Choosing where to stay in Miami changes everything about your trip—especially if you’ll be driving. Two favorites for visitors are Brickell and Miami Beach. If you plan to book car hire in Miami Beach, expect walkable sand‑and‑surf days and easy access to Ocean Drive. In Brickell, sleek towers, rooftop dining and quick highway access make it a superb base for day trips to Key Biscayne and Little Havana.
Brickell: City energy, effortless driving
Brickell sits just south of Downtown with immediate access to I‑95 and US‑1, ideal if you’ll be commuting or exploring wider South Florida. Parking at high‑rise hotels is streamlined, and garages are plentiful. For flexibility, compare Brickell car hire options that fit an urban itinerary, then plan your escapes to Coconut Grove, Wynwood murals, and the Everglades. If you’re arriving by air, it’s a short hop from MIA airport pick‑ups to your hotel.
Driving feel: weekday traffic peaks around rush hours, but lanes are wide and signage clear. Once parked, Brickell is walkable—restaurants cluster along Mary Brickell Village and the waterfront. Most hotels offer valet; independent garages can be cheaper for overnight stays if you don’t need in‑and‑out privileges.
Miami Beach: Sun‑first stays with coastal drives
Across the causeways, Miami Beach is pure vacation mode. You’ll trade expressways for scenic causeway drives and sunrise beach walks. Hotels may charge resort or valet fees, so factor that into your budget. For families, consider spacious crossovers—start with SUV hire in Miami Beach to carry chairs, umbrellas and coolers with ease.
Driving feel: weekend traffic builds near Collins Ave and Washington Ave, but you’ll have plenty of garage options off the main strips. Early birds snag easier street parking; otherwise, public garages keep the car shaded while you enjoy the sand. Sunset drives across the Venetian or MacArthur Causeway are a highlight.
Which is better with wheels?
- Brickell: Best for quick highway access, business meetings, and foodie neighborhoods nearby. Start your search with Downtown/Brickell car hire for central pick‑ups.
- Miami Beach: Best for beach‑first itineraries and nightlife. Browse Miami Beach car hire and pick a hotel near a public garage to lower valet costs.
For a balanced itinerary, some travelers split the week: begin in Brickell to hit the Design District, Wynwood, and Vizcaya; then cross to the beach for two nights of ocean time. With a car, packing and moving is straightforward—just plan your causeway timing to dodge peak hours.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- No additional fees, save 60% guaranteed.
- Cashback on tolls.
Hola Car Rentals brings everything into one simple view—transparent pricing, flexible insurance, and trusted partners like Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Avis, National, and Budget. Filter by neighborhood, vehicle size and deposit rules to match your plans.
Ready to lock in your stay? Compare Miami Beach car hire or go urban with Brickell pick‑ups. Whichever you choose, you’ll have the keys to the city—and the coast—on your schedule.
3-day sample plan
Day 1: Land at MIA, cross the causeway, check in, and do a sunset drive along Ocean Drive. Park in a public garage to keep the car cool, then walk to dinner.
Day 2: Morning beach time, then a late lunch in Midtown or the Design District. Aim for off-peak causeway times to ease the return. If you’re based in Brickell, explore Coconut Grove at golden hour and finish with skyline views.
Day 3: Breakfast in Little Havana, photos on Calle Ocho, and a Biscayne Bay loop before your flight. Because both areas connect quickly to the expressways, you can maximize sightseeing without rushing.
Parking pointers that save money
- Check hotel valet vs. nearby self-park garages; the difference can add up over multiple nights.
- Use garages with in-and-out privileges if you plan mid-day beach breaks.
- On busy weekends, park once and ride-share the last mile to the most crowded sections of the beach.
