Miami in Mid July
 

I am traveling to Miami in Mid July for 7 days w/four friends & my fiance. We have never been. Any suggestions on where to eat, what we should see in terms of sites? and how about the nightlife? Do we need a rental car or is public transportation adequate? and finally any tips on surving the HOT weather?

Perhaps I can of assistance. I am a Miami Beach resident and hotel concierge. <BR>Where to eat: <BR>in Miami---Fishbone Grille for great seafood, La Bouchon in Coconut gove for French, Versailles for Cuban <BR> <BR>in Miami Beach---Nemo for brunch, the Blue Door at the Delano Hotel just because it's the Delano, Cafe Tabac for beautiful people and people watching, and Tiramesu or Osteria del Teatro for Italian, China Grill and Tuscan Steak for rubbing elbows with the well-to-do locals and good food, Smith & Wollensky for great steak and service. <BR> <BR>Must-see: South Beach: Art Deco distict and Lincoln Road are the places to be be morning and night---you'll find shops, restaurants, art galleries. <BR>The Everglades---take an airboat ride. <BR>The beaches---topless on South Beach, watersports near Key Biscayne. <BR> <BR>Transportation: YES. Unless you're staying in South Beach and don't want to go anywhere else, you need a car! <BR>Miami is spread out; the bus system is not an option---must Miamians don't even know how to use it! <BR> <BR>However, taxis are saffe and easy to get in tourist areas. <BR>Enjoy! <BR> <BR>

I forgot: <BR>nightclubs: Bar Room (Lincoln Rd), Chaos, and The Living Room (both Washington Ave)are the hottest clubs on South Beach---expect the velvet rope treatment or see your concierge for the guest list. Also good : Bash (Washington Ave), house in the front,Latin the back. <BR> <BR>Bars: Clevelander (Ocean Drive) <BR> <BR>Latin music and dancing: Mango's (Ocean DRive)

If you are staying in South Beach, I'd recommend Joe's (great stone crabs, but don't know if they are in season), News Cafe (breakfast/brunch), and just about any bar on Ocean Drive (good people watching). These suggestions are a little touristy, but great for a first trip.

I don't recall that we've ever had a genuine concierge respond to a query. I am impressed! <BR> <BR>In addition to the above... great beaches at Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne and John Lloyd State Park just south of Ft. Lauderdale. Snorkeling at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. <BR> <BR>General wandering around: definitely Coconut Grove. Also, Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale. Both are active until well after midnight. <BR> <BR>Other: Fairchild Tropical Garden, Old Cutler Rd. south of Coral Gables. Beautiful! <BR> <BR>Transportation: definitely a rental car. Janet is absolutely correct; public transportation is not useful for tourists. <BR> <BR>And what to wear? As little as possible (seriously). The temperatures will be 88-92 and the humidity will be unbearable to a Californian. <BR>