Places to go for single girl traveling (almost) alone!

[Sarah]

I am coming to visit Florida for the next two weeks, and I'll be staying in Miami most of the time. My boyfriend & I had a great (non refundable) vacation planned... Right up until a week ago when we broke up - and now we're stuck going together . I still want to be able to have a great time while I'm there doing my own thing & I am wondering if anyone has advice for me! I love outdoor activities- especially anything to do with water/the beach, dancing, shopping, sight seeing... I wont end up with the rental car so tips on hotels/areas that are walking distance or short cab ride from popular neighborhoods which are (relatively) safe after dark are appreciated. Most of the activities I had planned require my own vehicle to get to or just aren't as fun to go to alone, so I am 100% open to plan a new itinerary. Also open to meet other people who are interested in joining in on any fun activities.!

[Jess]

Hi Sarah, welcome to 411!

Wow...what a way to go on vacation...

Where are you guys staying? Are you staying in South Beach or downtown Miami? We can give you some suggestions once we know where you are staying. (Also, why does HE get the rental car??!)

You never know, maybe you'll end up back together...?

[Maria de los Angeles]

Hi Sarah! Welcome to the forums! I'm sorry to hear about your break up. Since you say your vacation is non-refundable but are asking for hotel recommendations, what aspect of it is non-refundable? Is it just the flight?

Since you ask for hotel recommendations I am assuming you are not talking about a non-refundable hotel package, in which case I would say be on your own the minute you get off that flight! Does your vacation need to be tied to him at all? I love traveling alone. You have so much freedom to do as you please.

Stay in South Beach, where you won't need a car. There are plenty of bars and lounges where you can strike up a conversation with people provided you are outgoing and friendly. Also, I recommend the tour offered by this site. It will give you a chance to see some of Miami's most beautiful areas (off the beach) and if you're into it, you can do a visit to the Everglades as well and maybe make some new friends while on the tour.

If you really want to see more than just South Beach, then I do recommend car. There are some great sites and attractions that are off the beach and they are all things you can enjoy on your own. By the way, I just spent three fabulous days in Key West by myself. I felt very safe and it was absolutely fun all on my own. I highly recommend that too.

What kind of budget do you have for a hotel?

[Matt Meltzer]

If you are traveling alone, you should TOTALLY get a rental car. This way you can explore the state on your own for a couple of weeks, and just go wherever you want. Everglades, Keys, Ft. Lauderdale, Disney, Tampa Bay. There's soooo much to see here, if you can afford it I would strongly recommend seeing the state yourself.

What is your plan while you're here? Where are you staying? Are you staying with your ex, or did you guys agree to stay separately?

[rk]

Yes, I too recommend renting a car at least part of the time and driving to nearby places as Matt and others suggested.

[sungal]

Renting a car is not your only option. Driving in SoBe is not fun. Parking is a nightmare and expensive if you valet, plus SoBe is small. The only place that would be an enjoyable drive is Key West. For Everglades, Orlando, you can just do a day tour.

https://secure.miamibeach411.com/

[sungal]

I love outdoor activities- especially anything to do with water/the beach, dancing, shopping, sight seeing... I wont end up with the rental car so tips on hotels/areas that are walking distance or short cab ride from popular neighborhoods which are (relatively) safe after dark .

If you're in SoBe you'll be close to all of this. At the beach you can play volleyball, go paddle boarding and jet skiing. Dancing you get your pick of clubs..and getting in just alone as a girl is easy! For shopping I like Lincoln Rd, Collins Ave., or take the bus to 92nd and go to upscale shopping heaven-Bal Harbor. For sightseeing I think you'll really enjoy the City Tour.

[Matt Meltzer]

You can't really do Orlando or Key West for a day. That's 6 hours (at least) of travel for only a few hours there. I suggest at least going over night if you opt for the bus option.

[Jess]

I have done both Orlando and Key West bus trips, Orlando in a day too!

It can be done as long as you don't mind an early morning start and coming back on the bus tired. It just depends on how much you want to do on your vacation.

[Mario]

If you're in the South Beach, distances are close, and you can too many places. Renting a car is a good option for seeing other parts of Miami. Since parking is a huge hassle in South Beach (and expensive), look into renting a moped or maybe even a bike, to move around easier.

