Miami

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7 days in Miami Beach

A May 2002 trip to Miami by Wendypup

Miami Beach is always a great place to rest and rejuvinate. It is a place where you can see the beautiful people and places right next to the frightful ones. Definately a place you don't want to miss.

  • 12 reviews
  • 2 stories/tips

7 days in Miami BeachBest of IgoUgo

Overview

We have been to Miami Beach a couple of times now and without a doubt the thing you don't want to miss is sitting in front of the ocean in your bathing suit on South Beach. The other not to miss spot is Coconut Grove's Cocowalk.

Quick Tips:

1. Bring lots of Sunblock...you need extra in the Miami sun.
2. Carry some cash for taxi's, beach chairs & tips.
3. Where comfortable/casual clothes (unless your out for an evening of night clubs).

Best Way To Get Around:

Even though it is more expensive, I prefer to have my car there. You can take off anytime and go to North or South Miami or with time permitting the top of the Key's. However if you don't plan on leaving the beach area...don't waste your money and take a taxi to your hotel. You can walk to anywhere near the beach.

Hilton Grand Vacation ClubBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hilton Grand Vacations Club at South Beach"

Best Things Nearby:
Although I can't remember the name, the restauraunt just next door to our hotel had the best breakfast on earth.

Best Things About the Resort:
The front desk/conceirge was very helpful and will help you figure out where and when to go places as well as make the arrangements for you. The biggest plus is that it is right across the street from the beach, a starbucks and a haggendaz.

Resort Experience:
The rooms are a bit smaller than most 1 bedroom resorts, but perfect for a couple. The living room has a T.V. and VCR along with a semi-kitchen with full fridge/freezer and ice maker, convection-microwave oven and 2 burner stove. The bedroom has close off doors to the living area and a small t.v. along with a CD/Radio player and alarm clock. Ample closet space with ammenities like iron and board, laundry basket & extra pillows. It was nice having the washer/dryer and hot tub right down the hall since we were staying on the fourth floor.

  • Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
  • Activities: Not Available
  • Amenities: Excellent
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Very Good
  • Service: Very Good
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Hilton Grand Vacation Club
1430 Ocean Ave. Miami, Florida 33139

11th Street DinerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

What a find. This famous diner is just what you'd expect. Good food (burgers, salads, meatloaf, etc.) brought to you fast. It's a diner...need I say more.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

11th Street Diner
1065 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33139
+1 305 534 6373

TidesBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Tides"

Although it is finer dining, it is still right across from the ocean. Great view and the menu looked great. We didn't eat here, but did have some very good drinks. Although expensive, they were well worth it. Apple Martini and the Chocolate Martini's were both excellent. The inside is a very nice place to dine.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Tides
Ocean Blvd. Near 13th Street Miami, Florida

Cheesecake Factory TheBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Cheescake Factory"

I always love to go to this restaurant. The menu is huge so I have trouble deciding, but they always have something you like and it is good. The portions are huge, especially on the salads. If you aren't sharing a salad I would recommend getting the lunch size (still huge). And of course the cheesecake is always fantastic.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Cheesecake Factory The
Dadeland Mall Miami, Florida 33125
(305) 665-5400

Cafe Tu Tu TangoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Tu Tu Tango's"

This is one of my favorite restaurant's in Orlando and Coconut Grove's Cocowalk. It is all appetizers. The concept is that you would order 2-4 appetizers per person and then everyone shares. It is a great way to get to taste many different things. Especially with such a diverse menu. I highly recommend the shredded barbeque chicken cakes, but everything is good. The drinks are also very good, which you get to see pictures of on your view finder on the table (you remember the toy you used to have when you were a kid). They also feature an array of local artists work and have artists who work in the restaurant while you eat. I've even seen belly dancers walking the isles. Very fun and casual.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Cafe Tu Tu Tango
3015 Grand Ave Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
+1 305 529 2222

Marks South BeachBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Mark's South Beach"

This was a nice fine dining restraunt where it actual felt o.k. to dress up for an evening. The meals were very good, however I have had better. The service was outstanding and the atmosphere sophisticated with dim lighting that was relaxing. when we ate on a Thursday night at 7pm there was only two other tables taken.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Marks South Beach
1120 Collins Ave Miami Beach, Florida 33139
(305) 604-9050

Vizcaya Museum and GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Vizcaya Museum and Garden"

This place is amazing. I seen quite a few mansion type museums and this one takes the cake. It takes a while to walk through the entire area, but the outside is just as beautiful as the inside. I really liked the boat dock and back porch views. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to go.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue Miami, Florida
(305) 250-9133

Jungle IslandBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Parrot Jungle Park and Gardens"

Great place to relax and enjoy the wildlife. Lots of shaded areas and good shows. The staff is very attentive. I liked this more than Miami Metro, but both were good especially if you have children.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, Florida 33132
(305) 400-7000

Miami MetrozooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Miami Metro Zoo"

Good zoo. There was hardly anyone there when we went. A good variety of animals, but very little shade. There is a monorail, but is pretty slow and is spaced 15 minutes apart. It's fun for adults and kids, but make sure you wear sunblock.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Miami Metrozoo
1 Zoo Boulevard Miami, Florida 33177
(305) 251-0400

South BeachBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Dense white sand beach. We would get there around 10am-11am and there was hardly anyone there on a weekday and even the weekends weren't too bad. We rented chairs which are $7 each and if you want an umbrella it is an additional $7. Tan for a while, skip into the water and then tan some more. You can also go topless on the beach if you desire. Very quiet and relaxing watching the ships in the distance. If you are just laying on your beach towel, make sure not to lay to much closer to the water than the chairs...as the tide will come in and you'll have to move.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

South Beach
Ocean Drive Miami, Florida

Biscayne National ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Key Biscayne"

We didn't get to stay here, but stopping for only a few minutes you could see how calm and clear the waters were and how white and pristine the beach was. A definate must next time your in Miami. It only took us 15-20 minutes to get there from South Beach with traffic. You can also schedule snorkeling, diving or rent a boat right across the street at the marina.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Wendypup on May 28, 2002

Biscayne National Park
9700 Southwest 328th St Miami, Florida 33033
(305) 230-7275

Parking on Ocean BlvdBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

If you are staying in a hotel on Ocean Boulevard and driving down your daily parking meter or garage fee is $16. If you stay at the Hilton it is $18/day plus tips. Well worth it not to have to find a spot or walk to the garage. It ended up raining 4 days out of the 7 we were there and how glad we were that we had used the valet.

Coconut Grove and CocowalkBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

This is one of my favorite places. I love to walk around the shopping area of Coconut Grove. There are several nice cafe's and eateries in the area. The News Cafe is good and if you want Mexican Senior Frogg's is very tasty.

If you are looking to go out to the Playhouse, beware that it is closed throught the summer months. May-August.

You can go to the Improv if you want some stand-up comedy. We did and as always had a blast. They also serve dinner during the show if you decide to eat while you watch. And unlike most show places, the drinks are actually good here. A little spendy, but good.

A great place to spend and afternoon or evening. Lot's of shopping, walking and fun.

About the Writer

Wendypup
Wendypup
Kissimmee, Florida

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