jlee

Hi,

We are planning a vacation to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, but will have to fly to Miami from LA first. While there, we plan to hang out for a few days. Do you have any suggestions as to what to do with kids, where to stay? Any tips and advice, greatly appreciate it. February 2017 is when we plan to travel. We have 2 kids (5 and 2). Thanks so much!

fishee

Hi J -- I asked this question last year and got these very helpful replies. I've stayed in both Miami Beach and Sunny Isles (a little north of Miami Beach) and we found Miami Beach more walking-friendly as it sometimes felt like we were walking along a freeway in Sunny Isles because the main road is so wide with quite a bit of traffic. However, there were lots of restaurants and markets to walk to in both areas and we like not having to use the car everyday. I think Sunny Isles had really wonderful playgrounds. We used AirBNB and stay in 1 and 2+ br condos with beach access and pools.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...activities.cfm

nytraveler

Have you taken the Zika virus into account. Mosquitoes in Dade county are carrying it and I assume it's in the Dominican Republic as well. Stock up on the mosquito repellent and see what can be used on small kids.

genxer711

When I take my children to Miami, they always want to go to the Zoo Miami and the Miami Children’s Museum. The zoo is the largest and oldest zoo in Florida and the museum is full of educational activities. Your kids won't be disappointed.

February may be a bit chilly even in Miami but if you still want to dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean these are my favorite 3 beaches:
1. Matheson Hammock Park located in Coral Gables with a very family friendly beach along the tidal pool that pulls in water from Biscayne Bay.
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach and Lighthouse in Key Biscayne. The lighthouse was built in 1825 and the beach right next to it is 100% natural with very gentle waves thanks to an offshore reef. It has a playground.
3. South Pointe Park Beach in Miami Beach, with stunning views of the ocean and the cruise ships arriving and leaving the Port of Miami. There is also a playground.

Miami has a large Cuban-American population and that means some of the best traditional Cuban restaurants in the US. The best Cuban restaurant in Miami in my opinion is Versailles. The name may confuse you but it is 100% Cuban. You'll see mostly locals from the very young to the very old dining here. They have an extensive menu. Cuban cuisine has more to offer than just the Cuban sandwich which was actually invented in the US. My favorite Cuban dish is the Breaded Beef Steak.

Hope this helps. Have a happy and safe journey.

jlee

Thanks so much for all your replies - they are definitely helpful.
@nytraveler - yes, thank you for the reminder. The Zika thing is freaking me out a bit. I'm even more nervous because I have two small kids. But Miami sounds so fun, if I have a change of heart about DR due to Zika, at least, I can still make a trip out of Miami ( I think). Thanks again all!

jlee

@fishee - thank you! I'll check out your post.

thursdaysd

If you avoid the DR be ause of Zika, you should also avoid Miami. Check the CDC website for the latest advisories.