Vacation in Miami--Wife and I??

[caniroc]

Ive been thinking aoubt checking out Miami for a long weekend just ot get away for a couple of days. Is there any area in particular that would be best to stay or recommendations? Probably just want to chill on the beach and relax for a couple of days..

Bob

 

[TheVrolok]

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.

 

[caniroc]

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.

 

[TheVrolok]

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.

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.

 

[Rudee]

Miami? Ewww!

 

[RavenSEAL]

If I may, since you're looking for a nice, cheap and quiet place to visit...

http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/

 

[ThePresence]

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.

 

[Jeeebus]

If I may, since you're looking for a nice, cheap and quiet place to visit...

http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/

Ya, if he's looking for "chill" or relaxing - spending any amount of time in Miami is not it. For pure relaxation, you really can't beat the Gulf Coast, be it Anna Maria island or any of the dozens of other quiet beach towns on that side. If you want to be near Miami, may as well head somewhere like Islamorada and get the unique experience of one of the quieter Keys.

For me, when we're just going to the beach for a couple hours, it's usually John Lloyd state park right by Port Everglades. Kids get a kick out of watching the cruise ships and giant tankers go by and it's a hell of a lot nicer than any overcrowded beach in Miami.

 

[Josh]

Dude, I'm not sure how old you are but my mom and dad were thinking about going to Miami and I strongly discouraged them from doing so.

Miami is mainly for nightlife and partying. If you walk along the strip, south beach, etc all you will hear is house music and see young kids partying/drinking/getting crazy. If that's what you want then by all means hit up Miami. I mean you can party all day at the Gansevoort Pool, hit up Mokai or LIV all night then literally go over to Space at like 5 am and there will be a line outside to get in to continue to party...it's absoloutely nuts.

If you want a quiet, relaxing vacation hit Ft. Lauderdale or somewhere else in Florida.

 

[bobdole369]

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.

I can't agree with this more - my comment is to add, that if you intend to do anything that isn't on Miami Beach, learn Spanish. Seriously. You cannot do anything in English anymore. (possible exception for Aventura).

Also the sheer amount of stress from driving around and the ridiculous wait times and traffic make for a poor Miami vacation. Fort Lauderdale is only about 40% espanol these days and business is still conducted in English. That being said we have our own traffic issues, and there is only a couple high-end shopping districts. Look towards Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, and down to Hollywood (on the beach) and even Dania Beach for a kicked back weekend. No reason to stay west unless you are doing business. The entire stretch (save for the port area) from Hallandale up to Deerfield is very nice with accessible businesses. The hotspots are "Fort Lauderdale Beach" between 17th street up to Sunrise, Commercial Blvd (Pier and restaurants, neat little neighborhood with bars too), Hillsboro (surf shop, ice cream shop, nice beach) and Hollywood beach is from the port south pretty much the whole way. Nice boardwalk but less little surftown feeling.

Look further south - Florida Keys (outside Key West) such as on Key Largo, Marathon, or Islamorada for an excellent laid back feet in the sand vacation. Find a resort and stay there. There is nothing to do here but the ocean though.

 

[caniroc]

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.

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.

 

[Gothgar]

ATOT, sarcasm, neffing, and super great vacation advice.

 

[caniroc]

If I may, since you're looking for a nice, cheap and quiet place to visit...

http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/

I was checking that out--looks pretty nice there.

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.

Yeah im not looking to spend huge money--just a low buck weekend getaway. Ill be spending more money going to the Carribean in the late winter.

 

[TheVrolok]

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.

If you want to see South Beach then you might want to stay in Miami (so you don't have to worry about drinking/driving). If you've never been, it's fun to see at least once.

 

[Triforceofcourage]

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.

 

[shortylickens]

I liked Cocoa better, and Daytona in the off season.

 

[Worthington]

If you want to do Miami.. do South Beach or don't go at all. Miami as a city is a cess pit.

<---- Miami Native.

 

[LiuKangBakinPie]

Are you from Cuba? A holiday is just a couple of days of rowing away

 

[dank69]

Pics of wife?

 

[IronWing]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nBbGtccrAY

 

[caniroc]

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.

I think we may want a bit of excitement though--We'll relax in Jamaica later in the year.

Pics of wife?

Ok--you asked nicely!! lol
From Jamaica last winter.

 

[Rudee]

Clearwater and St Pete Beach area have the nicest beaches in Florida.

 

[dank69]

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.

Lucky guy. :thumbsup:

 

[caniroc]

Clearwater and St Pete Beach area have the nicest beaches in Florida.

Weve been to Clearwater before--it was nice there. The beach was so wide.

Lucky guy. :thumbsup:

Thanks!! Like a fine wine shes aging well....