Greetings from the balmy Northeast US:

I am planning on a family vacation next month (the US school vacation week) in Miami.

I have some choices of free hotel rooms using my starwood points, but the better hotels available to me (like the Westin) are on the Fort Lauderdale beaches, and the lesser ones (like Four Points) are closer to South Beach.

Since I don't club, I am planning on spending two days sightseeing in Miami plus a day trip to the Everglade Park.

Would you stay in Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami Beach if the rooms are free?

Thanks,

Steve

 

In a heartbeat, yes.

When you say family vacation it makes me think you are bringing kids. What ages?

What sights do you want to see.

South Beach is very "beautiful people" Ft. Lauderdale is more real. Lauderdale has a great children's museum whil Miami has the Metro Zoo. All depends what you are looking for.

Great restaurants in both.

jan

Hi Jan,

Thanks for the reply. My kids are between 7 and 13. We don't really have an agenda other than the Sun and beach. We would like to visit Little Havana, South Beach and the aquarium, which are all in Miami, but that's because I know a little about Miami. Ft Lauderdale is a complete unknown to me.

Would the ocean be warm enough to swim in?

Thanks,

Steve

The ocean is warm enough for some--not me, but you will see lots of people in the water.

There is a great little reef just off the beach at Red Reef Park (maybe it's Red rocks--it's been years). And there's a Butterfly garden in Broward too.

Las Olas is a great shopping street.

The Miami Seaquarium used to be wonderful. It would be at least a 45 min drive from Ft. L. beach.

Hope this is helpful.

jan

hmm... I don't know 45 min drive daily is such a good idea.

I am leaning toward an apartment in Miami Beach, doesn't have to be on South Beach. Does anyone have a lead?

Thanks,

Steve

I have yet another question:

What is Coral Gables like? I saw a lovely house for rent there. Seems like a quiet neighborhood alternative to South Beach.

quote:

What is Coral Gables like? I saw a lovely house for rent there. Seems like a quiet neighborhood alternative to South Beach.

Yes it is. You would be nearer to the Zoo, a lot nearer to the Seaquairium, Vizcaya is nearby, too. The thing I would watch out for is didtance froma nice beach and the quality of the neighborhood.

This is not meant as a derogatory comment: Do you speak Spanish? Lots of areas of South Miami are pretty much strictly Spanish speaking.

jan

quote:

Do you speak Spanish? Lots of areas of South Miami are pretty much strictly Spanish speaking.

yes, I noticed that. it's cool. I've done some travelings in Spanish speaking countries, so that shouldn't be a problem.

the house is on a residential street near the Miracle Mile. I was told it's considered a good neighborhood.

for beaches, I am planning a side trip to Key West for a couple of days.

gracias.

Steve

de nada

jan

We're back from the Keys and Miami. Thanks again for your help Jan.

Some of the unexpected highlights of the trip: the beautiful Coral Gables, the friendly people of Calle Ocho and GREAT restaurants throughout the region.

Now I want to visit Cuba and meet some more of these warm people.

Here are some of the photos we took from the trip: Miami and the Keys

Steve