south beach, miami questions

[nancy_east]

Going on a business trip with DH next weekend to South Beach. We're staying at the National Hotel, but I know absolutely nothing about South Beach, and any advice from anyone who has visited would be greatly appreciated! (i.e. restaurants, shopping, etc...) Thanks!

[mb]

well, definitely go to the beach! actually, for beaches, i'd recommend bill baggs or crandon park on key biscayne. beautiful crystal clear water and white sand beach...

for shopping/dining options, there is the lincoln road mall (miami beach), bal harbor (a bit north), coconut grove (to the south, on the mainland), or shops at sunset (south miami).

but as far as south beach goes, there are tons of restaurants and plenty of art deco architecture. i think the news cafe is a cute and fairly inexpensive place to grab a bite to eat and do some people-watching right on a main street. also, there are walking tours available.

you can email me if you'd like. i'd be happy to share more info.

marisa :)

[nancy_east]

Marisa,
Thanks for the advice! I head out tomorrow night, and am making a print-out of what you've written. It sounds like I won't have a dull moment, which is exactly what I'm looking for!

[Veronica]

We were in South Beach several months ago. Loved a restaurant called Nemo.

NEMO
100 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL, USA
Phone: 305/532-4550

This is what Fodor's says about it:

This SoFi (South of Fifth Street) pioneer's open-air atmosphere, bright colors, copper fixtures, and tree-shaded courtyard lend casual comfort to a menu that blends Caribbean, Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences. Popular appetizers include garlic-cured salmon rolls with Tabiko caviar and wasabi mayo, and crispy prawns with spicy salsa cruda. Main courses might include wok-charred salmon or grilled Indian-spice pork chop. Nemo also serves up a terrific Sunday brunch, and Hedy Goldsmith's funky pastries are exquisitely sinful. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V.

The http://miami.msn.com/ website is a good source for ideas on things to do & places to eat. www.fodors.com also has some good information.

Enjoy!