Parking in South Beach - NEED ADVICE!!!!
 

We will be in South Beach for 4 days and do not want to have to park the rental car at the hotel since it will be so expensive. About how far will we need to go to find parking?? If you go 3 or 4 blocks off the ocean can you find free parking?? We need the car to get to golf courses since we might golf one or two times - THanks

Most of the residential streets around the South Beach hotels are either metered or require permits. There are public lots here and there that have somewhat lower daily rates. What hotel are you going to be staying at?

Frankly, I'd budget for the hotel's parking for convenience. I'm going to be at the Cardozo for seven days and plan to pay the $18/day for valet service. Why put myself through the hassle of the city's lots?

I agree. If you can afford to go to South Beach and afford to pay to golf, why not just pay for the convenience of parking. I can't imagine spending my vacation traipsing around trying to find a parking space, since I have to do that in my "real" life.

We will be staying at the Royal Palm Crown Plaza. Do you think there will be any street parking?? Yes I guess we could spend the money but you have to cut costs at some point!! Anyone stayed at this hotel and parked elsewhere, if not how much is parking??

ballet....street parking for tourist is non existent.It is for residents only and available via permit.Valet parking at the RP is $20 per night,unlimited in and out privileges and it is "in house" right under the hotel.There are several other lots/garages within walking distance,but you will pay thru the schnazola for in and out privileges..I hope this helps....

The Royal Crown is in the middle of everything, surrounded by commercial areas and the beach. I would be surprised if you could get parking on the street. There are public parking lots near Lincoln Road, but I am not sure how expensive they are.

I would fear that I would spend all of my time moving my car and feeding the meter if I parked in most of this area.

I've read any number of BFT posts where people want to avoid hotel parking at all costs, and instead hunt down street parking, or lots within walking distance, sometimes even moving their cars twice a day just to avoid the a parking charge, and it makes me scratch my head and wonder. Perhaps I'm just lazy, but shouldn't convenience, or lack of it, come into play as well?

For the most part, hotel parking usually isn't exhorbitant. Then take into consideration that parking anywhere in South Beach is a nightmare. Not only have I never seen free parking, but you feel lucky to find ANY space within a reasonable walk of where you want to go. Then in this area anyway, you are tied to feeding a meter--if you were lucky enough to find space. There comes a point where saving money becomes counterproductive, and it seems to me this is one of those times.

$20 a day for four days is not that onerous, especially since you'll have full in-and-out privileges. Just remember to have some singles to tip the drivers. This is part and parcel of vacationing in a popular destination, so what the hey?

Bottom line, either dump the car or plan on paying for valet parking.

Public parking directly at The Royal Palm doesn't exist on the street. I think the nearest lot is on 14th.

Maybe we will forget the golf - how much is a taxi ride from the airport and back to the airport?? Will we be disapointed in not having a car or is everything you can think of right there??

Southe Beach parking is a snap, as recent travellers know. Every restaurnt offers immediate valet parking. Hotels all have lots or valet. Prices are competitive. And you can always park one or two street off Ocean Ave. The challnge is driving on Ocean after 2 p.m. and before 2 a.m. I'd suggest people consider whether they even need a car in SoBe.

The issue was how to avoid valet parking and find it <i>free</i> in South Beach. I agree, especially with only 4 days, and a good pair of feet, you could easily do without, unless you wanted to see some of the more distant sights.

I'm with the pack. Four days? No car. There's plenty to see in South Beach. Cabs from Miami Airport charge a flat $28 rate to Miami Beach south of 41st St. (according to the MIA website), FYI.

ballet, is this still for July? If you, dump the golf. I can't imagine how miserable golf in July in Miami would be.

Parking is easy on Collins, Washington et al west of Ocean Avenue. Valet is cheap and plentiful. And walking is delightful. There's virtually nothing of interest in the SoBe area you cannot reach on foot. And the nice part is you may be able to cover part of the distance on that lovely beach.

Tell me about it - golf in July-Aug does sound hot as heck but my spouse is a golf nut!!!! I think golf will have to go and also the car. Now - I hope there will be some resturants that will suit teens as well as adults?? Will there be any quick lunch spots or am going to miss that car??

Ballet - right behind the hotel on Collins Av. about a half block walk is a great Deli that was the original Wolfies,(i think its called Jimmys now). My teens loved the HUGE portions and variety.

They also loved China Grill for the coolness and desserts.That is about a $5 cab ride down the strip.

We stayed at the Royal Palm Plaza also and left the car in the garage the entire time a $20/day... that's life!

There's a Jerry's Famous Deli (an LA chain, oddly enough) at Collins and 14th-- site of the infamous Warsaw Ballroom, as well as many other nightclubs. News Caf&eacute;, Front Porch Caf&eacute; and Cardozo Caf&eacute;-- all on Ocean-- are moderately priced and good. Lario's on the Beach is good Cuban (it's on Ocean too). There are many eateries up and down Lincoln Blvd as well. Thai House on Washington is good and not too expensive.

Any nearby ice cream shops????

There's a Haagen-Daaz (I think) on Ocean right south of 15th, in the ground floor of a big condo building. Believe me, on a hot July day last year it was very very welcome after a couple of hours taking pictures of the Deco buildings in the District. So it's a couple of blocks away from the Royal Palm Crowne Plaza.