We will be staying two nights in Miami prior to cruise. Have 3 kids, ages 8 to 13. Priorities are safe area, good beach, good restaurants. Which general area is better? Should we rent a car?

Definitely South Beach. It's where the action is. Yes, you should rent a car but please be careful when you exit the car rental location that you know exactly where you are going and don't have to stop for directions. We've done it lots of times so you don't have to worry but I just want to caution you up front. Is your cruise leaving out of Miami or Ft.Lauderdale? I'm going to assume it is Miami. Your family will like the action in South Beach. You can also spend time in Bayside and take a 1 hour cruise out of there to see some of the magnificent homes from the water. You can go to Bal Harbour (eat upstairs in one of the more casual restaurants if you're trying to save a few dollars on the family food bill.) Look into the Roney Palace (used to be the Roney Plaza years ago)-my daughter stayed there and they are magnificent condos that are rented out as a hotel. Lots of luxurious space for a family of 5. You can go to the Aventura Mall if you want a large shopping experience- about 20 mins. away. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. We are leaving out of Miami. Does anyone know if we can rent a car at the airport and return it to Port of Miami?

I think there might be a rental place on Biscayne Blvd , which is the main drag just before you enter the port. Maybe they can shuttle you over to the port. I personally think south beach is too much action for an 8 and 13 year old. There are some more hotels as you go north along Collins Ave and the kids could use the pool as well as the ocean. If you were staying longer I'd direct you to Hollywood. More family friendly. Stay on the main highways. BAsically airport to beach is a straight run east on 395 East or 112 which become 195 Esat (not to be confused with I-95 North or SOuth)

We are also a family of five. We will be staying in Miami for four nights after a cruise. I have made reservarions at the Beach House at Bal Harbour. It will accommodate five people in an ocean front room.All the reviews I've read have nice things to say about it.

I just looked online at the Roney Palace and rates are $545 per night!!
http://www.roney-palace.com/pages/reservationsFrame.htm