kauz4u

Hi,

Can anyone suggest things to do in Miami/Key West for 1 night and 2 days?

So basically, me and my wife reach Miami from a Bahamas cruise at 7am on 21st May and then we have a flight back to Toronto from Miami on 22nd May at 8:30pm. We have a hotel booked for 21st night at South Beach.

We really want to visit the Key West and am planning to rent a convertible. Question is, when should we head out for Key West? Rent the car on 21st morning as soon as we reach Miami port or rent it on 22nd May and return it at the airport and then catch our flight. We don't want to miss out on either Miami beaches or Key West fun (however short), as well we don't want to miss our flight on 22nd

Any suggestions/planning and best things to do will be appreciated. Its our wedding anniversary so want to live to the fullest!!

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Kauz

bachslunch

See the recent trip reports I did on these cities:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-184065-2.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-184065-2.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-augustine.cfm

Frankly, I think your short amount of time is best served just exploring South Beach. You'll only scratch the surface no matter what you pick. Note well that the drive from Miami to Key West will take several hours -- if you don't encounter traffic problems, which you might. And if what I'm reading here is true, Miami Airport is a nightmare in general to deal with (and for customs in particular), so I wouldn't cut things too closely.

Daniel_Williams

Even for a whirlwind type traveller, skip Key West and stick to Miami; while perhaps not physically impossible to include Key West, it's at best just going to be a tiring long day that would be better spent whooping it up in South Beach will keep you plenty busy.

Arriving at 7am from a cruise, even if you hustled to get a car (have to get from your cruise ship to the rental car; disembarkation takes time), traffic can easily take 5 (or more) hours to get out to Key West, getting you there (without stopping to appreciate the beautiful drive) I would say, 2 pm, then you have to be back for your hotel in South Beach Miami for the 21st, so you'd zip in to Key West and have to leave a few hours later. Which kind of misses the point of Key West in my opinion, a wonderfully chill kind of place. If you opted to cancel your hotel in South Beach for the 21st and spend the night in Key West, maybe, but then you'd have barely any time to experience the "Miami beach scene".

The 22nd I'd definitely not consider going from Miami to Key West & back (potentially 10 hours)... one bad traffic jam, and you've missed your flight.

Best wishes, Daniel

Deb15July

Well I'm going to make this unanimous. You don't have time for both. Pick one location and stay there. As much as I love Key West, realistically you don't have enough time.

I don't know much about South Beach. I grew up in Miami, but at that time S. Beach was a dump. It is completely the opposite of Key West, but many people enjoy it.

Ozarksbill

Yep, my vote also.

SusanCS

Oh, gosh, me too. Key West is my favorite vacation destination, but I'd NEVER try squeezing in a day trip.

Do yourself a favor and return to the keys when you have more time.

kauz4u

Thanks one and all, I see the point. Might stick to just Miami then. On that note, any advise on some must things to do and good food? Thanks bachslunch, I am reviewing your reports in the meantime.