Help on where to stay please.

Question

Hi all, is there a decent area to stay where we can access Miami Beach for the day by public transport but also with easy access to the Tamiami trail for Shark Valley by car, leaving early enough to get a parking space there? Many thks.

Answer

For your itinerary, you need a location that balances access to Miami Beach via public transport and reasonable driving time to Shark Valley on the Tamiami Trail. Since Shark Valley is located in the western part of Everglades National Park, and Miami Beach is east of central Miami, choosing a centrally located area in Miami proper is ideal.

Recommended areas to stay:

Downtown Miami / Brickell:
These neighborhoods are centrally located and offer easy access to Miami Beach via Metrobus, Metromover, or rideshare. At the same time, they provide convenient access to the Tamiami Trail (US-41) for your early drive to Shark Valley. Downtown/Brickell also has a wide range of hotels and dining options.
Coconut Grove / Coral Gables:
These residential and upscale neighborhoods are quieter than downtown but still offer good road access to both Miami Beach and the Tamiami Trail. Public transport to the beach is available via buses, though less frequent than from downtown.
Midtown / Wynwood:
Located north of Coconut Grove, Midtown and Wynwood are trendy areas with boutique hotels and easy access to major roads. They are closer to the beach than Coral Gables and still provide a straightforward drive to Shark Valley.

Tips for Shark Valley and Miami Beach:

Arrive early at Shark Valley to secure parking; the park opens at 8 a.m., and parking can fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Driving from Downtown Miami or Brickell to Shark Valley is roughly 1 hour and 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. From Coconut Grove, it adds a few minutes but is still convenient.
To get to Miami Beach, you can use Metrobus Route 120 (Beach MAX) or rideshare. Downtown and Brickell are the most reliable for public transport connectivity.
If you want more flexibility and minimal commute stress, consider staying in a hotel with parking access, since Miami Beach parking is expensive and limited.

In summary, Downtown Miami or Brickell offers the best combination of public transport access to Miami Beach and a manageable drive to Shark Valley, while neighborhoods like Coconut Grove or Midtown provide quieter, more residential options with reasonable access to both destinations.