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Miami Travel Tips?

I’m leaving for a long weekend in Miami on Thursday. I’ve never been, so I’m looking for some travel advice. Basically, I’m not looking for the stereotypical Miami weekend. I just want to lay on a pretty beach and eat some good food. My only plan so far entails getting to the beach by 7am for early-morning yoga. So I don’t need advice for which clubs to go to, and I tend to dislike really scene-y bars and restaurants. High-quality food and drink in laid-back locales is more my style.

Any tips? Anything in particular I must see or do? Which beaches are the nicest? And most importantly, where do I eat?


29 thoughts on Miami Travel Tips?

  1. Little Havana (12727 Biscayne Blvd) was recommended to me by a friend for my first visit to Miami… I went and it was inexpensive and delicious. It’s a little bit of a hike to get there, but well worth the drive. The plantains were to die for, and both the meat eaters and vegetarians in my group had plenty of options.

  2. What kind of beach do you want?

    There’s South Beach, of course, which is where all the beautiful people hang out (and I mean that – the bodies there are incredible). The hotels and parking around that area are expensive.

    There’s Haulover, which is clothing-optional if you’re into that. The parking area for that beach fills up by about 11AM each morning during the winter. If you go, stay on the south side of the south tower to avoid the pervs. There are usually a lot of couples and many families there (including children).

    If you want a nice quiet beach away from the hustle and bustle, head up to either Hollywood or Hallendale just north of Miami. North Beach in Hollywood is a very quiet, metered parking ($1 an hour). That’s where I always head when I am looking for some quiet time alone.

    Fort Lauderdale Beach is a bit more “sceney” and is even further north, but it is right across the street from several good restaurants and bars.

    Keep in mind that toplessness and thong swimsuits are permitted on all Dade County and Broward County beaches, and though not terribly common anywhere other than SB and Haulover, you will see them.

    I’d stay away from most of the public beaches in the rest of Dade County because there’ll be a lot of families there with children (even when school is in session), and some of the beaches and the parking is not in the best of neighborhoods.

  3. This is great advice so far, thanks! And I am all in favor of topless swimsuits. No tan lines = I’m happy.

    I think we’ll go to South Beach one day just to check out the scene, but we’re generally just looking for a beach that’s pretty and has nice sand and water, but isn’t too packed. Sounds like there are lots of options. I’m getting excited now.

  4. Ha. My first thought was, “don’t go,” but I grew up there and some bitterness remains.

    South Beach is definitely a beautiful people scene, but it’s also a laid back beach scene – just depends on where you go. There’s a pedestrian mall on Lincoln Rd – it’s a nice walk that tries to create a cafe culture, and there’s some good people watching, but it can be a bit crowded and cheesy. Might be better on a weekday afternoon for lunch or something. The streets around Washington Ave south of Lincoln Rd Mall are where you’re more likely to find the lower key bars and restaurants, though Ocean Drive itself is still good for people watching. Grab a couple of cuban sandwiches (people will whine about Las Olas on 6th St, near Washington Ave, but I think it’s fine) and plop yourself on a bench somewhere for dinner.

    Honestly, I’m having a hard time imagining what tourists do in Miami other than Miami Beach (and nearby beaches). The Little Havana restaurant might be worth it but I think you can find equally good food elsewhere, closer to the beach, and there’s really nothing to do in Little Havana (the neighborhood) anyway. At least not when there’s no festival going on. It’s just kind of sprawly, pseudo industrial strip mall kind of stuff. Coconut Grove isn’t really worth it, and Coral Gables is just a suburb, though interesting to drive around just to see the insane houses people build sometimes (narchitecture). Key Biscayne is especially good for that, and the state park there is kind of nice – you can rent bikes and stuff, if I remember correctly. Key Biscayne beaches are in the nasty category for me, though. I wouldn’t bother. South Beach is much nicer, and frankly, when I visit the family these days those are the only beaches I’ll go to, but I’m a beach snob. Every summer I am appalled by what people are willing to swim in along the US eastern seaboard.

