Travel during the Memorial Day stretch will bring some changes to Miami area
Traveling on Memorial Day?
Expect higher gas prices, crowded roads and busy airports. And finding a parking space on South Beach might be something kind of special.
On the happy side, the weather will be summer-like in South Florida.
Here are some things you may want to know for a smoother trip on the holiday weekend, which starts as early as Thursday and culminates on Memorial Day Monday, May 26:
Florida gas prices
The price at the pump rose by double digits in Florida this week ahead of Memorial Day weekend. By mid-week, prices ticked down a couple of cents a gallon.
What can you expect?
'With summer travel approaching, pump prices may rise with increasing fuel demand,' said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins.
GasBuddy, which monitors prices in South Florida and across the country, forecasts that the national average price of gas will be $3.08 per gallon on the holiday. That would make it the cheapest Memorial Day at the pump since 2021, according to the company. On Wednesday, the average gas price in Florida was $3.09 a gallon, according to AAA.
Miami airport
Expect thicker crowds at the airport if you're flying for the holiday. Miami International Airport forecasts more than 900,000 passengers Thursday, May 22, to Tuesday, May 27 — similar numbers to last year's record-breaking holiday stretch.
Airport officials suggest travelers arrive at MIA three hours before a flight to allow time for parking, check-in and TSA screening. And remember to bring your REAL ID to avoid possible security delays.
MORE: Travelers at Miami airport now dealing with new REAL ID requirement
Parking is never a picnic at the airport, but MIA manager have some suggestions with the larger crowds expected:
▪ Half-price parking is available at MIA's Economy Park and Ride Lot.
▪ Valet parking is available at Doors 2 and 20 in the Dolphin and Flamingo garages.
▪ A Cellphone Waiting Lot has 60 free parking spaces just off LeJeune Road and Northwest 31st Street.
Road trip tips
You won't be alone on the road. AAA predicts more than 2 1/2 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend.
'Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway,' said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA.
If you want to avoid the most crowded conditions on the road, steer clear of afternoon and night travel Thursday through Monday — so if you drive before noon on those days, you'll encounter less crowded road conditions, according to AAA.
South Beach rules
Staying in town? Expect some company.
According to AAA, the Miami area is the fifth most popular travel destination for Memorial Day travelers. The most popular? Orlando (warning for South Florida people heading to the land of the mouse).
Drawing even more hordes to South Florida this holiday weekend: the Air & Sea Show on May 24-25 in South Beach. To clear the air, you can't fly your drone 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday during rehearsals and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The city of Miami Beach also announced other rules:
▪ Streets: Access restrictions on some city streets to limit traffic and improve safety for residents and customers.
▪ Parking: Flat parking rate of $30 for non-residents and $15 for residents.
▪ Slow vehicle restrictions: The suspension and closure of businesses renting or leasing golf carts, low-speed vehicles, autocycles, motorized scooters, mopeds and motorized bicycles.
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