South Florida Activities Guide
As you can probably tell by now, I stand by the fact that I’m a Miami queen even though I’ve lived in New York for the last four years. I thrive in warm weather, driving semi-long distances, and perusing outdoor shopping malls. One of the few things I can thank COVID for is more time at home in Florida. I not only got to spend more time with my family, but I also got to enjoy one of my favorite cities in the world. Sadly, Miami hasn’t gotten the best rep over the last months because everything has remained relatively open during the pandemic. I’m here to tell you that you can safely spend time in Florida. This guide is for the people already in Florida looking to spice up their lives or for those planning a trip. There are plenty of things to do that don’t revolve around partying, I swear!
It’s always worth visiting the Design District if you find yourself in the south Miami area. Although the stores and restaurants usually remain the same, the art is constantly changing. The shopping is fantastic in this area if you’re into dressing like an influencer. Plus, the whole area is so aesthetic, you can get a good pic for Insta anywhere. But in all seriousness, the museums, galleries, and outdoor exhibitions make the Design District different from other shopping districts (think Melrose or SoHo meets modern art). In December, I was even lucky enough to stumble across the Louis Vuitton Men’s Temporary Residence, which had popped up in the Design District. This was just another reminder that it’s always worth it to drive down and visit Design District when in Miami. You never know what you’re going to see.
If you find yourself in the Brickell area, you might as well visit the Frost Museum of Science and the Perez Art Museum Miami. Both museums are incredible and have become central to the cultural growth of the Miami area. The Frost Museums is a great indoor activity for all ages. The Museum features mainly modern art, so I don’t know if it’s every child’s cup of tea. But I will say that both museums have an emphasis on being interactive and spacious. The Frost and PAMM are exemplary examples of what it means to make a space multipurpose. You don’t even have to go inside the museums to appreciate the architecture and natural beauty of it all. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and even a cafe/restaurant/bar. The museums are located within the Maure A. Ferré park, free and open to the public every day. You can enjoy the most incredible views of the bay, see some outdoor artwork, and explore a beautiful park in the heart of a big city. I wouldn’t spend my precious Miami time exploring any more of the downtown area. If you choose to do so, check out the American Airlines arena (your classic concert and sports venue), Bayfront Park, and the Bayside Mall.
Like I slightly touched on before, Do NOT forget that Miami also has some incredible parks worth visiting! If you’re into outdoor activities, I’d also visit Greynolds Park in Aventura or South Point in Miami Beach. There’s so much nature in Florida, whether at the parks, by the beach, or in the swamps. I love knowing that there are areas that you can still go just chill at for free - it seems like there’s less and less of that as the world evolves. Greynolds Park is more for families and friends looking for ample space to hang out for an afternoon. There are many shady areas by the lakes, pavilions with tables, and even sports fields. South Point Park is more for people watching and strutting your stuff in a cute bikini. You’re also right by South Beach, so you can hit the town after.
If you want to factor in some fitness on vacation, I’d highly recommend taking a class at one of SoulCycle’s outdoor studios in the South Beach area. Their first pop-up was at the 1Hotel, aka a collaboration of my dreams. The whole experience was very “competitive fitness cult meets the tropics,” transforming an outdoor event space to a spin studio with sixty socially distanced bikes covered by white umbrellas. Since closed at the 1Hotel, the studio has reopened at the roof of a parking lot near Lincoln Road. I’m not quite sure how this new space’s vibes could compare to those of the 1Hotel. Regardless, Miami SoulCycle instructions always bring the best energy and music.
Behind all the hotels located on A1A or Collins Avenue lies a beach-side boardwalk worth strolling in Miami. It’s a great way to catch a peek at all the hotel pools, do more people watching, and get some rays without actually going to the beach. I’ve always entered the Boardwalk on 24th street, which is the official starting place. Make sure you bring a water bottle, wear comfortable clothes, and slather yourself in sunscreen. I also encourage having a plan of where you want to turn around, as the Boardwalk does not make a loop. You can either walk it up and back or break off at various points and get back onto A1A.
Another fitness option that’s more scenic and unique to Miami Beach is Bluespace, a floating wellness space located right off the MacArthur causeway. I had the pleasure of taking a semi-private sunset yoga class back in January. The entire experience was so peaceful and truly magical. There is nothing quite like listening to music, getting your yoga flow on, and overlooking the Miami bay area. They offer membership options in various price ranges, classes at all hours of the day, and teach yoga suited for all levels. If you’re looking to spice up your yoga routine in a very Miami way, this is the place for you.
If you’re into water activities, I’d highly recommend renting kayaks at the Oleta River Outdoor Center. The state park offers an extensive network of streams and rivers that end at Biscayne Bay. You can either spend the day within the park rivers or head out to the intercoastal and explore the sandbars and small islands. I’d recommend packing a picnic lunch and bringing it on the kayak. Then, you can make it out to one of the islands, dock your kayak in the sand, and enjoy lunch on the beach. Make sure to bring water, a trash bag, and towels. The less you bring, the less you have to worry - it’s just good to be prepared if you want to make a day out of it. Kayaks can be rented on a daily or hourly basis. The picture below is actually a picture of my mom’s kayak! I ride it around the canals behind our home every time I’m home.
