Holiday in Miami (& Florida) - where to go / what to see etc

[giggity]

So I’m at a work event in Miami this month and then will stay there for 13 days for a holiday.

I’ve got a hire car sorted for the entire tie but not sure I need it when staying in mid beach (the hotel wants 50 per night to park it!)

I’m thinking one week at Aventura and use that as simply the base to move around. See the Everglades, go to Key West and go to Naples / is it worth doing these as day trips or staying at these overnight or for a few days.

For the second half I’m thinking of staying on Collins Ave / Mid Beach but not keeping the car for this part and moving around via Uber and so on.

Again, looking for recommendations for places to eat, places to go, things to see.

I’m not wanting to spend a boat load of money on park it or hotels as I will be using it as a base and intend to be out and about as much as.

I’ve been recommend to go see Fort Myers too and Fort Lauderdale but is this just too much to do and also much the same?

I have no issues with driving the only off putting drive is to Key West (single lane or so?) but I’m told it’s worth it.

Any other places worth visiting? No interest in Disney / Theme parks but the little boy would love water parks!

[Essarell]

Drive to Key West can be pretty special, it’s 125 miles or so from Homestead / Florida City. The first 50-60 miles through Key Largo / Islamorada or ok but it’s boat yards and outlet stores. The stretch after Marathon is much better. Beware though if like the the last couple of days the weather can be interesting. As soon as you enter Key West at the T junction take a left, it takes you past the Atlantic side of the island, follow to the Southernmost point and then cruise the length of Duval. Plenty in town to keep you occupied, Hogs Breath & Sloppy Joes can have half decent bands on at night although it’s always worth a couple in Schooners Wharf where the singers / bands are crap, but in a good way if you know what I mean.

Naples, I can highly recommend the Trianon or The Cove as places to stay.

[Saleen836]

IMO there isn't really a lot to do in the Collins Ave/Mid Beach area unless you want to spend everyday shopping or at the beach, I stayed at the Intercontinental downtown last Nov/Dec and could easily walk to Little Havana and other places for food and sightseeing, there wasn't much in it cost wise between me using a taxi with no waiting or worrying about needing wifi or using data to keep updated with Uber or Lyft

[The Moose]

I would suggest doing part of your time on each coast - they offer different things.

Naples/Marco isn’t a bad place to base yourself if you want to do some Glades as well as other bits.

The new hard rock hotel in Miami is pretty cool to visit - the casino there has always been fun… if that’s your thing.

[giggity]

Would you say 7 days in Mid-Beach is a bit wasted on that basis? Considering we’re not partying / clubbing.

[The Moose]

giggity said:

Would you say 7 days in Mid-Beach is a bit wasted on that basis? Considering we’re not partying / clubbing.

My personal opinion is that more than about 24 hours is a waste as we aren’t party/clubbing sort either. I’m sure that’ll be unpopular but we prefer the West coast beaches as well.

Better selection of shopping in Miami if that’s your thing.

[PolarBearsLuv2DrinkOil]

Most of that coastline is the same with Miami being the wildest and Miami Beach being closer to just dangerous. I would suggest trying to rent a jet ski to ride around the intercoastal waterway and check out the area. Try to get to the Haulover sandbar if you do.

[giggity]

Yep, I don’t have much interest in shopping. More interested in Key West, Everglades, some beach time / water parks, eating out of course and some shopping.

[yellowbentines]

I've only visited Miami briefly and this was a nice place to spend a day, the website is basic but plenty of photos on google images.

https://www.coralgables.com/venetianpool

Just in case you're tempted, the Miami Sea Aquarium was one of the saddest ways to spend a day, I don't know if it's still open but it felt like a run down Poundland version of SeaWorld.

[Alorotom]

be prepared for changing weather, it was a tad wet in Miami the last few days with the first tropical storm of the season ... be prepared for some wet weather

[Doggleg]

giggity said:

So I’m at a work event in Miami this month and then will stay there for 13 days for a holiday.

I’ve got a hire car sorted for the entire tie but not sure I need it when staying in mid beach (the hotel wants 50 per night to park it!)

I’m thinking one week at Aventura and use that as simply the base to move around. See the Everglades, go to Key West and go to Naples / is it worth doing these as day trips or staying at these overnight or for a few days.

For the second half I’m thinking of staying on Collins Ave / Mid Beach but not keeping the car for this part and moving around via Uber and so on.

Again, looking for recommendations for places to eat, places to go, things to see.

