daftboy

Thanks jerryhung – I actually used this bus when I last visited South Beach to get back to MIA, thank you for reminding me that it exists!

menton1

You mean you can't beat it for the OVERprice... (Condos???)

United_727

Bayside Marketplace is a neat place to spend some time .

Arsey00

Another bump...
I'm doing something similar to daftboy, but less convenient timings. In at 5:40 am and out at 6:50 pm. Travelling with 9yo daughter, so less into throngs of thongs than some might be. Neither of us has been anywhere in FL other than Jacksonville and Orlando, so any interesting history, nature or culture would be welcome. Any early-opening ideas? Advice on time we need to clear security at that time of the evening?

Thanks in advance.

pbiflyer

What airline are you flying? Makes a huge difference. Delta - easy to clear security. American? Not so much. Do you have status on the airline you are flying?

As far as things to do....
Miami Children's Museum is an easy ride from the airport

Jungle Island is just across the street.

You can take a little cruise and do some shopping from Bayside. Also an easy ride from the airport.

A stroll down Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach would be the other recommendation. A bit further afield but not too far.

Lastly Vizcaya Museum for a bit of history and a beautiful house/view.

Arsey00

Thanks for those suggestions, gives me a great place to start. I am, it seems unfortunately, flying American, and I'm mid-tier with them (platinum). I've opted in to pre-check, but one never knows terribly far in advance if that makes a difference. Definitely have priority check in and I'm presuming Miami will have a separate lane, at least in D.

I hadn't planned on renting a car--when you say 'easy ride,' do you mean by public transport or driving?
Thanks!

CokeandTaco

3 other suggestions:

Miami Science Museum:
http://www.miamisci.org/
Venetian Pool:
http://www.coralgables.com/index.aspx?page=167
Dolphin Mall (for shopping/entertainment):
http://www.shopdolphinmall.com/

Without a rental, taxi might be the best idea. For times in and out of MIA, what day of week you are traveling?

pbiflyer

I have not done it, so not sure of the ease of use, but you can get to downtown (bayside and bayfront park) , Vizcaya, Miami Science Museum via Metro Rail and move around downtown with MetroMover.

djp98374

Anthony Bourdain did a travel channel Layover for Miami:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xo2...l#.UeI41Zwbjb0

Arsey00

If you're still peeking back at this post, Jerry, where did you get an $8 a day rental car? I'd probably be happy with anything under $30-35 but that's not usually a day rate from an airport location, so I hadn't even considered it.

I'm there on Tuesday 27 Aug.

Upthread someone mentions an Everglades tour, which sounds interesting if its possible in the short time we're there. And the Anthony Bourdain video recommends a few restaurants that look our style (Garcia's, Michael's Genuine) in neighbourhoods that would make for good touring/sightseeing. Obviously we can't do both of those opposite-direction excursions in one day, but I wonder if either is even possible without a rental. If not, we'd probably like the vizcaya and a few of the museums, or the Miami river boat tour.

Now for the voting: Experts, which, if any, of the above can be done with enough time to get back to MIA for the less-than-a-breeze AA security?

Thanks so much everyone for your advice and input.

Maykita

Since I don't think anyone else has mentioned it, let me recommend the zoo. We had a blast there. You can feed the giraffes! http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/article...goryId=1&Id=15

flyme2theriver

Just coming off of a 24 hour layover myself , south beach was pretty nice for people watching and food is decent. I couldn't spend more than 4-5 hours there unless you plan on drinking ..

fanger

South Beach, park at 13th and Collins garage?
One of the parks in the area with public parking? Biscayne?
Do I need change for meters or do they take cards?
Any parks likely to be closed due to the federal shutdown this weekend?

Hurricane Karen is unlikely to cause an Mia travel waiver I assume, but maybe a lot of rain, so jogging might not be the best activity?

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

The 13th st garage usually fills up by 10AM. Meters take cc. If its a state park, no it won't be closed.

Arsey00

Just thought I'd update for any future readers.

A friend in Naples warned us that all our plans would be scuppered by the impenetrable Miami traffic, so we gave up on the idea of exploring the Everglades before we even set out.
We decided on a bay boat tour instead.
We wasted a good two hours in the lounge waiting for showers to be ready, but eventually dropped our carry-on in another terminal and set out to Bayside with el cheapo Super Shuttle. Had plenty of time for any of the boat rides, shopping, a haircut and a hearty lunch. Frightened of the traffic, we took a taxi back but it really wasn't an issue. We then killed half an hour or more reclaiming out bag from left luggage, arrived at the lounge with time for a drink, and at the gate just in time to board.

Even with wasted time, 8 hours is plenty of time to get out, see some sights, and get back.