If you just want to chill/relax why not Fort Lauderdale? I like it better than Miami if you're looking to just hang out .. as it's a bit cheaper. If you want some of the night life, then definitely Miami.
Ahhh cool--is there much differnce with regars to the beaches? Are they nice everywhere there? We're not looking for crazy night life--just a couple of days to chill and walk around in a nice area.
If I may, since you're looking for a nice, cheap and quiet place to visit...
http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/
Sand is sand for the most part. I live closer to Ft. Lauderdale than Miami, so that's the biggest reason I spend more time on those beaches than Miami's, but really if you're looking to just sit in the sun, then nope, no difference. Of course Miami's South Beach has topless ladies so that's always something of interest to certain folks, but if you're with your wife I'm assuming you're not one of those folks (while she's watching). Also, the shop fronts/restaurants along the Miami Beaches (especially South Beach) are a little nicer/classier (also more expensive) than those on Ft. Lauderdale Beach.
Honestly though, I'd take Ft. Lauderdale or even Hollywood Beach (very pretty "boardwalk" that is actually laid stone/brick) over Miami Beach/South Beach. That said, if you and the wife want to go out to a really fancy dinner, Miami is the place to be. There are great restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, also, but Miami is known for it's flash and pizzazz.
Really depends on what type of couple you are and what type of vacation you want. If you want to treat the lady to a romantic few days with some really incredible dinners/drinks out you might want to stick to Miami. If you guys are more into the low key, let's hang out, get tanned, and are willing to settle with slightly less flash than Miami, then check out Lauderdale.
To sum things up, this is how I generally, and perhaps not quite politically correctly describe Miami vs Fort Lauderdale. Both cities have their really nice areas (near the beaches) where all the wealthy people live, the rest of either city is dirty, and pretty low class (like any city). However, IMHO, Miami is a bit more "run down" off the beaches than is Fort Lauderdale. As if the wealthier/more educated folk fled Miami and started moving north. shrug, it's all opinion really.
Also, take a look at the options for things you guys want to do. Somewhere to walk around that's nice? You won't want to really walk around most of either city, but each city has the stretches up and down the beach which are nice, Fort Lauderdale has Las Olas, Miami has Lincoln Road. (just google image search each one)
I also have to admit I'm a bit biased, I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than I do in Miami. Mostly because I can't afford to be out in Miami often and I'm a bit more low key these days.
Sand is sand for the most part. I live closer to Ft. Lauderdale than Miami, so that's the biggest reason I spend more time on those beaches than Miami's, but really if you're looking to just sit in the sun, then nope, no difference. Of course Miami's South Beach has topless ladies so that's always something of interest to certain folks, but if you're with your wife I'm assuming you're not one of those folks (while she's watching). Also, the shop fronts/restaurants along the Miami Beaches (especially South Beach) are a little nicer/classier (also more expensive) than those on Ft. Lauderdale Beach.
Honestly though, I'd take Ft. Lauderdale or even Hollywood Beach (very pretty "boardwalk" that is actually laid stone/brick) over Miami Beach/South Beach. That said, if you and the wife want to go out to a really fancy dinner, Miami is the place to be. There are great restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, also, but Miami is known for it's flash and pizzazz.
Really depends on what type of couple you are and what type of vacation you want. If you want to treat the lady to a romantic few days with some really incredible dinners/drinks out you might want to stick to Miami. If you guys are more into the low key, let's hang out, get tanned, and are willing to settle with slightly less flash than Miami, then check out Lauderdale.
To sum things up, this is how I generally, and perhaps not quite politically correctly describe Miami vs Fort Lauderdale. Both cities have their really nice areas (near the beaches) where all the wealthy people live, the rest of either city is dirty, and pretty low class (like any city). However, IMHO, Miami is a bit more "run down" off the beaches than is Fort Lauderdale. As if the wealthier/more educated folk fled Miami and started moving north. shrug, it's all opinion really.
Also, take a look at the options for things you guys want to do. Somewhere to walk around that's nice? You won't want to really walk around most of either city, but each city has the stretches up and down the beach which are nice, Fort Lauderdale has Las Olas, Miami has Lincoln Road. (just google image search each one)
I also have to admit I'm a bit biased, I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than I do in Miami. Mostly because I can't afford to be out in Miami often and I'm a bit more low key these days.
If I may, since you're looking for a nice, cheap and quiet place to visit...
http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/
Last winter I stayed at the W South Beach for 4 days, it was absolutely amazing. Not cheap though. I don't think we'll be staying there next time, just due to the price. Great experience though.
We've kind of always wanted to hit up South Beach. We arent that old (43 and 41) and in very good shape for our ages. lol. Topless beach is not a problem as we have been on nude beaches plenty of times. And for the record We love club music--but probably dont want to be up all night partying. lol Hollywood Beach sounds like something I might be interested in though.
I prefer Naples Florida for the beaches. It's a nice quiet relaxing vacation and you don't have to deal with the craziness of Miami. It's a much quieter town.
Pics of wife?
Lucky guy. :thumbsup:I think we may want a bit of excitement though--We'll relax in Jamaica later in the year.
Ok--you asked nicely!! lol
From Jamaica last winter.
Clearwater and St Pete Beach area have the nicest beaches in Florida.
Lucky guy. :thumbsup: