Miami Travel Forum

Brit family looking to visit Miami in Aug for a week with family (girls 17 and 11). Would appreciate some advice on the following.

Q1. Am I being uterly stupid about spending days at the beach. (heat wise)

Q2. Likely to ditch hire car as soon as we come into Miami from the Keys, as I'm thinking it would less hassle to taxi it around. Probably only need 1 day retail therapy and 1 day on a bus tour.

Many Thanks in advance

Q1)Beach days in Aug are bearable with proper preparation. Sunscreen, shade, liquid refreshment and expect a break into air conditioning during the heat of the day. Also expect an afternoon shower.

Q2)Keep in mind that if you keep the car for a full week and you will most likely get the best rate. Sometimes it is more expensive to rent for only 4 or 5 days than a full week.

We'll have already had the car for the first week for our trip to the keys. So I thought rather than having the car another week and paying car parking fees on top - would it best getting around by taxi for 2 days and then the taxi ride to the airport?

sounds like you have it worked out.

I think the beach is the place to be in Miami. Stay in South Beach - your girls will love it. I stay in the Days Inn at 21 and Collins. It's not in the center of the action, but if money is a concern, it's a good deal. It's right on the beach and it has a pool. It's cheap enough that I sometimes upgrade to a balcony room. You can walk to Lincoln Drive and the hot spots in South Beach.

Take a good look at what there is to do before you ditch your car. Miami is pretty spread out. Unless you're going to stay at your hotel, it might be cheaper to hang on to your car (car rentals are relatively cheap in Florida.) If you want to visit Calle Ocho for Cuban food, spend an evening hanging out in Coconut Grove, visit the Everglades, or go out to Key Biscayne, you may regret giving up your car.

1. I actually prefer the beach in August, the hotter the better. I also find the ocean nicer in Miami during the summer. It is much more clear and blue than during other seasons. Wear sunscreen and you'll be fine. South Beach is my favorite beach in Southern Florida. There is less seaweed and the ocean gradually gets deep, versus a steep drop off.

2. I would recommend keeping your car or as the other member mentioned at least keep it for a week to get the week rate. A week in Miami will require a car because you won't want to stay at the beach all day, everyday. Bal Harbor Shops is a nice mall to walk around.

Enjoy!

Sorry, I just read the other posts...I'm a bit confused, are you going to be in Miami for 2 days or a week? 2 days, you don't need to rent a car and 1 week, you should rent a car.