I'm attending a conference in the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne at the end of Feb. The conf runs Mon noon - Tues evening, and I'm on a 4:40 PM flight back to Denver (the other flight choices either involved an EARLY flight and a connect, or a connect so that the travel time > the 4:30 direct flight).

Landing Sunday evening about 4:00 PM. I have Mon AM thru noon and most of the day Thursday. I'm staying at the Marriott Courtyard South Beach.

Any recommendations? I love food, culture, history, water, and am an outdoorsy type. Might be interested in poking around Little Havana (if such a thing exists and isn't the kind of tourist trap that "Little [ethnicity]" is in other cities). Maybe a cigar factory? I'd love to go spearfishing, but I don't think the logistics work out. Maybe kayak rental?

Also...how impractical is it to drop bags at the airport early in the morning on Thursday, then leave teh airport to do "whatever"? Or am I better leaving bags at teh front desk, doing my thing, then coming back? Is the beach OK or too cold?

If anyone can guess what conf I'm referring to and will be there, let's meet up! I'll buy the first drink.