Hello FH!
I've been a long time reader of posts on this site. This is my first ever post.
My wife suprised me with tickets to the Monday night opener against the Patriots for our anniversary.
It has been 15 years since I've been to see a Fins game live. I live in VA.
We are coming down Friday Sept 9th, so we will have 3 days prior to the game to do some sight seeing.
I'm looking for any suggestions of fun things to do and see from anyone that either lives in Miami or has visited.
Hey there, I am also from Va, Chantilly up in Northern Va to be exact, I've lived down here in South Fla for almost 15 years now.
I've got a great game plan for your trip, happy anniversary btw, follow this script precisely and you will have an AMAZING trip!
OK, my first piece of advice for you is to SKIP SOUTH BEACH COMPLETELY!!! Sorry for the excessive caps, but I really wanted to drive that point home. South Beach is an over rated, over priced tourist trap. I enjoy the nightlife and do the club thing on a semi-regular basis and the only time I ever go to south beach is when my family/friends come from out of town and want to go there. The main reason most people go to south beach is so they can tell their friends that they went there. Skip it.
If you want to enjoy the nature side of Florida (beaches, fishing, snorkeling, diving, amazing weather, etc) there is no better place than the Florida Keys. You know how Miami/Ft Lauderdale feels "tropical" compared to most other parts of the country? Well, the Florida Keys seems tropical compared to Miami/Ft Lauderdale. You will see different plants, fish, birds, colors of the ocean than you will see most anywhere else in Florida.
Here's the plan:
As soon as you get your rental car, set the GPS for Islamorada Florida. It takes about an hour and a half from Ft Laud airport, about an hour from Miami airport. Islamorada is known as "The Sportfishing Capital of the World", you can get all sorts of fishing charters if you like. It is also home to John Pennekamp Park, which has some of the best snorkeling and diving that you can find anywhere in the world. Before you get down here, call The Cheeca Lodge (an amazing resort and spa) and make a reservation for Friday and Saturday, the concierge will be able to direct you towards any activity you would like, trust me you will want to stay two nights. At least one of those nights MAKE SURE to go for dinner at Ziggy & Maddog's, which is only about a mile from the resort. In case you are wondering, yes, that is the same "Maddog" of Miami Dolphins fame. The late and great Jim Mandich was a co-owner of the restaurant, and his family are still owners. Make sure you try the onion rings and the truffle mac and cheese, just trust me, and whatever steak on the menu suits you.
Bright and early Sunday, hit the road and set your GPS for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. It is very close to the stadium, it has a HUGE *** casino, great shopping, great restaurants (try Cafe Martarrano for some great Italian food), all manner of bars and nightclubs and there are always a TON of hot chicks walking around. Also, as an added bonus, Sunday at the pool area is always a great time!
If you follow these instructions to the letter I guarantee you will have the best Florida trip of your life!
Also, I will be at the game as well, hit me up with a pm and we can get together for some tailgating.