I know this forum is mostly focused on Europe, but since it's filled with travelers, I thought I'd give it a whirl.
We're planning a trip to the Miami area to see the Art Deco architecture, the keys, and the everglades. Do you think 5 days is enough, with one of those days an overnight somewhere in the Keys?
Any recommendations on what part of Miami to stay would be welcome, also, and tips on the best way to see the Everglades.
Thanks in advance.
Shawn
We've stayed in Miami on several occasions but only one nighters to allow for adaptation from a long haul flight to driving somewhere else. I'm not particularly excited by Art Deco architecture so didn't really pay much attention to it. Stayed one night in South Beach, wouldn't recommend it. I intended to visit the Wynwood Walls but then read a lot of comments about the serious crime problem, I took it with a pinch of salt, imagining the sort of exageration crime in Europe is given on travel sites but when I looked into the crime statistics it appeared the advice was true, I didn't fancy being robbed at gunpoint so I didn't visit.
Our last visit we stayed close to the airport as we had no desire to explore Miami. I asked the hotel concierge if there was somewhere nearby within walking distance that I could buy a bottle of wine and some snacks for the kids and he looked at me as if I was crazy. He said there was one within driving distance but he advised against walking as it was too far. However by the way he described the route it sounded doable so I set off. It was a 15 minute walk! OK, it was mid August and I built up a bit of a sweat but honestly, you'd think it was a 5 mile hike the way he reacted. The area where the store was located was a bit rough and there was a palpable sense of tension from the many dodgy looking characters hanging around and this was the general feeling I got from much of Miami. Obviously there are some parts that aren't like that but when you feel like you have to be on your guard for much of the time it doesn't make for a particularly enjoyable stay.
We loved the Everglades and the most enjoyable way to explore a tiny part of it is by airboat. There are many, many airboat companies offering tours, I have no idea who we did our tour with but I wouldn't recommend him. There were several large fires amongst the reed beds caused by lightning the previous night and he took us through these fires along the water channels despite my protestations (we had our two young children with us at the time), he thought it was safe, I disagreed. Other than that bit of recklessness the rest of the ride was great fun.
In contrast we found Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and West Palm Beach to be more pleasant to visit than Miami. Miami just felt overly seedy and troublesome for my liking however I know plenty of people love the place but I would find five days too long.
If you have 5 full days in the Miami area, that should be adequate to do all you want. If your 5 days includes your arrival and departure days (so only 3 full days), then including a visit to the Keys would be more challenging.
You might enjoy staying in South Beach. There's Art Deco architecture, lots of fun night life and easy access to nice oceanfront beaches. Be attentive to hotel locations, as some can be a longish drive or pricey taxi ride from the action (i.e. not walking distance), and some are close to the night life and thus can be noisy. The tourist oriented area (not seedy) is along Ocean Dr. and Collins Ave. There are some fun eating spots in Lincoln Road Mall.
With a car you can drive to Everglades day excursions. I'm not familiar with any specific excursions, but there should be ample options within easy driving distance of South Beach.
Most people think of Key West when they think of the Keys, but it's a 4+ hour drive from South Beach and Miami airport. It would definitely require an overnight. You could go to Key Largo near the top of the Keys is less than half that time (so a possible day trip), but then you'd miss most of the causeways that people also associate with driving to the Keys.
Thank to the first two posters. Keep it coming! I also found this bit of info, re: "no go areas."
We enjoyed visiting South Beach and stayed south of Fifth Street ( SoFi) at the Hilton Bentley which is on the beach and near the Art Deco District. It all felt extremely safe and we walked everywhere. There are many good restaurants nearby.
A highlight was taking the Art Deco Architecture walking tour ( mdpl.org). We made reservations ahead. I highly recommend this informative tour!
We were only in South Beach a short time as we were on our way to Cuba.
I have driven from Miami airport to the Keys on another trip and can’t imagine doing it for a short time.
I was in Ft Lauderdale and Key West for a week last February. I liked Ft Lauderdale and Key West was okay for an overnight. The absolute highlight of the trip, though, was Dry Tortugas National Park, https://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm. From Key West you can fly there by seaplane or take a ferry. It has it all: Civil War history, Cuban refugee history, crystal clear water, snorkeling, pristine beaches and in the right season, thousands of migratory birds. What it doesn't have: potable water (bring your own), plumbing (use the bathrooms on the ferry or the portapotties), masses of tourists.
Miami has never appealed to us. We have been to Miami, usually to pick up a cruise or on our way to Key West.
Crime is definitely a major issue. You have to be careful where you park your car. Lots of auto break-ins.
Noting that people are recommending you stay in Miami Beach, not Miami itself. Big difference. But I'd spend more time in the Keys.
Hhhmmm...a lot of naysayers about Miami. I had a really good experience, for what it's worth. I loved the architecture and the feel of the place. As always, it depends where you are...there are many poor neighborhoods on the outskirts (I would never stay by the airport anywhere as it's a dead zone) and ugly strip malls everywhere, but there are also incredible zones of art, beach, and opulence once you get in the center.
I think you may be trying to pack too much into 5 days. It's 160 miles each way to drive to Key West, which is very worthwhile by the way. But if you do decide to see the Keys, you have to factor in preferably 2-3 days. So that leaves just 2 for Miami itself (and doesn't even include the Everglades). Any chance you can stretch your time to 7 or 8 days? That would be better.
I didn't experience any kinds of safety issues or scares (I went by myself), and the Wynwood neighborhood with the graffiti walls is squarely on the tourist track. I parked my car overnight in a secure garage instead of the street and didn't worry about it one bit. If you want to stay somewhere totally safe and wonderful close by, then look into Coral Gables. It's lovely and an easy drive to Miami.
Sorry to say, but if you go online and read every scary thread/ blog/ article about Miami, you will get a skewed perspective and freak yourself out. There are also just as many articles like this about there: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/14/travel/what-to-do-in-miami.html. Get a guidebook, follow it, and you'll be fine. There are plenty of wealthy and super upscale areas (Lincoln Road Mall for example) that you don't have to worry about much.
If you are interested in "ethnic" cuisine .. check out the Peruvian restaurants in Coral Gables. You have never seen that many ceviche options.
5 days will be great. The everglades is a must stop. you could take an airboat tour (think old Gentle Ben tv show). They can be pretty informative.
We stayed on Cudjoe Key - close enough to Key West but not nearly as expensive. Key West has a great "bus" tour... fun. Stop and get frozen key lime pie (on a stick) ... you'll want another one.
I haven't been to Miami but it is on my list because of the architecture and it seems like a vibrant multicultural city with excellent food and sights to see, especially when you include the Everglades and the Keys. Our friends had a great time biking in the Everglades. Hope you have a great time.
I would stay in South Beach near Ocean Drive. I think it's the most charming part of town and not quite as hectic as the Collins Avenue scene. Art Deco culture is great and Wynwood Walls is really cool - don't miss the Peter Tunney gallery - http://www.thewynwoodwalls.com/walls/peter-tunney
I think 5 days is plenty, but personally I don't have much enthusiasm for the Keys - would spend the extra day in Miami. But, would definitely rent a car so you can drive around the area. Try RentalPerks.com for special discounts - https://rentalperks.com
We stayed at The Beacon along the main drag in South Beach. Great location and plenty of quality restaurants within a 20 minute walk. The Art Deco architechtural tour was very interesting.
