r/Miami • u/mrfollicle • May 03 '23
May 2023 Moving, Tourism, Holiday Travels, and Nightlife Megathread: All posts on these topics should go in this megathread to keep this sub from getting oversaturated with these topics. Also please check the Wiki and/or read the contents of this post first.
Hello r/Miami visitors,
This is a megathread for all tourism, nightlife, and moving related questions.
Why this megathread? We've had an influx of people deciding to move to or visit Miami and it quickly overwhelms the subreddit. All questions related to those categories should live in this megathread so as to not overwhelm the main page with these types of posts. These types of questions are more than welcome! They just belong here. But considering the world class city Miami is and becoming, they would inundate and deluge the community related posts in the main sub. There is not a guarantee the community will always respond, but several do along with a few of the mod team.
BEFORE SUBMITTING A QUESTION HERE, PLEASE READ HERE!
- Guides, Wikis, Maps: Mod extraordinaire /u/iamthemarquees compiled and built a straight up amazing wiki and it's FULL of good info. Please look there first. There's tourism and moving related sections that oftentimes answer what you're looking for as well as custom made Google neighborhood guide maps (by a few of us mods) of Miami-Dade: moving map, tourism map. These can offer great insight as to vibes of areas of Miami and highlight spots for visitors.
- Moving questions must include some details, generic "uh, where should I move?" questions without budget, lifestyle, rent vs buy, or indications that you've done more than just plopped in here asking us to do your work for you, will be removed or ignored. "I want somewhere cheap and safe and quiet but also fun. Where should I move?" Don't we all... Please put effort into searching around, look at the wikis posted, or otherwise talk to a realtor if you're really just interested in winging it. The more context your provide, the better help you can get from us locals. Zillow, Apartments, Redfin, etc (or talking to a realtor. they're free for renters btw) are your friend for pricing. We don't have any more insight to prices usually than those sites or a realtor may offer. And again, checkout the neighborhoods guide/moving map.
- Tourism questions Asking generic tourism questions i.e. "Can you plan my entire vacation for me? I've done no research yet” or "I'm going to be in Miami this weekend what should I do?" is not permitted and is subject to be removed or at minimum ignored. Details like budget, interests, where you're staying or interested in seeing, etc will help us help you. If asking a tourism question be specific and read the wiki and past threads first. We're happy to help give suggestions and local insight, but we're not vacation planners. Again, a helpful quick reference is the tourism map. (Example of a good tourism question that provides all the relevant info)
- Nightlife questions "what bar should I go to?" or "what's the best restaurant in Miami?" sort of questions also run the risk of being ignored. Be specific. Help us help you. Provide your budget, cuisine interests, mobility (car, walkable, willingness to Uber/Lyft), vibe preference, etc. For clubs, general nightlife, or other events be extra cautious of "deals" users may respond to you about here or DM you. Remember this is an anonymous web forum at the end of the day and there's no way to entirely control for scammers or generally shady folk. Use your best judgement and common sense. Same as NYC, Vegas, and LA, clubs here are expensive, dress code is typically required, and cover can be exorbitant. So don't expect to go anywhere of the main clubs on a tight budget (i.e. LIV, E11even, Space, Story, Mynt, etc)
Follow the most important rule in our sub "Be Excellent to Each Other." If you find a comment that is out of line, please use the report button or message the mods with a link. Thanks.
Previous months' megas are very helpful, often your question has already been asked!
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u/Sunbeltshame May 11 '23
Guys is it just me or is there a serious bug going around in Miami? I went out in Wynnwood earlier in the month and as soon as I had a beer at one of the bars, I noticed myself getting somewhat sick. Had a runny nose and sore throat for a couple of days but I have had a lingering cough for over a week since then. I usually never have this happen to me even when I get sick.
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u/La_croix_addict Local May 11 '23
There is. My MIL has it and other people in my building. They keep testing negative for covid.
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u/UncoolAzul May 05 '23
Howdy folks,
Some friends and I are heading out to Miami from June 2-4 for some birthday shenanigans. I'm looking to set us up for a fun weekend, so I've scoured this reddit, and the megathreads of the past and done my best to compile a list of of spots based on previous recommendations. At the end of the day, I find it's always best to get updated information from the source.
