driving into Miami
Nov 13th, 2006, 07:49 PM
#1
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driving into Miami
My wife and I will be in Fort Lauderdale for a few days at the beginning of December visiting my Mother, and we would like to spend one of those days visiting South Beach.
I assume Miami is like most big cities and there is plenty of traffic going into the city in the morning and coming out in the evening. Besides driving in, do we have any other convenient options for getting from Ft. Lauderdale to South Beach??
Thanks in advance for any advice.
I assume Miami is like most big cities and there is plenty of traffic going into the city in the morning and coming out in the evening. Besides driving in, do we have any other convenient options for getting from Ft. Lauderdale to South Beach??
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Nov 13th, 2006, 08:58 PM
#3
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There always seems to be traffic on that stretch, however driving in is really not that bad... I would recommend that you leave moms after 9:30 and plan a beach day, bring a change or two of clothing, have an early lunch and dinner on Ocean Dr. and head home after 7pm... parking can be testy, but if you're patient spaces can be found...
Nov 13th, 2006, 09:43 PM
#4
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From your answer, I understand that there are no other travel options.
We're not going for the beach - just want to soak up the atmosphere in south beach. We haven't been in Miami for at least 20 years.
As for parking, from what I understand there are plenty of parking garages available. I don't mind paying for parking as I have read that the "parking police" are ruthless in Miami.
We're not going for the beach - just want to soak up the atmosphere in south beach. We haven't been in Miami for at least 20 years.
As for parking, from what I understand there are plenty of parking garages available. I don't mind paying for parking as I have read that the "parking police" are ruthless in Miami.
Nov 14th, 2006, 04:29 AM
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sssteve: Thanks for this posting. My husband & I will be staying in Lauderdale-by-the-sea for 5 days in mid-December and I was wondering if we could drive into Miami one day to see the famous South Beach.
We are beach people so I'd love to spend some time on the beach but mostly we want to walk the boardwalk (??), see the art deco buildings and of course people watch. Oh and I'd want to have lunch there too at some sidewalk cafe overlooking the street/beach.
We are beach people so I'd love to spend some time on the beach but mostly we want to walk the boardwalk (??), see the art deco buildings and of course people watch. Oh and I'd want to have lunch there too at some sidewalk cafe overlooking the street/beach.
Nov 14th, 2006, 04:57 AM
#6
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Don't even think about driving I-95.
Take your time and make the leisurely drive down A1A from Ft. Lauderdale to South Beach.
It is a beautiful drive because most of it is ocean front.
It is also the quickest way to get there. Plan on 45 minutes at least.
Take your time and make the leisurely drive down A1A from Ft. Lauderdale to South Beach.
It is a beautiful drive because most of it is ocean front.
It is also the quickest way to get there. Plan on 45 minutes at least.
Nov 14th, 2006, 06:57 AM
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With all due respect to GoTravel, I would definitely NOT take his advice. I have lived in South Florida all of my life, and I can't imagine taking A1A from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. It will take forever. And much of it is very built-up condos and hotels and not very scenic at all. I know no one who would travel this route.
Take I-95, but avoid rush hour. The weekend is ideal. It should take about half an hour.
Make sure you walk on Lincoln Road, a pedestrian street, in addition to Ocean Drive. This is where many nice sidewalk cafes are, along with some shopping.
Take I-95, but avoid rush hour. The weekend is ideal. It should take about half an hour.
Make sure you walk on Lincoln Road, a pedestrian street, in addition to Ocean Drive. This is where many nice sidewalk cafes are, along with some shopping.
Nov 14th, 2006, 07:50 AM
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Cimbrone, since they are coming into South Beach to sightsee, I'm assuming they will not be traveling at midnight.
Since I-95 is a parking lot between 6-9AM, 11AM-2PM, and 4PM-7PM, what times do you suggest they drive I-95?
It is about 25 miles via A1A as opposed to 35 miles via I-95.
I travel to Miami all the time since I have family that lives there and drive A1A all the time between South Beach and FLL to visit friends.
Since I-95 is a parking lot between 6-9AM, 11AM-2PM, and 4PM-7PM, what times do you suggest they drive I-95?
It is about 25 miles via A1A as opposed to 35 miles via I-95.
I travel to Miami all the time since I have family that lives there and drive A1A all the time between South Beach and FLL to visit friends.