    Oh, there is the Vizcaya estate right outside Key Biscayne – that’s pretty nice. But if you just want beach time, stick to Miami Beach.

    Have fun!

  5. Have to weigh in….as I live in Miami now 🙂

    If you decide to venture out for a good dinner while you’re here I have to throw the restaurant I work at’s hat into the ring. Michael’s (Genuine Food and Drink). We’re not on the beach – over in the design district – but its worth the trek. Farm to table type restaurant and outside of Fri/Sat nights is not “sceney.” Really awesome food. There is also a really cute wine bar around the corner run by a french and dutch duo that is laid back and fun to kill some non-beach time at (as I think we’re about to get another cold snap).

    My favorite bars beachside are the Room and club Deuce. Both hole in the wall local type places but can be a ton of fun!

  6. I grew up on South Beach back when South Beach was more of an artist’s community and less of a trendy blackhole- I have tons of good memories.

    Anyway, I think you’ll be disappointed in the quality of the Beach- in the 80s the city was forced to dump thousands of tons of artificial sand in order to prevent further coastal erosion. Really comfortable, luxurious sand was replaced with crushed shell garbage that was hell on the feet. The scenery is still really nice- those art deco hotels are gorgeous- but if you’re looking for a beach with natural, fine, luxurious sand to walk through, then go north to Fort Lauderdale (I think Haulover got the same treatment, but I might be wrong) or south to Key Biscayne- though I’m not sure those beaches are even available anymore.

    And even though I’m sorta betraying my cultural heritage as a Cuban, I’d avoid Little Havana- it’s messy, crowded and very commercial. Also, it’s far away from South Beach, if that’s where you’re staying. If you don’t mind a little bit of a drive, though, I’d try Latin American Cafeteria, a mini-chain that specializes in authentic Cuban food. They carried the best Cuban Sandwiches in town back before I left. There used to be one on Coral Way, a street completely canopied by these gorgeous, massive trees that grow in the medians and one of Miami’s highlights, as far as I’m concerned.

    If you want something closer to South Beach, then I’d go for Lincoln Road, but avoid it during the night if you don’t like crowds.

    Have fun!

  7. General tip: It’s in the middle of tourist season, so check the traffic reports if possible for possible alternate routes before you head anywhere too far from where you are if you’re going by car.

    If you’re into zoos, the Metrozoo is supposed to be awesomesauce.

  8. If you go, stay on the south side of the south tower to avoid the pervs.

    How avoidable are these really at any nude beach?

  9. Hey, lots of S FL posters on here I never knew about. I was born and raised on South Beach, too, and I know live just north of there.

    If you are going to South Beach, definitely go to Lincoln Road. It is a walking “mall” of sorts. There is lots of fantastic food there (World Resources, Van Dyke Cafe, Paninoteca and Yuca come to mind), and some great little places to go. The Art Center is free and fantastic, definitely worth a walk through. At night, the Studio at the Shelbourne is the best karaoke bar in the world. If that’s your thing.

    I am a big fan of Hollywood beach. It is low key. There is a great farmer’s market at the south end on Sundays.

    One of my favorite places to go is a bit of a trek – Everglades Outpost. It is a wonderful cause, and not at all touristy.

    Have a great time, and welcome!!

  10. Hi, just wanted to recommend the TV dinner at the Big Pink over in South Beach. It’s a laid back place, pretty cheap, and decent quality food.

  11. If you go to South beach, 6th street beach is the best. It didn’t get as trendy as a few blocks north, I haven’t been in some time, but the last time I was there it was still a little weird like S Beach used to be.

    The best Cuban food I have ever had in my life was at Puerto Sagua on 7th and Collins.

