am thinking on taking a March trip fom London to Miami for a week. Wife and I are both in late 60s, so do not really want to drive, any suggestions where to stay near beach, but also shops restaurants within walking distance.Is it a safe place to go, seen many bad reports on news and tv etc ?//

Miami Beach is a long barrier island with beautiful beaches. Many hotels are located along these beaches. I would stay in the area called South Beach, preferably
south of 5 th street, because although lively it is a little less noisy that the area between 5 th street and LIncoln Rd, that is 17 street.
TRhere are many shops along Collins Avenue around
5,6,7, 8 9, 10 streets and many, many restaurants some by the ocean some not, Lincoln Rd is a lovely walking street between Washington Ave and Alton Rd. Many shops and rest in there too.
I would say it is quiet safe, although it is a party place, noisy, and with people in the street till very late at night. That is why I would imagine that if you stay south of fifth it would be a more quite night and you will in the general area of South Beach. Good luck.
Be aware that in most restaurants service is included and you do not have to tip on top if you do not wish to do so. In other areas of Miami it might be different, so always look carefully at the bill, better do not ask, look for yourself.

grazia graziella5b

South Beach is really nice. It is right on the sandy public beach with lots of outdoor restaurants. Last time we stayed at the Lowes. I highly recommend it. Sometimes you can get good web rates. It is in a great location. It is a little north of the whole J-Lo type scene and a bit south of the nice shops. Their Emeril's restaurant is fabulous.

South Beach is a really fun place to people watch. The trendy of the trendiest go there in their fancy cars and skimpy clothes. You won't feel out of place if that stuff makes you laugh as it makes me laugh.

Miami has its bad parts, but it is fine. Of course, I live near Detroit, so I'm used to it I guess. Be aware that it was quite a bit damaged in the hurricane a few months ago. The aquarium is still closed, but most other things have opened back up. You will see a lot of missing signs and tarps on roofs, but it shouldn't interfere with your trip.

Have fun!

If I might add. My husband and I are also in our 60's and live in Ft. Lauderdale. We go to South Beach quite frequently and love to walk along Lincoln Road (it's closed to traffic). Although they say that South Beach is for the "young" (whatever that means)..we love the ambiance - if you love good jazz, go to the Van Dyke on Lincoln Road. It has a wonderful outdoor and indoor cafe that's great for people watching and an upstairs intimate jazz club with music every night. Have a terrific time and come up North to see us in Ft. Lauderdale, which is a little less hectic that Miami.

I will be in South Beach next week. We are close to your age, 50's. I am sure it is a fun place. I have stayed in Fort Lauderdale before and it is a place you should not miss. I love it there. To me it is like no other city! They have a great new hotel there the Pelican beach resort. Awesome place. We are going to Florida to visit family this time or I would also go to FLL again. Whatever you do enjoy.

Thank you Diann...we love it here. The best part of Pelican Beach Hotel is that it is DIRECTLY on the beach. You open your drapes in the morning and you can almost touch the beautful ocean. Most of the hotels on A1A are across from the beach as the beach is public - (much more beautiful than the Miami Beaches too). If you want a fun place to eat - try Aruba right on the beach at Commerical Blvd. FL food and not to expensive. Enjoy your vacation! The weather is gorgous!