Hi!

I'm returning to Miami for a conference this week but have 1 1/2 days for fun. I will be hiring a car. I'm trying to figure out the best itinerary for this short trip and the most easiest route in terms of driving.

Having said that, I'm only planning to go to South Beach on the afternoon of my first day and then back on the morning of the next day, and then go to Key Biscayne (specifically Bill Baggs State Park). I have a few questions:

1) Is it worthwhile to go for a ride on the South Beach Local (old Electrowave shuttle) to get an overview of the SoBe area? If so, what's a good point for me to start at--that is most easiest to find a parking spot? Metered parking or a garage?
Is the bus too slow in the evening with traffic?

2) Is it a good idea to just park the car and then take the bus from point to point? Or easier to drive and find metered parking?

3) Considering I have such a limited amount of time, what's the best part of SoBe for people watching, chilling with a coffee at an outdoors cafe, and some interesting walking? I'm concerned I may not have enough time to see all of it.

4) If I only have time to see a couple of art deco buildings, are there any specific ones you'd recommend?

5) Since I only have about 1/2 to 3/4 of a day for Key Biscayne, is it worthwhile to see Bill Baggs State Park and the lighthouse? Will this take a long time or do I have time to fit in another part of Key Biscayne? What's a nice part to just hang out and relax at? Preferably near a good seafood place (not too expensive or frilly) for lunch/dinner?

6) Any good viewpoints along my route? I heard about S. Pointe and one on the bridge to Key Biscayne. Any others?

Loads of thanks,

gtrekker2003

I can only answer you about Key Biscayne. It is a lovely area and the Bill Baggs State Park, in my opinion, is worth the visit. I don't know the name of it, but as you're going down the road to Key Biscayne, you will see a turnoff right along the side of the road. It has the most incredible view of Miami.

Let me answer what I can...
3. The best part for sitting and people watching is Lincoln Road. It's a pedestrian street, very pleasant, most restaurants have outdoor seating so you can check out restaurants. Sushi Samba is very good for sushi/drinks.
5. Bill Baggs Park is very nice, and if you hang out on the beach, you can make a day out of it. As you come in, there is a restaurant in the park in No Name Harbor called No Name Grill, full of boaters, a nice place for a fresh seafood lunch. As you come into Key Biscayne, the beaches along the Causeway are good places to rent watersport stuff.

During the day, you'd be better off on Ocean Drive instead of Lincoln Road. Nightime definitely Lincoln Road.

I suggest the News Cafe on Ocean Drive. It is affordable and ground zero for people walking.

No, I don't the you'll get an overview at all of the electric wave.

As far as parking, I'd just park in any lot you see that isn't full. It is peak season and very busy. We spent 30 minutes Saturday trying to find a place to park and both city garages we found were full.

Do not park on the street unless it is in front of a clearly marked meter. Feed the meter. If it runs out you will be booted.

On street parking is mostly permit only (unless metered) so if you park, you will get towed.

Since you'll be in South Beach your first afternoon, I highly suggest one of the big hotel pool bars or getting a chaise lounge on the beach ($5-$7).

South Beach is very compact. Walking is the very best way to see.

Question: where are you staying in Miami? The reason I ask is that you may be better off getting a cab to and from South Beach. Parking will cost you around $20 with no in/out.

Also, if you hit one of the afternoon pool parties, you certainly would not want to drive.

If your first afternoon in South Beach is on a Saturday or Sunday, remember that the clubs are hopping until probably 6AM so you will not start to see a lot of people until past 12Noon.

The Raleigh Hotel has the best Sunday Pool party.

I'm staying in Dadeland, near Miami Baptist Hospital so I think I'll have to drive in. Any particular parking garages I should look for? I don't mind paying $20 for the afternoon/evening, if I have to.

The parking is the only thing I'm anxious about for this trip.

I'll probably be walking around the beach areas more than sitting by the pool, being that I only have such a short time there.

Cheers,

gtrekker2003

Don't worry about the parking. You might have to spend a few minutes searching for an open lot but there are many public lots and parking garages.

I just wanted to warn you that The Winter Music Conference will be held all week in South Beach so expect traffic to be a nightmare and parking at a premium. If you are going on a weekend afternoon, head to South Beach on the Venetian Causeway, Access is by the Performing Arts Center and The Miami Herald Building. Its a nice little drive. Since you are visiting South Beach in the afternoon, provided its not a weekend day, your best bet would be to find a space on in the lots or the garage off 17th Street and Pennsylvania. From this area you can easily walk everythwere. It costs $1 an hour. Sometimes there is event parking at $8 but if you expect to stay less less than 8 hours then ask for the hourly rate. You'll be locate right behind Lincoln Road. Make sure you locate Zeke's Roadhouse between Pennsylvania and Meridian and stop for a cold beer. I assure you this will be the cheapest drink you will have on the beach, as its only $3 and you have a selection of beer from almost every country in the world. Walk west half a block and hear lots of squawking birds...look up and see the colony of wild green parrots nesting in the palms.
You might want to see how the other half lives go to the Delano on 19th and Collins and walk thru the enormous gauze curtains into wonderland. If you're lucky, there might be an afternoon WMC event there with a DJ spinning some cool electronic music. You can also check out the National Hotel next door for one of the best Art Deco restorations on the Beach. Another interesting hotel is the Victor on 12th and Ocean. Go find the cool Jellyfish tank in the lobby.
If you're hungry for some Cuban food go to Puerto Sagua on 7th and Collins. Good, inexpensive food served super fast.
There are real good secluded beaches on Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs. Great places to let yourself forget that you are right next to a huge metroplitan city.
On your way back, take the scenic route through Coconut Grove using Main Highway. A good place to stop would be Scotty's Landing at the marina on the left. It's an unpretentious seafood hangout, mainly locals. If you want to walk around the Grove a little, stop by the Barnacle Historic Site. Its free, but if you want to donate, feel free. Its one of the original houses built here in Miami.
A nice scenic drive back to Kendall would be the Main Highway to Kendal Drive. Just follow the cars going south. You'll be amazed at the jungle like foliage and the great banyan canopy.

Have fun!

Loads of thanks, everybody! I appreciate all the tips and suggestions.

gtrekker2003