  12. If you’re craving a scene with your steak, then South Beach is the place to be. If you wanna go shopping or buy something try Lincoln Road also on South Beach, Lincoln Road offers a large range of stores and restaurants running the gauntlet from cozy cafe to high class dining. There is a farmers market held here all day on Sundays, as well as an antiques market (days vary). Eat at Larios on the Beach One of Gloria Estefan’s many restaurants in South Florida, this place is said to have some of the best mojitos in South Beach. $8-$27 per person, per meal. ISHQ serves the best Indian and vegetarian/vegan cuisine in South Beach. They have a great brunch on Sundays, and serve delicious cocktails $5-$23. And you must see South Beach Wine & Food Festival happening this February 19, 2009 – 12:00pm – February 22, 2009 – 12:00pm. Here’s a good traveling guide for your vacation around the world. Best tourist destination revealed.

    Tourist Destination Blog

  13. I was in South Beach last winter and I thought the beach was great. And the scene is really amusing – it’s not my thing at all, but no one was nasty or snooty and all the posturing and posing seemed to me, anyway, to be done with just enough self-mockery as to be disarming.

    And you shouldn’t miss the architecture. South Beach has the greatest collection of art deco building in the world, most it now lovingly restored, and it is truly gorgeous. Read up a little on it before you go, and take a walking tour or two.

    A good place to start thinking about your trip is the website of the Miami Design Preservation League. http://www.mdpl.org/index.php

  14. i haven’t been to FL since i was a kid, but i remember going to GatorLand – its an amusement park. and it was LOTS more fun than Disney. but i couldn’t tell you where it is in Florida; i was maybe 7 or 8 at the time. and it might not even be there anymore.

    i HAVE heard that you can go to the Base and look at lots and lots of neat-o suff about the Shuttles, and NASA, and such. but that is not actually in the area where you are going… and if you are flying it, its not worth driving over there, but if you are driving in, i TOTALLY recommend the detour.

  15. I love South Beach, and think the Key Biscayne park is worth a visit — and the beach there is often perfectly quiet. One can walk out 100 meters from shore and only be waist deep.

    If you go up to Lauderdale, for sure check out Sublime, one of the great vegan restaurants in America — the “sliders” are worth the drive from Miami.

    And it is worth shopping on Lincoln Road in SoBe.

  16. I’ve seen a lot of beach comments but here are some “authentic” food recommendations from a Cuban. You won’t see any tourists at these places:

    Wonderful Cuban Pastries & Deli Foods:
    http://lasuizabakery.com/
    Order a few pasteles de guayava and several croquetas de jamon

    Excellent Lunch/Dinner for good prices
    http://www.riocristalrestaurant.com/
    Try any of the staples you might get elsewhere, steak cuban style, plantains, black beans and rice, etc. This restaurant has been around for decades and is always great!

    There’s a a stretch of Virginia Key called Hobie Beach or Hobiecat Beach that is a little less insane than south beach area…

    Anyway have a wonderful trip : )

  17. I second Yuca on Lincoln Road. Good melange of tastes.

    Pretty beach on a weekday, less crowded, is Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.

  18. I recommend checking out http://www.miamibeach411.com/ which is run by nice people and has lots of helpful info (if, perhaps an atypical and unfortunate front page photo at the moment…). They also do a non-traditional tour of Miami if you are looking for something sedentary.

    Beach restaurants tend to be a bit more expensive than those further inland, but there are many good places if you don’t get sticker shock. The reviews at the Miami Herald web site and the Miami New Times are pretty reliable on quality, but frequently somewhat behind the times on price.

    And don’t miss Cuban Coffee — it’s like rocket fuel!

    PS. What is not “stereotypical” about “lay[ing] on a pretty beach and eat[ing] some good food”?

  19. My mom is obsessed with Miami… the one thing I can pass on from her is her love of Joe’s Stone Crab. If you like seafood, you really ought to try their stone crab claws. I think it’s a bit pricey but worth it 😉

    http://www.joesstonecrab.com/

    (Every Christmas we get their stone crab claws shipped overnight. Sooo good!)

