How to Get Around in Miami
- It would be convenient to obtain some maps of the Miami area. Otherwise, there is a possibility you will get lost in traffic for hours. An example would be the Rand McNally Easy Finder map: Miami: Item # 0528854720 ($7.95). All Courts, Avenues, Roads and Places run north to south. All other names (principally,Street names) run East-to-West. Once you learn the street grid system, it will be more convenient to get around. Miami Avenue runs North-to-South and is the zero North-South line. Flagler Street runs East-to-West and is the zero East-West line. Numbered streets begin with 1st Street and progress consecutively North & South from Flagler Street; numbered Avenues begin with 1st Avenue and progress consecutively East & West from Miami Avenue. In this way all of Miami is broken down into four quadrants…..Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast.
- Getting Around: The traffic is heavy most of the day and particularly so during AM and PM rush hours. Public transportation is adequate but doesn’t get you everywhere you need and when you need it. It will get you between Downtown Miami and South Miami (Dadeland) paralleling US-1, with no problems, but anywhere else will require transfers from the Metro subway to Metro buses or the Metro people - mover system. To check out all the possible public transportation alternatives and schedules go to http://www.metro-dade.com/mdta. This will get you all the information you need. The ideal situation is to have your own car or to be in a group that has a car.
- A good nightlife exists in Miami Beach…but Coral Gables and Coconut Grove can be pretty exciting as well. Lots of entertainment, good food, dancing, etc. But if you plan on trying to live in these areas, they can prove to be very expensive most of the time!
