miami parking take all the fun out of your road trip – here's how and where to find the best parking spots in Miami.
Driving in Miami can be a whole new experience – it will take you beyond the usual beach vacation and party hotspots. Think of scenic road trips and quick getaways to relaxed neighborhoods to escape the hustle. If you are driving down to Miami, book your parking space in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.
Thinking about parking in Miami could be one of the reasons to reconsider driving in the city. Miami Beach is probably the only city where on-street parking rates are higher than off-street parking garage rates. Comparatively, Miami downtown parking rates will be easier on your pocket. High parking space availability is the primary factor that keeps parking rates under control; however, that could change with a surge in demand.
Off-street Miami parking lots and garages are your best bet for a hassle-free experience. You can book your parking space in advance and get instant access to the garage when you arrive. Reserved parking will also save you more money because many Miami parking garages offer discounted rates and early-bird offers. If you plan to take a longer vacation, go for monthly parking in Miami – it's cheaper than hourly parking rates, and you'll have a parking spot ready every day of your stay.
Let's look at some of the most popular destinations in Miami and find out where to park near them:
Miami Tower Parking
Upscale dining and shopping could lead you to the surroundings of this Miami skyscraper – one of the most recognizable landmarks downtown. Museums, theatres, and other high-rises are nearby, which means there's a steady demand for parking in this neighborhood and downtown Miami parking garages make sure you have no trouble finding a spot.
Metered street parking near Miami Tower is available but limited. It will cost you about $3 for a couple of hours and a lot of time looking for an empty spot. So, the better option is a parking lot – you'll find affordable ones on Biscayne Boulevard and Brickell Avenue. Hourly rates at downtown Miami parking garages can be as low as $2 - $5, with an average daily maximum rate of $20.
Little Havana Miami Parking
Enjoy a slice of Cuba in Miami at Little Havana – undoubtedly, one of the most popular neighborhoods in the sunshine city. Sample Cuban culture, art, and food at its multiple festivals – the Three Kings Parade, Calle Ocho, Viernes Culturales – or visit the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, Domino Park, Plaza de la Cubanidad, and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park for a different take on Miami attractions.
Parking in Little Havana can get a bit tricky, especially near 8th Street, Maximo Gomez Park, Jose Marti Park, and Seawell Park. Typically, you can expect to spend around $3 - $12 on parking here. The closer you get to a popular Miami attraction, the higher the parking rates go – pre-book your spot online to get the lowest rates at a suitable Miami parking lot.
Port of Miami
The busiest port in the world just happened to be at one of the busiest vacation destinations in the world. Port of Miami welcomes both cruises and cargo ships and is well-connected to downtown Miami. It is seven miles from Miami International Airport and 25 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Driving over to the Port of Miami won't be a hassle; parking, on the other hand, could use some planning.
Almeria Avenue and Collins Avenue have some of the best parking garages near Port of Miami, where you can leave your car safely before boarding a cruise or visiting the neighborhood. Parking rates range from $6 - $12 for the first hour and $2 - $3 for every hour after that.
Brickell Miami Parking
Brickell overlooks the Biscayne Bay and is a hub for swanky art galleries, boutiques, and bars besides luxury condos and business towers. Apart from the hotels drawing tourists away from the beaches, Brickell's resident population has also seen a boom recently. The demand for downtown Miami parking is undoubtedly high in this area; steep parking rates are part of the deal too.
Street parking spots – metered and free – are abundant in Brickell but difficult to find any time of the day. Metered parking in downtown Miami is in effect from 7 AM – 2 AM throughout the week and usually costs $3 for two hours. Hourly parking rates at Miami downtown parking garages can be as low as $2 and goes up to only $20 a day. For the cheapest rates, check out Miami parking lots on Miami Avenue or Southwest 1st Avenue.
Miami Beach Parking
The resort city is one of the world's favorite vacation destinations. Miami Beach's world-class beaches and year-round parties keep the tourists coming and its resident population growing.
Parking in Miami Beach is not a nightmare; the city operates over 60 public parking lots, and there's plenty of street parking available. Depending on the parking zone you are in, on-street parking costs $1 - $4 an hour, and city-run off-street parking lot rates are $1 - $2 an hour. Collins Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue have multiple Miami Beach parking garages that provide affordable parking spaces for $2 - $15. Street parking near Flamingo Park and Miami Beach Convention Center could be available free of charge during certain times of the day.
The sure-shot way to hassle-free and cheap Miami Parking is to book your parking in advance and be aware of parking rules. Always check parking signs before using Miami street parking anywhere in the city. Permit requirements, time limits, street cleaning schedules, and other regulations could cause an unintended parking violation, adding a Miami parking ticket to your parking expenses. To stay clear of any such risks, reserve your parking space at an affordable and safe Miami parking lot near your destination.
