Any suggestions on things to do in the airport? Thanks.

How long? There's a hotel in the airport if you need a day room.

We had a very long layover there in 2010. We thought about taxi'ing to the nearby Dolphin Mall but decided against it at the last minute. Instead we enjoyed a few mojitos at the bar and chatted with a lovely British family about their trip to Florida.

The day room is a great idea too. The hotel is outside security but that isn't so bad.

Thanks. On the outbound it is an eight hour layover, return is seven. Thank you, AA.

Cafe Versailes or somewhere is in Little Havana. Maybe a quick trip to South Beach or Biscayne National Park.

I had a long layover there a few yars back. Take a shuttle or cab into Miami Beach and walk around. If you'll be there in the afternoon stop by Joe's Stone Crab. Great seafood.

That 7-hour layover won't seem too bad once you get back into the country because you'll be stuck at customs for a LARGE part of it. Future reference, do NOT fly international through Miami unless you absolutely must. It sucks.

Thanks for the comments.

Wow! It would be great to cab it over to South Beach even to just walk around for an hour, but BigRuss' caution about customs will change that plan. But IF you have time...

Previous experience at MIA was what sealed the decision to stay in the airport and not attempt an excursion.

Given BigRuss'caution, am I crazy to think I could sneak in a quick dip-my-toes at the beach on a 4 hour layover from Paris to LA? At what point (e.g.,customs and re-check takes +2 hours) would you opt for the hotel pool instead? (A Pacific coaster I'd like to experience the warm Atlantic.)

Googlemaps estimates 15-20 minutes drive from the airport to Miami Beach, 10-30 minutes at the water, back to the airport an hour ahead for domestic flight security (and a rinse)--doable?

Thanks in advance.

It is possible, but highly unlikely. I wouldn't do it.

I wouldn't even consider it. Sorry, I know that's not what you want to hear but I don't think it's a good idea. Enjoy a few mojitos at the bar like we did.

Many thanks--I DO tend to be overly optimistic about squeezing in one more thing. I appreciate your well-informed responses.

Hey - if you have clear everything - and still have over 2 hours left - and if - repeat if - security lines getting back in aren't that long - you could rent a cab for an hour - and have him take you to South Beach - probbly just for a few minutes and back - just to see it - or go to closer Little Havana, but would also triple check about traffic conditions, etc.

Have done things like that and been lucky - and you might also check if there is another flight to LA shortly after your scheduled departure.

You could come to Ft. Lauderdale for a mini-mini GTG!