10 outdoor activities in Miami perfect for summertime

The heart of South Florida, Miami offers warm temperatures and sunny weather year-round. Its moderate climate makes Miami the perfect spot for enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking to learn about Miami history or explore lush gardens to take in the beach and water that the city is known for, you’re sure to find an outdoor activity in Miami.

Swim like never before at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. Once a coral rock quarry, this expansive pool holds 820,000 gallons of fresh spring water, which is replaced every day. Swim through cave-like grottos, and relax under palm trees at this tropical paradise. Take in the 2 waterfalls built into this picturesque pool perfect for a hot summer’s day.

Where: 2701 de Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Stroll through Wynwood and take in the vibrant street art adorning the warehouse buildings in this neighborhood. 50 artists from 16 countries have traveled to Miami to leave their mark on these walls. From classic graffiti art to more modern endeavors, the artwork adorning 6 buildings add a vibrant touch to the Wynwood neighborhood, making it worth an afternoon of exploring.

Where: 25th to 26th Street, Miami, FL

Once the winter home of millionaire James Deering, Villa Vizcaya today is a National Historic Landmark and museum. This expansive estate, which showcases stunning Italian architecture, offers daily guided tours of the home and its tropical grounds. Thanks to its natural landscape, you might even spot some wildlife as you tour the grounds.

Where: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129

Head to Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne and check out the lighthouse. Two guided tours of the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s cottage are available daily. Grab a bite to eat at one of two on-site restaurants, including Lighthouse Cafe and Boater’s Grill. A short stroll takes you to the white sandy beaches of Key Biscayne. Or, throw a line in at Biscayne Bay for some stellar fishing.

Where: 1200 South Crandon Boulevard Key Biscayne, FL 33149

A visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden transports you to a lush paradise filled with vibrant flowers and plants. As you stroll through these gardens, you’ll see sparkling lakes, waterfalls in Simons Rainforest, and fluttering butterflies at the Wings of the Tropics exhibit. Hop aboard the free tram for a narrated, 45-minute tour of the gardens.

Where: 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156

Less than 3 miles from downtown Miami sits the Design District, perfect for an afternoon of shopping and dining. This high-end district features an array of luxury stores, including Burberry, Dior, Cartier, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton, among others. After window shopping, grab a bite to eat at Lemoni Cafe or Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink. Or, opt for a glass of your favorite wine at Abaco Wines and Wine Bar.

Where: 3481 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33137

Miami’s beachfront setting makes ocean adventures ideal when you’re looking to soak up the sunshine. Head to Biscayne National Park, where you can enjoy offshore snorkeling at outer reefs like Half Moon and Emerald Reef. Try stand-up paddleboarding — even if you’ve never tried, you can rent paddleboards or sign up for a lesson. Or, head to South Beach and rent a jet ski for an exhilarating day on the water.

Nothing keeps you cool on a hot summer day like a scoop of ice cream. Head to Lulu’s Nitrogen Ice Cream, where you can enjoy an extra creamy sweet treat, thanks to the liquid nitrogen used to freeze the ice cream. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients and Lulu’s specialty punch of liquid nitrogen creates an especially creamy ice cream. The Wynwood Parlor Ice Cream truck is easy to spot, with its blue and purple tropical-inspired exterior. Sample its signature ice cream sandwiches, which come in many flavor combinations that are sure to hit the spot on a hot summer day.

Where: Lulu’s Nitrogen Ice Cream 2001 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33137

Cool off and explore underwater by going on a snorkeling excursion off the shore of Miami. Just off the coast sits the Florida Straits reef, which spans 220 miles and is the largest barrier reef in North America. This spot, as well as Biscayne National Park, are prime snorkeling spots near Miami. You can find several spots around town to rent snorkeling gear if you don’t own some.

Explore the Everglades National Park, which is about a mile drive from Miami, from the air on an airboat tour. This unique vessel will take you above the swamplands of the Everglades. You can weave through mangrove tunnels, skirt above expansive grasslands, and keep your eye out for gators lurking in the water.

Soak up the sun, enjoy the miles of sandy beaches, and get wet in Miami this summer. The city offers a host of outdoor activities for every preference, and its warm climate makes enjoying these outdoor activities easy.