Christmas time in Miami and Ft Lauderldale (Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach: 2015, to rent)

[XMas2015]

We are taking a cruise from Miami from Dec 27th to Jan 3rd.

We are going on Dec 24th quite early to Fort Lauderdale and staying there for 3 nights.
Jan 3rd also we have a very late flight.

We have Dec 24, 25, 26 and Jan 3 for sight seeing. We are planning to roam around in Fort Lauderdale on Dec 24th and 25th, planning gondola ride, paddle boarding, beach etc. What else you can suggest there?

Dec 26th, we are planning a day trip to Miami, not interested in Everglades since we visited similar places few times before. Want to plan something specific for my girls of ages 17 and 21. What can you suggest?

Jan 3rd, we are planning to rent a car and roam around remaining places in Miami. Looking to rent a car at cruise port and return at the airport.

Need all the suggestions I can get.

Thanks in advance.

[Coconut1]

I'm not sure what similar place you think you went, but the Everglades is a very unique place.

Without knowing your interests, it's very hard to say what you should do. South Florida has a lot to do.

[OptimusPrime69]

- Visit some museums-- like PAMM- Perez Art Museum Miami-- super cool and hip place right on the water. Lots of interesting art, but the location is just cool AF. your kids will dig it too.
- Wynwood-- A used-to-be ghetto area turned urban-chic area with lots of unique shops, urban street-art, eclectic restaurants, etc. Go during the day tho. Night time for a family is just meh...
- Eat at "Area 31" in the Epic hotel in downtown Miami-- super cool views of the city. Gorgeous urban landscape. It's pricey, but the food is good and the views are better. Yes, you'll pay, but you're on vaca-- splurge a little! The kids will love it too. Very chic and very "Miami"... Def worth it.
- Obviously South Beach/Miami Beach-- lots of shopping on Lincoln Rd. The beaches, the bodies, the energy, the vibe.
-Vizcaya is cool too. A historic old mansion made out of coral in south Miami on Biscayne Bay. A beautiful setting, family friendly, cool history and just a great place to relax, hang out, take pictures, etc. Fam will love it.
Any of those places a 17 and 21 year old will enjoy. as well as parents too.


Fort Lauderdale? I'm not so sure about.

[doggiebus]

Moved to the Miami Forum.

[ElGuito]

Vizcaya for 17 and 21 year olds? Hmmm.

1 day will not be enough. But, Lincoln Road could be good for the ambiance and energy, don't shop there though, overpriced. Bayside is good, kind of like a fair with, often, live music, boat cruises around the bay, the 17 and 21 might enjoy the fast boat cruise. You can catch there the Metromover (free) and get a spectacular view of downtown.

[AJ1013]

It's been the hottest November ever in the Miami area.

Back on topic

Typically for your trip lows will be in the 50's and highs in the 70's so pack some light jackets for cool mornings. I would recommend spending some time in "The Grove" at night as it's a fairly lively, enjoyable area with a multitude of bars/restaurants/malls. Boatings is always fun and if the weather turns out to be warmer than normal there are quite a few sand bars near Miami Beach that are nice for swimming and sunbathing.

[OptimusPrime69]

Originally Posted by ElGuito

Vizcaya for 17 and 21 year olds? Hmmm.

1 day will not be enough. But, Lincoln Road could be good for the ambiance and energy, don't shop there though, overpriced. Bayside is good, kind of like a fair with, often, live music, boat cruises around the bay, the 17 and 21 might enjoy the fast boat cruise. You can catch there the Metromover (free) and get a spectacular view of downtown.

Yes, just think of all the great selfie opportunities!! Hello, that's what it's all about. Selfies in beautiful enviable areas... so ur friends can be jelly. duh

[pslhomie]

Good time to see the everglades. The bugs are low at this time of year.

[FlyMIA]

Originally Posted by XMas2015

not interested in Everglades since we visited similar places few times before.


Thanks in advance.

Wait, WHAT?

I presume you been to some preserves in Florida I guess?

Everglades could not be any more unique of an ecosystem in the world. There literally is noting like it in the world.

As for other suggestions.

Miami Beach: Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road. Perez Art Museum is you like modern art. Miami Zoo is a very good one. Unless you are used to warm waters, snorkeling in Biscayne National Park is pretty good.

If you have a car and want to drive around, check out Coral Gables, drive by the Biltmore Hotel and walk around, parking is free in the lot next to the golf course. Feel free to drive into Star Island, its public roads.

[MiamiResident]

Originally Posted by XMas2015

We are taking a cruise from Miami from Dec 27th to Jan 3rd.

We are going on Dec 24th quite early to Fort Lauderdale and staying there for 3 nights.
Jan 3rd also we have a very late flight.

We have Dec 24, 25, 26 and Jan 3 for sight seeing. We are planning to roam around in Fort Lauderdale on Dec 24th and 25th, planning gondola ride, paddle boarding, beach etc. What else you can suggest there?

Dec 26th, we are planning a day trip to Miami, not interested in Everglades since we visited similar places few times before. Want to plan something specific for my girls of ages 17 and 21. What can you suggest?

Jan 3rd, we are planning to rent a car and roam around remaining places in Miami. Looking to rent a car at cruise port and return at the airport.

Need all the suggestions I can get.

Thanks in advance.

Dolphin Mall.
Santas Enchanted Forest.
Dadeland Mall.
International Mall.
Avoid anything Asian (Jewish, Muslim, and other Asian religions/locations), they do not celebrate Christmas.
Lincoln Road Mall.
Miracle Mile.
Bayside Marketplace.
Downtown Miami, Brickell.
Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.