Vacationing in Miami??

[LisaR]

We moved to FL 18 months ago. We decided we want to explore some areas of FL other then Disney for vacations. We have been to the Tampa/St. Pete area a few years ago and Naples. We decide to check out Miami. DH works with someone who lived in the Miami area so he says he will ask her for places to stay, points of interest, etc. I have a friend that also lived in Miami so I said I would talk to her. The first words out of both people's mouths were "why in the world would you want to spend a week in Miami with kids?" Not the answer we were expecting.

I understand there are areas of Miami that aren't safe. I was born and raised in the Detroit area so I am well aware of the potential for crime in a big city (and I am aware of the potential for crime all around, not just in the city). It seems like there are some great places to visit with kids (10 and 8). We live a few minutes from the beach so we wouldn't go for that. We wouldn't be hanging out in the streets after dark. We want to check out some zoos, museums, etc. Am I missing something?

Should I look for another vacation destination or ignore these two people which is what I am inclined to do? Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Lisa

 

[simba928]

We have been to Miami 3 times in a little over a year and a half. The first time was a week long in June with the four of us (mom, dad, me-15 and brother-10) and my grandparents. We stayed at Days Inn on the boardwalk I think it was. I could point it out to you if we were there. LOL. The second one was also a week long in January with just the four of us. We stayed at the Fountain Bleu (was Hilton owned at the time, so we used Hilton points). It was absolutely gorgeous! The first time we went, everytime we passed that hotel, we would look at it and say "Oh, what a beautiful hotel" and "Someday, we're gonna stay there". We would try and sneak peaks into the pool area the first time we were there(they had security guards at the entrances checking to make sure only guests of the hotel got in). The last time was for a weekend in late July. I can't remember where we stayed that time, but it was nice. All three hotels are right on the boardwalk. We just sat at the pool all day, then went out at night. We would usually go to dinner and then walk around in the shopping areas. I'm not sure about museums and stuff, though. We are from up north, so we were just content being able to sit poolside in the warm sun. If you do end up going, try Jerry's Deli. I love it. There are 2 things I love to do in Miami and one of them is going to Jerry's Deli and getting a candy apple to bring back to our hotel and eat later that evening. The second thing is to get a smoothie from Coconut Willie's (the poolbar at the Fountain Bleu) and go for a walk on the beach at night, but I'm not sure that would interest you as you can do that anytime. LOL. Feel free to ask anything and I will try to answer them for you.

 

[simba928]

ignore this-sorry, double post

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