Keepin' It Real in Greater Miami

Hialeah Racetrack is a good place to start. Kids can go meet the horses at designated times, and they love the flamingo flocks. Then, right down the street are several good Cuban restaurants, Cuban markets, clothing stores, mom-n-pop shops, and the city swimming pool. Take a left on 49th Street and start getting into the heart of "newer" Hialeah. Lotsa Latin flava here mixed with suburbia. Keep on truckin' and you'll pass Westland Mall on the right, then you're back on 826, the Palmetto Expressway. Hialeah Speedway is a couple exits up on Okeechobee Road. I like this part of Hialeah because it's not touristy, you can mix with the locals, there's a lot to do, and it's easy to get around.

Quick Tips:

The Miami "Herald" is my favorite source of discount info/coupons. The Miami entertainment book has coupons for businesses in this area also.

Best Way To Get Around:

By car. Sorry, but the bus system is slooooowwww!!!

It's a good place to play with the kids, and it's relaxing for adults who want to take a break b/c there are usually several lifeguards on duty. The shallow end could be a little bit shallower, but it's still safe for preschoolers, though I think it's better for school-age and up.