Miami

[Archangel]

What exactly is the allure?

I was there for the first time in my life three weeks ago. I didn’t like it at all. Maybe I missed something. It was simply a stop on my way to a cruise, but seriously – no desire whatsoever to vacation there. It reminded me of a sprawling, tropical and humid Philadelphia. At least in Philly things are close enough to navigate to without going through interstate jungle gyms. It was not an attractive city to me at all.

[CuriousByNature]

2 hours ago, Archangel said:

What exactly is the allure?

I was there for the first time in my life three weeks ago. I didn’t like it at all. Maybe I missed something. It was simply a stop on my way to a cruise, but seriously – no desire whatsoever to vacation there. It reminded me of a sprawling, tropical and humid Philadelphia. At least in Philly things are close enough to navigate to without going through interstate jungle gyms. It was not an attractive city to me at all.

I imagine there might be more to see and appreciate on a longer visit.  I was also there for a couple of days before a cruise, and I thought it was a decent enough place but not really my vibe.  I didn't have time to properly orient myself or visit museums, etc.   I also didn't experience the food culture, which I understand is pretty good.  I wouldn't mind going back for a longer time to explore some more, but would likely combine it with another cruise again rather than making it my primary destination.

[moonlight]

I love Miami. The combination of urban, cosmopolitan, tropical, and international is exciting to me. It's unlike anywhere else in the US. The abundance of bodybuilders doesn't hurt either.

I was fascinated with the city long before its popularity exploded. I wanted to live there, but my career brought me to the other coast. Probably a good thing in the end, given the unique challenges South Florida faces with its porous topography.

[+ Pensant]

Haven’t been there in many years. I always preferred FTL over Miami, but I would like to revisit to see the architecture and the food scene. The gorgeous Latino men are also a huge draw!

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

12 hours ago, Archangel said:

What exactly is the allure?

I was there for the first time in my life three weeks ago. I didn’t like it at all. Maybe I missed something. It was simply a stop on my way to a cruise, but seriously – no desire whatsoever to vacation there. It reminded me of a sprawling, tropical and humid Philadelphia. At least in Philly things are close enough to navigate to without going through interstate jungle gyms. It was not an attractive city to me at all.

I prefer Ft Lauderdale.  Miami's gay heyday is over.  The gay nightlife has moved north to Ft Lauderdale and Wilton Manors.

Originally, I started visiting South Florida because I was going on a cruise.  Now, I visit every winter with or without a cruise.  Ft Lauderdale is like Palm Springs but with a beach.

The gay strip clubs are more plentiful in Ft Lauderdale/Wilton Manor than in any other city except Puerto Vallarta; and, there is more English spoken in Florida as well as a better mix of more diverse white, black, red, and yellow men compared to the clubs in PV.

I do like Haulover nude beach in Miami.

Edited February 4 by Vegas_Millennial

[Archangel]

I will check out Ft. Lauderdale. At present, given the national Zeitgeist, I’m not really chomping at the bit to be in Florida. But I have heard that Ft. Lauderdale is a bit of an oasis in the midst of a dystopia…

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

I've spent a lot of time in Miami.  As a whole, it's a fine place if you can find your neighborhood vibe.

I despise South Beach.  It's mostly garbage hotels, garbage people and is stupidly overpriced.

Brickell is overbuilt and bland.  One shopping center after another chain steak restaurant.  No soul.

Love Little Haiti, Coconut Grove, Miami Shores, Pinecrest and Key Biscayne.

[NipLuvr212]

Was going to start a similar thread but luckily I caught sight of this one first...

So, Floridians and fellow travelers... I have a week, a car, and no destination - if I were to fo Florida in mid-March, should it be Fort Lauderdale?

And, if so, any recommendations for places to stay and prowl in my never ending search for pleasure?

Thanks from a current New Yorker,

[+ cougar]

I am a native Floridian and my first job when I graduated from college was in Miami. To this day, I still consider my moving and working in Miami at that time in my life, was the most wonderful experience I could ever imagine. Although I grew up in a small town in Northwest Florida when I meet people today and they ask me where did I go up, I say Miami.  Miami was the city I learned how to live and to be on my own, it was so exciting!  I have never been a party person and I have always avoided those types of environments, I was busy working and learning new foods and cultures I never experienced. 

In regards to traveling to Miami, as a tourist, I can understand how over-whelming it can be, especially if you want to stay out on the beach or downtown. For me those are just places to visit for a day. I still travel to Miami a couple of times a year and I never stay on the beach or downtown. I usually stay in Brickell or just a little west of the airport. Since my job had me driving all over Dade County everyday, I was fortunate to learn Miami like the back of my hand and today I have no problems getting around, although I drive my car there, so I have my own transportation. If you are determined to stay on the beach, I would recommend staying in a hotel north of like 41st Street as that would get you out of the craziness of South Beach, but you would still be on the beach or in the area known as "South of Fifth" which is south of 5th street where the MacArthur Causeway comes in to the beach. To enjoy all of Miami, you will need to Uber to different places to really enjoy the area and all the different cultures there. as things are scattered around.