We are flying into Ft Lauderdale arriving Wed evening, Feb 15th, staying in South Beach Wed and Thur, driving to Key West Friday and staying three nights. I have not yet booked my South Beach hotel but I really want to stay on Ocean Ave. I am considering taking a cab or shuttle service from Ft Lauderdale airport to South Beach since I don't think we would really need it until Friday and the charge for parking is about $30 per day. We could pick up a rental and drive to Key West and maybe even turn it in once we get there since we shouldn't need it for the three days in Key West. I am looking for advice on Ocean Ave hotels in South Beach as well as restaurant recommendations and what to do in the area on Thursday. I have reserved the Key Lime Inn in Key West and read somewhere on Fodors that you can get bikes delivered to your hotel for the duration of your stay. That sounds like a plan to me! I would like some ideas for activities on Key West and restaurant recomendations also. And is my plan on just getting a car rental for the drive down and the drive back is a good idea?

In the South Beach area, go eat at Tap Tap, a Haitian restaurant--it has a web site.

Once you get to South Beach, there is no need for a car... consider the www.surfcomber.com at 1717 Collins Avenue... it is right ON the Ocean as opposed to Ocean Drive (where the hotels are across the street) there is a great pool area and Ocean Dr is steps away...

Several hotels have rental car desks so it may be easy to find a car nearby for your trip to the Keys...

See my trip reports on Miami and Key West below:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-184065-2.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-184065-2.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-augustine.cfm

Agreed that you won't need a car in South Beach, and in fact, I did most everything in my Miami itinerary without one by relying on buses and Metrorail.

Re food in Miami -- the absolute must for me was Joe's Stone Crab. I wasn't a big fan of Tap Tap, but I may not "get" this cuisine, either. See my food trip report above for details.

Eaton bikes will deliver bikes to you and provide a map of Key West and suggest bike routes for you http://www.eatonbikes.com/

The car rentals usually are returned to the airport. If you stop by the Key Lime in first to unload your things, you can load a bike in the back, return the car, then bike back to the Inn. It's about 3 miles, and will save you approx $20.00 in cab fare for two people.

For restaurants, first look at Alonzos Oyster Bar at the Key West Bight. They have 1/2 priced appitizers and drinks during happy hour. You can make a nice, inexpensive meal here. The Boathouse next door has the same deal and serves different things. And for Cuban, El Meson de Pepe just off Mallory Square. Try a mojito here, at least.

And I always suggest getting out onto the water when people go to Key West - snorkeling, kayaking, stand=up paddle boarding. Any interest?

hth
Pjk

We loved BOTH Joe's Stone Crab and Tap Tap. Equally fantastic and couldn't possibly be more different from one another. Both worth a visit. Budget $150 for dinner for 2 at Joe's (before tip) and $50 at Tap Tap.

For cheap, casual and delish, we loved this spot. close to both Ocean Dr. and Lincoln Rd. ($50 for 2 includes wine):
http://alafoliecafe.com/

Re prices on Joe's Stone Crab: it's possible to get out of there cheaper and still eat really well if each person orders "Joe's Special," which perfectly collects up their greatest hits for one diner for $40.00 (includes slaw, crab claws, creamed spinach, hash browns, bread basket, and key lime pie in individual portions). Drinks, tax, and tip extra, of course.

Joe's Stone Crab is a must. We found it by accident when we were in Miami 3 years ago and will definitely go back. The Surf Comber sounds great but it's all booked for our dates. Last night I got an email for a great rate at Casa Grande and booked that for $139 per night, however, after I made the reservation I read TripAdvisor reviews and I'm thinking of canceling. Great tip, Peter, on checking in at the Key Lime and getting a bike before dropping the rental at the airport. I hate to admit that might not have occurred to me! I'll read bachslunch's reports for other restaurant recommendations. If anyone has experience with Casa Grande or other Ocean Ave hotels please speak up, I have until 2-1 to cancel the reservation.