I'll be staying at the Miami Claridge at 3500 Collins and another friend will be at 3025 Collins and the third friend at 1500 Collins Ave. According to yahoo maps, it's 1.8 miles between 3500 Collins and 1500 Collins. Is this stretch pleasant/safe enough for walking? What I've seen online seems to indicate that a taxi would be ridiculously expensive for such a short distance, so if possible, I'd rather walk. One person in a hotel review said it was $10 to go from the Claridge to South Beach.

That whole area is South Beach. Most evenings the area is crawling with people and you shouldn't have a problem being out on the street walking.

Those blocks are very short. Allow a couple of minutes per block.

Also, Collins is one block from the beach.

It's safe, but that's a pretty long walk to and from. I'd probably plan on cabbing it back at night. And if you are going in September or October, plan on cabbing it or else you'll be a sweaty disgusting mess by the time you get there.

I for one would not want to walk 2 miles to South Beach then walk back 2 miles to a hotel in hot weather. Also rains a lot down there.

Thanks everybody!

"That whole area is South Beach. "

Not exactly, no.

3500 Collins is Collins & 35th street. The northern "boundary" of South Beach is generally considered to be Lincoln Road, which is around 17th street.

Ralphie,
I wondered what the northern limits were of South Beach. Thanks for that info.

Aggiegirl, give us a trip report when you get back. I really like South Beach, but I am wondering how it is to stay above 20th Street. Enjoy the trip!

It's about 1 1/2 miles from Lincoln Rd to 35th St. That's about 30 a minute walk. Don't walk too fast.

While it's a bit above the heart of South Beach, I'm sure it's not an empty area. There are going to be a fair number of people walking around.

Yes, it does rain in September and less in October. Walk slowly and carry an umbrella. The rain doesn't usually last very long in any one location.

There are a lot of good restaurants on Lincoln Rd. One of my favorites is Tiramisu (721 Lincoln Rd). Call and ask for an outdoor table. Italian food.

I've been to Miami many times. The walk is doable but I wouldn't recommend it, especially if it's hot out. You're talking about 20 blocks here.

There are plenty of buses that run up and down Collins, as well as Washington (which is parallel to Collins). I can't remember how much the fare is, but it's very cheap. I think the Washington bus line is only $0.50 or so. Taxis are expensive in Miami, plus you'll get stuck in so much traffic going up and down Collins.

Get some spare change and take the bus.

Amazing!!! I never thought of the bus. Maybe it's because whenever I've been there I haven't seen one. Not that there aren't any. But I just haven't noticed.

Good idea!!

I actually did look up the bus schedule last week and it looks like there is a stop a block or two away from my hotel that will run to South Beach. I may try that too! I'm used to public transportation in Europe, but I must confess, with the exception of New York City's subways, I've never taken US public transporation. It could be a novel experience!

I live Southwest of Ft Lauderdale.

I see people waiting at the bus stop but I've never seen a bus pick them up. I guess they do come.

I'm sure that in the South Beach area the buses come a lot more often than out here in the suburbs.

I've called Dade County transit to get info for visitors and they're very helpful.

The number is:
(305) 375-5675
www.miamidade.gov