  20. Joe’s Stone Crab is insanely crowded, and you can’t get seated for dinner unless you heavily bribe the maitre d’. Even then you may have to wait hours. If you want to try it out (the food is fantastic, I do recommend it), go for lunch. Or, even better, go to Joe’s Takeaway, get take out, and walk over to the pier and eat there.

  21. Go to South Beach during the day, spend several hours in the sun and go for a late lunch. Get some rest, then go out to dinner at one of the restaurants in Miami Beach – they usually have live music playing all night so there’s no need to go anywhere else. Enjoy.

  22. Almost any cuban sandwich you have in Miami will be soooo much better than the stuff that passes as cuban food in Manhattan. In fact, instead of a “cuban” order a media noche-the midnight sandwich- which is about the greatest sandwich ever. You must eat guava pastries-so good! You have to have a cortadito-super sweet espresso. While you are there, go to navarro’s- it is a Latin drug store chain- and buy yourself some cheap stovetop espresso makers (should not cost you more than $13, tops, and that would be for an enormous espresso maker) and some guava marmalade. In NYC, you can find guava paste, but not the marmalade (at least it is rarer in nyc) which is fantastic. also, very cute espresso cup and saucer sets can be bought at any Navarro on the cheap. Don’t order flan at a restaurant, because it is probably too waxy in texture- you can do better with the right recipe at home.

    My favorite cuban restaurants are padrino’s in Hollywood (very quiet and nice, casual but with a tablecloth) and la carretta- which has several locations. La carretta has an amazing weekend brunch- so much pig and delicious food. I love that brunch. Have the liver which is prepared and seasoned like lechon-so good! have lechon-also delicious! That brunch is no joke. Avoid Versailles, unless you like waiting in line for a cheesy experience.

    If you are into a hipster scene, Miami can offer you that, but it is a bit hard to find. Go to the design district and wynwood for a more “Brooklyn/east la” scene. However, it might be a bit of a hike from wherever you may be staying. I know you said you do not like clubs, but pawn shop and studio a may be worth it.

    Sunny Isles/North Miami Beach is a very nice beach. I actually find South beach to be nasty- you might go there to people watch but the sand and water are sub-par. Hollywood beach and ft. Lauderdale beach are great beaches.

    If you like shopping, go to Sawgrass mills outlets- I just went there and the sales are sick. Also, as someone who loves Target, Miami Targets seem to clearance the best clothing at an alarming and awesome rate. If you like thrift stores, go to Flamingo Plaza in Hialeah- a whole strip mall of thrift stores, including Red White and Blue- not as good as PA thrift stores but pretty fun.

    I agree with other posters- avoid Little Havana-BUT maybe go to Casa de los trucos- a truly weird store where you can buy magic supplies and weird prank souvenirs. worth going to maybe once.

    Sorry for so much input! These are the things I love about Miami.

  23. I also second that croquetas are fantastic and must be eaten. In general, get thee to a cuban bakery and eat! and bring some pastries back to nyc!

    Also, if there is a band playing at Revolution in Ft. Lauderdale that you like, I’d recommend going. It is a great venue. I saw Of Montreal there during this tour- it was the best concert I have been to in awhile. so much better than your typical nyc concert experience!

  24. If you like museums, I recommend the one that I work at, the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. People who visit us from Europe and places like New York that have the biggest museums in the country have really enjoyed our museum, and I think that’s saying a lot lol. Museums are always on my list of things to see wherever I go, so if you’re at all like me, I think you’d enjoy it. I might even be able to get you a discount on admission if you’re interested. I’m completely with you, I’ve been in Miami for three years now and the club scene has never appealed much to me. I do like Lincoln Road on South Beach for shopping and just hanging out. Also, Bayside Marketplace is a little shopping place that has boat tours. My fiance and I did one at night and besides it being cold and windy, it was pretty cool to see the millionaire mansions on South Beach and just be on the water. Hope this helps.

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