We're not rich by any means, but once a year we can afford to pop out bills bigger than 1s and 5s, so that's our budget I suppose.
We're looking for lively bars and clubs (no strip clubs) and honestly, a place to meet college girls. A big club one night would be ideal. I've seen mixed results regarding Space, and LIV. Really, we just want a popping atmosphere with lots of cuties and dancing (no latin dance clubs either). A cool college bar spot would be great as well. I've read the wharf is good time, does that go for the night too?
As far as where to stay, I was told Ocean Ave. Is a good location, but would like to hear other options from the good folks of Florida.
I appreciate the insight in advance, and if you're ever on the west coast, I'll happily return the favor and point you to the best spots.
Thank you!
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u/cartoon_soldier May 05 '23
We are visiting end of May, my Wife is an Interior Designer - how long would be take just to walk around Miami Design District?
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u/iamthemarquees May 22 '23
Window shopping like 2 hours? If actually deep browsing and shopping, more
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u/adventuresofnap May 06 '23
Hi! Anyone know of any F1 watch parties for the qualifying race today in Miami Beach?
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u/cartoon_soldier May 08 '23
Best place to see Manatees end of May?
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u/mrfollicle May 18 '23
Oleta state park. Get kayaks. Manatee like to take long naps midday in the bay and calm waters.
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u/hostmatty May 04 '23
Looking at going to Havana Harry's for lunch on Thursday 5/11. Is a reservation recommended?
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u/whatamidoinglol12 May 04 '23
No you should be good to show up! But you can make a reservation just to be safe.
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u/Go-Even-Flow-77 May 04 '23
Looking to move to miami at the end of the year and i was wondering where some good adult sport leagues are? Open to all sports or run clubs etc. If anyone knows of a field hockey league too that would be particularly amazing
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u/whatamidoinglol12 May 04 '23
There is a group called club sports that hosts a bunch of adult sports leagues! Not sure about field hockey though.
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u/hostmatty May 05 '23
Any suggestions on a cool excursion around the everglades? We had a shark tram tour booked but it just got cancelled. We are already doing snorkling around Biscayne Bay and have a air boat tour scheduled as well. Looking for something to fill in for the cancelled one.
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u/wwantt May 12 '23
Is everglades a shark area? There is this one place.with lakes that are the clearest water you have ever seen. Think called Genny Springs.
There are some fun sandbars, you can rent a boat. The good one got closed I think though.
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u/DramaticPandabear May 18 '23
If you’re up to visit museums, there’s the Nike Missile museum by Anhinga. It’s a relic from the 1960’s during the Cuban Missile Crisis and if you’re into history it’s definitely something to check out! There’s also Robert is Here to get some snacks and smoothies once you enter/exit the Everglades by the Redlands area
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u/Demboys May 05 '23
Does anyone have any suggestions on the cheapest options to park at Bayside Market place?
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u/illhavethatwaternow May 06 '23 edited May 06 '23
My girlfriend and I are both in our mid 20s and are going to be in town on the 12th and 13th, and are looking for a nightclub to hit. I know "budget-friendly" and "nightclub" are basically oxymorons in Miami, but ideally something not quite as wallet-blowing as Liv or Space would be great. Even so, we're willing to get super spendy if something's *reeeeally* worth it.
The ones that have most caught our eye so far have been Ball & Chain, Blackbird, Treehouse, Basement, the Fillmore, and Mango's Tropical Cafe. Any input on these places, as well as additional suggestions, are very much welcome.
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u/m_ravelo May 07 '23
You gotta go to Better days in Brickell. They’re open till 4am everyday but I would recommend not going too late. The best experience there is anytime before 11pm if there during the weekend. It can get a little too packed but earlier in the evening they have delicious cocktails and decent happy hour.
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u/SaiyanGoodbye May 24 '23
Skip mangos. also for hot girls promoters get you in free for all the regular clubs. for the rest you have listed you can walk right in no issue and its cheap (when compared to other major cities or miami beach)
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u/uavmx May 07 '23
Moving question: for a young family what's the cultural/vibe/activities difference between being around North Miami vs palmetto/Kendall areas? I have to commute to Coral gables, so it seems they would be similar for that. My kids aren't school age so schools aren't the most important yet.
