Going to the States soon and hope to drive down to Miami and the Florida Keys. Any advice of where to go (or not to go!) in Miami would be greatly appreciated.

Darren
(Wales, UK)

My assumption is you're young and single. If so the only place in Miami to go and stay is the South Beach area. It is the "in" place to be for the 20 something single crowd (straight,gay,rich,college student,artist,musician,beach bum etc.). Anywhere else in Miami is either for older folks, to crowded or dangerous. Key West, in my opinion, is the best Key to go for a fun time. It's funky and an interesting Key to explore during the day. The older section of town becomes adult orientated after 10 PM. Lot's of fun! Ernest Hemingway's house is in Key West. Worth the visit. If you haven't tried it I recommend deep sea fishing. Can be expensive but it's fun.
P.S If you haven't driven in the U.S.A, be careful..I've been to Wales. It's very different driving in the US!!!
enjoy!!

My assumption is you're young and single. If so the only place in Miami to go and stay is the South Beach area. It is the "in" place to be for the 20 something single crowd (straight,gay,rich,college student,artist,musician,beach bum etc.). Anywhere else in Miami is either for older folks, to crowded or dangerous. Key West, in my opinion, is the best Key to go for a fun time. It's funky and an interesting Key to explore during the day. The older section of town becomes adult orientated after 10 PM. Lot's of fun! Ernest Hemingway's house is in Key West. Worth the visit. If you haven't tried it I recommend deep sea fishing. Can be expensive but it's fun.
P.S If you haven't driven in the U.S.A, be careful..I've been to Wales. It's very different driving in the US!!!
enjoy!!

Was just in Miami two weeks ago for a conference. Other than South Beach (which will take you less than a day/night to get to know), there ain't much there there. My wife and I drove out to Everglades National Park (apx. 40 min. West) one day, rented bikes at the Shark Valley Trail and rode around. Highly recommended! Saw wild aligators, assorted water birds, storks cranes, etc. No panthers -- though they are there too. Also, the road out there has numerous spots where you can pull over and take an airboat ride in the Everglades for like $10 for 30 minutes. Also highly recommended.

Haven't been to the Keys, but envy anyone who has or will...

Enjoy!

GP (San Francisco)

P.S. Bring a roll of quarters with you to Miami. Parking meters everywhere.

You will love South Beach. Be sure to go to Mango's for drinks and dancing. The "show" is fabulous. Go to Madona's hotel, the Delano for drinks (it is VERY EXPENSIVE) and just to see the place. It is very high fashion and a must see. Eat Cuban sandwiches for lunch and enjoy the seafood.

Hi Darren,
We went to Florida last christmas with my wife.
Don't spend to much time in Miami. 1 day and 1 night is enough. As Gian, I suggest you go to the Everglades. That's the best thing to see in Florida for a European. Do the road into the park from Florida City and do the boat tour around the Island from Everglade City (North).
You can have fun in the Keys but it's not very very nice. The beach are artificial. if you drive to Key West you have to go snorkling.
Fore more advice and information you can check my website about our travel in Florida (Photo Album) at http://pimico.fr/ab
Enjoy.

Hello Darren, Stay in South Beach and
go to the Everglades but instead of going S , go west on 836 , and then South on route 29 to Everglades City. On the way on 836 stop at Coopertown and take an air boat ride. Coopertown is a family owned very funky , the oldest in the area, and has charm.
After the air boat ride continue as I said towards Everglade city, there you have different options to visit the Everglades, I loved renting a canoe with a guide to wonder in the 1000 islands , this was fantastic! The serenity and unique beauty of the area is really a beautiful experience.
In Everglades city have a drink in the oldest hotel and bar in the area, the famous
Gun and Road Club, where President Truman slept when signing the Everglades park agreement.
Then if it is eating time have dinner in a nice place called the Oyster House
and watch the sunset ( no need to go to Key West)

I love South Beach, personally I do not like neither Mando nor Key West
but this are personal perceptions.
There are dozen of bars, night , clubs and restaurants in South Beach one will be your favourite but this is very personal.
Find a nice small hotel for instance the
beuaatiful Impala Hotel or the less expensive Leon , very nice too,..a good travel book for Miami is the Lonely Planetby Nick Selby. He did a fine job.
Again this is only my personal view but
I agree with the previous posting that the Everglass is beautiful and unique.
So you have two options to visit the Everglades, S or W. Good luck.

You picked a great destination! I think the two most fun destinations in Florida are South Beach and Key West. You didn't say how long you have, but I think two or three nights in South Beach and 5 or 6 nights in Key West would be about perfect. Both have great restaurants, interesting architecture, and fun atmosphere. Key West has more to do in terms of the Hemingway House, which is interesting to tour, and also good snorkeling nearby. Key West also has a more tropical, Caribbean feel to it. Both have interesting peoplewatching! The drive to Key West from Miami is very pretty in places. It takes a little under 4 hours depending on traffic and whether you stop. There is a place along the way where you can go swimming with the dolphins if you make reservations far enough in advance but I can't remember what it is called. The drive to Key West is only 2 lanes most of the way and can be bumper-to-bumper at busy times so don't be in a hurry. Be sure to try Key Lime Pie. The seafood in Miami and the Keys is delicious.
I am not as much of a fan of "Alligator Alley" and the Everglades as some apparently are. I appreciate nature as much as anyone but have to confess that this marshy area full of alligators creeped me out. In fact, it gave me nightmares. But that's just me. To each his own.