We're a couple in our mid 20's. Can you please give us ideas? We will have our own vehicle. We'll be in Miami August 18 & 19.
Thanks so much!

to the top.

Briefly: Of course this depends on your interests. First of all, with the exeptionof South [Miami] Beach, this is not a walking town. Second, be sure you know where you are going and how to get there -- a number of neighborhoods are not safe to drive through (not unlike many bif cities).

For nightlife, check out South Beach where the bars, clubs and streetlife is cutting edge (and in many cases expensive). Good restaurants there, too.

For culture, visit the Miami Art Museum (is that its current name) and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida (a very good museum). They are located side-by-side on West Flagler Street. The Bass Museum on Miami Beach is good, too. Miami has two great house museums -- Viscaya and the Deering Estate (both good activities fo rthe heat of the day).

If you like animals, visit Metrozoo. A little bit out of town, but a spectacular collection of animals.

Sports? The Dolphins have a preseason game against San Diego on the evening of Aug. 18. Probably not a sellout. Marlins are out of town that weekend.

For shopping go to Miami Beach or Coral Gables's Miracle Mile.

And of course, the beach.

South Beach is definitely where you'll find the most people your age, great people-watching, good restaurants, shopping, bars, clubs, etc. Check out the Delano Hotel if you have a chance - it is totally over-the-top, and you're bound to run into someone famous.

I also love the Calle Ocho (8th Street) area for Cuban flavor and great Cuban food. And Coral Gables/Coconut Grove is a beautiful area to drive around - some gorgeous homes. Also good shopping in Coconut Grove.

I second the Viscaya recommendation too - a fabulous mansion in a beautiful setting. I attended a wedding there last year, and it was incredible.

Don't miss Cocowalk in Coconut Grove, Bayside in downtown Miami and hit the nightlife on South Beach at least one night. For more info check out
http://SoFla.com/

I was just there. Definitely spend time at South Beach at night. I was just recently intoduced to the Lincoln Road area which has lots of outdoor restaurants, cute shops, great people watching.