Spring Break in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, need quick advice! (Hialeah: beach, architecture)

[c0lumbus0h]

Thanks for all of the responses, you guys are awesome! And yes I agree, A1A is very beautiful. I was actually down in Fort Lauderdale two months ago and we stayed at the Westin along the A1A (I think it is the A1A - Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd?) and loved it. I was researching last night, and what is everyones opinion on the bars located in the W? Also, is a trip to Fat Tuesday's for frozen drinks worth it?

[Sydney07]

I say go to Rocco's Tacos...it is a SUPER fun atmosphere AND the food and drinks are great!

[matt5951]

Fat Tuesday is on the beach so do that during the day (I've found drinking at the beach by day is more fun than at night). At night explore Las Olas and 2nd st (downtown). Hard Rock hotel and casino has a lot of clubs and restaurants and isn't too bad of a cab ride from where you're staying.

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

From the beach in Ft. Lauderdale (say Las Olas) to Ocean Drive is closer to 28-30 miles and would take about an hour by the shortest routes down A1A or US1. Going down I-95 would be quicker, but would add more miles to the taxi meter. Even going down I-95, trying to make SoBe in 45 minutes would be a challenge. Forget about 30.



I love Miami Beach and in fact live on A1A, but there is absolutely nothing particularly beautiful about the drive from Dania down to South Beach.

Yep you are right. I was thinking more about my drive from Midtown Miami to FLL. I can do it in about 30mins or so. Not exactly following the speed limit.

For a cab ride from Lauderdale to South Beach the shortest distance route is taking US-1 to A1A but shortest time would be taking 95 down to 395. However I would avoid 395 during the spring break period. Take I-195 to Miami Beach if you or your cab decide to take 95 down to South Beach.

As for the A1A drive it is pretty good. Just a normal drive for us but a pretty cool drive for visitors. Think about the drive down Penn Ave or Conisitution or Independence Ave in D.C. Ever after a few years it never got old to me.

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by c0lumbus0h

Thanks for all of the responses, you guys are awesome! And yes I agree, A1A is very beautiful. I was actually down in Fort Lauderdale two months ago and we stayed at the Westin along the A1A (I think it is the A1A - Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd?) and loved it. I was researching last night, and what is everyones opinion on the bars located in the W? Also, is a trip to Fat Tuesday's for frozen drinks worth it?

The Living Room is a nice place to hang out (they have booths that they rope off at night for "VIP" drinking) but is terribly overpriced. I was actually staying there two years ago to the day (and had just got my room about 2 hours ago! LOL!) and they gave me two free drinks there (as well as an upgrade) due to my waiting for a room (I arrived around 4:30 in the afternoon!) and even though I got the most expensive wine on the menu just because it was free, I still remember that things were fairly steep if you were paying for it. The VIP was also a joke.

Whiskey Blue from what I saw was an older crowd. It may have changed but I kind of doubt it.

Fat Tuesday could be fun. Beach Place is a younger crowd and there are other bars in there if I recall correctly.

The other younger places would be the stuff between East Las Olas and Poinsettia Street as well as the stuff between East Sunrise and the Bonnet House.

[gaash2]

rent a car. Cabs are terrible in florida and expensive.

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by gaash2

rent a car. Cabs are terrible in florida and expensive.

They are all 22. Renting a car can be difficult, very expensive or not possible. But I do know of people under 25 that rent cars. I would look into it. However going down to South Beach someone would have to not drink much to drive back. Might just be better taking a cab.

[Coconut1]

They can rent through Hertz and not pay anything extra. They consistently have their age differential charge waived coupon posted,

http://www.hertz.com/rentacar/q-8010640/save-up-to-$25-a-day-if-you-re-20-24-years-old-special-offer

[doggiebus]

How about renting a Zip Car?

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by xS☺Be

OP, I entirely disagree with this poster. I think you will LOVE A1A. Absolutely do not take 95 - that's just an ugly highway like anywhere else for those in a hurry. Don't be in a hurry. Enjoy the ride and the scenery. I'm dreaming of that ride right now - that I did 25 years ago. It's unforgettable.

This is A1A. Tell me that's not beautiful.

Those pictures are beautiful. In fact, I live in one of the buildings pictured. Unfortunately, those are not the sights you see as you are driving down A1A from Hollywood to South Beach. You'd be lucky to see the ocean for all of a minute or two for the entire ride down. All you see is building after building on Collins Avenue, although granted, in parts where you're also driving along the Intercoastal, it is a nice little drive. There are so many coastal drives around the country that are truly beautiful. Where, you know, you can actually see the coastline as you make your drive. Unfortunately, that does not pertain to this part of A1A.