Couple days in Miami before cruise - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Talks to Strangers · 08-14-2005, 03:49 AM

We will be getting to Miami a couple days early. Any suggestions on things to do? Places to go? Any must sees from past visitors? We are doing the Everglades tour once we return from the cruise. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

sailyn · 08-14-2005, 02:06 PM

Ruth, never been there, but this site usually has good information.

irishkat · 08-23-2005, 04:59 PM

definitely check out South Beach!

Mai Tai Mama · 08-29-2005, 09:13 PM

Ruth, What to do in Miami really depends on what you are interested in....what do you like to do on vacation?? Bars/museums....It all depends on your interests. Let me know what you think you might be interested in and I will try to post links to fun things to do!
I know of a Greek bar where belly dancers (and customers) dance on tables to quiet trips to the zoo....give me an idea of what you are looking for and I can try to help!

Talks to Strangers · 08-30-2005, 12:04 AM

First day will be just me and my sister. We will be joined by 12 others the next day. Ages on first day is 39 and 41. Second day ranges from 24 to 72 with most in the middle range.

Is there anything in Miami that we simply can't miss? We will be going to South Beach at some point while we are there. My sister will be more willing to do some active stuff. I wouldn't mind seeing art galleries or local art. The family (day two) would be interested in Museums or something culturally specific to Miami. We would love your restaurant recommendations. My family is adventuresome and willing to try new stuff. They probably are looking for food along the lines of Cuban or Latin-based for one of our meals. Any local restaurants, bars etc that are must not be missed? Any shopping area that must be seen? (I love to shop) If you had a couple free days with no responsibilities, where would you go?

Mai Tai Mama · 08-30-2005, 11:12 PM

Quote:

If you had a couple free days with no responsibilities, where would you go?

Anywhere BUT Miami....

I am not a huge fan of the city but there are some interesting places to go...I am compiling a list (with links) and will try to post in a few days!

Talks to Strangers · 08-31-2005, 12:25 AM

We are staying in Coral Gables or Ft. Lauderdale the first night if that helps with ideas. I really appreciate your help here.

Mai Tai Mama · 09-04-2005, 01:19 PM

THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI

ART/MUSEUMS

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/

Miami Art Museum, http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/

Museum of Contemporary Art, http://www.mocanomi.org/

Miami Museum of Science/Planetarium, http://www.miamisci.org/

Coral Castle, http://www.coralcastle.com/

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Miccosukee Indian Village, http://www.miccosukee.com/mivillage.html

Calle Ocho, http://www.calle8.com/

Island Queen Cruises Sightseeing Tours, http://www.islandqueencruises.com/

SHOPPING

Bayside Marketplace, http://www.baysidemarketplace.com/

Aventura Mall, http://www.shopaventuramall.com/

FOR KIDS

Miami Children’s Museum, http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/

NATURE/ANIMALS

Miami Metro Zoo, http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/

Parrot Jungle Island, http://www.parrotjungle.com/

Miami Seaquarium, http://www.miamiseaquarium.com/index.htm

Everglades Alligator Farm, http://www.everglades.com/

Everglades Safari Park, http://www.evsafaripark.com/

Monkey Jungle, http://www.monkeyjungle.com/

Dolphin World, http://www.dolphinworld.org/index.htm

RESTAURANTS/BARS

Bongo’s Cuban Café, http://www.bongoscubancafe.com/ (owned by Gloria Estefan)

Tobacco Road, http://www.tobacco-road.com/ (Oldest bar in Miami)

Taverna Opa, http://www.tavernaoparestaurant.com/ (Greek restaurant/dance on tables)
Clevelander and The News Café, South Beach, on Ocean Drive has lots of bars/restaurants and great people watching http://www.johnnyroadtrip.com/cities/miami/restbars.htm

THEATER

Coconut Grove Playhouse, http://www.cgplayhouse.com/

Jackie Gleason Theater, http://www.gleasontheater.com/

GREAT WEBSITES
Visit Florida, http://www.visitflorida.com/destinations/area.php/ca=63

Miami Beaches, http://www.miami.world-guides.com/miami_beaches.html

Mai Tai Mama · 09-04-2005, 01:19 PM

THINGS TO DO IN FT.LAUDERDALE

ART/MUSEUMS

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, http://www.seminoletribe.com/museum/

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, http://www.bonnethouse.org/

Museum of Art / Fort Lauderdale, http://www.moafl.org/

Museum of Discovery and Science, http://www.mods.org/

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS/MISCELLANEOUS

Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruises, http://www.junglequeen.com/

Water Taxi, http://www.watertaxi.com/WaterTaxiHome/WTHome.Asp

Seminole Casino – Hollywood, http://www.seminolehollywoodcasino.com/

Dania Jai Alai, http://www.dania-jai-alai.com/

SHOPPING

Sawgrass Mills Mega Outlet Mall, http://www.sawgrassmills.com/

FOR KIDS

Young at Art Children’s Museum, http://www.youngatartmuseum.org/

Wannado City, http://www.wannadocity.com/

NATURE/ANIMALS

Billie Swamp Safari,http://www.seminoletribe.com/safari/

Butterfly World, http://www.butterflyworld.com/

Flamingo Gardens, http://www.flamingogardens.org/

Sawgrass Recreation Park, http://www.evergladestours.com/

RESTAURANTS/BARS

Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show, 800-262-4524

River House, 954-525-7661

THEATER

Broward Center for Performing Arts, http://www.browardcenter.org/

UPCOMING EVENTS

http://www.visitflorida.com/destinations/events.php/ca=55

Mai Tai Mama · 09-04-2005, 01:21 PM

If you have any questions about specific places or recommendations, I would be happy to respond to those and I hope that others will add to the list. I really don't know much about Miami nightlife (bars/restaurants).