Miami safety
Dec 3rd, 2002, 03:46 PM
#4
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Todd
You are correct. The USA is the only place where we send business travellers where we also need to give them a course on how not to be robbed, mugged or killed and how to avoid the dangerous areas. So, in that regard, the USA is more Third World than any of the Third World places where we send travellers.
You are correct. The USA is the only place where we send business travellers where we also need to give them a course on how not to be robbed, mugged or killed and how to avoid the dangerous areas. So, in that regard, the USA is more Third World than any of the Third World places where we send travellers.
Dec 3rd, 2002, 03:57 PM
#5
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You two are nuts fallen from a squirrel try!
Miami is no more dangerous than any large metropolitan area. In fact the crime stats are way down.
Just use common sense, and as the first poster suggested, the South Beach area is extremely safe.
To compare this to 3rd world countries is just nuts...been there, done that, and there ain't no comparison!
Miami is no more dangerous than any large metropolitan area. In fact the crime stats are way down.
Just use common sense, and as the first poster suggested, the South Beach area is extremely safe.
To compare this to 3rd world countries is just nuts...been there, done that, and there ain't no comparison!
Dec 3rd, 2002, 04:20 PM
#6
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Mike, I `been there too. The difference is most third world countries have something unique to offer, whereas Miami has nothing, it is just another big American city with lots of foreign influence. How many people (and I`m not talking of just Foderites, who by and large are city folks) need to see another big US city to round out their experiences. Not Many.
Dec 3rd, 2002, 05:25 PM
#7
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Cool, I understand, but there is plenty to offer in Miami for a week visit!
Perhaps you have not been there for a long time, or meaby just not your cup of tea...all depends I guess!
Miami proper I agree...concrete jungle, one of the ugliest cities in USA.
BUT !!! South Beach is a very vibrant area to visit, and that is why it is important to know where to go and stay.
Now granted, if your not into the dance/clubbing scene it is probably a pass...but if you are, South Beach is a blast, and there is plenty to do for a week. This is definately the Ibiza of North America.
If you feel like getting off the beach for a bit, there is Viscaya, Parrot Jungle, and Coral Castle, Art Deco district, Lincoln Rd.
The shopping in the new Coral Gables mall is top notch!
But the real action (again dance clubs) is on South Beach.
But I will concede outside of this, Miami is just another big ugly city.
Perhaps you have not been there for a long time, or meaby just not your cup of tea...all depends I guess!
Miami proper I agree...concrete jungle, one of the ugliest cities in USA.
BUT !!! South Beach is a very vibrant area to visit, and that is why it is important to know where to go and stay.
Now granted, if your not into the dance/clubbing scene it is probably a pass...but if you are, South Beach is a blast, and there is plenty to do for a week. This is definately the Ibiza of North America.
If you feel like getting off the beach for a bit, there is Viscaya, Parrot Jungle, and Coral Castle, Art Deco district, Lincoln Rd.
The shopping in the new Coral Gables mall is top notch!
But the real action (again dance clubs) is on South Beach.
But I will concede outside of this, Miami is just another big ugly city.
Dec 4th, 2002, 10:08 AM
#8
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Stay with the major roadways and you will be fine...I-95, I-395, I-195. On the beach you will be fine.
A lot of the areas that were once bad are coming back such as the design district. Crime is way down and should not be a problem. Just be alert as you would be in any city.
A lot of the areas that were once bad are coming back such as the design district. Crime is way down and should not be a problem. Just be alert as you would be in any city.
Dec 6th, 2002, 07:51 AM
#9
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My husband and I used to drive through Miami, just to get on the alligator alley and cut across the state.
However, in the past couple of years we've actually stopped in Miami Beach, just to check it out. We were pleasantly surprised. It isn't just like the rest of Florida's east coast. There are many small hotels (Art Deco Style, of course). If this appeals to you, you'd love it. If you are wondering "what is Art Deco" then maybe you wouldn't appreciate the ambiance.
There is no shortage of dining/night life options. I origionally wanted to visit the Vizcaya Mansion (which is absolutely OUTSTANDING, by the way) and we found it to be in a very upscale area.
So many people will tell you about the bad side of town that people forget there is a very elegent, millionaire-ish side of Miami Beach to be enjoyed. I also understand they have an intercoastal cruise like the Jungle Queen in Ft. Lauderdale that takes you through the rich neighborhoods including Millionaire's Row where many Latino stars (Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan) have waterfront mansions.