I’m not wanting to spend a boat load of money on park it or hotels as I will be using it as a base and intend to be out and about as much as.

I’ve been recommend to go see Fort Myers too and Fort Lauderdale but is this just too much to do and also much the same?

I have no issues with driving the only off putting drive is to Key West (single lane or so?) but I’m told it’s worth it.

Any other places worth visiting? No interest in Disney / Theme parks but the little boy would love water parks!

Been living in Miami Beach (South pointe) for the last 7 or 8 years so pretty up to speed with the area. Feel free to ask stuff.

Key West and/or Naples in one day is a lot of driving. Naples is easy, its 100 miles in a straight line and you can hammer on. Key West can take forever if you get the wrong day. I took 9 hours to come back from Key West once due to two fatal accidents on the overseas highway. It's worth staying in KW for a night, enjoy Duval, go to the Hogs Breath and enjoy the live music. Naples is really nice, much more relaxed than Miami, nice restaurants etc. Expensive! The drive down the overseas highway is fantastic, especially in a convertible and I say that having grown up on the NC 500 route. Very different type of road obviously but the scenery is spectacular. Don't be in a rush, put on the music and the cruise control and enjoy it.

Shark Valley in the everglades is good if you can hire bikes. 15 mile loop where you literally ride past the gators at the side of the cycle path. Plenty places on Tamiami Trail or Alligator Alley to do an air boat ride if you fancy that. Never done it myself.

Aventura is, ermm, dull. Sorry but you'll be bored up there, it's condos and basically nothing else apart from the big mall. Don't valet park, use the public lots or on street parking, I'm sure it'll be cheaper. Valet parking is crazy expensive all over Miami and Miami Beach. Uber is really good and not expensive unless its a holiday or other special day. Even then it's better than taking a car.

Wouldn't bother with Fort Myers or FL. If you want to go Fort Myers direction, drive over the bridge to Sanibel and Captiva, much nicer but very quiet and not much to do. FL is just beige chinos and nothing to see. Some nice places on Las Olas Bvd but do that then drive back to Miami. Hard Rock hotel is worth a visit if you like a gamble or if there's a live event on.

Some of the mid-keys have some nice places to stay, Marathon and Islamorada mostly but also some of the lower keys.

Take a boat trip out to Stiltsville. It's worth seeing because of the story behind it and you will see Dolphins in Biscayne bay. Stop at no-name harbour for lunch. You can hire small boats at most of the marinas and you don't need much experience, if any. The boat trips around the intra-coastal are very popular. Never done one but it does give you chance to see all the amazing properties on Palm/Star/Hibiscus/Venetian Islands and North Bay Road. You'll be amazed who have houses around here.

Restaurants - there are so many. South of 5th has some fantastic restaurants, Papi Steak being our favourite. Intimo, any of the Prime restaurants, Smith and Wollensky at south pointe, all brilliant fun and good food. If you're there for a Sunday brunch, Zuma or Mila are excellent, one is next to the in-construction Aston Martin tower and one is in South Beach. Komodo, Swan, Cote, Sexy Fish, Hakkasan, Setai, the list is endless and those are only the high-end ones. Down to earth - go for croquetas and empanadas on Calle Ocho, Whiskey Joes at Rickenbacker marina, Rusty pelican for the best view in Miami when it's dark. Carpaccio at Bal Harbour shops to sit and watch the exotics being valet parked and interesting clientele. Could go on forever with recommendations for restaurants.

On the mainland, try Wynwood and Design District, good for a wander around if it's not too hot. Wynwood is the trendy area at the moment and countless things to see and, Wynwood walls, the cars and art place that I can't remember the name of.

You might be lucky and get one of the multiple cars and coffee events that are always on. Homestead speedway has a lot of events as well, from Nascar to track-days for exotics. Assuming you're into your cars, you'll enjoy spotting some pretty special machinery cruising. Ignore the rented Huracans, they are ten-a-penny.

Hope that helps.

Cheers.

[giggity]

Many thanks for the very insightful reply, Doggleg - much appreciated. Thank you everyone else for the recommendations and suggestions.

Re-typed again as PH didn’t post when I clicked submit… grrr.

Anyway, I’m thinking we should settle for a week in Naples beach or a neighbouring one of equal quality?

I only really want the car to do the moving around between Naples, Everglades, Key West and Miami, the car won’t be used in Miami as I can imagine parking being harder than London, plus the hotels were taking the pee for parking and no idea how much 24hr parking lots are.

