Read our recap of a 6-day accessible Miami trip. Includes tips on wheelchair-friendly hotels, public transport, dining, and the best waterfront spots.
Introduction
Kathy and I were excited to return to Miami—this time for six days. Our first visit was in May 2023, when we spent five days there, and that trip went really well. Being familiar with the area made this visit even more enjoyable and helped everything feel easier and more relaxed from the start.
Flying from Minneapolis to Miami
Our flight from Minneapolis to Miami was thankfully uneventful—in the best way possible. We checked our luggage, including my travel shower chair (you can learn more about that here). We flew in Delta Comfort, which made for a comfortable and smooth flight.
Arrival in Miami
Upon arriving in Miami, my wheelchair was brought directly to the aircraft door, and a few staff members assisted me off the plane using an aisle chair. Once I was back in my wheelchair, it was a short trip to baggage claim, where our luggage was already waiting for us.
At Miami International Airport, taxis are located on a lower level and typically line up in one long queue. I had done some research ahead of time and learned that the airport offers yellow wheelchair-accessible taxis. We headed to the taxi area, and within just a few minutes, an accessible taxi became available.
The ride to our hotel was quick and smooth. We also made sure to get the driver’s phone number so we could easily arrange transportation back to the airport when it was time to leave.
Checking into our Hotel
We stayed at the Eurostars Langford, the same hotel we chose during our first trip to Miami. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, and check-in was quick and seamless. Upon arrival, we were informed that the Hoyer lift I had rented was already set up in our room—a thoughtful detail that made the stay much easier and stress-free.
We stayed in one of the hotel’s adapted deluxe rooms, which included a roll-in shower and a bed with enough clearance underneath to accommodate the Hoyer lift comfortably.
I rented the Hoyer lift through Family Rentals, and the process was straightforward. I coordinated with both the hotel and the rental company ahead of time to ensure it would be delivered before we arrived, which worked perfectly.
The hotel’s location was also a huge plus. It was very walkable and made getting around easy. We even had a Dollar General Express right around the corner, which was convenient for grabbing snacks, drinks, and distilled water for my BiPAP.
Public Transportation
Metromover
The Metromover is a free, elevated tram system that runs seven days a week throughout Miami. We used it several times to get around the city, and it turned out to be a great experience.
All of the stations we visited had elevators, making it easy to access the platforms. Boarding was straightforward, with no steps and only small gaps between the platform and the tram, which made it wheelchair-friendly for me.
We really enjoyed using the Metromover and would definitely recommend it—it’s fast, convenient, and free.
Buses
We also used Miami’s public bus system to visit the Superblue Miami immersive art experience, which was about a 37-minute ride from our hotel. Like most major metropolitan bus systems in the United States, Miami’s buses were very accessible.
The fare was only a few dollars total for Kathy and me to travel to and from our hotel, making it an affordable option as well. When navigating bus routes, I like to rely on Google Maps, which provides clear directions and detailed route information.
Restaurants / Bars
Kathy and I always look forward to the food when we travel, and Miami never disappoints. One of our favorite parts of the trip was going out for breakfast and espresso each morning. There were plenty of cafés near our hotel with outdoor seating, which made for a perfect start to the day.
Dinner was something we especially looked forward to as well. We revisited a couple of restaurants we had gone to back in 2023 because we enjoyed them so much the first time.
Our favorite Italian spot is Il Gabbiano, a waterfront restaurant with beautiful bay views. We ordered the same dish we did in 2023—the chicken fettuccine Alfredo—and it was just as incredible as we remembered. You can see it in the bottom-right photo. We always make a point to request a table with a great view of the bay.
This year, we also decided to try Komodo, a high-end restaurant featuring Southeast Asian–inspired cuisine, and it completely blew us away. We ordered several different dishes, and every single one was excellent. It was my first time trying A5 Wagyu sashimi, which I loved, along with the Wagyu dumplings.
Overall, we always enjoy the food scene in Miami—especially when it comes with an ocean view.
Activities
Bayside Marketplace
Bayside Marketplace is a popular two-story, open-air shopping center located along the bay in downtown Miami. It was about a 13-minute walk from our hotel, making it an easy outing for us.
We first visited Bayside back in 2023 and really enjoyed walking through it, so we were happy to return. We didn’t do much shopping this time—instead, we grabbed a drink, wandered through the stalls, and did some people-watching, which is one of our favorite ways to experience the area.
We definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in Miami. There’s a wide variety of stores, vendor stalls, and restaurants, and it’s also a starting point for several boating excursions.
Perez Art Museum
The Pérez Art Museum Miami focuses on modern and contemporary art, and Kathy and I were excited to check it out. We walked from our hotel to the nearest Metromover station and took it most of the way to the museum, which made getting there easy and convenient.
Although I didn’t take any photos during our visit, we did enjoy walking through the museum and exploring the exhibits. That said, we realized afterward that modern and contemporary art aren’t really our style. We tend to gravitate more toward impressionism, which is quite different.
We’re still glad we visited, but it’s probably not a stop we’d revisit on a future trip to Miami.
Superblue Miami – Immersive Art
Superblue Miami is an immersive art experience made up of several unique installations. Since Kathy and I both enjoy art museums, it was an easy choice to add this to our itinerary. As mentioned earlier, we took a city bus from our hotel, which took about 37 minutes.
We thoroughly enjoyed the visit and appreciated that there were multiple experiences to explore, each offering something different. The space was mostly wheelchair accessible. One installation did require access via a staircase, but a platform lift was available, allowing me to participate without issue.
One thing to keep in mind is that this type of experience lasts only as long as you choose to spend there. If you move quickly and don’t take time to fully engage with the installations, it can be over fairly fast. Taking your time definitely enhances the experience.
Miami Riverwalk
One of our favorite things to do in Miami is spend time along the Riverwalk. We love watching the water and boats while soaking up the sunshine. There are plenty of places to sit and relax, making it easy to take your time and enjoy the views.
We’d often grab a coffee and simply take it all in. The Riverwalk is very accessible, with smooth, well-maintained paths that made getting around easy for me.
Looking Back on Miami
Our time in Miami was a great balance of familiarity and enjoyment. Being able to return to a city we already knew made the trip feel easy and relaxed, from navigating public transportation to revisiting favorite restaurants. We enjoyed exploring at our own pace, soaking in the waterfront views, and taking advantage of how accessible the city can be. Miami continues to be a destination we feel comfortable returning to, and it remains one of our favorite cities to visit.