Surviving a holiday in South Beach

Whenever friends come to visit the first thing they want to do is go to South Beach, especially my Aussie Mates. I live 30 miles from South Beach(SOBE)but never have the desire to go, Its an expensive tourist trap. However I have been to SOBE at least ten times entreating friends and have a few suggestions. My first suggestion would be to break up your holiday as much as possible to see other parts of Florida such as Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando. Two to four days in each city is all you need to hit all of the high points. My advice is as follows: 1. Stay at a hostel if you are young and hip enough. Such as the Deco Walk Hostel or the Miami Beach International Hostel. They offer the lowest price for the best location. They also provide meals and a community kitchen. They usually have drink specials as well as a very young hip crowd. For most hostels you must show proof of being a non Florida resident. 2. During the week you can get 50% off meals or bar tabs at most restaurants when its not bust and they will do pretty much anything to get you in. 3. If you are looking to go out clubbing to one of the many popular clubs such as Liv and Mansion contact a local club promoter to get on the guest list for free. 4. I always bring my own booze and a packed lunch to the beach to save money. Publix subs are your best bet. 5.Parking can be very expensive running you upwards of $40 per day. Slightly cheaper are most hotels for around $30. I recommend using the 17th street garage or the parking lot across the street for about $1.30per hr. The garage is across the street from the beach and the lot is on the beach. There is also a small concession stand and bathrooms here. 6. Be careful what drinks you order, many of times I have wound up with an oversized $30 drink that could have been shared. The best SOBE drink is a huge margarita with two beers upside down in it for $50.00 each. I have actually gotten this drink on a few occasions and shared it with three to four people for fun. 7.The official drink of SOBE is a mojito cant go wrong. 8. The best idea for having an awesome, memorable time in SOBE is pool crashing. Like Las Vegas, SOBE is known for its awesome hotel pools and pool parties. No need to break the bank staying at the hotel if you know a few tricks the locals use. You can use the famous Fontainebleau pool simply by purchasing a "spa pass". This pass gets you access to the pools, lockers, changing areas and sauna. Other hotels that offer day passes for about $20 include the Delano, Raleigh, Mondrian, Lowes, Shore Club and Four Seasons. If the hotels pool passes are no longer available or blocked out simply walk in. The best way to sneak into the pool is through the lobby. Follow closely behind someone like you own the place. Once you get to the pool bar order a drink. As a general rule If you are spending money you wont be thrown out especially if you are tipping well. Another option is to befriend a guest by buying them a drink. 9. The best places to hang out and people watch with a drink are the Clevelander and Mangos. 10. On the beach in the sand are food trucks for a cheaper food option. 12. The official food is the Cubin sandwich, anytime you see it on the menu order it. 13. Everything you have heard is true, the unofficial language of SOBE is Spanish.