Nov 14th, 2006, 08:05 AM
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Hi GoTravel. The traffic on I-95 between 10 and 3 on weekdays is not bad at all. And the weekends are never bad (unless there's an accident). Much better than December traffic on A1A, with traffic lights and in-season congestion.
Nov 14th, 2006, 09:01 AM
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I live in Boca Raton, but I drive to Miami on the average of twice a month. It is never bad unless it's weekday rush hour. I can't remember the last time I sat in any kind of traffic.
Seriously.
A1A will be, at best, tedious. At worst a stop and go nightmare.
Seriously.
A1A will be, at best, tedious. At worst a stop and go nightmare.
Nov 14th, 2006, 09:33 AM
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Well I'm glad that's all cleared up. 
Perhaps my best bet is drive down after 9 AM and stay into the evening. What's South Beach like in the evening?
Or maybe I should just stay in Ft. Lauderdale and visit Las Olas Boulevard and sawmill shopping center...
Perhaps my best bet is drive down after 9 AM and stay into the evening. What's South Beach like in the evening?
Or maybe I should just stay in Ft. Lauderdale and visit Las Olas Boulevard and sawmill shopping center...
Nov 14th, 2006, 09:40 AM
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Evening in South Beach in December will be wonderful. Very lively, with delightful ocean breezes. Definitely a sophisticated party atmosphere. Choose a cafe on Lincoln road and enjoy the weather, the food, the people-watching.
If you aren't interested in the beach itself, I'd head down at around 7 or so and just spend the evening eating and walking around.
If you aren't interested in the beach itself, I'd head down at around 7 or so and just spend the evening eating and walking around.
Nov 14th, 2006, 09:43 AM
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Forgot to mention, Las Olas is okay, but doesn't have a tiny fraction of the authenticity or sophistication of South Beach. I find it very plastic in comparison.
Worth going to since you'll be in Ft. Lauderdale anyway, but no substitute for South Beach.
Worth going to since you'll be in Ft. Lauderdale anyway, but no substitute for South Beach.
Nov 14th, 2006, 09:55 AM
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I find the opposite to be true. I think Ft. Lauderdale and the Las Olas area is much nicer than South Beach.
I think the beaches from 20th and Collins Avenue South are nicer than Ft. Lauderdale.
Being that my sister and brother in law live on South Beach, I know the area very well.
sssteve, do a search under my name and South Beach and you'll find the hundreds of threads I've contributed to on this area.
I think the beaches from 20th and Collins Avenue South are nicer than Ft. Lauderdale.
Being that my sister and brother in law live on South Beach, I know the area very well.
sssteve, do a search under my name and South Beach and you'll find the hundreds of threads I've contributed to on this area.
Nov 14th, 2006, 09:57 AM
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One thing to add, go to the bar at The Hotel (The Tiffany) on the rooftop for drinks and a fabulous view of South Beach.
The best mojitos are at the pool bar at The Delano.
Also check out the pool bar at The Setai.
Evening, don't miss The Skyy Bar at The Shore Club.
The Raleigh has the best Sunday pool party.
The best mojitos are at the pool bar at The Delano.
Also check out the pool bar at The Setai.
Evening, don't miss The Skyy Bar at The Shore Club.
The Raleigh has the best Sunday pool party.
Nov 14th, 2006, 10:06 AM
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sssteve one accident on I-95 no matter North or South and it turns into a parking lot. Take A1A go slow and enjoy. If you need directions in Miami speak Spanish. Saw Grass is a bit of a drive. Las Olas is not all that bad but South Beach is better.
Nov 14th, 2006, 10:22 AM
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Just to confuse things a bit more 
, when I drive to South Beach, I take I- 95 one way, usually going to at around 9:30-10 am and A1A back. Really, it's 6 of one... South Beach is lots of fun in the evening. Make a day of it. Have you been to Vizcaya? Go there first. http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/
Then have lunch, maybe in Coral Gables. Check out the Venetian pool and/or the Biltmore. Then head to South Beach, walk around. Have dinner in South Beach and head back.
, when I drive to South Beach, I take I- 95 one way, usually going to at around 9:30-10 am and A1A back. Really, it's 6 of one... South Beach is lots of fun in the evening. Make a day of it. Have you been to Vizcaya? Go there first. http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/Then have lunch, maybe in Coral Gables. Check out the Venetian pool and/or the Biltmore. Then head to South Beach, walk around. Have dinner in South Beach and head back.
