My Road Trip To Florida

[AeroFishOne]

Hey guys, Once again if this is the wrong section please relocate.

 

I have been debating about travelling down from North Carolina to watch a game in Sunlife before they leave the stadium. I was wanting to wait and go when the new stadium is done, but as crappy as everyone says Sunlife is, I still feel like I would miss out on the History of seeing a game there.

 

I have never been to Miami and would be a like a duck out of water. Im thinking of staying somewhere near Sunlife since im there to see the games primarily. Here are my main priorites with the locations.

 

-Safety of my Car and I

-Location to other surrounding stops.

-Toll Roads and their cost.

 

And heres the questions I have.

 

1) I have heard the area around Sunlife isnt the greatest, safety wise. Do any of you recommend staying near the Stadium? If not where are some good areas to stay that wont put me an hour away from the games but also wont get me shot or robbed.

 

2) Just for an example so i have an idea, How long would it take to get from Sunlife to the New Marlins Ballpark.

 

3)How much coinage should I plan on bringing for tollroads if i have to venture on some.

 

4) What are some things to do in the surround area? I dont want to venture to far south and i dont really care much about the beach.

 

I am also debating taking Amtrak down, What forms of public transportation will take me right to Sunlife without breaking the bank? Would it be easier to rent a car if i go that route?

 

Now as far as the actually games go, I debating about going to a monday tuesday wed Series. I know i can probably get walk up tickets and avoid the Ticketmaster fees but im looking at getting an infield box seat on the 7.90 wednesdays. Is that a ticket i should order in advance?

 

In General, is there any other advice i should take about the ballgames?

 

Thanks in Advance guys.

[Rabbethan]

1) DON'T STAY NEAR SUNLIFE, YOU WILL GET SHOT.

2) 45-60 minutes...

3) Miami-Dade toll roads no longer accept cash.

4) Someone else will tell you this stuff, I'm boring.

5) Rent a car, public transport in Miami-Dade sucks.

[Entendu]

I honestly wouldn't bother unless it's an Opening Night game. The place really is a dump and 2012 can't come any sooner.

 

 

Safety wise, it'd probably be a better idea to stay somewhere 30 minutes from there. You aren't going to get shot by SunLife, but if you're in Miami then you might as well travel an extra 20-30 minutes and stay somewhere that actually in Miami. I can't really recommend anything because all of the hotels I know are incredibly expensive and I wouldn't dream of paying for them myself. Just look up hotels in Miami and try to pick something in Coral Gables if you want something nice. To put it in perspective, you'd be a good 40 minutes from Sun-Life (with regular traffic, I'd say) and 10 minutes from the new stadium if you'd like to check it out.

 

If you stay in Coral Gables, you'd be somewhat near most of the attractions this city has. Bayside's downtown and it's right next to the AAA where the Heat play. If you stay in Coral Gables then you'd be 10 minutes from an almost-landmark Cuban restaurant called Versailles as well.

[AeroFishOne]

Ha, Well It sounds like I might just be taking another trip to Atlanta or maybe drive up to Washington for an away series.

[EricWiener]

A nice stay would be East Fort Lauderdale near the water (if you are willing to drop some cash) otherwise there are several decent hotels on Hollywood Blvd that will be within 20-30 minutes of the stadium.

 

Rent a car. The rental company will set you up with a toll system if you want to drive in Miami Dade. If you are going to be at the Stadium (which is barely in Dade) you can get around with $2.00 a trip on tolls if you use pike for anything less than 10 miles or so.

 

What kind of stuff to you like? Miami/Fort Lauderdale has everything from low-class dives to extremely nice venues for opera and the orchestra

[fishfan46]

Two words. Booby Trap. Look for it.

[Piazza31]

Hey guys, Once again if this is the wrong section please relocate.

 

I have been debating about travelling down from North Carolina to watch a game in Sunlife before they leave the stadium. I was wanting to wait and go when the new stadium is done, but as crappy as everyone says Sunlife is, I still feel like I would miss out on the History of seeing a game there.

 

I have never been to Miami and would be a like a duck out of water. Im thinking of staying somewhere near Sunlife since im there to see the games primarily. Here are my main priorites with the locations.

 

-Safety of my Car and I

-Location to other surrounding stops.

-Toll Roads and their cost.

 

And heres the questions I have.

 

1) I have heard the area around Sunlife isnt the greatest, safety wise. Do any of you recommend staying near the Stadium? If not where are some good areas to stay that wont put me an hour away from the games but also wont get me shot or robbed.

 

2) Just for an example so i have an idea, How long would it take to get from Sunlife to the New Marlins Ballpark.

 

3)How much coinage should I plan on bringing for tollroads if i have to venture on some.