Anyway, thinking to try stay in / around Naples for about 5 days, a couple in Key West and then the last nights in Miami. Got a good price on the rental but if parking is going to be a pain in Miami I’ll return it early and just take a Uber as needed.

So the only reason I had suggested Aventura is because the prices of the hotels are a bit silly - so thought use that as a starting base to head out to Everglades and Naples as a day trip, then check out do a couple nights in Key West then back to Miami (initially Mid Beach at Fontainebleau as the rate was decent) but now unsure as it may be a little too busy and loud.

Any suggestions of where to stay without it being offensive?

I need to have at least 5 days on a beach be it Miami or Naples.

I’m not keen on Airbnb and Aparthotels, would rather do a hotel as so many of the reviews are hit and miss (as are some of the hotel ones!!)

Feels like a bit of a minefield!

Edited by giggity on Tuesday 7th June 20:35

[Doggleg]

giggity said:

Many thanks for the very insightful reply, Doggleg - much appreciated. Thank you everyone else for the recommendations and suggestions.

Re-typed again as PH didn’t post when I clicked submit… grrr.

Anyway, I’m thinking we should settle for a week in Naples beach or a neighbouring one of equal quality?

I only really want the car to do the moving around between Naples, Everglades, Key West and Miami, the car won’t be used in Miami as I can imagine parking being harder than London, plus the hotels were taking the pee for parking and no idea how much 24hr parking lots are.

Anyway, thinking to try stay in / around Naples for about 5 days, a couple in Key West and then the last nights in Miami. Got a good price on the rental but if parking is going to be a pain in Miami I’ll return it early and just take a Uber as needed.

So the only reason I had suggested Aventura is because the prices of the hotels are a bit silly - so thought use that as a starting base to head out to Everglades and Naples as a day trip, then check out do a couple nights in Key West then back to Miami (initially Mid Beach at Fontainebleau as the rate was decent) but now unsure as it may be a little too busy and loud.

Any suggestions of where to stay without it being offensive?

I need to have at least 5 days on a beach be it Miami or Naples.

I’m not keen on Airbnb and Aparthotels, would rather do a hotel as so many of the reviews are hit and miss (as are some of the hotel ones!!)

Feels like a bit of a minefield!

Edited by giggity on Tuesday 7th June 20:35

Naples is really nice as I said and you can explore up the coast and south to Marco. It's quiet on the beaches compared to Miami, depends what you like. Naples to Key West is a long drive as you're coming back East over the Tamiami before you head south onto the overseas highway. You wouldn't want to do Naples, KW, Naples, Miami, that wouldn't make sense. Everglades are in the middle obviously so you can do them from either side.

Hotel prices are pretty crazy anywhere in Miami just due to the sheer numbers that have travelled here over the last couple of years. Demand has driven the prices sky high. Fontainebleau is great fun but it is wild, especially at weekends due to Liv being in the basement. Never stayed in it but the restaurants and bars are good, Hakkasan especially.

Hard to recommend a hotel without knowing your age etc but it sounds like you don't want a party place, which the FB is. If I were you, I'd look at some of the smaller hotels south of 5th, Sense House, Marriott stanton, Lord Balfour, Urbanica. It sounds like you're going to spend most of your time outside the hotel so why pay resort fees for the huge places on the beach. Most of the smaller, boutique type places have arrangements with places on the beach for beds, brollies, bar service etc. You're closer to Ocean Drive if you stay south of 5th. Not saying you will spend a lot of time there but you should see it. Great selection of restaurants and other stuff south of 5th as well. The beach at south pointe is good as well but to be fair it's good all the way up North to Haulover inlet.

Parking isn't difficult in Miami or Miami Beach, there are parking garages and lots all over the place. Not sure on rates but I'm certain it'll be cheaper than valet. Most parking is by app on-street or by card in the parking garages.

Cheers,

[fourstardan]

I'd recommend basing yourself in Naples (brit here). I did 7 days in Naples and then a few more down in Key largo as a base on The Keys. It would be Golf, fishing, the nice Gulf coast beaches and keeping her indoors happy in shopping malls was my thing on FL holidays.

It wasn't cheap to eat in the centre of Naples but you can get some ok places outside and chain restaurants if you don't want anything snazzy.

From Naples I wouldn't bother further north of Sanibel, you've got Delnor Wiggins park as well which was really nice beach wise with a Cooler box and lunch.

Marco is alright but the seafront very benidorm with high rise hotels on the beach etc (But not chavvy).

