MIAMI residents or frequent visitors?
 

I am embarassed to ask this, which is basically a variation of the "What is there to do in XXX ?" type question that has driven ME crazy when I've seen it over the years here and on the Europe board, but here I am.

We chose Miami basically because we needed to quickly use FF miles for a domestic flight and have already seen most of North America (well about 50 cities and most of the States) but not Florida except for a week in Orlando when the kids were younger.

The dreaded question: <b>What is there to do in Miami?</b>

backround info:
Me and my wife - in our late 40's

Not really beach people! (though we DO usually spend 1/2 day at beach when visiting cities such as San Diego, etc.)

Staying 3 nights at Century Hotel&yacute; located at 140 Ocean Dr (between 1st &amp; 2nd St.)

Somewhat epicurian. Would like suggestions in all price ranges, probably only one special meal over $100. Focus on local and what we won't find elsewhere.

Love all visual arts, music (all types), and culture in general. Not into dance clubs. Again, a focus on local arts and music.

Like nature (but not for TOO much of the trip, we are city people).

Like exploratory walks.


IDEAS PLEASE?? Both itinerary and isolated suggestions. Close to hotel especially appreciated but we will have rental car.

Thanks.

I had a very fine dinner at Nemo. We spent about 100 for two people with appetizers + entrees.

Gelato in Miami Beach is the best I've had in the U.S., reminiscent of Italy.

South Beach art deco walk.

Little Havana. Cuban food. Versailles is the usual go-to place on this board.

The Everglades day trip.

Go to the Delano for at least a drink. I ate there (business meal), and the food was fabulous, but I think it's probably over $100. Definitely go for a drink, though - very cool. I also agree with seeing the Everglades - very, very cool.

Visit Vizcaya which is just on the outskirts of downtown Miami, just on the north side of Coconut Grove, along the bayfront near at the entrance to Key Biscayne.

http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/

I second the Delano (1685 Collins Ave.) for a drink, but walk through the hotel (slowly, to take in the Phillippe Starck interior-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Starck) to the pool bar. There are many chic shops along Collins Ave, most are open into the evening, and you can take in the Art Deco hotels as you walk. Enjoy!

bardo, don't miss Vizcaya! The Deering estate (built by the brother of the man who built Vizcaya) is south of it. http://www.deeringestate.org/ Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens is nearby. http://www.fairchildgarden.org/index...itingfairchild

Nearer your hotel, there's the Wolfsonian Museum http://www.wolfsonian.org/visitus/index.html Unusual and fascinating design exhibitions. And, don't miss the Art Deco district walking tour:

http://www.mdpl.org/Tours/guidedtours.html

That will get you started.

bardo, another thought. In the inexpensive price range, you might like Creek 28, a restaurant on Indian Creek Drive - in the Indian Creek Hotel. Chef is from Seattle, if I remember correctly. We were there last year; food was good, service was .... laid-back, I guess is the best word.

www.creek28.com

It is very hot and humid here this time of year. I would keep an eye out for storms in the tropics as we approach the height of hurricane season. Don't panic, because we know a week out if anything is headed our way.

There have been some excellent suggestions. I'd definitely suggest Vizcaya and Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Both are very unique. The Wolfsonian is also interesting.

While on South Beach you can take the Duck Tour. I know its cheesy, but I've heard its a lot of fun and you get a great overview of the area on land and sea.
http://www.ducktoursmiami.com/

I'm not Jewish, but I've always been moved by the excellent Holocaust Memorial in South Beach.
http://www.holocaustmmb.org/

When strolling along Lincoln Road look for the Art Center of South Florida. Its a quirky collection of artist studios and exhibits you can walk through. It is even open well into the evening.
http://www.artcentersf.org/

There's an intimate jazz club over the Van Dyke Cafe on Lincoln Road.
http://www.thevandykecafe.com/

Latin food, music, and dancing at Mangoes on Ocean Drive.
http://www.mangostropicalcafe.com/

Don't be intimidated going into any of the Hotels. Some are amazing, especially the Setai, Raleigh, National, and Victor.

When visiting Vizcaya on the mainland, you can visit Coconut Grove and Coral Gables nearby.

Dining I'd recommend:
Nemo's or
Grillfish (seafood)
http://www.grillfish.com/

Sardinia or DeVito (Danny Devito's) for Italian

Puerto Sagua (Cuban Diner)

Sushi Samba or
Bond Street (Sushi)

Tap Tap (Haitian)

Novecento (Argentine)

If you are going in August or September look into restaurants participating in Miami Spice.

http://www.miamirestaurantmonth.com/participants.htm

That light pink doesn't show up on my monitor, and that light blue is very faint, by the way.

What generous responses! Thank you!

The breadth and range of both dining and sightseeing suggestions is exactly what we were hoping to elicit. These look just like the kinds of places we will enjoy.

More input always welcomed.

p.s. Trip is mid-October

Bardo, if you're looking for a decent pint of real beer, try the Abbey Brewing Company. It's in Miami Beach -- far from the beach in a residential neighborhood. Very small, intimate space, with friendly locals.

http://www.abbeybrewingcompany.com/