We have booked our flights to Miami for Jan 24 - Feb 8, 2003 - but that is all we have planned so far. We are thinking that we might book a last minute week-long cruise if the price is right, and spend our other week seeing a state we have never been to.
We have heard that the Florida Keys shouldn't be missed. How long do you think we need to allow to enjoy them?
What else should we not miss?? We are undecided about Disney World, and the like. We have been to Disneyland a couple of times, so wouldn't be the end of the world if we skipped it. We are happier relaxing on beaches and sight seeing, than we are fighting crowds in big cities.
Do you think we need to have hotel reservations for the entire time, or will we have a problem getting a moderate priced place to stay?
Does anyone use the Entertainment book for Miami/Florida Keys, and do you think there is value in having one for a week long visit? (I use my local one extensively!)
So many questions!!
Thanks for your input.

Pat,

All the cruise lines are offering great deals on cruises out of Miami, even 3-4days.

I'd skip Orlando if you don't have kids. If you want some relaxing time on the beach, I would suggest Marco Island, Naples or Sanibel Island. All are very nice and close to Miami.

Since Jan-Feb is still the high season for the snowbirds, I would suggest making hotel reservations. You can always cancel.

I use the Entertainment Guide in Orlando all the time, but it just depends on the type of stuff you want to see. I'd go online to the guides website & see what coupons they offer for Miami.

Have fun!

Pat:

Take a leisurely trip through the Keys.

Once you finalize your plans, you most definitely need to book hotels. As another poster mentioned, it is high tourist season and lots of places are probably already booked. I tried to "wing it" once in the Keys and ended up at a Roach Motel. I should know better living in Tampa.

If you have never been to Key West, it is a great trip down the keys to see it and Key West itself is great. It is SO relaxing. St. Augustine is another great place to visit but at the total opposite end of the state so you probably don't want to travel that far.

Enjoy!

Some tips for travelers coming to S. Florida: (I live Miami-FL)

It rains almost EVERYDAY here. Bring an umbrella or get one when you get here. It uncommonly rains all day.. its typically sunny/partly cloudy in the morning and then the rain hits in the afternoon (3-4pm). By nightfall (7-8pm) its clear again. Its typically tropical weather pattern.

2) Because of what is mention in #1, the best time to go the beach is in the morning/early afternoon.

3) The beaches have the good habit of being clearer then the inland. I mean this from a detailed city-perspective - Miami Beach is often clear/partly cloudy and then the west part of the city (airport/doral/kendall) its pouring or raining.

4) Have plenty of change (coins - especially quarters) with you at all times. There are many tolls on many highways in Miami. You will also need the quarters for the endless amount of parking meters around downtown, miami beach, and downtown coral gables.

-Grog

Grog: Does it really rain almost every day even in Jan. and Feb.?

South Fla here and no it doesnt rain everyday suring the winter months.