So, the Miami trip overall was five days, but two of those were basically travel days; we got in early enough for some beach time on the first day, but didn’t try to do any expeditions, and we left at some godawful early hour on the fifth day.
Itinerary, in case it’s helpful:
a) Staying at the Castle Hotel, in one of the adjacent townhouses (which I think is in North Beach) — this was pretty perfect for us, because it was a relatively quiet beach, which was what we wanted. Convenience store / grocery in the basement, and a big Publix grocery about 30 minutes’ walk (or quick rideshare) north. A good base if what you mostly want is beach time, which is what we were looking for.
b) Day 2: took a rideshare (about $30 each way?) to take a 3- hr kayak tour of the mangrove islands (note: slightly disappointing, as not as much mangrove kayaking as we’d expected, more open water, but if you know what you’re getting into and have some arm stamina, very nice)
c) Day 3: took a rideshare (about $30 each way?) to get lunch in Wynwood and take a fabulous 1-hr graffiti tour ($45 / person)
d) Day 4: took a rideshare (about $15 each way?) to South Beach for an hour or so shopping at the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall, and an hour-long visit to the swimming pool at Flamingo Park ($17 for adults, $11 for kids up to age 16, free for local residents)
There were lots of other things we could’ve done, but my kids aren’t super adventurous, and I was being pretty careful about managing their energy levels. This was right for us; I’m pretty pleased that I managed to get through it all without anyone getting too exhausted / cranky. I’ve finally learned that the key to vacationing with the family is not to be too ambitious. đŸ™‚ If we’d had one more day, I might’ve attempted a brief visit to the zoo, which has flamingoes.
(If I’d been on my own, I’d definitely have checked out the botanical garden, maybe have done some yoga or tai chi there, stayed for a concert…)
Pictured — Cortadito Coffee House, where we stopped on our shopping day so mommy could get a tres leches latte, which was delicious. Like a Thai iced coffee, but a little lighter, recommended.
