Suggested Itineraries

Contrary to popular belief, South Florida isn't just Miami. There's the Keys, the Everglades, the Gold Coast, the Treasure Coast and, well, you get the picture. Set your sights on what you want to do and see the most, and simply unwind.

The range of possible itineraries is endless; what we've suggested is a very full program covering Florida over a 2-week period. If possible, you should extend your time -- 2 weeks is not really enough time if you plan to actually explore the Sunshine State, but if you plan to veg out on a beach, then it's plenty of time -- or cut out some of the destinations suggested. You can always tack on one itinerary to the next. We've done our best to keep it geographically viable and logical. Whatever you finally decide to do, we highly recommend that you at least include a stop at one of Florida's natural wonders, be it the beaches, the Everglades or the Keys.

Important: Should limited time force you to include only the most obvious stops in your itinerary, you will invariably only make contact with those who depend on you to make a living, which regrettably could leave you with a frustrated sense that Florida is one big, long tourist trap. This is why it is so important to get off the beaten tourist track, to experience the wacky, the kitschy, the stunning, the baffling, and the fascinating people, places, and things that make Florida an incredible destination.

Hollywood South -- Celebrities' South Beach (& Beyond)

It's not that ironic that the French Riviera is now billing itself as a European South Beach. Between all the jet setters, celebrities, rock stars and magazine stories on the place, it's about time! Some people come to South Florida just for a taste of this fabulous life. This is not an itinerary per se, but the following tips will help you plan a busy social schedule so you don't miss out on a Paris or Diddy sighting.

Haute Hotels. Wherever you decide to stay, it won't matter, because if you're looking for celebrities on South Beach, you'll end up spying most of them by the end of your trip. We suggest you do breakfast at the Blue Door Restaurant at the Delano, where you may catch a glimpse of Jamie Foxx sunbathing by the wading pool. Linger as long as you are able to before heading next door to the Raleigh, where you may find Uma Thurman sipping an iced tea at the pool. Grab some lunch if you're hungry or wait until you go next door to the Shore Club, where Nobu acts as the hotel's resident star magnet, a place where Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Cameron Diaz always stop when in town. Hit Lincoln Road and see if you can spot J-Lo. If you don't she's probably at the Bal Harbour Shops, so you may want to go there. For early evening cocktails, head to The Setai, where Jay Z, Beyonce, Bono, and Lenny Kravitz have all partied. Take your drink either at the Champagne or Crustacean bar indoors or outside by the pool. Hit the Ritz Carlton South Beach for a nightcap, where some of the Desperate Housewives have stayed. Off of South Beach, you'll probably spot the likes of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, or Britney Spears, either at the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key, the Four Seasons Miami and, on Key Biscayne, the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne.

Stars & Bars. Keeping in mind that you can go to any of these places on any given night, some clubs do have specific nights that are better than others in terms of crowds and celebs. On Monday night, check out crobar's Back Door Bamby party, a racy, wild dance party where Matt Damon actually met his wife, Luciana, who was a cocktail waitress there. Tuesday night, hit one of the hotels. Wednesday night, it's The Forge, where the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Jennifer Lopez hang. Thursday night, check out Skybar, Rok Bar and Mynt. On Friday, it's all about Opium Garden and Prive, where any celeb who's in town will stop by if not, at least, for one drink. On Saturday, the Pawn Shop Lounge downtown is the place to be, with an '80s soundtrack and celebs such as Colin Farrell partying in the club's Airstream trailer. Mansion on South Beach is pretty hot, too. Sunday afternoon, thankfully, is the hottest party at the Raleigh Hotel, where you can lounge by the pool or over a bonfire (in the winter) along with the likes of Jessica -- or O. J. -- Simpson. On any given night you may run into Bono or Farrell at Ted's Hideaway or Mac's Club Deuce, two of Miami's beloved dive bars.

Eating it Up. (Stars eat, too.) Among the places you'll find celebs stuffing their faces: Nobu; Nemo; The Forge; The Restaurant at the Setai; The Blue Door; Barton G. The Restaurant; Prime 112; Azul; Table 8; News Café; China Grill; Tuscan Steak; and, we kid you not, San Loco Taco, the late-night, fast-food Mexican joint across the street from Club Deuce.