Tell me about Miami

[Anonymous]

If I am flying to Miami, what resort or beach hotel is a good choice or a short drive from there?

I picture Miami being full of big, loud parties. Is it appropriate for kids? Can we have a nice beach vacation there?

[Anonymous]

I live in Miami. There are nicer beach vacations to be had in other parts of the state. The beach here isn’t the best. Check out Siesta Key or Longboat Key on the west coast.

[Anonymous]

Avoid South Beach and you can have a fantastic family vacation there.

If you can afford it, the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is amazing and very welcoming of families.

[Anonymous]

PP again. Even better - go to the Bahamas. Beaches are breathtaking

[Anonymous]

I would go down to the Key Largo area, there's lots of family friendly hotels. Last time we stayed in an upscale hotel in Miami a few months ago, it was overrun with partiers. We were kidless for that vacation, but if they were with us, I wouldn't want them there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would go down to the Key Largo area, there's lots of family friendly hotels. Last time we stayed in an upscale hotel in Miami a few months ago, it was overrun with partiers. We were kidless for that vacation, but if they were with us, I wouldn't want them there.

But don’t expect nice beaches in the keys

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Avoid South Beach and you can have a fantastic family vacation there.

If you can afford it, the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is amazing and very welcoming of families.

I totally disagree with this. I've taken my teens to South Beach and we had a blast. Miami is like NYC on a beach. My teens loved it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would go down to the Key Largo area, there's lots of family friendly hotels. Last time we stayed in an upscale hotel in Miami a few months ago, it was overrun with partiers. We were kidless for that vacation, but if they were with us, I wouldn't want them there.

But don’t expect nice beaches in the keys

OP here. Thank you. The beach is important. My kids are all under 10 and love to dig in the sand and run in the edge of the waves. I may head closer to Fort Lauderdale.

What would you do in Miami on a rainy day? I seem to remember something about an animal or plant science research place that allowed visitors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would go down to the Key Largo area, there's lots of family friendly hotels. Last time we stayed in an upscale hotel in Miami a few months ago, it was overrun with partiers. We were kidless for that vacation, but if they were with us, I wouldn't want them there.

But don’t expect nice beaches in the keys

OP here. Thank you. The beach is important. My kids are all under 10 and love to dig in the sand and run in the edge of the waves. I may head closer to Fort Lauderdale.

What would you do in Miami on a rainy day? I seem to remember something about an animal or plant science research place that allowed visitors.

These are great kid museums in Miami

https://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/

https://www.frostscience.org/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Avoid South Beach and you can have a fantastic family vacation there.

If you can afford it, the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne is amazing and very welcoming of families.

I totally disagree with this. I've taken my teens to South Beach and we had a blast. Miami is like NYC on a beach. My teens loved it.

She said kids, not teens.

[Anonymous]

While South Beach is perfectly fine for my preferred beach activities (which include sitting in a chair and reading), there is a fair amount of beach erosion and it's just not the nice flat beach that might be great for the U10 set. Plus almost all of the South Beach is covered in chairs serving the resorts. You might try the Gulf Coast beaches or Vero. That's a nice beach for kids.

If you really want to go, stay at the Surfcomber. Probably the most family friendly hotel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would go down to the Key Largo area, there's lots of family friendly hotels. Last time we stayed in an upscale hotel in Miami a few months ago, it was overrun with partiers. We were kidless for that vacation, but if they were with us, I wouldn't want them there.

But don’t expect nice beaches in the keys

OP here. Thank you. The beach is important. My kids are all under 10 and love to dig in the sand and run in the edge of the waves. I may head closer to Fort Lauderdale.

What would you do in Miami on a rainy day? I seem to remember something about an animal or plant science research place that allowed visitors.

If you want a quieter beach than South Beach, try Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.

https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/crandon.asp

[Anonymous]

Fly into west palm and just do the Breakers or 4S there. Drive down to Miami for a day and see how you like for future travel.

[Anonymous]

We prefered the hip vibe of the Wynwood District to the tackiness of South Beach. Our kid was 10 at the time.

[Anonymous]

What about Hollywood, FL? They have this cool board walk they call the “Broadwalk” and there are some fun beach resorts there.

But I agree the better beaches are north of Miami.