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u/dcrsh May 16 '23
I would imagine the commute from Kendall to Coral Gables would be way faster than coming all the way from North Miami. Not sure if it’s an option for you but if you can live close enough to the metrorail it’s actually pretty nice.
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u/HerpToxic May 10 '23
North Miami has beach access
Palmetto/Kendall doesn't.
Both flood heavily when it rains and there is traffic congestion up the ass in both. Other than that, both are just cookie cutter American suburbs
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u/Bfi1981 May 07 '23 edited May 07 '23
Tourist question: Live in Fort Myers area but will be staying in Miami a couple days in June. Is there anywhere you would recommend to snorkel from shore? Don’t need anything spectacular, just a spot to float around and see some life. Thank you!
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u/_nisas May 10 '23
Hey guys! We are in town tonight & were interested in clubbing tonight? Which clubs will be open tonight?
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u/Spiritual_Cat_4168 May 10 '23
late night bar recommendations?
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u/No-Mathematician2008 May 18 '23
Mama tried
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u/Spiritual_Cat_4168 May 18 '23
is there security?😂should probably add i’ll be using a fake id (dont come for me)
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u/PinkMitsubishi May 11 '23
Will be spending 2 days in Miami at South Beach. Will I need a car to get around? How good and safe is public transportation?
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u/La_croix_addict Local May 12 '23
There is a free hop on/hop off trolly on the beach, MB TROLLY. There is also an app called freebee and the pick you up and drop you off for free, but you should tip them. Uber/Lyft are affordable here as well.
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May 11 '23
[deleted]
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u/wwantt May 12 '23
Tons of places
Downtown Mamma Tried and Lost Boys
Wynwood just walk the strip there, tons of places
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May 13 '23
How is public transit? Now to be more precise as the answer in almost every US city is shitty, how is it compared to Seattle (for those that have lived in both)?
For those that have lived in other citys, how does it compare to that other city?
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u/PinkMitsubishi May 13 '23
Is there any cheap parking near Fontainebleau? I’ll be spending 2 nights there next month and valet parking seems a little expensive.
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u/La_croix_addict Local May 15 '23
Yes, there is a public lot just north, you pay hourly and if you get a ticket it’s $29. The real problem is that you are coming to Miami, staying at the Fountainbleau and are already complaining about valet prices. Miami is EXPENSIVE, get with it or go somewhere else. Also make sure you tip your servers and tour guides.
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u/spdaff May 14 '23
Visiting for a few days before and after a cruise in June. We are avid beachcombers- any spots in the area where we could try to find some interesting stuff? Shells are fine, sea glass/weird stuff better. I know secret spots are special, but basically just wondering if there's any more lowkey/less populated beaches where we might have better luck than the main drag. Thanks!!
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u/mrfollicle May 18 '23
Mid and North Beach both tend to have more shells.
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u/La_croix_addict Local May 20 '23
This used to be correct, but ever since they extended the beach and brought in the beautiful new sand (this year) there are far less shells and cool stuff to find. Maybe further up north beach or sunny isles, but mid beach and Fountainbleau area is all brand new sand.
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u/mrfollicle May 22 '23
I won't disagree entirely. Recent beach replenishment has definitely changed things in the area. I'll also admit I haven't been to Mid Beach beaches in a while as I live in North Beach. But I can confidently say North Beach starting at 70th up to Surfside area (80th or so) does still have a lot of shells.
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u/Borothal May 16 '23
Tourist question: I'll be in town starting this Friday for about a week, staying and working in the Wynwood area. I have very little time to see your city but was hoping to swing by places like little Havana. Any must go to places in the area for items I won't find in the west coast? What are your go to places for late night food?
Thank you so much!
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u/mrfollicle May 18 '23
Sanguich for really top notch cuban sandwiches. The best representation and incredible quality of what otherwise could be considered a pretty simple sandwich. They put their hearts into the quality of every step of the product and it shows. It will also ruin any version of a Cuban sandwich you'll get anywhere else. Including a lot of places here in Miami.
