Read This Before Visiting Miami for Spring Break

Miami has been one of the top spring break locations since the beginning of time. Being a native South Floridian, I have spent many years experiencing all aspects of the week-long wild party. Whether just driving by, sitting in the sands, or watching it on the local news, I have experienced it all. By now, the rules, regulations, and traditions have been ingrained in my mind. I can easily visualize the crowded beaches and loud music. I can even smell the tanning oil just thinking about it. However, there have been quite a few changes in recent years. Miami Beach is changing the way spring break is experienced. If you have your flight planned or are still deciding, you must read this before visiting Miami for spring break. 

Parking

Before visiting Miami for spring break, you need to understand the changes in parking. When planning your trip, you may have read local articles indicating low-cost parking per hour, however, things have recently changed. You will only find parking at the flat rate of $30 during your visit. There is no way to avoid the cost of parking. It will be in effect at each parking garage and surface lot in the entertainment district of Miami Beach. 

Towing rates have also increased. If you plan to drive down to Miami in your own car, be sure to follow all parking laws and zones listed throughout the city. Though the $30 parking fee may seem like a lot, the cost of having your car towed for being in an illegal parking zone is far greater. Throughout the duration of March and April in Miami, the towing rate is $516. This is double the normal reasonable rate. It is simply not worth it. Follow the instructions provided by parking meters and by the parking attendant at the entrances of parking garages to ensure there won’t be an unnecessary cost to your vacation.

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement will be cracking down on any dangerous or illegal activity this year. In recent years, there have been several dangerous incidents, shootings, and illegal drug use on the beach during Spring Break. The city has made quite a few changes in an attempt to control the situation. You need to be aware of them before visiting Miami for spring break. 

If you are traveling to Miami, expect security searches, early curfews, and bag checks at each entrance to the beach. You can also expect many lengthy DUI checkpoints, street closures, and arrests for violence and drug possession. Your best practice is to read the local laws before visiting and follow them to the best of your ability. A vacation does not mean you are exempt from following local laws and it is important to in order to keep yourself and the people around you safe and out of trouble so you can enjoy your trip. 

Transportation

During any time of the year, even in the non-travel season, traffic in Miami is terrible. Specifically, during the weeks of spring break, it is unbearable. Before visiting Miami for spring break, it is important to know just what you are getting into in terms of the roads and highways.

Try not to travel to the beaches during the rush hour hours. This means early in the morning between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in the evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You will be stuck in traffic for an hour or more when trying to get to your destination, even if it is just a few miles away. It is most important to avoid these hours if you are planning to rent a car and drive yourself. Miami is notorious for road rage, crazy drivers, and car accidents. Driving during these hours puts you at a higher chance of getting into a car crash and ruining more than your vacation. Be aware of the time before you plan to head out anywhere. 

In fact, I wouldn’t recommend driving at all. If you are planning to indulge in Miami’s nightlife, do not drive at all. For your own safety, the safety of others around you, and the rise in parking costs throughout the city this week, I recommend using your favorite rideshare instead. Using an Uber, Lyft, or a taxi is the best and safest way to get around Miami during spring break. 

Beaches

Though the nightlife is fun, the reason most are coming to Miami is for the beach. Before visiting Miami for spring break, you need to be aware of the changes regarding the beach entrances and new restrictions. 

To start, there have been some changes to the beach entrances of South Beach. Though the sands of Miami Beach are wide with many entrances for crowds to pile into, most of the entrances to the beach will be closed. Specifically, only the entrances 5, 10, and 12th Street on Ocean Drive will be open. Each of these open entrances will have security checkpoints ensuring that no prohibited items enter the beach. 

This year the list of prohibited items is as follows:

Large Coolers

Inflatable devices

Tents

Tables

Glass Containers

Styrofoam

Plastic Straws

Cigarettes or tobacco products

Narcotics and Marijuana

And Alcohol

Also, be aware that these three entrances close at 6 p.m. each night. 

Safety 

Your number one priority when traveling anywhere should be your safety and the safety of your party. Partying on the beaches of Miami can be a magical experience. However, there are many opportunities to turn that magical experience into a sour incident and awful memory. With the heavy crowds on the beach, it is easy to lose a friend or find yourself far in the ocean and alone. 

Before visiting Miami for spring break, you need to be aware of how to be safe. The safest way to enjoy yourself is to know where lifeguard towers are and when to call for help. The city of Miami has ensured that Ocean Rescue will double staff their lifeguard towers between 4th and 14th Street. Be sure to set up and stay within those zones. Also, understand that the lifeguards are simply doing their jobs and want to keep you safe. If they warn you of any dangerous activity, listen to them and be smart. Take note of where the nearest tower is, so you can alert them if you are in any trouble.  

All in all

Traveling to Miami for spring break is a one-in-a-lifetime experience for all college students and people looking for excitement. Before visiting Miami for spring break, it is essential to know all the changes in effect this year. If you follow this guide, you are sure to have a worthwhile spring break. 

But what if all the new restrictions are drawing you away from Miami? If that is the case, try somewhere else in Florida. Here is my list of the best Florida destinations for spring break. 

You might also like this: Best Things to do in Miami.