It’s no secret that Miami is filled with outdoor activities — but don’t make the mistake of thinking your only option for outdoor activities in Miami is heading to the beach (though you could easily spend an entire vacay here just enjoying our gorgeous beaches, we won’t judge).
Beyond beach-lounging, outdoor things to do in Miami range from walking tours to watersports, parks, and cultural activities. Whatever kind of traveler you are, whatever you enjoy doing, you can find an outdoor adventure in Miami that you’re sure to love.
Need a little help with the planning? Here are some local favored Miami outdoor activities to help with your adventure in Miami.
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Things to Do Outdoors in Miami: Parks, Nature & Wildlife Experiences
Want a more relaxed and unstructured adventure in Miami? Try one of these outdoor spots, where you can enjoy some outdoor adventure without having to travel very far.
Oleta River State Park
As Florida’s largest urban park, Oleta River State Park is a haven for outdoor activities in Miami — especially if you find some thrill in watersports.
Rent some kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards with friends and family. Navigate your way through mangrove trails before paddling your way onto the bright blue waters of Biscayne Bay.
If you prefer a guided experience, I recommend opting for a full moon kayaking tour, an ultimate Miami bucket list experience.
Everglades National Park
No outdoor activities in Miami list would be complete without mentioning the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, Everglades National Park. So, add that bug spray to your Miami packing list and head to this national treasure.
There is no shortage of outdoor activities to participate in here, everything from cycling in the Everglades to hiking, fishing, boating, and kayaking.
The Everglades is well known for the wildlife that calls the area home, so keep your eyes peeled for alligators, manatees, and pythons.
Embark on an airboat ride through the Everglades; not only will you get to see animals in their natural habitat, but you will also learn about the UNESCO World Heritage site from expert guides. It is a high-speed tour guaranteed to thrill adults and children alike.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is home to an impressive botanical collection with nearly 100 acres of rare plants and a gorgeously maintained outdoor space.
The garden is separated into various collections. One of the most exciting is the Wings of the Tropics exhibit, where visitors find themselves surrounded by a myriad of butterflies enjoying a tropical floral display.
It is one of Miami’s most romantic outdoor spots and makes for an exciting day out in nature.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is located south of Homestead but sometimes feels a world away. The activity options are near-endless too. You’ll find beautiful islands, pristine waters, coral reefs, shipwrecks, and more.
Beyond the simple sightseeing, you can canoe, kayak, fish, or even try your hand at catching some lobster.
Don’t miss a visit to one of the park’s keys, including Boca Chita Key, with its historic lighthouse, and Elliott Key, with its pineapple farming history. With 173,000 acres within this Miami park, there are myriad opportunities for adventure.
Outdoor Miami Adventures: Watersports Activities
Want to hit the waters for a bit of adrenaline-pumping adventure in Miami? Your outdoor adventure options are almost endless.
Miami Sightseeing Speedboat
See Miami from the Atlantic Ocean with a sightseeing speedboat tour. You’ll be guided to some of the city’s most picturesque sights, including Fisher Island and Star Island, all from the comfort of the speedboat positioned perfectly parallel to South Beach.
Millionaire’s Row Cruise
If you’d rather keep your eyes peeled for celebs, you may want to book the Millionaire’s Row cruise.
This 90-minute boat tour provides insight into Miami’s rich history, focusing on the city skyline, while pointing out the homes of Miami’s most famous residents, including Gloria Estefan, Diddy, and other celebrities.
Jet Ski on Biscayne Bay
Thrill-seekers will want to book a jet ski to ride across Biscayne Bay.
Never been on a jet ski before? No worries. Your guide will follow you on their own jet-ski while giving you enough space to explore the waters at your leisure, so this activity is perfect for novices.
It makes for an unforgettable experience feeling the wind and ocean on your face while being treated to stunning Miami skyline views.
Parasailing in Biscayne Bay
Is jet-skiing not adventurous enough for you? You can always take to the skies parasailing over Biscayne Bay.
Sit back and relax as you soar 400 feet above the water, taking in the Miami views from a birds-eye vantage point, which on a clear day, you’ll be able to see for miles.
You’ll even have the opportunity to take a dip in the ocean to cool off afterward.
