We will be in South Beach the first week in February and were wondering what we can expect weatherwise. Is this a good time to visit? We were afraid if we waited much later we would start running into the spring break crowds. Any suggestions on what to do or any possible daytrips?

February can be a mixed bag, but for the most part, it should be pretty good.The temps should be mild.
The Key Biscayne area is always a good bet,especially the beach and the lighthouse. Key West is about 3 hours away and I'd highly recommend you spend the night, but it's worth it.
Of course, the Miami beaches are good.

I hope you have hotel and plane reservations because the superbowl is in town that week and roach hotels are going for $600 a night. Moderates, $800-$1000.

Plan on huge crowds and a lot of parties going on.

Weather is a crapshoot, daily highs anywhere from 60 degrees to 80 degrees.

Don, I live in South Beach and can tell you that the weather will probably be great. Check in Tripadvisor and get your hotel reservation ASAP. Where ever you stay, ask for a quiet room facing the back.

If you rent a car you can go to Shark Valley, it is in the dead center of the Everglades, about a one hour drive. When I have guests I take them there, it is a real crowd pleaser! Google more information if it sounds interesting.

I actually didn't think about the Superbowl being in Miami, but it is on the 4th and we are flying in on the 5th and staying until the 11th. But it all makes sense now how come I couldn't get a room on the 4th when I tried. We have an anniversary on the 6th, which is why I chose that week, plus we were hoping to get away from the cold here. We do have room reservations (Park Central) and a car and do hope to make it to the Everglades. Is that a good time of the year to go? How about the airboats? Good or bad?

Your dates are good then! You'll avoid all the superbowl hoopla!

We stayed at the Park Central in Dec. 2005 and enjoyed our stay. I wrote a Trip Report that you might find useful.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34721266

Try this link. I don't think the other worked.

Don, that is a great time to go to the Everglades. There are no bugs and the low water level means the anamals are forced to stay near the water holes.

The airboats...Hmmm, they are fun if the driver goes very fast, usually they do not, but....
1.The noise chases off the wild life.
2.It destroys the vegetation.
All around they are not a good idea, if you really care about the Everglades you will avoid them.