Miami Beach

Kids finish end-of-school activities. Double-check passports/IDs, chargers, swimsuits, and Amos' birthday surprise. Eat a solid dinner at home before heading out.

Leave home ~8:30pm. Delta parking or drop-off. Check bags by 10:00pm latest.

Check bags at Delta counter, clear security, find Gate.

Delta Air Lines · Flight DL2040 · Main Classic · Nonstop

Confirmation: JKZYLU · Tickets: 0062421186244, 245, 246 · Arrive MIA 5:45 AM Friday (ET)

Deplane, head straight to baggage claim. Bathroom break + water refills before the Uber ride.

MIA → Loews (1601 Collins Ave) is ~14 miles, typically 25–35 min with morning traffic. Uber XL recommended for 3 people + luggage. Est. $45–70.

24-hour classic diner two blocks from Loews. Perfect landing spot — fluffy pancakes, omelets, strong coffee. Walk over, drop bags with the valet at Loews first.

Standard check-in is 4 PM, but ask nicely — Loews often accommodates early arrivals. If the room isn't ready, change into beach gear in their locker rooms and stash everything else with the bell desk.

Loews has direct beach access with complimentary chairs and umbrellas for guests. Low-key morning — swim, build sandcastles, let Amos shake off the red-eye in the surf.

South Beach institution. Huge menu, kid-friendly, famous milkshakes. 6-minute walk from Loews.

Back to Loews. Their oceanfront pool has cabanas, hot tub, and a poolside bar. Everyone is running on 3 hours of sleep — build in quiet time. Adults nap while Amos swims, or vice versa.

Optional — stroll the pedestrian mall. Street performers, shops, ice cream. Low-effort way to see South Beach on Day 1.

Keep it simple. Coyo Taco (7 min walk, authentic Mexican, fast, counter-service) OR Preston's at Loews (on-site, walk straight from the pool). Either way — done by 7:45.

Big day tomorrow — surfing and parasailing. Lights out early to recover from the red-eye.

Fuel up with protein and carbs — today burns calories. Preston's buffet is easy; Big Pink is a quick walk if you want a change of scenery.

Miami Surf Academy — private/semi-private lessons on the sand at South Pointe, the southernmost tip of South Beach. 90-minute session, all gear provided, instructors are patient with 9-year-olds. Book online the week before.

Walkable from South Pointe beach — heirloom-corn tortillas, killer tacos, fresh juices. Perfect post-surf refuel.

Soar 400–600 feet above Miami Beach. 15-min flight, can fly all 3 together on a triple-harness (combined weight 150–500 lbs). Book the slot 1+ week ahead. Launch is from the beach just a few blocks north of Loews.

Back to Loews pool. Relax, shower, get cleaned up for dinner.

Inside 1 Hotel South Beach, 10-minute walk from Loews up Collins Ave. High-energy vibe, excellent steaks, great sides. Kids menu available. Reservation strongly recommended via OpenTable.

Wake Amos up with wrapped gift + card. Walk over to Big Pink for his birthday pancakes — they'll put a candle in whatever he wants. Loud, fun, zero-stress.

On-site at Loews — BouYah operates right off the hotel beach. Jet ski rentals (2-3 riders per ski), banana boats, paddleboards. Just walk out the back of the hotel to their stand. The highlight of the trip for a 9-year-old.

Stay on property — order from the pool bar, eat with wet feet, keep the birthday vibe rolling.

Low-key — whatever Amos wants. Build a sandcastle, hunt shells, pool games. Quiet hour before dinner.

Joe's doesn't take reservations — earlier is better. Plan to leave Loews by 5:30 to walk/Uber over.

The Miami institution since 1913. Legendary stone crab claws (in season through May 15, but regular crab + key lime pie year-round are the show). No reservations — arrive by 6 PM to beat the line. Tell the host it's Amos' birthday; they'll do something special.

Pick up a cake beforehand (Sweet Celebrations Miami delivers, or stop by a bakery that afternoon) and have it waiting in the room. Low-key birthday finish — gifts, cake, maybe a swim.

Pack most of the suitcase tonight. 4 AM comes fast.

Rough, but it's Memorial Day and the airport will be slammed. Quick shower, final pack, express checkout via the Loews app (no front desk line).

Early morning traffic is light — 20–25 min. Uber XL for the luggage. Est. $40–60.

Delta Terminal N. Bags likely already checked online — drop them, breeze through TSA PreCheck if you have it. Grab coffee + breakfast at the gate.

Confirmation JKZYLU. 5h 10m flight. Seats assigned at booking.

Welcome home! One very tired, very happy 9-year-old. 🌴