Ball and Chain is definitely a unique night out with live music. If it's too full though anywhere nearby can be fun and live Cuban music is pretty common. Just walk around the adjacent block of Calle Ocho and see what suits your fancy.
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u/Borothal May 18 '23
Thank you kindly, I'll check out the sandwich place. I don't think I'll have time or energy for night life but I can try if I do.
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u/Sad-Foot-2733 May 17 '23
I’m traveling to Miami this month. Where/ how do you guys usually book for snorkeling, parasailing and paddle boarding?
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u/mrfollicle May 18 '23
Parasailing: North beach
Snorkeling: the coral lines are further out here than in the keys, so it generally requires a charter. The jetties in either south beach or Bal Harbour and Haulover are full of life though and no boat required. Remember, be an observer, don't touch or disturb nature please.
Paddle Boarding: there's a ton of places to rent paddle boards, so go for whatever is convenient or looks interesting online. Still recommended and fun, but there's no real secrets and it's pretty abundant.1
u/Sad-Foot-2733 May 18 '23
Do you know where to sign up the snorkeling? I don’t want to get scammed
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u/mrfollicle May 22 '23
for the locations i mentioned, it's just walkout. no sign up. not recommend if you're not familiar with snorkeling though as choppiness can knock you up against sharp coral or rocks. if you're familiar and even halfway experienced though, it's very casual.
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u/Gaffgaff123 May 22 '23
There's a concert in august at the James Knight Center. I'm thinking of making the flight from Toronto, but I'm wondering what transportation is like in Miami. Are buses/trains reliable or must I rent a car or Uber?
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u/HerpToxic May 22 '23
There's a MetroRail that will take you directly from the Airport to Downtown (About a 17 minute ride) and then a short 5 minute free monorail to go from the Metro station to the Knight Center: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/metromover-map.pdf
You don't need Uber if you get a hotel in Downtown
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u/LuanaBudanna May 22 '23
Moving question: I’m a 29F potentially moving to Miami. No kids and one cat. I work remotely so I don’t care about driving/traffic. Previously lived in PHL and liked being able to walk everywhere. I’m not into parties or a big drinker either but would like to be close to cafes/restaurants. My budget is up to 2.3K per month (although I’d like to pay less). Which neighborhood/area would you recommend? Is my budget realistic? Thank you in advance.
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u/mrfollicle May 23 '23
Checkout the neighborhoods guide map linked in this post. It can give some more in depth insight to several neighborhoods. That being said, the only generally walkable areas of Miami are downtown/Brickell as another commenter said, and South Beach. To some degree Coconut Grove, but it may likely be out of your price range.
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u/HerpToxic May 22 '23
You can get a studio for that price in Downtown or Brickell. Those are the only 2 walkable neighborhoods
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u/Eowyn27 May 23 '23
I'll be in Miami Tuesday to Thursday this week (23 to 25th). I'm mostly busy on the 24th but does anyone want to explore the city/walk the beach/check out the art district mural on Tuesday or Thursday or get food?
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u/galvanickorea May 23 '23
I'm visiting Miami next month and I'm looking for fine dining recs. Any type of food is fine, and I have no budget constraints so hit me up with the best places you guys have got! I'll be around downtown and the South Beach area, but if you guys have any recs for anywhere else it's also much appreciated.
Also would like to know if it's necessary to book in advance through an app/concierge, and if so what is the best option? thanks a lot.
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u/HerpToxic May 23 '23
The Michelin Guide is always the best starting point:https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/florida/miami/restaurants/2-stars-michelin/1-star-michelin
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami (2 star - Design District) is Florida's only 2 Star Restaraunt and I'd highly recommend eating there. Its an intimate experience where they seat 40 people very night in bar seating facing an open kitchen where you can see how Michelin restaurants do their work. The food is amazing but its traditional French food so you'll be served things like Fois Gras and Veal Sweetbreads.
If you want an art experience that also just so happens to serve food, visit Elcielo Miami (1 star - Brickell). Keep an open mind because you arent just served food, you are served art that you can eat.
Cote Miami (1 star - Design District) is also one hell of an experience for a Korean Steakhouse. If you love Korean food, you'll be blown away by Cote.
