I had an urge for sun and sun! We found a good price on a room at Blue Moon in south beach- although I am aware of some negative postings concerning noise, we think we can put up with it for 2 nights. Any suggestions for "what not to miss" and good restaurants. I am aware of Nemo and Wish, but looking for good Cuban or tapas style restaurants. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

There are plenty of Cuban in S. Beach (Sangua, is that the name?) but you will be better off to go to Versailles. What a terrific place it is. Go anytime, it is open from breakfast until late at night.

The place Tandoori_Girl is thinking of is Puerto Sagua. It's true Cuban food, savory, unfussy and hearty-- like I tell everyone, "it's just like your abuelita used to make." Diner atmosphere, but the staff are uniformly warm and friendly (especially if you speak Spanish).

David's Café has two locations in South Beach (one just up the street from the Blue Moon); another poster, GoTravel, recommends it quite highly, but I've never gotten a chance to go there. Another choice is Lario's on the Beach, which is on Ocean between 8th and 9th; fun, filled with music and happy crowds (tourists and locals), and the mojitos are good-- but the kitchen is a bit inconsistent (I've had great ropa vieja, but then had tough chicharrones).

Versailles is in Little Havana, right on Calle Ocho (at 35th). A bit of a haul, but what the heck.

Tapas? There was no place serving classic Spanish tapas in South Beach-- there is one in downtown Miami called Mosaico, which I've heard is great.

A few favorites for me in South Beach, other than Wish (I love that place!):

-- Front Porch Café (awesome breakfasts)
-- Grillfish
-- A Fish Called Avalon
-- Tiramesu
-- Osteria del Teatro

Just opened in South Beach is Vino Miami, a tapas and wine bar at 1601 Washington Ave. I haven't been yet, but the reviews are that the wine list is pretty good and reasonable as are the prices on the food.

Vino Miami? That's on my list to try next time out... thanks, amcc!!

I would not miss La Carreta for Cuban food in Little Havana. It is one of my favorite restaurants in the whole universe. I think their food is better than Versaille's, but Versaille has the better atmosphere. Go to either of these late at night, and they'll be hopping.

Do you like Italian Villas and Gardens? Vizcaya is beautiful, although I have not been since the hurricanes. I know that there was damage, but that its open...

When I lived there, I always enjoyed the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, it's like an Italian Villa with a beautiful pool fed by spring water, etc. where you can swim. I think it's been around since the 20's or 30's, it looks like an Italian villa. Don't know if it's open year-round or not. You'd have to drive there from South Beach. La Carreta is a 24-hour diner serving Cuban food in Little Havana, try the arroz con pollo, it's pretty good.

For a nice breakfast with cool people watching, I always like the News Cafe right on Ocean Drive.

And Versailles - gotta go there.

Fun shopping too!

Drinks at either the Tides or the Delano is always fun as well.

You will have a blast!