Miami Good Idea Or Not ?

[EDDIE51]

My son was booked to go to Miami this summer.
But he is wondering if it is a good idea. Some people at his work have told him it is dirty and dangerous with gun gangs roaming and apart from the main tourist strip more or less a 'no go' area.
He is still having his second week in Las Vegas, but is worried about his first week in Miami. Anyone been and got first hand experience to share ?
Also if Miami is not a good idea any recommendations for an alternative USA week?

[Gavmacp]

My brother worked there for a while and loved it but that was quite a few years ago.

[-SharonA-]

I went to Miami last year and did not see no crime. I stayed at a suburb on the outskirts as only the rich live closer to central Miami.
Also I had family to chaperone me around. nonetheless, no crime.

Many years ago I went to New York and there I saw various incidents and one involving my family personally. I would say New York is more violent.

[237SJ]

I'm not struck on it. South Beach is supposed to be quite vibrant but Miami itself is just a place for cruise passengers. He could always go to Fort Lauderdale or somewhere and just use Miami as a gateway

[237SJ]

Re an alternative week - Boston is a nice city, as is San Diego and Frisco is always popular (if you ignore all the drop outs). Personally, I'd go to Cape Cod

[-SharonA-]

Fort Lauderdale is where I stayed. I must say, for things to do, Miami is not my favourite place.

[mightymouse]

Miami is not dangerous, apart from certain areas which you would not want to visit. Worst thing about Miami is the dreadful airport. Suggest you go to a more peaceful place in Florida. Key West, perhaps, rather commercialised, easy to get there from Miami, a fun place.

[Jennykenny]

Agree about Miami Airport. Regularly voted one of the worst, but Miami itself was fine. South Beach are vibrant and interesting, but you might look into flying to Tampa or St Petersburg and using either as a base.
Key West was very lively and the drive down there fascinating.
We also managed to get up to St Augustine - one of my favourite cities.
If you do hire a car, try to find time to visit Cedar Key and Sanibel on the west coast. Worthwhile.

[jno]

it's like many cities, there are parts of it you wouldn't want to go but most of it is fine. But apart from the odd stately home there's not that much to see that he wouldn't see elsewhere; plus it'll be hot and it's the hurricane season. What was he actually wanting to do there? South Beach is very nice though getting a bit pricey, but it's good for the beach. But the best thing might be to hire a car and visit Key West or the Everglades.

[old_labour]

I have been to Miami many times and have never seen it dirty and never seen any signs of violence. There are wonderful eating places there as well as historic shopping areas. South beach is fine. Viva Miami.

[EDDIE51]

He is going with 4 mates, so 5 altogether. They have now decided to go to California instead of Miami.

[-SharonA-]

Good choice.

[jno]

California Disney is smaller than Florida's but apart from that there's more to see within easy reach. Unless he just wants to stay downtown, get a car.

[dance2trance]

Miami is very south to us Brits. In the summer the humidity will get you it is very high and you roast at 9am. Check out the weather. If you think it is OK then go. CSI Miami team lived there and they were very stylish.

[-SharonA-]

^^^^^ found this hard to believe as most of the CSI Miami was filmed in California!!

[davidwilliams]

Miami is not a bad idea and it is not so dangerous too. If he is there for holidays than he will have lot of fun there.