<p>Just decided last night that we’d like to do a quick get-away trip to Florida, probably Miami, between the two upcoming holidays. We’ll need to act uber quickly. Not much time to research. Soliciting input here for suggestions re: hotels, things to do, etc. Plan to arrive the 26th and depart the 29th. Probably fly into Ft Lauderdale, using SW points. Should we stay in Miami proper? Not familiar with area at all, just want to explore…Grad student son will be with us…</p>
<p>What do you want to do? </p>
<p>If relax on the beach, I would recommend Pompano Beach, which is just north of Ft L.<br>
If people watch, then South Beach in the heart of Miami Beach.<br>
Golf or tennis. Head farther north to west Palm beach area.<br>
Nature? Everglades or keys
Scuba diving? key largo or marathon</p>
<p>I’m inclined to say “Any and all of the above!” Probably not tennis or golf, but the beach, if possible, (will it be warm enough to enjoy the beach?) and people watching are definitely in the plan. How far is it to the Everglades or the Keys? I realize they are in opposite directions. We will probably rent a car. DS requested an NBA game, but I’m not sure if that’s feasible–will need to check. </p>
<p>Really just in the planning stages of this trip. Airline reservations are covered–Fort Lauderdald–everything else is open! Open to good ideas!</p>
<p>Ft. Lauderdale airport is convenient for everything in SE Florida. Find a decent hotel…doesn’t really matter which one because you’ll only be using it mostly just to crash each night for sleeping. Bring a bathing suit, a toothbrush, and some cash, get a rental car…you’ll find plenty of things to do in the Florida sunshine.</p>
<p>Love your attitude, lizard! What’s on your “Don’t Miss This” list? I understand it’s a beautiful trek down to Key West…</p>
<p>There are many hotels in S Beach, from the large chains to boutiques (French, Sixties). I’d probably find the ocean too cold (@76), but the hotels have heated pools and hot tubs. walking on the beach is always nice. I would prefer SoBea to Miami proper, because SoBea hotels almost all along one drive. After parking car, you can walk among the stores and restaurants. </p>
<p>Easy drive (less than an hour) to Everglades, where you could take an air boat. Enormous park with tours, canoeing. Vizcaya Gardens in Miami. Perhaps 45 minute drive to first key, Key Largo. More like 2 1/2-3 hours to get to Key West. Parrot zoo on way to Keys. There are boat trips that up the coast, so you can see homes of the rich and famous. (I’ve never taken a visitor on these, as my guests prefer the Everglades ride.)</p>
<p>enjoy</p>
<p>Adding to Lizard’s list, a cover-up, 1 stylish outfit so you don’t look like a tourist, an umbrella. There are many individually owned boutiques and art galleries. If you are into high end shopping, Bay Harbor. Personally, I like Coral Gables and the Gables Theater (its a little theater attached to an old, magnificent hotel, that has innovative shows.) My BF had season tickets to the Heat, so that is always fun. Bring a small pair of binoculars, as there are always the famous locals in attendance. I think you need more than 3 days.</p>
<p>It might be warm enough for the beach. Florida starts getting cold around January. Although, it’s not “cold” cold, it’s not the weather I would go to the beach in. </p>
<p>On my don’t miss list is:
-parasailing
-paddle boarding
-“good eats”</p>
<p>If you want to go to the Everglades, you could camp there.</p>
<p>Does anyone have a favorite bird watching place in the Miami area? I know that one can see pelicans at the docks. Any other suggestions?</p>
<p>Crandon Park on Key Biscayne is nice place to visit. Beach, zoo, birds, sun, and fun. Look out for snowbirds!</p>
<p>[Marjory</a> Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, Crandon Park, Key Biscayne Florida - Family Outings](<a href=“http://biscaynenaturecenter.org/]Marjory”>http://biscaynenaturecenter.org/)</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/index.asp[/url]”>http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/index.asp</a></p>
<p>jungleisland.com Groupon ad for this. If you enjoy parrots.</p>
<p>Birds are everywhere in Miami area. Just sit on a bench most anywhere and you’ll see interesting birds. </p>
<p>[Bird</a> Watching in Miami](<a href=“http://www.miamiforvisitors.com/activities/bird-watching.htm]Bird”>http://www.miamiforvisitors.com/activities/bird-watching.htm)</p>
<p>Great feedback/ideas!</p>
<p>Procrastination has taken over…All I do is surf hotel sites…Still don’t have reservations…Thinking So Beach…Ideas for an affordable choice?</p>
<p>Whoa! Did someone say birdwatching? It’s been 35 years, but Shark Valley in Everglades had a bike and walking path when I studied there 35 years ago. Absolutely amazing birds and alligators, snakes. Another memorable field trip was down to Snake Bite and Flamingo, where we saw the rare great white herons. We went to a wedding in Miami 20 years ago and drove down Highway 1, I think, the road from Miami down to Key West. We went straight to the Hemingway House to see the cats, but did stop and dip our toes in the beach along the way. Since we had the wedding that night, we had to turn right around, but if you have the evening free, I’d make this leisurely drive. Have a great time. I am so jealous!</p>
<p>Wow, Lizard, thank you so much for that link! Masslou, you will be so thrilled if you get to see roseate spoonbills. They are amazing! Check out lizard’s link. Those are all great places to birdwatch. You will see birds you won’t find anywhere else. But, make sure you bring bug spray. We always brought Cutters with us. Just make sure you bring something powerful. Don’t think that the cold will scare away the bugs! Have a great time!</p>
<p>Miami has a huge open air marketplace called Bayside. It’s a lot of fun to shop, eat, drink, listen to music, people watch, etc.</p>
<p>It’s a bit of a tourist trap that definitely caters to high end clientele (perhaps European or So. American visitors) but it’s still a fun place to be.</p>
<p>Of course Parrot Jungle or Monkey Jungle is also a place to do some bird watching…</p>
<p>Key West is @3 hour drive from Miami. Closer to Miami is Key Largo…hands down the best place for snorkeling. We also swam with Sea Lions there for a one of a kind adventure when our kids were younger.</p>
<p>Go to the Everglades for an airboat tour. Fun! You’ll see a ton of Alligators and wildlife.</p>
<p>You’ve got to try Cuban food in Miami. Yum. Calle Ocho (8th Street) is the most authentic, but really anywhere you go, you’ll have a good experience.</p>
<p><em>Warning</em> South Beach has many topless sunbathers 
Have fun!</p>
<p>If in Miami, the Miami Zoo is incredible. Great way to spend a pleasant day outside. It’s not in Miami (city) but past U Miami.</p>
<p>“Ideas for an affordable choice?”</p>
<p>Ive stayed here when going to the tennis on Key Biscayne. </p>
<p>[Miami</a> Beach Vacation Packages | The Palms Hotel & Spa ? Deals | Miami Beach Vacations](<a href=“The Palms Hotel & Spa | Miami Beach Resort and Spa | Official Website”>The Palms Hotel & Spa | Miami Beach Resort and Spa | Official Website)</p>
<p>It’s affordable, imo, for Sobe. </p>
<p>Have no idea if they would have anything available on your dates - since that is a very busy time of the year. </p>
<p>There are also several hotels in Miami on Biscayne Blvd (it’s across the bay from Key Biscayne.) Lots of restaurants and nightlife in that area of Miami.</p>
<p>Anything else to put on the ‘must see’ list?</p>