 

4) What are some things to do in the surround area? I dont want to venture to far south and i dont really care much about the beach.

 

I am also debating taking Amtrak down, What forms of public transportation will take me right to Sunlife without breaking the bank? Would it be easier to rent a car if i go that route?

 

Now as far as the actually games go, I debating about going to a monday tuesday wed Series. I know i can probably get walk up tickets and avoid the Ticketmaster fees but im looking at getting an infield box seat on the 7.90 wednesdays. Is that a ticket i should order in advance?

 

In General, is there any other advice i should take about the ballgames?

 

Thanks in Advance guys.

 

 

Your pretty much out of luck on a few of your questions, I'll let you know about them now---

 

1) I have heard the area around Sunlife isnt the greatest, safety wise. Do any of you recommend staying near the Stadium? If not where are some good areas to stay that wont put me an hour away from the games but also wont get me shot or robbed.

Around Sunlife isn't the greatest, but your not too far away from a good mall or area either. Your best bet to not get lost or confused too much is to stay at the Stadium's Primary Hotel, which is the Sports Palace or something like that. I've never been there, but Its a mile from the stadium, a block from the turnpike, and 4 miles from a good area, Pembroke Pines.

 

 

2) Just for an example so i have an idea, How long would it take to get from Sunlife to the New Marlins Ballpark.

About 40 Minutes, maybe 45 if your slow. 25 if your a doushebag like me.

 

3)How much coinage should I plan on bringing for tollroads if i have to venture on some.

Coming down from NC, I've heard around 15 bucks. But in Miami Dade, they don't accept cash anymore. It's a open toll road, which means you either get their system of payment (Sunpass), or they will take a picture and charge you later through your license plate. In this case, they'll charge you about $1.00 each time you pass through it (you never stop, just drive or you'll cause an accident), and send you a bill in the mail with a service chharge (it just started this month, so I don't know how much).

 

4) What are some things to do in the surround area? I dont want to venture to far south and i dont really care much about the beach.

Not really much to do, but it depends on WHEN you come down. If you come down in April or May, you may be able to see a Heat Game. Theres also Sawgrass Mills which is about 40 mins from the stadium on a bad day, and there are movie theatres, restaurants, and great shopping (about 200 stores?).

Not only that, but if your down early enough, the Panthers play right across the street from sawgrass mills.

 

me personally, theres nothing else. Maybe a Club or South Beach (you should go, just to see the people and beach)

 

I am also debating taking Amtrak down, What forms of public transportation will take me right to Sunlife without breaking the bank? Would it be easier to rent a car if i go that route?

No public transportation outside off a bus, I'd rent a car if your going to go anywhere far, or you can take a cab to and from the stadium and pay about 4 bucks if you want. You could take your car, just don't lock any valuables in it. Parkign at sunlife is either $10 or $20, I'm not sure.

 

What type of car do you normally drive?

[AeroFishOne]

I drive an 95 Acura integra. Rolling with style all the way. Ha

 

Hockey's my other love and would like to see a panthers game but I'm ruining of going in august so that's out of the picture.

 

I have a wide diverse set of hobbies. I wouldn't mind checking out some good sports memorabilia stores. Also enjoy music but not necessarily going to see a concert. I like model railroading and if there are any good museums or stores that specialize in the railroad that would be cool. Also thinking of checking out skully's bar , the one on diners drive ins and dives. I'm not looking to spend an ass load of money. Since it's short notice. I would rather spend more on the new stadium so I might just swing in and out and see the games.

[Piazza31]

I drive an 95 Acura integra. Rolling with style all the way. Ha

 

Hockey's my other love and would like to see a panthers game but I'm ruining of going in august so that's out of the picture.

 

I have a wide diverse set of hobbies. I wouldn't mind checking out some good sports memorabilia stores. Also enjoy music but not necessarily going to see a concert. I like model railroading and if there are any good museums or stores that specialize in the railroad that would be cool. Also thinking of checking out skully's bar , the one on diners drive ins and dives. I'm not looking to spend an ass load of money. Since it's short notice. I would rather spend more on the new stadium so I might just swing in and out and see the games.

 

 

I'll be honest, your Integra may make it, but it depends on how you've taken care of it. How many miles are on it?

 

If you could, check in with a local repair shop, and have them check out your tires, brakes, and if theres any leaks or loss of fluids.

 

You may get lucky and see practice, which isn't that much farther then their arena. Good memorbillia stores are hard to find, but they do have a sports show every 1st weekend at Dania Beach (an hour away?). Other then that, good luck. Comic book stores are kinda plenty.

[Admin]

So are you guys saying that I should cancel my reservations for El Palacio that I have for later this summer?