Miami Walking Tours, Arts, and Cultural Outdoor Activities
Want to delve more into Miami’s arts and cultural scene? Here are some Miami outdoor activities to suit all ages, interests, and budgets.
Wynwood Arts District Tour
Not all Miami tours are about adventure and thrills on the water. If you want to explore the artsy side of Miami, head to the Wynwood Arts District, the internationally renowned district famous for its street art and graffitied walls.
Load up on a golf buggy and zip around the neighborhood to explore more than 50 murals covering Wynwood’s former warehouse walls, including many from up-and-coming urban artists.
Design District Public Art Tours
On a budget? Explore the Miami Design District free guided public art tour. A knowledgeable art and architecture guide will lead you around the neighborhood, showcasing the area’s public art and architecture.
Tours are available on select Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m.; all you have to do is show up in front of the Fly’s Eye Dome located on the first floor of Palm Court in the Miami Design District.
Overtown Folklife Friday
While only an option the first Friday of every month, you won’t regret stopping by if you can catch the Overtown Folklife Friday market. The open-air market features local artisans and crafters, live entertainment, food vendors (and even a happy hour!).
It all starts on the first Friday of every month at 11 a.m., and you can find the open-air market on the 9th Street pedestrian mall.
The Underline
Linear parks are becoming all the rage in major urban hubs around the country, and for a good reason. They make great urban green spaces, conveniently located near high traffic areas.
The Underline is Miami’s linear park, located below the MetroRail and stretching for 10 miles. In addition to lovely landscaping and walking trails, The Underline is also an excellent place to go for public art.
Miami Outdoor Date Ideas
If you’re looking for Miami outdoor date ideas, whether you’re a traveler or even a local, you can’t go wrong with some of Miami’s best outdoor activities. These top picks are sure to impress any date.
New World Symphony Concerts at Soundscape Park
Soundscape Park in Miami Beach is gorgeous all on its own, with all of the landscaping and architectural details, but when you add in the concerts and other events, it gets even better.
From October through May, The New World Symphony concerts are broadcast on a 7,000-square-foot project wall so that you can take in live classical music performances, all from the beauty of the great outdoors. Bring a blanket, invite your date and make it an evening to remember!
Miami Best Beaches
Not just any beach will do for your Miami adventure. We’ve picked some of the best so that even if you only have a day in Miami, you can experience our world-renowned beach culture to the fullest.
Crandon Beach Park
The two-mile-long sandy Crandon Beach Park is a firm favorite among locals. The surrounding sand dunes are a haven for wildlife, which is perfect for children and grown-ups alike.
Sea turtles are known to nest here, which is definitely something to witness for the bucket list. The calm water here is ideal for swimmers and other water-based activities.
Historic Virginia Key Beach
The Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is a tranquil family-friendly Miami spot. Stroll down the mile-long beach then explore the wetlands and hiking trails before you find the perfect picnic spot for yourself. There are barbeques throughout the park, or you can pop into the concession stand for a bite to eat.
Planning Tip: The Historic Virginia Key Beach Park entry charge on weekends and holidays is $8 per vehicle or you can go during the week for free.
Outdoor Dinning & Shopping in Miami
Lincoln Road
This large outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area is a haven for those looking for a uniquely Miami outdoor activity. This pedestrian-friendly promenade offers sidewalk seating where you can enjoy treats from any of the nearby restaurants and vendors.
In the evenings, Lincoln Road is a haven for entertainment and happy hours beneath the setting sun. Definitely, a spot to include in your Miami outdoor activities!
Bayside Marketplace
A little more structured and (nearly) always open, Bayside Marketplace brings you your favorite retailers and a few restaurants, all in a stylish outdoor shopping area.
Find standard mall-esque retailers like Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret, local vendors, and several tour providers. Restaurants include both nationally-known brands (like the Hard Rock Cafe) and local eateries.
Find Your Outdoor Adventure in Miami
Whether you prefer strolling lush gardens, learning about a destination’s past and culture, or finding adrenaline-pumping thrills on the waves, you can find all this and more in Miami — and all outdoors, so there’s never any need to say goodbye to the endless Miami sunshine.
With so many things to do outdoors in Miami, you have no excuse not to go out and explore this magnificent city!
So, what are you waiting for? Find your Miami adventure today!
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