Check out the 101 Fun Attractions,

101 Fun Attractions in Miami For Visitors Wanting Things To Do

[Maria de los Angeles]

Getting into a club will not necessarily be easy unless you have a particular "look", are dressed a certain way and look like you're under 30. So do keep that in mind.

Here is a post I wrote about traveling solo to Key West. It's not a "touristy" piece, but if you want tips on that, let me know. sex and the beach: Travel: Going Solo

Jess is an avid Key West traveler too!

What activities had you planned that are not fun to do alone? I can't think of one thing that I wouldn't do alone in South Florida.

If you did something like a snorkel trip you would definitely meet some people and that could be very fun.

[Jess]

Last time I went to Key West I went on my own. I took the bus tour there and back, booked through this site, and had a fabulous time. I enjoy traveling alone, you only have yourself to please

[Matt Meltzer]

Driving the Turnpike alone also allows you to drink ad much water and make as many bathroom stops as you want as well. Just FYI.

And since when is Key West NOT touristy? Last I checked there aren't too many locals that need 101 stores selling 3 for $10 shirts that say "Came on Vacation, Left on Probation."

[GandJ]

And since when is Key West NOT touristy? Last I checked there aren't too many locals that need 101 stores selling 3 for $10 shirts that say "Came on Vacation, Left on Probation."

Matt - I think Maria was referring to her "piece".... the article....not the place. She covers some of the less touristy aspects in her piece (as well as some touristy stuff).
But, yes ... I do agree that Key West is about the most touristy part of the Keys, but it is still a fun place to visit. If you want less touristy, visit Bahia Honda State Park, about 30 minutes back up the Keys from Key West.


Glenn

[Jess]

Driving the Turnpike alone also allows you to drink ad much water and make as many bathroom stops as you want as well. Just FYI.

LOL!!!!! True story!!

[Doug]

I agree a mix of South Beach and Key West is the ideal option. South Beach is swank and sophisticated (at times), while Key West is funky and laidback. Here's an article I wrote a while back that mentions some fun things to do if you have 24 hours or so in Key West:

24 Hours in Paradise: What to Do on A Day Trip to Key West - Miami Beach 411

[Matt Meltzer]

Doug, I think the words "sophisticated" and "South Beach" should NEVER be used in the same sentence. Yeah, there's some fancy places out there, but it's not exactly a Mecca of high culture and intellectual thought. Don't forget, we are still the least-educated major city in the country. Swank, sure. But there's a reason Ocean Drive magazine hasn't won any literary awards.

[Doug]

I mean sophisticated more in the sense of "cosmopolitan and well-traveled" than "culturally refined"! Good point, Matt.

[Maria de los Angeles]

And since when is Key West NOT touristy? Last I checked there aren't too many locals that need 101 stores selling 3 for $10 shirts that say "Came on Vacation, Left on Probation."

Matt, I think you need to take a "Maria" trip to Key West I do everything off the beaten path. When I was there, it was not touristy at all for me based on what I did and where I ate and drank. I mean no more touristy than walking down Ocean Drive!

[Maria de los Angeles]

Doug, I think the words "sophisticated" and "South Beach" should NEVER be used in the same sentence. Yeah, there's some fancy places out there, but it's not exactly a Mecca of high culture and intellectual thought. Don't forget, we are still the least-educated major city in the country. Swank, sure. But there's a reason Ocean Drive magazine hasn't won any literary awards.

Yes, there's the fluffy South Beach ... but I'd like to offer a counterpoint here:

New World Symphony (world renown music institution led by the director of San Francisco Symphony bringing in top classical music artists from all over the world for performances and education, some of which spills over into the local community AND one-of-a-kind Internet2 vanguard technology program)

New World Symphony - Frank Gehry Building (new campus designed by Frank Gehry -- in terms of culture, this is going to blow the socks off many other cities, nothing else like it in the world)

Wolfsonian Museum (academic research institution AND museum AND largest collection of its kind in the world)

Colony Theater (great programs like the ones put together by Rhythm Foundation)

Miami City Ballet (top ballet company)

Bass Museum of Art (great collection)

Art Basel ... hello? only second biggest to actual fair in Switzerland!