Miami and Florida holiday

onlyroz

Try the Everglades, Sarasota, Fort Myers (and the Edison/Ford museum), Sanibel, Myakka State Park. Oh and Disney.

*pinkchick*

I've done a very similar trip twice now. I agree with other commenters that Miami isn't all it's cracked up to be. Worth a visit for a day to see the art deco district but not worth staying for much longer. The nightlife on the front is reminiscent of Magaluf, only more expensive! People trying to drag you in off the streets, overpriced drinks and terrible music.

Universal Studies, Kennedy Space Centre and Disney are just incredible. Universal is better for adults than Disney if you're only going to pick one.

The Keys are nice enough, but don't waste your time driving all the way to Key West.

Be prepared for resort fees at all hotels, chargeable on exit.

Definitely take an air boat tour in the Everglades to see the alligators! And take a drive through the everglades in the evening when it's quiet. It's beautiful and serene.

[Deleted User]

Agree with most of the above.
Miami is quite meh although the drive to the Keys then back up across Alligator Alley and up the Gulf Coast are excellent - consider flying into Orlando rather than Miami as fares tend to be much cheaper ( Monarch/Thompson etc .)
Don't book anything in advance and stay in motels/cheap hotels of which there are plenty and most excellent.

travellerboy

We flew into Miami International last month with Virgin, it was hell, it took over 3 hours to go thru Immigration and customs. We vowed never again.
I would strong recommend you consider either Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach for your arrival point, you wouldn't regret it.

EssexExile

Orlando's always been fine for us.

swingaloo

Key West is my little corner of heaven and its a fantastic drive down there.


Clearwater, Sanibel Island, The Kennedy Space Centre, Busch Gardens are all well worth a visit.

ALI1973

Avoid Boca Raton.

We liked Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, St Petersburg, Cocoa Beach, Daytona, Sarasota and Anna Maria Island oh and of course Orlando!

arthur7171

I like Miami beach but the hotel prices are very high and whilst some parts of Miami, namely near bayside, are fine you don't want to be staying there. Only way to go in Miami Beach is an apartment which we've done and really enjoyed as most of them are by the beach and have great views. Go Miami Card could be worth a pop if you're staying there only a couple of nights but make sure you plan the activities right.


Key West is lovely, we've only ever done it by coach so not sure what parking is like, duval street is nice early evening, good atmosphere.


Other places I would recommend are Daytona and Cocoa Beach. Is cool how you can drive on to the beach at Daytona. Naples side is lovely also but is very expensive.


A good drive could be Miami > Key West > Everglades > Naples > Fort Myers > Venice > Bradenton > Orlando > Daytona > Kennedy Space Center/Cocoa Beach > West Palm Beach


ditto what people say about Miami Airport as a port of entry. immigration there is terrible, most unorganised of any US airport I've flown through. Use Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, fares are often less expensive.