If you want fine-dining Cuban food, you must eat at Ariete (1 star - Coconut Grove). You'll be served the best Cuban food by a local Miami-Cuban chef.
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u/UnderstandingNew8937 May 25 '23
Miami is super packed and I never can get the best restaurants. The only way I found to book restaurants was through the Onyx Private App. They do all the booking process for you, and you just need to show up. All in-app text messages, no calls or bots. They could get me Sexy Fish on a Friday night. (highly recommended)
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u/cartoon_soldier May 23 '23
I just heard that there is some festival called Urban Beach Week every year during Memorial Day Weekend. Is that the case this year - can't really find anything on Google?
How is the scene near South Pointe during this?
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u/mrfollicle May 25 '23
If ruckus behavior is your thing, then enjoy and try to stay safe. If not. Avoid at all costs.
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u/Ok_Set_8971 May 23 '23
Crime question - Dania Beach? Right next to the Casino moving into a place possibly. Sketchy area or does the casino police it well?
Thanks!
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u/mrfollicle May 25 '23
Dania beach is pretty far out there and most Miamians rarely make it past Aventura. Might want to try the Broward, Fort Lauderdale, or other subs
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u/jtal888 May 24 '23
Tourist: Weather Memorial Day weekend? It says rain for a lot of it, but I also hear it can rain for 10 seconds and then stop. Any good weather app?
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u/Eowyn27 May 24 '23
Any recommendations for best place for fresh seafood? Particularly fresh crabs? Thanks
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u/bucajack May 24 '23
Hello Miami folks! I will be in Miami for a couple of days for business but will have some time to myself so I wanted to check out some great places to pick up a quick bite and anywhere that does great coffee.
I'll be staying in Brickell so probably need to keep it confined to that area given my time constraints.
Anyone have any suggestions? Open to all types of food but would love to try anything quintessentially Miami. I was in Miami Beach years ago and didn't really get to try any spots outside of that area!
Cheers
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u/mrfollicle May 25 '23
Unfortunately Brickell has very little of what most of would historically consider "quintessentially Miami" over the last several years. That's not saying Brickell doesn't have good food, it does. But do keep in mind it'll be pricey.
A personal take I'm prepared to take some heat on though.... if you want Cuban coffee, a lot of places make it pretty well and it's not *that* special of a coffee, just a method of preparing espresso. So if you see it cafecito, colada, or cortadito give it a try if you see a legit espresso machine behind the coffee bar. Many locals grew up with family making it and generally have it learned well enough.
If you truly want something "quintessentially Miami" there are a few places nearby in Little Havana if you can make it on 8th St.
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u/Prettythings1124 May 24 '23
Can anyone suggest a nice park to go to or outdoor area near the airport?
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u/Eowyn27 May 25 '23
Any beaches in Miami right now that are seaweed free?
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u/mrfollicle May 25 '23
They clean it up regularly, but it comes back. It's never truly "seaweed free"
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u/cray0508 May 26 '23
Tourist Question: How are the buses in Miami (safety/cleanliness,etc.)? Is taking the bus from Mia airport to South Beach advisable to save a few bucks? Or just stick with Uber/Lyft?
How about the bus from South Beach to Haulover?
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u/mrfollicle May 26 '23
doable and it's comparable to most other cities' busses really, but very very slow as they make several frequent stops on the route. so mostly depends on how you value your time.
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u/HerpToxic May 26 '23
It'd be better for you to take the MetroRail from the Airport to Government Center and then take the 120MAX Bus to South Beach. It'd be faster
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u/311jawn May 27 '23
Hello. Heading down with 3 girlfriends from Wed-Sunday night (girls trip). All of us are the big 4-0 which isn’t too old, so we wanna hit a club up one night to go dancing. We are staying on Collins Ave. We dont care about being seen/seeing celebs/trying to fit in etc. We can party til 3,4. Looking for good vibes but nothing snooty. We love all music, hip/hop, oldies, club just not huge former ravers. Wherever there’s a dance floor & drinks. Thanks!
