Driving is the most practical way to get around Miami. Watch out for road signs marked with an orange sun on a blue background; they identify the most useful routes to the main attractions. Tourist police patrol in cars with the same logo.

With a lot of time and patience, it is possible to make your way around Miami on public transportation run by Metro-Dade Transit (305/770-3131). Metrorail trains (5 a.m.-midnight) run, slowly, along a single line between the northern suburbs and South Miami; useful stops are Government Center (for downtown), Coconut Grove, and Douglas Road or University (for Coral Gables).

Downtown Miami is also ringed by the Metromover (5:30 a.m.-midnight), a monorail that doesn't cover much ground but gives a great bird's-eye view. Metrobuses cover the entire city, but services dwindle at night. Route maps and timetables for all Metro-Dade Transit services are available at Government Center Station, and at the Metrorail station at NW First Avenue & First Street.