[BroncoBob27]

Not really much to do, but it depends on WHEN you come down. If you come down in April or May, you may be able to see a Heat Game. Theres also Sawgrass Mills which is about 40 mins from the stadium on a bad day, and there are movie theatres, restaurants, and great shopping (about 200 stores?).

Not only that, but if your down early enough, the Panthers play right across the street from sawgrass mills.

 

me personally, theres nothing else. Maybe a Club or South Beach (you should go, just to see the people and beach)

 

 

 

LOL I guess you don't work for the Chamber Of Tourism. But I understand the answer. If you live in an area, you tend to not realize the attractions around you. More take them for granted. One tends to get into their daily routine and forget that what they see everyday is something new and exciting to our visitors.

 

Zoos, water parks, seaquariums, water craft rentals, museums, historic places of interest. The list really is endless. For instance, Lion Country Safari is about 1 1/2 hours from Joe Robbie and will take an entire day to explore.

[Piazza31]

I've heard good things about lion safari, and also there is a public water park about 15 from the stadium in broward can't remember it's name.

 

Really the last thing you want to do is drive endlessly around south Florida. What is it your really interested in doing.

 

And ya, defiantly not into the chamber of tourism....all I'm good for is trolling like quagmire, and even that I haven't done in 4 or 5 years

[BroncoBob27]

3)How much coinage should I plan on bringing for tollroads if i have to venture on some.

Coming down from NC, I've heard around 15 bucks. But in Miami Dade, they don't accept cash anymore. It's a open toll road, which means you either get their system of payment (Sunpass), or they will take a picture and charge you later through your license plate. In this case, they'll charge you about $1.00 each time you pass through it (you never stop, just drive or you'll cause an accident), and send you a bill in the mail with a service chharge (it just started this month, so I don't know how much).

 

 

I've been hearing about this on the radio here. Was wondering how it works. Did they do away with the express lanes or are they a little more $$$ to use? This has got to be confusing for the casual turnpike user and/or tourist...leaving Dade and going through Broward, for instance. And I gotta wonder how the rental car companies handle it. Sounds like one those ideas that look good on paper (keeps traffic flowing) but is loaded with flaws. You just know there are going to be folks that just ignore those bills when they come in, or want to argue over every entry on it. What happens then?

 

Not that it really affects us. We've had SunPass in all our vehicles since Day 1, but "enquiring minds want to know."

[BroncoBob27]

[2) Just for an example so i have an idea, How long would it take to get from Sunlife to the New Marlins Ballpark. [/b]

About 40 Minutes, maybe 45 if your slow. 25 if your a doushebag like me.

 

 

 

 

You and Rab say the same thing. Expect Samson to be knocking on your doors to give you a good butt whipping. He says under 15 minutes. It's a touchy subject with him. But then he also says it's only a little over an hour from the new pond to Roger Dean. (Maybe if you only weigh about 100 lbs your sense of time is different.) I say somewhere in between. And apparently like you, I tend to drive fast. But I've never done it at "game times" so I don't really know.

[anotherrealfan]

Ha, Well It sounds like I might just be taking another trip to Atlanta or maybe drive up to Washington for an away series.

 

Yea, that's the answer, avoid S Florida. Everyone on this board has been shot at at least once going to a game, not to mention the old Orange Bowl area. Been going there since the 60's and been robbed, mugged and beaten at least twice each game. Much better to go to ATlanta or the DC area, these are pristine areas known for their remarkable safety records. Seems like the FBI keeps records and I recall ATlanta and DC being at the top of the nations murder rate list.

GOD-GIVE ME A F..IN BREAK. WE went to Boston for a Marlins road trip the prior summer and my wife was robbed in a mall adjacent to the hotel we were at-the same hotel the team stayed at. When we went to the police station, the cop at the desk actually said "you guys are from Miami, I wished I lived there, why would you come here to take a vacation?"

 

Now that I got that crap out of the way. You can stay in E Lauderdale, on the Ocean, but don't swim, there are sharks in the water, or maybe even a hurricane will destroy your hotel.

OK, couldn't help that either.

But serious about E Lauderdale. You could stay in N DAde. The sunny isles beach area is fine, safe and plenty to do. The old Newport has been renovated and is very nice, it is on A1a and 163rd St. And from there it is an easy drive to the stadium. It is not far, but would take about 20 minutes because of the lights. There are a number of other options there also. Just a short ride over the causeway to Aventura, N miami beach area. Plenty of shopping, restaurants, clubs at Las Olas (north about 10 minutes away in Ft Lauderdale), 20-25 minutesSouth to S. Beach, Lincoln Road etc..

Take a beautiful ride down to Key Biscayne in the day time-drive over the Rickenbacker causeway-just an awesome view.

 

Finally, do not bring your gun, us natives are the only ones allowed to shoot at each other.

