Not many destinations come close to what Miami has to offer in terms of exciting outdoor activities – whether it’s kayaking around its white sand beaches or enjoying a boat tour through one of the amazing national parks nearby! As an outdoorsy traveler, I love exploring Miami and so I’ve come up with some of my favorite outdoor activities in the city!
Miami is a gateway to famous white sand beaches, picturesque palm trees, and pristine waters. This is why it’s no surprise that the city welcomed more than 26.5 million visitors in 2022, causing an 8% tourism revenue increase from 2021. Among those tourists, 73% went for a vacation and pleasure travel.
From swimming and watersports to restaurant hopping and nature walks through national parks, you’ll never run out of things to try in Miami. Just be sure to keep the hot weather in mind and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. for your trip to the Magic City.
Below, we will look at some of the best outdoor activities in Miami and what to pack for your trip.
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BEST Outdoor Adventures in Miami
The most beautiful beaches in the world!
Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, which is why including swimming and water activities in your itinerary should be a no-brainer. You won’t want to miss South Beach, famous for its turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife, Art Deco architecture, and status as a go-to spot for celebrities.
Here, you can go snorkeling, rent a jet ski, or, if you’d prefer to stay dry, go shopping on nearby Ocean Drive, a glitzy, busy street renowned for its well-preserved art deco buildings and foodie scene. FYI, my favorite spot to eat on Ocean Drive is Havana Vieja on Washington Ave.
Some of my other favorite beaches in Miami include:
- South Pointe Park – for great views of South Beach and the cruise ships in the water. It’s really picturesque and similar-looking to South Beach but without the crowds.
- Haulover Beach – This is a local-favorite that boasts turquoise water and a chilled-out-vibe. FYI, there is a nude beach here, located between lifeguard towers 12-15!
I should also add that some of my favorite things I’ve done in Miami don’t cost a thing! For example, visiting the very pretty 32-acre Bayfront Park, and exploring Miami Beach Botanical Gardens are completely free to visit!
It’s paradise for watersports lovers
Some other fun outdoorsy things to do in Miami is to take a half-day cruise from downtown Miami’s Bayside Marketplace, it includes a bus tour through the top sights in downtown as well as a boat cruise during which you can spot celebrity houses on Star Island. The tour is very reasonable at ust $30 USD per person and lasts for 5.5 hours.
If you’d prefer something more fast-paced you could hop on a speedy jet boat tour. Which whizzes down the city’s coastline past Star Island’s multi-millionaire dollar celeb homes, Miami Beach and, South Beach. It’s short and sweet at 45 minutes long and costs from $45 USD!
Renting a kayak or canoe, or boat is another excellent way to experience Miami’s coastline and it’s a great way to relax on a sunny afternoon. The best kayak tour in Miami (and the one we did) is this tour of North Miami Beach and the Mangrove Tunnels. It’s a clear kayak so you can see what’s beneath as you kayak along. This part of Miami is only accessible by boat so it’s a bit of a hidden gem. This tour costs from $73 USD.
An amazing foodie scene
Visiting Miami wouldn’t be complete without exploring the city’s diverse and thriving food scene. You might be surprised that Cuba known for its indescribable magic, has heavily influenced Miami’s cuisine due to its large Cuban-American population.
You can indulge in a gastronomic adventure – from tasting the authentic Cuban sandwich at Cubatón Sandwich Shop to exploring new flavours like the arroz con pollo a la chorrera from the popular Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop. Miami’s diverse culinary landscape also features dishes from Brazil, Colombia, and Peru – so there’s lots of food hopping to do in the city!
Incredible National Parks are closeby
You’ll feel right at home in Miami’s national parks if you’re a nature lover. You can start by visiting the Florida Everglades (40 minutes from downtown). It’s the largest wetland ecosystem in the United States, which is home to numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. Stand-up paddleboarding and boating tours are a few of the many activities you can try in that area.
Yet an airboat tour is arguably the top thing to do in the Everglades and it’s quintessentially Florida. We did this tour when we visited and I’d say it’s a must-do. It’s a really immersive experience and we saw lots of wildlife like alligators and herons.
Meanwhile, Biscayne National Park houses a unique birding trail where you can marvel at native bird species such as the loggerhead shrikes and yellow-crowned night herons. This national park is just under an hour from the city.
Fishing is also super-popular in Biscayne N.P., especially for spine-tailed lobster, snapper, and grouper. As is kayaking through the mangroves. If you love to camp then you’ll find excellent campsites at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys.
In short, Miami perfectly balances fun water activities, mouthwatering foodie experiences, and breathtaking nature visits. But don’t underestimate the city’s warm weather, which could play a crucial role in your vacation. Here are some sun safety essentials for your Miami trip:
What to pack for your vacation to Miami
1. Sunglasses
Miami’s weather can be unforgiving, with temperatures reaching 96 degrees Fahrenheit last May and an average UV index range of four to six. Wearing sunglasses is, therefore, essential to prevent harmful UV rays from damaging your eyes as you explore the city’s hidden gems. We personally prefer frames like the Grayson and Ellis glasses, which can be equipped with Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses that adapt to light situations for visual acuity outdoors. As you may know, wearing sunnies is one way to prevent eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration from developing – so be sure to pack a pair.
2. Sunscreen
Aside from the eyes, your skin may also be at risk of sun damage. Applying sunscreen when you’re about to kayak or walk around Miami’s food districts is essential to avoid sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer. Sunscreen brands like Murad and Alba Botanica are great options that have SPF 50 for guaranteed sun protection.
3. Hat and UV-protective clothes
UV-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can also help protect your skin from harmful UV rays, so make sure to bring them in your water adventures. And finally, don’t forget your water bottle to keep you hydrated, especially during daytime walks!
Where to Stay in Miami
As you can imagine, there are heaps of hotels in a big city like Miami. And which one you choose all comes down to the type of traveler you are. For us, we prefer to stay in mid-range hotels ideally with a swimming pool and within walking distance of downtown.
Here are some of my favorite hotels in Miami –
- The Balfour Hotel – a stylish 4-star hotel with a swimming pool and bar. The rooms are luxurious and light-filled. It has excellent reviews. A stay here costs around $125 USD per night.
- The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club – With direct access to a private section of Miami Beach this glitzy 4-star property is very popular. Many rooms have ocean views. It also has a lovely pool and is surprizingly well-priced at $160 USD per night.
- Esme Miami Beach – Another Miami Beach property with a pool and chic rooms. This is a great budget-friendly option at around $90 USD per night.
Thanks for Reading!
Miami is home to pristine beaches, epic watersports, amazing restaurants, and lush national parks. All attractive things to tourists seeking the perfect blend of a fun and relaxing vacation. Just be sure to pack some sun safety essentials to help you enjoy your trip – it does get super-hot here!
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Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by snaphappytravel