Here I will try to accumulate a few recommendations for visitors and those new to the South Florida scene.
Lodging
In the south I can recommend the Hampton Inn near Dadeland, which offers van service to several points around South Miami, or the Holiday Inn across from the University of Miami.
I can't say I know the hotels on Miami Beach well enough to offer personal recommendations though I've heard they're fine. My family have stayed at a Days Inn at 2201 Collins Ave (the web site has annoying Flash and Music) and found it convenient and affordable.
Do
- Visit between January and April for best weather
Don't
- Tour the Everglades anytime other than winter.
- Transit by walking through any part of town that doesn't have a book store. That includes all of Brickell, downtown, Little Havana, Westchester and Homestead.
Dining
Tap Tap Restaurant (there web site has been coming soon now for several years!) on South Beach is one of my favorite places to take visitors. They have live music on Thursday and Saturday nights, the food is affordable and the crowd is diverse.