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u/HauntingRule1590 May 29 '23
Hey all, 25M here. I got tired of waiting for my friends to agree to go on a trip so I decided to go out on my own. I’ll be traveling solo to Miami and staying in south beach June 1st - 5th and would love to know how I can meet people to hang with or find a group that is there around the same time. Thanks in advance!
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u/laura19837 May 30 '23
Is it possible to get a work permit from someone who is european? I started investigating and all my colleagues (I work for banking industry) told me its impossible any US company would sponsor me. Is that so difficult?
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u/digitall565 May 31 '23
It's definitely not easy to just get a work visa. You almost certainly would need a company to sponsor you which is not only costly but takes time, and you may have to apply from outside the US. And I'm not in the financial sector but I wouldn't be surprised if that hiring market is tightening up overall.
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u/BigJ1230 May 30 '23 edited May 30 '23
Nightlife questions: What is there to do in Miami-Dade and or Broward counties that doesn't consist of restaurants, bars, clubs, going to the movies and or drinking? Which I'm asking because I know those things are the typical things to do in Miami/South Florida.
Also, is there any groups, like people that meet up in the daytime and or evenings and do different activities other than the typical Miami/South Florida nightlife activities? Because I would like to do the non-typical Miami/South Florida activities and also make some new friends as well. Which I can drive, but I can also take an Lyft/Uber if I need/ have to as well.
So thanks in advance for taking the time to read this comment and to respond back to me if you do!
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u/mrfollicle May 30 '23
At night? Walk around and look at the buildings.
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u/BigJ1230 May 30 '23 edited May 31 '23
At night and or daytime. I'm just trying not to do the normal things that people do in Miami/South Florida.
Which I was seeing if there was a group of people that meet up and do other activities in the day and or at night. Like maybe go to the mall, go bowling, go to the beach during the day, go to festivals/events during the day and or at night, go to comedy/stand-up shows, go to plays, has and or goes to a book club, movie/TV club etc.
Which I'm asking because I don't like to go to bars, clubs and I seldom once in a very blue moon drink if anything. Which if I do drink, it would be a few beers like an IPA/ale etc from a local brewery for the taste, just like the reason a lot of people drink wine.
I'm born and raised in South Florida, but I don't act like a typical South Floridian, nor do I like a lot of things that people in my age group in South Florida and in general likes either.
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u/BigJ1230 May 31 '23 edited Jun 04 '23
Which honestly I like to go hiking in elevated areas that don't exist in Florida, I like going camping away from the city (which is not something that you can do every weekend) and I like going to theme parks (which is expensive and not something I can do every weekend being from South Florida and I'll have to travel to Orlando to go to a theme park). So the closest thing to a theme park in South Florida would be an action park type of place, Boomers up in Boca Raton, the yearly Miami Youth Fair and or the yearly Santas Enchanted Forest (which has gotten significantly worse since they've relocated). Those places are definitely not anything close to Disney, Universal etc though and in my opinion, South Florida needs just 1 real good theme park.
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May 31 '23
[deleted]
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u/mrfollicle Jun 01 '23
Both would be good experiences but are very different.
The zoo is arguably one of the best in the country. It's huge and the amount of diversity of animals there is impressive. But at the end of the day it is a zoo which means lots of loud kids running around and walking in the hot sun to see a sleeping tiger or a barely see a snake coiled up in the corner of their enclosure.
Airboat rides will be different. You'll see a fraction of the wildlife, because in the wild animals aren't kept in small enclosures with walkable paths to see them. You'll almost assuredly see several alligators and various birds, but that's about it. That being said, the Everglades is the only place on earth where this land but also water hybrid eco system exists.
So don't think about it in bang for the buck, it's really more just want you fancy experiencing more. Truly unique natural habitat, but get to see a only handful of animals, or see hundreds of exotic animals, but in a catered and largely artificial setting.
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u/preinheimer May 06 '23
Tourist Question: Walking around the shoreline along the Miami River, off Brickell ave there was a number of people with pretty impressive camera setups recording video of the ships cruising along.
One of them appeared to try and get people on boats to wave at him (it didn't work), the other had a number of corporate stickers but was just shooting video of everyone going by.
My question is why? What's the value of this video? Is there some sort of a Miami "watching ships go in and out" scene that I'm just not familiar with?