4 days before cruise

Question

I have an opportunity to use mileage tickets to get to Miami, then embark on cruise 4 days later. 2 adults and 4 kids. What is a family friendly, economical hotel and where could we go in this time? Airbnb is giving me $1k for 4 days. Wondering if I can do better elsewhere? Maybe would like to do a day trip to everglades. I'd really like to limit costs in Miami. We don't like crowds. Should we leave the area to go somewhere quiet for this time? I have no ideas and have never been to FL.

Answer

Spending 4 days in Miami before a cruise with 2 adults and 4 kids can be a fun experience without breaking the bank, but Miami can get pricey, especially near the beach areas. Since your priorities are family-friendly, economical, and less crowded areas, there are a few strategies you can consider.

Accommodation: Look for budget-friendly hotels or motels away from South Beach, which tends to be expensive and crowded. Consider areas like North Miami Beach, Doral, or the airport area. These locations are usually cheaper and still within 30–40 minutes of downtown or cruise ports.

Holiday Inn Express Miami Airport: Affordable, family-friendly, includes breakfast, and has easy access to I-95 and the airport.
Best Western Plus Miami-Doral / Airport West: Good value, pool, free breakfast, quiet neighborhood.
Comfort Suites Miami Airport North: Offers suite-style rooms, good for families, reasonable rates.

Budget-friendly alternatives: Instead of Airbnb at $1,000 for 4 days, some hotels can be around $150–$250 per night for a family suite, which could save you a few hundred dollars.

Things to do: Since you prefer less crowded spots, consider day trips or outdoor activities rather than heavily touristy areas like Ocean Drive:

Everglades National Park: About 1–1.5 hours from Miami. You can do an airboat tour or a wildlife tour. It's family-friendly and educational.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Located on Key Biscayne, offers beach access, lighthouse tours, and nature trails. Less crowded than Miami Beach.
Matheson Hammock Park: Beautiful park with calm waters for kids to swim, picnic areas, and trails.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Historic estate with gardens that kids often enjoy exploring.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Outdoor garden with plenty of space to roam, butterfly exhibits, and family programs.

If you want quiet and a slower pace, consider spending 1–2 nights in the Florida Keys, like Key Largo, which is around 1.5 hours from Miami. You can enjoy snorkeling, calm beaches, and a relaxed environment without crowds.

Food-wise, choose casual local spots or food courts for economical meals, rather than pricey tourist restaurants. Grocery stores can also help with breakfast and snacks to save costs.

Summary: Stay in a budget hotel or family suite north of central Miami or near the airport, plan 1 day in the Everglades, 1 day exploring nearby parks or Key Biscayne, and optionally 1 day in the upper Keys for a quiet beach experience. This keeps costs reasonable and avoids heavy crowds while still enjoying Florida’s attractions.

4 days before cruise

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