One night in Miami with kids

[wintersdawn]

We're heading to Orlando for a week and looking at flying into Miami and then driving up to Disney as it works out a lot cheaper for flights.
However we'll land late in Miami so are thinking of spending the first night there with children who are 6 and 8, before driving up the next day.
I've always wanted to stay/ visit South Beach but DH is very uncertain about being in Miami esp with kids. If we are only there for a night is it worth travelling into the beach or are we better to find something outside of Miami near the airport for the night.

It’s only about 10 miles from the airport to south beach, so I’d just do that, however, the parking at the hotels can be expensive so choose carefully.
The area around Miami airport isn’t very nice either.

It may work out cheaper for flights but would you have to fly back to the UK from Miami too?. Given your one week in Orlando it would perhaps be better advised to fly direct or into Tampa because that city a lot closer.

Miami is fine with children and you are only there overnight in any case. South Beach at night can be extremely noisy particularly along Ocean Drive (the area is full of bars that stay open till 3.00am) so I would avoid staying on that particular road. Check hotel parking rates very carefully; parking in South Beach anyway is at a premium.

I think after the flight you're going to be knackered & I'd prioritise rest and sleep over anything else.As the PP says, South Beach is fine with children & safe but it is party central at night - there are a lot of clubs, bars & people with not many clothes on! I don't think you're really going to be missing out on anything by giving it a swerve, checking into an airport hotel and getting some sleep before the long drive