Information about Miami. (Miami Beach, Sunrise, Largo: rental car, rental, crime)

[hselihka48]

Hi guys,

I am taking my girlfriend to Miami for thanksgiving. We're stayin at the Eden Roc (ocean front).. I basically got a good deal thro priceline 'make your own bid'.. had a few questions about the city and the area:

1. what are the attractions around that area for students?
2. Is it too expensive/cheap? safe/unsafe?
3. What would be good affordable attractions in Miami? maybe for water sports, adventure sports..
4. Any super romantic private beach you know about?

Thanks for your help.. i want to make the stay special for her, so don't want to go there and screw up like I am accused of everytime

Thanks guys!

[doggiebus]

First how old are you guys? Over or under 21? Will you have a rental car? Answer these questions and we can better answer your questions.

South Beach is safe, there is the usual tourist crime like any big city, just use your street smarts and be aware of you surroundings and you will be fine. South Beach isn't cheap for the most part, but there are some cheap places to dine at.

[miamiteacher]

If you like the outdoors, Metrozoo is relatively cheap and it is a nice cageless zoo. You can rent a two person bike for two hours and see it easliy. The only downside is it is pretty far from where you are staying. I wouldn't recommend the Seaquarium, not worth it. Crandon Park in Key Biscayne is nice and not as crowded as South Beach. The Boater's Grill has the best fresh seafood! Vizcaya is also a beatiful home to tour full of European antiques,referred to as the "Hearst Castle of the East". Also, try Lincoln Road Mall for great places to shop and eat. Yes, it can be expensive. Have a great vacation and enjoy.

[hselihka48]

Thanks a lot... I am a student 25yrs old and will be driving to miami.. So have a car!!

[doggiebus]

You need to spend a day at Everglades National Park, also while out there go to Miccosukkee (sp???) Indian Village where you can take an airboat ride through the Everglades.

You should also maybe head down to Key Largo and spend a day at John Pennekamp Park. 1.5 hours from downtown Miami. There are so many things to do, take a look at their website Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, Florida Keys

Spend another day, in the morning at Viscaya. Miami-Dade County - Vizcaya Have lunch in Coconut Grove then walk around afterwards, there is a historic house in coconut grove called The Barnacle Main Page - The Barnacle Historic State Park » Florida State Parks. Then if you have time afterwards head over to Key Biscayne, at the very end is Bill Baggs State Park Main Page - Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park » Florida State Parks, usually ranked highly for their beautiful beach and lighthouse by Dr. Beach. There are two restaurants there you can stay and have dinner there.

Other ideas, Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Metro Zoo, Monkey Jungle, Coral Castle, The Deering Estate.

Spend a day on Miami Beach, go to the beach and walk around South Beach. Have lunch on Lincoln Road (17th Street) or Ocean Drive. Big Pink is a cheap diner style restaurant that has good food.

[FlyMIA]

Okay.
Spend a day at Everglades National Park it is a great place! One of the most unique eco-systems in the world. Take an Air Boat tour walk aroundthe area a little bit. You will see Aligators in the wild and everything like that. If you like snorkling go to Biscayne National Park. It is a Coral Reef.

As for private beaches not really. You could drive down to the Northern Keys but its about 70mins. Dont go on the beach at night at least not just the two of you. It can be dangerous. As far as safety if you stay in the tourist areas there will be no problems what so ever. Dont drive to the night life from you location just take a short cab ride. Prepare to spend some money at bars/night clubs. If you want to drink more than a drink or two and not spend over $50 maybe consider buying some alcohol at a store and drink a little in your room. There are a ton of bars and night clubs to go to. Since it is just you and your girlfriend it should not be too hard to get in. Dont be too intimidated to just go ahead towards the rope and just tell the bouncer its only you and your girlfriend. They dont mind letting couples in quickly. I suggest you ask someone at the hotel or here what type of club you want to go too because some clubs are not what some people want etc.. Its not Cancun or Las Vegas there are a lot more nightlife and different types of nighlife to chose from in Miami depending on how much you want to spend, what type of music people etc..

As for the rest of your day time just sitting on the beach or at the pool should be nice. night life does not end till 4-5am so you might be tired to wake up early. If you are in Town Saturday or Sunday go to South Point park around 5pm and watch the a cruise ship or two float out of the port of Miami.

The Miami Heat play that Friday if you want to go to a Heat game tickets are not too hard to get and are not too expensive for upper level seats.

[tallrick]

Some good advice here! Basically you should have a good time as you have a lot to work with. The Eden Roc is a really nice hotel in a good area, not a dump like some of south beach.

[hselihka48]

Thanks a lot guys!! Any suggestions on which mall/outlet has the best Black Friday deals?

[doggiebus]

Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet mall probably in all of Florida its located in Sunrise, 45 minutes from downtown Miami. Dolphin Mall just west of the airport is part outlet mall part regular mall, I don't have much luck there, but maybe you will. Aventura Mall and Dadeland Mall probably have the largest selection of stores.

[♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥]

Originally Posted by hselihka48

Thanks a lot guys!! Any suggestions on which mall/outlet has the best Black Friday deals?

International Mall, Dadeland or Aventura.