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Originally posted by AlphaSigOU
Grew up in North Miami (aka 'Port-au-Prince du Nord' because the population is mostly Haitian immigrants  ). Lots of places to see and things to do in Miami, if you plan it out ahead of time.
You gotta at least try Cuban food: a sandwich cubano or a media noche. (Roast pork seasoned with tropical spices, ham, Swiss cheese, pickle slices and maybe a little mustard, then heated on a grill press. Both sandwiches are identical except for the bread: the media noche is served on a sweeter, softer roll, while the regular sandwich is on French bread.) Ropa vieja - shredded flank steak- and moros y cristianos - black beans and rice - are among other Cuban delicacies.
In certain areas of Miami you'll be hard-pressed to hear English spoken.
Ocean Drive (the main drive of South Beach is ALWAYS clogged with traffic, especially at night.
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you sir are making me VERY hungry!!! I am thinking of going to the cuban cafeteria for lunch now
BACK on topic
I live in Miami...and there are a TON of things to do..
the ringling brothers circus is in town..tickets are usually about 30-40 for "VIP" seats...its ALOT of fun and a great thing to do
it is at the american airlines arena.. which is RIGHT within walking distance to bayside which has great shops (as mentioned above)
check online at ringling brothers to find out more..but it is "the greatest show on earth"
ALSO if you are into museums.. check out Viscaya in coral gables..its a HUGE mansion owned by the deering family a long time ago, it is very "renisance" and has the most beautiful gardens.. and is right on the ocean...this trip makes for the BEST pictures and for a great afternoon just walking around.. i HIGHLY recommend it..its one of my FAVorite places..
right near Viscaya is the miami science museum which puts on laser shows every weekend for like 8 dollars.. they play music for and put on a great laser show.....
if you plan on staying the day in south beach.. Lincon road is great..its a LONNNG strip of shops, cafes, and little art museums.. there is a movie theater and lots of thigns to see.. i think they still have street performers in the early evening too.. great fun
I agree with Layla that crandon park is a nicer beach..but if you drive farther down that same road to the cape florida park its amazing.. there is the oldest lighthouse in florida as well as many hiking trails, bike paths, beaches, and piers for fishing...
as far as bars....stay away from the "dirty" loooking clubs in south beach..they are only trouble.. the names in those areas change so frequently that i have no idea what they are called anymore..
when i go out i usually head to coconut grove..my favorite by far..and head to sandbar, mr.moes, or fat tuesdays, wet willies is good too...and there is the improv comedy club that has great night shows....
there is great food everywhere but try a little of something new, its all good..
i seriously could go on forever and write a book...so if you want more info PM me
I have lived here all my life and have done most everything in Miami a million times...
I hope this was of help.. have a GREAT vacation..the weather is supposed to be GREAT!!! 70 degrees and breezy..no humidity yet..
PM me if anything
ETA: BE CAREFUL... the places that look "shady" usually are, use common sense..in a bar especially have fun but dont get anihilated to the point where you dont know whats going on...
ALSO on the "spanish only" thing.. its not true in the touristy areas...those places are usually mostly english..i have lived here ALLLLLL MY LIFE...and i DONT speak spanish AND i come from a HISPANIC family (im puerto rican)
anyways the places that are "mostly spanish" will not be in the areas that you will most likely visit as a tourist.. if you venture to the more community areas is where you will experience it more...,such as in sweetwater or south miami near kendall.. and hialeah...
anyways again good luck.. and dont worry its not a foreign country..its just "colorful"