A practical day trip from Novotel Miami Brickell: South Beach or Wynwood options
Both South Beach and Wynwood make practical day trips from Novotel Miami Brickell. Take the free Metromover/trolley part of the way and finish by a short rideshare to South Beach (the hotel notes South Beach is about 8.7 miles from Brickell), or use a quick rideshare/trolley combination to reach Wynwood for street art and galleries.
In this guide
How to get there from Novotel Miami Brickell
Novotel Miami Brickell is at 1500 SW 1st Avenue and is a short walk from the free Metromover and city trolleys, which are useful for car-free travel around Downtown and Brickell.
For both South Beach and Wynwood you can mix the free transit options with a short rideshare; the hotel area supports easy access to Metromover stations and city trolleys.
- Metromover: free people-mover serving Downtown and Brickell; nearest station a short walk from the hotel.
- City of Miami trolleys: several routes cover Wynwood and Little Havana (useful if you want to avoid a full rideshare).
- Rideshare / taxi: convenient for direct trips — South Beach from Brickell is commonly quoted at about 8.7 miles by road.
| Option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Metromover + trolley | Best for a low-cost, partly car-free route to Wynwood and downtown stops |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Fastest door-to-door choice, handy for South Beach or if you’re on a tight schedule |
| Hotel front desk | Ask the 24-hour desk for current transit tips or to book a rideshare |
Day trip option: South Beach (Ocean Drive & beach time)
South Beach is a classic Miami beach outing: public beach access, Ocean Drive’s Art Deco architecture, restaurants, and people-watching. From Brickell it’s most commonly reached by rideshare; sources estimate about 8.7 miles from Brickell to South Beach.
Plan beach essentials (hat, sunscreen, water) and check transit options for your return, as evening traffic can slow rideshares and taxis.
- Typical activities: sunbathing, walking Ocean Drive, grabbing a meal along Collins Avenue.
- Transport tip: combine Metromover/trolley + rideshare if you want a partly car-free route.
- Time suggestion: allow at least a half-day to enjoy the beach and a meal.
| What to bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen & hat | Miami sun is strong year-round |
| Water bottle | Stay hydrated, especially if you’ll be on the sand |
| Cash/card | Some vendors accept only card, but tips and small purchases may use cash |
Day trip option: Wynwood (murals, galleries, cafes)
Wynwood is Miami’s street-art district, centered on the outdoor Wynwood Walls and surrounding mural-covered blocks with galleries, boutiques, and casual restaurants.
You can reach Wynwood from Brickell using a rideshare or the free city trolley; many visitors combine a self-guided mural walk with stops at small galleries and coffee shops.
- Most murals are viewable for free; Wynwood Walls charges a small admission for the interior compound.
- Good for: photography, gallery browsing, casual lunch or craft coffee.
- Timing: weekday mornings or early afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekend evenings.
| Nearby options | Why visit |
|---|---|
| Wynwood Walls | Iconic outdoor murals; interior has a modest admission |
| Local galleries | Discover rotating contemporary shows |
| Cafes & casual restaurants | Places to rest and sample local food |
Practical tips while you’re at Novotel Miami Brickell
Check-in at Novotel Miami Brickell starts at 3:00 PM (window extends to 1:00 AM) and check-out is at 12:00 PM (noon); the main guest checking in must be at least 21 and photo ID plus a credit card are required at check-in.
Use the hotel’s rooftop pool and Vista Rooftop Bar for a relaxed start or finish to your day trip — the hotel lists a 12th-floor infinity pool and a rooftop bar serving cocktails and small plates.
- Rooftop pool: complimentary sun loungers, free pool cabanas, and towels are available; the Vista Pool Bar serves small plates and cocktails.
- Fitness center: 24-hour gym with cardio and weights if you want a workout before heading out.
- Parking: on-site self-parking is available (not complimentary) with tiered hourly rates listed by the hotel.
| On-site dining | Hours (as listed) |
|---|---|
| UVA Restaurant & Lounge (all-day dining) | Breakfast 6:30–10:30 AM; Lunch 12:00–3:00 PM; Dinner 5:30–9:00 PM |
| Vista Rooftop Bar and Lounge | Sun–Wed 10:30 AM–10:00 PM; Thu–Sat until 12:00 AM |
| Room service | Breakfast 6:30–10:30 AM; lunch & dinner times vary by day |
Which to choose: South Beach or Wynwood?
Pick South Beach if you want sand, sun, and the classic Miami beachfront vibe with Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive. It’s better if your priority is beach time plus restaurants and people-watching.
Pick Wynwood if you prefer murals, galleries, street-level culture, and food-court–style dining; it’s a good choice for photography, contemporary art, and boutique shopping.
- South Beach: best for beachgoers, seaside dining, and a more tourist-centered scene.
- Wynwood: best for art lovers, independent galleries, and casual daytime exploration.
- If undecided: you can do Wynwood in the morning and finish at the hotel rooftop for sunset drinks.
| Criteria | South Beach | Wynwood |
|---|---|---|
| Primary draw | Beach & Ocean Drive | Street art & galleries |
| Atmosphere | Touristy, lively | Creative, neighborhood-focused |
| Best for | Sun & sand | Photography & galleries |
Returning to the hotel and evening options
If you return to Novotel Miami Brickell after a day out, consider finishing at the Vista Rooftop Bar or UVA Restaurant & Lounge for dinner or weekend brunch (the hotel lists weekend brunch at both venues).
If you’re staying overnight, you can choose among room types like Superior Room or Executive Suite: examples on the hotel site include Superior Room and Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom (Bay View).
- Ask the 24-hour front desk for local transit updates or to help arrange a rideshare.
- If you have pets, remember the property allows up to two pets under 40 lbs with a non-refundable fee and assigns pet rooms on lower floors.
- For families: cribs are available; children under 12 must be supervised at the pool and fitness facility.
| Room examples (as named) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Superior Room, 1 King Bed (City and Park view) | Choice for city/park views; bed configurations may vary |
| Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom (Bay View / 4 Guests) | Larger suite with bay view and 1 King Bed |
| Superior Room, Bay View | 323 sq. ft., 2 Queen Beds option listed |
