bendigo

Hi,

Looking at building a short trip from Australia to the US in March next year around a conference in Tampa.

It would be the first trip to the US for my wife, and an absolute must will be at least a few days in NYC - probably after the Conference.

Aside from that, however, I am wondering if a drive from Tampa and few days around Miami Beach would be a good use of time, or whether it would be a better use of our trip to visit some more culturally enriching sites - perhaps DC or Boston (I haven't been there yet!).

So I'm not wanting you to make a decision for me, but wondering if anyone who has experienced Australian beaches can give me an indication of whether there is anything so special about Miami Beach that this would be a unique experience and good use of our limited time, or whether we would be better to forego the Beach to focus on some really unique US sites and sights?

I realise that the weather will be much warmer in Florida than the North East, but we have good coats, and after a fabulous family winter trip to Europe in 2012, quite like the thought of smaller crowds in the cold places!

Thanks,

Rob

Ackislander

What makes Miami Beach interesting and enjoyable is its architectural and cultural diversity. The beach is a beautiful wide stretch of sand, clean, wide and smooth, but not something I would go halfway around the world to see.

Next to perhaps Tel Aviv, MB has the best collection of 1930's Art Deco buildings anywhere. These hotels and restaurants form a lively activity center day and night, as does much of the island to the north and south. These areas were once a winter magnet for the trendy of both North America and Europe. It is now much more a magnet for South Americans. Everyone speaks English, but many of them do it with a Spanish or Creole accent. There are museums and historic houses and neighborhoods, many of them on the mainland in Miami itself, but in Miami Beach, it is the scene that draws. If this appeals, go for it.

If you are more interested in art and music, Boston and New York will better suit you, with the danger of bad weather. Boston is more European and smaller. Both have more to do than I have the stamina for!

thursdaysd

What Ackislander said. But if you want museums and memorials, DC is the place to go.

bendigo

Thanks for the responses.

Perhaps I need to do the Aussie Beach trip next summer, and that would remove the Beach need for Florida (perhaps an extra day in Tampa would suffice).

I spent a snow-bound week in DC about four years ago. Fortunately I was staying Downtown, as all transport was cut and most places were closed - including all those where I had tentatively made time for meetings and visits.
The upside was that there was at least one Smithsonian open every day, so I managed a crash course in US Culture and History, as well as getting scrapes and bruises from constantly slipping on my arse in the snow while trekking around the streets and The Mall.

NYC is a necessity, but I'd probably prefer to see Boston (or Philadelphia)for something new - my last trip also gave me time to visit Richmond and Charlottesville (with Mt Vernon and Monticello)so I've probably had reasonable exposure to to many of the surrounding historic sites as well.

thursdaysd

How about Charleston or Savannah on the way north? (Maybe be train part way?) If I wanted beach time in Florida I might head for the keys, much prettier.

garyt22

If you must do Tampa, the beaches in the area are pure white sand and stay that way down through Clearwater and Sarasota... the weather in March can be iffy for the beach as far south as Naples...

If you are looking for Character cities, consider New Orleans, Savannah and Charleston...

New York weather is also unpredictable and messes up the magic of Central Park and the walkability of New York with its scents, diversity, and electric vibe...

Early March and Late march also can make a big difference of up to 50 degrees in NYC so plan accordingly...