Miami as a Stop-- experts please advise on must-dos!

[patrickc]

Would like some advice on how to best combine Miami activities.. would like to see South Beach/ stroll the cafes & shops-- but would also like to do a tour to see highlights- and some stars' homes. The ships excursions never seem to work out for us- and there's really nothing offered (keep checking RCCL!).. any advice? also, don't want to get stuck in traffic & miss the ship- it can be horrible getting to & fro ship (based on past experience departing Miami). Not thrillled this is a stop- but hoping some experts out there can make recommendations! thanks!

[RHefley228]

Would like some advice on how to best combine Miami activities.. would like to see South Beach/ stroll the cafes & shops-- but would also like to do a tour to see highlights- and some stars' homes.

 

Take a cab to South Beach, then walk north to the Fontainbleau Hotel (ancient Miami pronunciation is Fountain Blue). Stars' homes are usually on gated islands off the causeways; the only way to see them is by boat, and I'm not aware of any organized tours. If you have time, head west to the Everglades.

[Bequia]

Theres a 2 hour sightseeing tour that begins in the South Beach Art Deco district, and continues to the Port of Miami, Downtown Miami Financial District, and Coconut Grove.

 

In Coconut Grove, you make a 20-minute stop at Coco Walk Shopping Center. If you're hungry, or wish to make a purchase you can find Johnny Rocket's, Fat Tuesday, Coco Cigar, and many retail stores.

 

After this short break, you board the bus and continue through the Bahamian Village, Coral Gables, and Little Havana for a cafecito (Define) coffee break at Domino Park. Free Cuban coffee is served at the Little Havana souvenir shop.

 

The City Tour will end at Bayside Marketplace where your boat cruise will begin. You will take a 1.5 hour cruise around Biscayne Bay where you will see the mansions of the rich and famous, Flagler Memorial Monument, and learn the history of Miami.

 

 

After the cruise, you will have approximately 30 minutes to do some shopping, have a bite to eat, or stroll along the Bayside Marketplace pier.

http://www.miamibeach411.com/tours/city-tour-bayside.htm

[BlueHerons]

Take a cab to South Beach, then walk north to the Fontainbleau Hotel (ancient Miami pronunciation is Fountain Blue). Stars' homes are usually on gated islands off the causeways; the only way to see them is by boat, and I'm not aware of any organized tours. If you have time, head west to the Everglades.

 

Why would they want to walk from South Beach to the Fountainbleu? It's two miles from South Beach?

 

Most of the stars live on Star Island or Fisher Island. You could probably go have lunch at the Fisher Island Club but you would not know who's home is whos.

 

As for Star Island, Gloria Estefan, Shaq, and a bunch of other people live there but again, you don't know who's home is whos. Also, the lush vegitation keeps you from seeing the houses.

 

I think Bequia gave you an excellent suggestion!

[Bequia]

Why would they want to walk from South Beach to the Fountainbleu? It's two miles from South Beach?

 

 

I was wondering the same thing Blue. I walked from the Fountainbleau to the Outback at the Holiday Inn once, there's not much to see. In fact on the return we walked along the boardwalk, it was a nicer walk. ;)