I’ve really had it with the cold and snow (7 ft in my area of MA). I have a chance to go to Miami with my H. He’s there for 2 days of meetings and then, if I go, we’ll rent a car and drive to the Florida Keys. I’ve never been to Miami. Any suggestions for what to do while H is in meetings? I’ll definitely read by the pool, but I don’t feel the need to go to the beach. I love gardens–any kind of gardens–and also enjoy visiting art galleries or an art museum. Not into shopping–unless it’s a unique shopping area. Like walking around neighborhoods and seeing the sights. Would love any suggestions.
I think you would really love Vizcaya.
I was thinking the same thing, emilybee – Vizcaya combines everything the OP wants – gardens, museums and art galleries.
Fabulous zoo.
Was just about to recommend Fairchild Gardens also.
Versailles for Cuban Food.
The Keys, if you go, offer many great little stops before Key West. Hemingway’s House is in Key West. There was a petrified coral park somewhere (sorry, can’t recall off top of my head), but the Keys are essentially built from petrified coral.
South Beach strip of deco homes.
Boca Raton area for quieter beaches, too many to list.
Consider a day trip to the Everglades: alligators and great bird watching.
Staying by pool relaxing and catching rays while husband is at meetings is a good plan. Traffic is congested in Miami area and you probably don’t want to venture by yourself too far from wherever you’re staying…some neighborhoods aren’t too safe. What area of Miami is your hotel located?
Coconut Grove is a nice area of shops/restaurants.
To enjoy the beauty of the beach without just laying in the sun, take a walk along the boardwalk and winding paths of South Pointe Park, at the very tip of South Beach. This time of year should be a nice breeze and not too hot.
I also highly recommend Fairchild Tropical Gardens. They have a special Chihuly installation right now that is spectacular. I recommend you take the free tram tour and then walk around. Afterwards, go shopping and/or meet your husband for an early dinner at Merrick Park.
I agree with lizard…be aware where you are going if you venture out by yourself. You can be in a great area and within no time be somewhere you DONT want to be. Ask your hotel concierge.
Lizard: We’re staying at Setai (think that’s how you spell it). Can I walk along the boardwalk from there? That sounds like something I’d really enjoy. Would I need a car to get to Fairchild Tropical Gardens or Vizcaya?
The Setai is about 20 miles from Fairchild Tropical Gardens and about 10 miles from Vizcaya. The boardwalk at South Pointe Park is only about 2 miles from your hotel.
You will definitely need to rent a car. Public transportation in Miami is not good.
You’re only a few blocks from the Lincoln Road Mall. No need to shop there, it’s entertaining enough to just sit at one of the outdoor cafes and people watch.
Viator has the following, “hop on and off bus tour” City Loop
Buses depart every 30 minutes from Central Station from 9am to 5:30pm daily. Service ends at 7pm at Central Station. Entire loop takes 1.5 hours
- Central Station at Bayfront Park/Bayside Marketplace- 301 North Biscayne Boulevard
- Vizcaya and Miami Science Museum - S Miami Avenue and SE 32nd Road
- Coconut Grove Station - Grand Avenue and Virginia Street
- Biltmore Hotel - 1200 Anastasia Avenue
- Venetian Pool – De Soto Boulevard and Almeria Avenue
- Coral Gables Downtown - Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Aragon
- Cuban Eateries – SW 8th Street and SW 36th Avenue
- Little Havana - Domino Park on SW 8th Street and 15th Avenue
B2, Hope I didn’t scare you from visiting Miami. You’ll be staying at one of the nicest places right on the ocean in South Beach…there is plenty to keep you occupied within walking distance. If you’re more adventurous, Miami has tons, and tons of things to do and visit. Personally, if I were in Miami Beach for only 2 days, I’d just take it easy, relax, and not wear myself out running all around doing the tourist stuff. If you like gardens, Miami is one giant garden…soon as you step off plane at airport you will be surrounded with tropical plants nearly everywhere. Vizcaya would be top of my list for your 2 days in Miami Beach. Enjoy your visit and have fun!
Another vote for Fairchild Gardens and a Chihuly exhibit there sounds like a great combination.
Enjoy your cold weather break!
I’ve never seen them and I don’t know when their seasons are, but the Miami Ballet is supposed to be excellent.
The sunrise on the beach is spectacular!