I have visited San Francisco & Vancouver, B.C. recently. While I did enjoy these cities I have to admit that they had "seedier" areas than Miami Beach. Many panhandlers in both towns! But in Vancouver we took our family to the historic Gastown Section and were somewhat shocked to see people smoking crack on the streets of this touristy area. Lots more bums than San Francisco and their alleys smelled of urine. I remember thinking to myself, "and I used to be afraid of Miami!"
However, in the past couple of years we've actually stopped in Miami Beach, just to check it out. We were pleasantly surprised. It isn't just like the rest of Florida's east coast. There are many small hotels (Art Deco Style, of course). If this appeals to you, you'd love it. If you are wondering "what is Art Deco" then maybe you wouldn't appreciate the ambiance.
There is no shortage of dining/night life options. I origionally wanted to visit the Vizcaya Mansion (which is absolutely OUTSTANDING, by the way) and we found it to be in a very upscale area.
So many people will tell you about the bad side of town that people forget there is a very elegent, millionaire-ish side of Miami Beach to be enjoyed. I also understand they have an intercoastal cruise like the Jungle Queen in Ft. Lauderdale that takes you through the rich neighborhoods including Millionaire's Row where many Latino stars (Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan) have waterfront mansions.
I have visited San Francisco & Vancouver, B.C. recently. While I did enjoy these cities I have to admit that they had "seedier" areas than Miami Beach. Many panhandlers in both towns! But in Vancouver we took our family to the historic Gastown Section and were somewhat shocked to see people smoking crack on the streets of this touristy area. Lots more bums than San Francisco and their alleys smelled of urine. I remember thinking to myself, "and I used to be afraid of Miami!"
Dec 8th, 2002, 01:46 PM
#11
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We visited in November and found most areas very mellow. We stayed at South Beach and found Collins Ave, Lincoln Rd, Ocean Dr. just fine. Mid-week, those streets are a little less busy and homeless, teens, etc. are more noticable. No aggressive pan-handling though.
Key Biscayne was very nice with one exception, which was recommended by Fodor's!
Roughly across from the Aquarium is a road down to "Jimbo's," which the present Fodor's guide recommends visiting to take in the local characters. BIG MISTAKE! On a Friday late afternoon, it was populated by serious drunks and their pit bulls, some of which (dog and patrons) were menacing. There is no "staff" to supervise the dive, so one feels like you walked in a Deliverance family reunion. My wife, a child abuse caseworker, felt she'd removed children from better places than Jimbo's. Working in NYC for 12 years, I've never felt so close to a crime scene.
Fodor's should remove this recommendation before someone gets hurt following their advice.
Key Biscayne was very nice with one exception, which was recommended by Fodor's!
Roughly across from the Aquarium is a road down to "Jimbo's," which the present Fodor's guide recommends visiting to take in the local characters. BIG MISTAKE! On a Friday late afternoon, it was populated by serious drunks and their pit bulls, some of which (dog and patrons) were menacing. There is no "staff" to supervise the dive, so one feels like you walked in a Deliverance family reunion. My wife, a child abuse caseworker, felt she'd removed children from better places than Jimbo's. Working in NYC for 12 years, I've never felt so close to a crime scene.
Fodor's should remove this recommendation before someone gets hurt following their advice.
Dec 11th, 2002, 09:58 AM
#13
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Jimbo's is a local legend and beloved by many Miamians precisely because it is NOT a tourist bar. If you want your "watering holes" to look like Disney's PLeasure Island, yeah, you'll be scared of Jimbo's. But in five years here I have never heard of a crime happening at Jimbos. Further, on friday afternoons Jimbo's gets crowded with marine biology graduate students from UM's marine campus (next to the Seaqurium) so I'm not sure why Jack felt so uncomfortable. Yeah the place is run by (and some regulars are) real old time Miami rednecks, but they are harmless. We love the place because it is glimpse of what Miami used to be before the Glitz and South Beach and english as a second language; it is unique in Miami and I'm sure that is why Fodors mentions it. Jack is right about one thing, though; I hope Fodor's does remove the recommendation so there aren't tourons like Jack taking up space in parking lot.
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