If you are backpacking/staying in hostels in Miami - don't book onto the hostel tours of the Everglades or for Alligator Spotting. Either split a taxi with friends/backpackers or rent a car for the day - most hostels charge around $40 for the trip but you can get regular entrance for around $10 plus your travel - its only about 10miles or so outside of Miami beach!

The SoBe bus runs the length of South Beach and costs only $0.25, making transportation along the peninsula easy and cheap. Here's a map of the full route: http://www.southbeach-usa.com/maps/south-beach-local-map.htm.

From baggage claim, head to the Miami Central Station, which is connected to the airport, and catch the #150 metrobus to South Beach. You'll have to purchase a ticket before taking the escalator down to the bus stop. Get the one-way ticket instead of the card, which costs an additional $2 and is non-refundable. You can also pay the bus fare in cash, but you'll have to have exact change. The 30-min ride to South Beach is $2.35 with stops along Collins Ave & Washington Ave. Buses run every 30 mins.