Starting to think I was nuts to book a family vacation in Miami, FL over spring break. The closer it gets the more nervous I get that it will be crazy. Hoping to hear from anyone that's been on a family vacation (or perhaps lives) in this part of FL during spring break. Are there still family friendly beaches nearby? Any beach/hotel recommendations would be appreciated. I'm not opposed to driving short distances- say to Ft Lauderdale area if it means it's more family friendly. Thanks in advance!
Be careful of the jellyfish. I was stung by one and it hurts like the dickens!!
Dawn
I lived in the area about 15 years ago, so I don't know of any places, BUT - Fort Lauderdale is just 1/2 hour north of Miami. That whole area is a destination for spring break. Hopefully someone will help you with beach info, but I'm guessing it's going to be crazy.
If you are looking for non-beach stuff. There is Monkey Jungle, Butterfly World, Sawgrass Mills Mall (huge - may be crazy full though). Look for non-beach fun things just in case. Have fun!
I don't think Miami should be that bad. It is a pretty adult place so Spring Breakers need to be 21 and up.
We love South Beach. Daughter and I were there in June 2012 and stayed at the Hilton Bentley as well as the Loews Resort on Collins closer to the Lincoln Road shopping.
Both hotels were nice.. The Hilton Bentley is at the very end of the strip around 1st Ave and we switched hotels midweek because we ended up needing a taxi up to the Lincoln Road area and shopping ($10 a trip). We are huge walkers but not so much for later in the evenings, etc. due to safety concerns. We like the strip a lot but just be wary because the beach itself is topless (optional). We've also stayed at the Beacon (old hotel but nice) and I have stayed at the Clevelander... you have to be 21 to stay there and it is a party hotel.
We LOVED the Loews hotel on Collins. Huge and beautiful, reasonable rates, beach access, etc. There were more families at the Loews vs the Bentley. You can see the Bentley if you watch the Kardashians because that is where they stay. The DASH store is teeny tiny and very expensive.
We did see a few celebs when we were there.
I LOVE MIAMI...
We also spent time in Ft Lauderdale which is nice and I'd say more family friendly. We stayed at the Marrior resort there.
Personally I think you should drive up to Boca and stay at the renowned Boca Resort . . . :) www.Bocaresort.com . They just re-did their beach club and it's lovely. It's also pricey which drives out much of the college spring-break crowd.
Miami is varied and you should be fine. There are party areas and more family-oriented areas. I would be sure to talk to the hotels about that issue and check reviews at places like tripadvisor.com. TF/Plano had some excellent suggestions. We have stayed at the Marriott Harbour Beach in Fort Lauderdale and it's fun because it's very close to the inlet where the cruise ships come in and out.
The only other thing I would consider is hopping in the car and driving down to Hawk's Cay in the Florida Keys. We absolutely love this place and it's quite family friendly. It wouldn't be a terrible drive from the Miami Airport. http://www.hawkscay.com/ Just driving to the Keys is interesting and beautiful. If you do go check out Bahia Honda State Park (amazing).
Good luck and I hope it all goes well.
Well, Miami during Spring Break week may not be as bad as you think because college breaks are typically earlier than K-12 schools.
Having said that:
- Miami Seaquarium
- Miami Metro Zoo
- Lion Country Safari (so so much fun and probably 45 minutes from Miami)
- The Rapids (water park in Pompano)
- Everglades tour/ air boat ride
- Butterfly World (kind of pricey, but fun)
- Renaissance Fair (may still be going on and it's a blast)