Miami I've never stayed in but a night or two maybe good to see and get a vibe of the place, I just about got away with going topless along Miami Beach and not feeling over weight lol.

The theme for us has always been Beaches, Shopping, Golf and Fishing in Florida, god I miss the cheap dollar rate.

[kev b]

Another vote for Naples here, I really disliked the Miami area.

More expensive, lots of rip offs, iffy service just felt like everyone was out to rinse your wallet.

The west coast has better beaches, warmer, calmer sea and the locals have a much better attitude.

A word of caution, best check there is no “Red Tide” - an algal bloom that pops up now and then.

The drive to Key West is a bucket list experience, Everglades less so, very samey after the first half hour.

[The Moose]

Good point on the red tide. Fortunately nothing right now.

Everglades air boat ride is fun…at this time of the year, take bug spray if you’re doing anything outside in the glades. Anything.

[fourstardan]

I actually liked stopping off at alligator avenue and walking up the beaten path a bit.

Plenty of rednecks were seen moving up and down to catch gator for dinner!

[DodgyGeezer]

fourstardan said:

I actually liked stopping off at alligator avenue and walking up the beaten path a bit.

Plenty of rednecks were seen moving up and down to catch gator for dinner!

funnily enough I was about to suggest alligator alley (but wasn't sure if I'd get scoffed at!), we both enjoyed it and would certainly do it again (though I can see why people may think it boring). We did the obligatory airboat ride which was fun

Kennedy is (IMO) always worth a visit

As previously mentioned the Keys are a lovely drive and some fascinating places to visit/see

[Doggleg]

You mentioned some stuff to do with your young lad. Depending upon how old he is, there's lots of water based things other than water parks.

Kayaking/SUP from sunset harbour around the Sunset islands is nice. Same plus windsurfing and hobie cats on the Rickenbacker causeway. Kayaking in the mangroves in the Oleta park is fun. I can only think of one water park by the airport in Miami, no idea if it's good or not. Is he old enough to wakeboard? There's a cable park in Miami which is really good, I've taken visitors there a few times and it's worth a try.

Loads of places in the keys to kayak, sail, kiteboard etc depending upon how adventurous you are.

Jungle island on the Mcarthur causeway seems to be very popular for younger kids and the Frost Science Museum is fantastic. Well worth a visit. Miami Seaquarium is good as well but not everybody appreciates this type of place anymore.

[djc206]

Doggleg said:

Naples is really nice as I said and you can explore up the coast and south to Marco. It's quiet on the beaches compared to Miami, depends what you like. Naples to Key West is a long drive as you're coming back East over the Tamiami before you head south onto the overseas highway. You wouldn't want to do Naples, KW, Naples, Miami, that wouldn't make sense. Everglades are in the middle obviously so you can do them from either side.

Hotel prices are pretty crazy anywhere in Miami just due to the sheer numbers that have travelled here over the last couple of years. Demand has driven the prices sky high. Fontainebleau is great fun but it is wild, especially at weekends due to Liv being in the basement. Never stayed in it but the restaurants and bars are good, Hakkasan especially.

Hard to recommend a hotel without knowing your age etc but it sounds like you don't want a party place, which the FB is. If I were you, I'd look at some of the smaller hotels south of 5th, Sense House, Marriott stanton, Lord Balfour, Urbanica. It sounds like you're going to spend most of your time outside the hotel so why pay resort fees for the huge places on the beach. Most of the smaller, boutique type places have arrangements with places on the beach for beds, brollies, bar service etc. You're closer to Ocean Drive if you stay south of 5th. Not saying you will spend a lot of time there but you should see it. Great selection of restaurants and other stuff south of 5th as well. The beach at south pointe is good as well but to be fair it's good all the way up North to Haulover inlet.

Parking isn't difficult in Miami or Miami Beach, there are parking garages and lots all over the place. Not sure on rates but I'm certain it'll be cheaper than valet. Most parking is by app on-street or by card in the parking garages.

Cheers,

We stayed at Urbanica: the Euclid in March. It’s a reasonable hotel, pretty basic but that likely won’t matter for a solo traveller wanting to get out and about but the rooms are tiny just to warn you.

I really enjoyed the south pointe area. We enjoyed renting bikes and cycling around, probably not much slower than driving most of the time! It’s also surprising how walkable it all is.

Ate at Smith and Wollensky, great service and nice view over the water watching the boats come and go.

There’s a pedestrianised street with Latin and Mediterranean places along it down that way, what’s that called?

Edit: found it, we had some drinks at the Drexel. The road is Espanola way.