Miami City Guide: The 411

Hotels

South Beach

The Delano is one of South Beach's sleekest hotels, and even though the party is nearly constant in the lobby, the noise doesn't filter up to the rooms. It also has an outdoor play area, a private beach village, and poolside cabanas you can reserve for the day.
1685 Collins Ave., (305) 672-2000.
From $525 for a double room with a roll-away bed.

The beachside pool is great for those who prefer splashy games of Marco Polo to gentle waves. And be sure to check out the hotel's SoBe (South Beach) kids' club, which includes treasure hunts, water sports, and sand-castle contests.
1601 Collins Ave., (305) 604-1601.
From $399 for a double room with a roll-away bed.

The new spa is opening in the spring of 2008, but you can also rejuvenate just by relaxing in a hammock while the beach service takes care of adjusting umbrellas and refreshing drinks.
3025 Collins Ave., (305) 908-5468.
From $500 for a junior suite with a pull-out sofa.

The beachside art-deco hotel is all about the curvaceous 1940s pool and waterfall area. But you'll also love the Kiehl's products, bicycles, and poolside cabanas.
1775 Collins Ave., (305) 534-6300.
From $425 for a sunset-and-garden view or ocean-view room with a roll-away bed.

Steps from the beach, this boutique hotel has a fantastic rooftop pool with panoramic views, an art-deco lobby, and a refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave in every room.
11052 Ocean Dr., (305) 784-6835.
From $229 for a superior room with a roll-away bed.

This historically gorgeous hotel has 45 suites with ocean views. Each room comes with a personal-assistant service, so you can have your favorite food, sunscreen, and drinks delivered to your room or beach chair, along with cool towels and Evian mist. Be sure to book a dinner in the hotel's La Marea restaurant.
1220 Ocean Dr., (305) 604-5070.
From $595 for an oceanfront studio suite roll-away bed.

Key Biscayne/Coconut Grove

This superprivate 49-room hotel is located on its own island, which is connected by a bridge to Coconut Grove. Kids can take advantage of the toy wagon, which is packed with beach toys and games.
4 Grove Isle Dr., (305) 858-8300.
From $250 for a double room without a water view with a roll-away bed.

Although there's also a swanky Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove, the Key Biscayne location has a Ritz Kids program for kids 5 to 12 that includes water sports, games, tennis lessons, and karaoke. The hotel also has a thoughtful kids' menu and plenty of beach space.
455 Grand Bay Dr., Key Biscayne, (305) 365-4500.
From $539 for a double room.

Downtown

Not only is the Biltmore a true full-service resort with a variety of restaurants, poolside cabanas, and a golf course on the grounds, but it also has the largest hotel pool in the continental U.S. The Mediterranean-style building is also rumored to be haunted by some friendly ghosts.
1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Cables, (800) 915-1926.
From $435 for a double room with a roll-away bed.

Conveniently located near Biscayne Bay, the hotel supplies a host of amenities for younger guests, including small slippers and robes, children's toiletries, board games, and books. Guests also have access to private cabanas and three golf courses.
1435 Brickell Ave., (305) 358-3535.
From $195 for a double room with a roll-away bed.

The Mandarin Oriental is known for its world-class spas, but it also offers a "Little Yoga" program for kids. The "Mini Mo" family package includes passes to the Miami Children's Museum, a daily picnic on the beach, and extra treats for the kids.
500 Brickell Key Dr., (305) 913-8383.
From $519 for a superior double room with a roll-away bed.

MORE RESTAURANTS

South Beach/Miami Beach

The original A La Folie is a sit-down restaurant with a good wine selection and the new outpost is great for a quick snack. Both serve sweet and savory crepes with fillings including French cheeses, prosciutto, and sun-dried tomatoes.
516 Espanola Way, (305) 538-4484.

This French sandwich shop is the perfect place to pick up a beach picnic. Fill either a baguette or a croissant with any of the usual fixings, or choose pate and Camembert. It also has fresh smoothies and juices blended to order and a nice, strong espresso.
229 14th St., (305) 532-8934.

Upper Eastside

Chef Michelle Bernstein's restaurant has been one of the city's hottest spots since it opened in 2006. Served in family-style portions, the dishes—like sweetbreads ... marmalade—are fresh, seasonal, and influenced by Latin flavor and French training. Bernstein's husband, David Martinez, works the front of the room.
6927 Biscayne Blvd., (305) 759-2001.

Downtown

This tiny shop has a simple menu of grilled panini, sandwiches, and soups, but everything is made in-house and tastes delicious.
106 NE Second Ave., (305) 371-4370.

Touted as having the best tacos in Miami, this stand in the Douglas Park parking lot is run by two Oaxacan natives and has delicious barbacoa, lengua de res, carne asada, and pollo tacos for $2.50 each, with toppings that include cilantro, radishes, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
28th St. and 37th Ave.

MORE ACTIVITIES

South Beach/ Miami Beach

For a break from all the energy, stroll the lush, tropical green space, which is dotted with different colors and several types of orchids.
2000 Convention Center Dr., (305) 673-7256.

Key Biscayne/Coconut Grove

Let the kids select exotic tropical fruits and fresh veggies every Saturday. It's also a great place to have coconut milk right from the shell.
3300 Grand Ave., (305) 238-7747.

Once home to the original Flipper, this outdoor aquarium now teems with sharks, killer whales, sea lions, turtles, and moray eels. The more adventurous can swim with dolphins.
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, (305) 361-5705.

Downtown

The old 1930s American Bakery Building was converted in 1986 to provide studio and gallery space for painters, sculptors, photographers, and furniture and clothing designers. Roam the halls for free and check out the recent works of emerging talents.
561 NW 32nd St., (305) 576-2828.

SERVICES

This Florida-based car service will provide baby and child seats upon request. It costs about $100 to get from the airport to Miami.
(800) 352-4566.

Leave the baby gear at home by renting cribs, strollers, car seats, toys, and anything else you might need after you arrive.
(305) 439-2990.