My best friend and I are planning a trip to Miami(or anywhere else in Florida that's not Disney World) during March. Can anyone suggest any places to go(or not to go)? We're not quite 21, so bars are out of the question, but nightclubs aren't. We'd also be interested in some sight-seeing, but nothing to touristy. We won't have access to a car, so transportation beyond cabs, buses, and such are out of the question.

M, you may wantr to re-think that "no car" part of your trip. All parts of Florida, including Miami, are very sparse on public transportation. You can get around in Miami via buses, but it is agonizingly slow. It also puts "natural" Florida (e.g., the Everglades) completely out of reach. Cabs aren't exhorbitantly priced, but they don't "cruise."

The "nothing too touristy" part of south Florida would include Crandon Park (great beach), walking Coconut Grove at night or on a weekend, Fairchild Garden, and of course, South Beach. I'm sure someone will add to this thread with other ideas.

I'm in Miami. email me and I will be happy to provide any assistance, so you can have a good time when you come!

Pick up a copy of The Unofficial Guide to Miami and the Keys. It gives you a rundown on many of the clubs and restaurants, including age minimums, type of clientele, etc. I guess you can't get a car because you're below the minimum age for rental. Leave room in your budget for cabs. Much safer than bus or walking late at night. Try and stay central to the places you'll want to go.

I think you most definitely should rethink not having a car. I can't imagine how you will be able to do all the things you can do here without one! You should check out Ft. Lauderdale's Beach Place, Las Olas Boulevard and the IMAX and the Museum of Science & Discovery...in Miami, check out Cocowalk in Coconut Grove and don't miss the South Beach area! Feel free to contact me for more info...Susan

I think you most definitely should rethink not having a car. I can't imagine how you will be able to do all the things you can do here without one! You should check out Ft. Lauderdale's Beach Place, Las Olas Boulevard and the IMAX and the Museum of Science & Discovery...in Miami, check out Cocowalk in Coconut Grove and don't miss the South Beach area! Feel free to contact me for more info...Susan

Since you won't have a car (it's hard to rent one if you're not at least 25), I would recommend staying in South Beach. Lots of funky shopping and outdoor cafes on Collins Ave, Ocean Drive, Washington and Lincoln Ave. Or you can spend your time on the beach watching all the beautiful people and soaking up the warm sun. Another idea would be to take the Greyhound from Miami to Key West for a couple of days.

Visit www.1800hotels.com Try to find a place in South Beach. It is a super fun area and there is tons for you to do. For one really crazy place to visit, see Mongo's -- the latin music is fantastic, the dancing is great. Another place you should see at night is Madonna's hotel "Delanos" Dress up. Go after dinner. The place looks like a movie set. Soaring ceilings with sheer billowing floor to ceiling draperies. Mirrored tables, lots of glass and chrome and white calla lilies. Every chair/sofa in the lobby area is different. It is incredible. Maybe you can have a coke in the hotel bar (it is simply at the back of the lobby, not really like a bar, more like a large conversation area). But the decor and the place is simply outstanding. I don't even think it is on the beach -- but the pool out back is pretty cool.