[Hotcorner]

I drive an 95 Acura integra. Rolling with style all the way. Ha

 

Hockey's my other love and would like to see a panthers game but I'm ruining of going in august so that's out of the picture.

 

I like model railroading and if there are any good museums or stores that specialize in the railroad that would be cool. Also thinking of checking out skully's bar , the one on diners drive ins and dives.

 

If you like model railorads, visit this store in Miami. Looks like a dump from the outside but it's a great little shop.

 

readytorolltrains

 

 

ah Skully's bar...memories...

[AeroFishOne]

Finally, do not bring your gun, us natives are the only ones allowed to shoot at each other.

 

 

But Whats the fun in that? Everyone once in a while you need new competition.

 

Nice Find Hotcorner, I might have to check that place out. Is Skullys pretty good? Im also thinking of trying out La Camaronera and Bennys Seafoord. Both also were on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. I enjoy some good food.

[fishfan46]

Scullys is great.

[fishfan46]

The grove is another great area to go bar hopping, it's a fun place and there are usually alot of UM students there.

[flasportsfan88]

1) DON'T STAY NEAR SUNLIFE, YOU WILL GET SHOT.

2) 45-60 minutes...

3) Miami-Dade toll roads no longer accept cash.

4) Someone else will tell you this stuff, I'm boring.

5) Rent a car, public transport in Miami-Dade sucks.

 

You really think it takes an hour to get to the new Ballpark from Sunlife?

[anotherrealfan]

Finally, do not bring your gun, us natives are the only ones allowed to shoot at each other.

 

 

But Whats the fun in that? Everyone once in a while you need new competition.

 

Nice Find Hotcorner, I might have to check that place out. Is Skullys pretty good? Im also thinking of trying out La Camaronera and Bennys Seafoord. Both also were on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. I enjoy some good food.

 

 

If you want a real old flavor, a restaurant that has been around before the revitalization of S. Beach and is very popular is on 7th St and Collins ave. -the area is busy nowadays but nowhere as busy as the tourist spots on Ocean Drive. Puerto Sagua, been there since 1968. You can get a huge meal for about $10-15 or even less for sandwiches. It is popular, but not a destination.

[Hurricane]

I honestly wouldn't bother unless it's an Opening Night game. The place really is a dump and 2012 can't come any sooner.

 

 

Safety wise, it'd probably be a better idea to stay somewhere 30 minutes from there. You aren't going to get shot by SunLife, but if you're in Miami then you might as well travel an extra 20-30 minutes and stay somewhere that actually in Miami. I can't really recommend anything because all of the hotels I know are incredibly expensive and I wouldn't dream of paying for them myself. Just look up hotels in Miami and try to pick something in Coral Gables if you want something nice. To put it in perspective, you'd be a good 40 minutes from Sun-Life (with regular traffic, I'd say) and 10 minutes from the new stadium if you'd like to check it out.

 

If you stay in Coral Gables, you'd be somewhat near most of the attractions this city has. Bayside's downtown and it's right next to the AAA where the Heat play. If you stay in Coral Gables then you'd be 10 minutes from an almost-landmark Cuban restaurant called Versailles as well.

 

 

You can also stay in Hollywood, which is closer than the Gables, but the Gables is pretty nice & is very safe. If you are looking for a budget hotel, you might want to stay away from the beaches....the hotels there are very pricey.

[Hurricane]

Two words. Booby Trap. Look for it.

 

 

I like Cheetah's better

[HanleyDavidson]

 

They'll keep you safe around Sunlife.

[BroncoBob27]

[2) Just for an example so i have an idea, How long would it take to get from Sunlife to the New Marlins Ballpark. [/b]

About 40 Minutes, maybe 45 if your slow. 25 if your a doushebag like me.

 

 

 

 

You and Rab say the same thing. Expect Samson to be knocking on your doors to give you a good butt whipping. He says under 15 minutes. It's a touchy subject with him. But then he also says it's only a little over an hour from the new pond to Roger Dean. (Maybe if you only weigh about 100 lbs your sense of time is different.) I say somewhere in between. And apparently like you, I tend to drive fast. But I've never done it at "game times" so I don't really know.

samson only visits season ticket holders

 

But seriously I agree with you.

 

Actually, he has said it at two Town Hall Meetings during FanFest. And in the local papers, marlins.com, etc..... So it's inside information between Samson and a couple million people. But hey, if he would like to pay me a visit to give me a butt whipping, I'll arrange my schedule to accomodate him. Could be fun.

 

He gets real indignent(sp) when someone brings that up. Last year Tommy said it takes about 20 minutes and Samson fired back something like, "Tommy must be driving in the right hand lane with his flashers on." I think this guy has lawyers on retainer just to handle his speeding tickets.