Scotty's Landing restaurant, Coconut Grove

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Soon or later, you'll find yourself in Coconut Grove. There's lots of cool tourist attractions there, as well as the always-popular outdoor mall, "Cocowalk." But when you get hungry, Scotty's Landing is the place to go. I love a joint that gives direction to it not just by car, but by boat. My kind of place. And while it might be a little hard to find, it's worth it! The view from Scotty's is amazing and you'll feel great knowing that you're eating at a true local's spot. Try the fish and chips with the she-crab soup. By the way, you'll find the directions for driving OR boating to it here: Scotty's Landing website. And if you'd like to see some comments from Coconut Grove locals arguing about Scotty's and other restaurants there, read this blog then decide for yourself! : )

Bill Baggs State Park, Key Biscayne

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A hop, skip, and a jump across the bay (and a $1.25 toll) and you're on Key Biscayne. There, you should head to Bills Baggs State Park near No Name Harbor. While others often suggest Crandon Park - which you'll pass through on your way - it's pretty busy on the weekends, and not as geographically interesting as Baggs State Park. Often ranked as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S., you'll get to see it from a bird´s-eye-view. Be ready to ascend the 109 steps to the Cape Florida lighthouse watchroom and enjoy the view of the beach, Miami and Biscayne Bay from the top, view a short movie, and then tour the Keeper´s Quarters. Lighthouse tours are at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays. You should plan to arrive one-half hour early to sign up, as space is limited.

Then, sample authentic Cuban Cuisine or fresh seafood at Boater´s Grill overlooking No Name Harbor. The restaurant is open seven days a week, 9am to 9pm.

To get there, take I-95 to the Rickenbacker Causeway exit and follow the signs to it. Take the road into Key Biscayne all the way to the very end past the village to Cape Florida /Bill Baggs State Park. (i.e. follow Crandon Blvd into the village and all the way through.) Pay to enter-- $3. At the stop sign past the toll booth, take a right, over to No Name Harbor, park in the lot, walk down sidewalk all the way to the right, picnic benches abound, you can see the water, vegetation, and Stiltsville, houses and structures built miles out on the water, standing on stilts!

Bayfront Beach

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Hidden in downtown Miami, and sandwiched between the popular Bayside marketplace and the Bayfront park bandstand that has featured such acts as Elton John and the Backstreet Boys, is an overlooked sliver of a sandy beach. You won't find it on any map of downtown, and it has no name, but because it's located in Bayfront Park, I've decided to call it Bayfront Beach! It's an oasis of cool where you can pull up a beach chair (provided free by the park), take off your shoes, and kick back with other locals for some great Miami sun. You'll find business people eating their lunch with their polished shoes off and digging their toes in the sand. You'll find professional tanners who "claim" their favorite spot daily. But mostly you'll find one of the great hidden spots of downtown. Bring a blanket to lay in the sand and enjoy the vista of the bay. There's no swimming here, but plenty of sun! And when you're done, the shops of Bayside and the rest of downtown awaits!

Venetian Causeway

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When heading to South Beach, most drivers head over the major causeways across the Intracoastal: the MacArthur Causeway (395) or the other Causeway (195). Both whiz you quickly across. But the key to Miami lifestyle, and especially South Beach, is to slow down. Keep your cool. Even when heading to one of the hotter nightclubs. So the best way to get to South Beach is over the lesser-travelled Venetian Causeway. Driving across it is like taking a trip back in time. Unlike the major causeways, which are free, you'll pay a toll ($1 each way) to get over the Venetian, but it's well worth it, as you'll enjoy a serene drive across a hopscotch set of islands dotted with impressive and expensive homes. So slow down. Take it easy. And enjoy the ride....

Sky Lobby and Sky Grille, Bank of America Tower

Sky Grille
Bank of America Tower
100 SE Second Street
Miami 33131
305-423-4924
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! No, it's a plane! No, wait -- it's a brisket sandwich on rye! Located in the Sky Lobby of the I.M. Pei-designed Bank of America Tower is Sky Grille, a cafeteria mostly inhabited by the building's sizable workforce -- but open to the public. The corporate-handsome dining room follows the famous curve of the building, and a glass wall affords diners a bird's-eye view of downtown. An outdoor terrace with umbrella-shaded tables is even more picturesque, but the most breathtaking sight might very well be that of the food: It is miles above typical cafeteria fare. Grab a tray and mosey along the various stations (all clean and modern) until you find something that strikes your fancy. A salad bar at the front tempts with a wide array of garnishes and greens ($5.60 per pound), but so does the hot food station, which pumps out freshly grilled sandwiches (meaty churrasco, Philadelphia cheese steak) and full, warm meals. On any given day the latter might include paella, chicken Marsala, pork loin with citrus mojo sauce, or seared mahi-mahi -- with roll and two sides or salads it totals $6.99; two dollars more and you are privy to a 22-ounce soda and dessert. There is also a cold-sandwich station, where the breads (five types, including ciabatta) are stuffed with Italian coldcuts, mozzarella, tomatoes, chicken salad, and the like ($5 to $6). A one-third-pound hamburger off the grill is just $3.95. It's a gorgeous place to enjoy breakfast too -- Sky Grille opens for that meal from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Also, Thursday and Friday evening cocktails from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.! So, the next time you are trying to think of a new place to eat downtown, look up in the sky. The unique Sky Lobby Terrace, located on the 11th floor, features outside dining, a reflecting pool, lush landscaping and panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, Coral Gables, Miami International Airport and downtown Miami.