5 minute read
Beach and Thrills
Sunlit stretches of pristine white sand and clear rolling waves offer endless enchantment for sunbathers and watersports fans, while on-land attractions entice those who admire both nature and man-made marvels. See, learn, play and repeat.
By Meryl D’Sa
When the Beach Beckons
From southernmost South Beach and stretching north through sunny Surfside, Bal Harbour, Haulover Beach and Sunny Isles, Miami offers miles upon miles of picture-perfect beaches for all to enjoy.
The star-studded glamour and gay-friendly stretches of Miami Beach welcome those who are looking for that signature Miami experience. Meanwhile, the calmer waters of familyfriendly Crandon Park on Key Biscayne are a hit with little ones. Wheelchair-accessible mobi mats are available at various Miami Beach entrances for guests with impaired mobility, and of adrenaline with their tan. Adventure and speed seekers can partake in watersports and activities such as paddleboarding or jet-skiing at any local marina and conquer the waters, maybe even spot a playful dolphin along the way! Charter a sailboat, yacht or catamaran for an offshore fishing excursion in search of swordfish, marlin and other big-game fish. Or harness the power of our breezes with some serious kitesurfing, parasailing or windsurfing along Key Biscayne’s historic Virginia Key.
andresr/iStock by getty Images
For those looking for excitement, the Miami Thriller Speedboat Adventure is one water ride you do not want to miss. Hop on one of the speedboats in Downtown Miami at Bayside there’s even a bathing-suit-optional portion at Haulover Beach to the north. Needless to say, every single beachgoer is bound to find their perfect spot.
While every beach allows you to sink your toes into silky soft white sand and crystal-clear surf, many beaches and parks offer additional opportunities for relaxation and fun. Walking trails and bike loops abound, as well as opportunities for kayak rentals, concession stands, volleyball nets and even covered pavilions with grills for a full day of fun.
Wings Over Water
Luis Vargas Photography
For some, lounging on the beach with a good book and a cool playlist is plenty. Others crave a little rush of adrenaline with their tan.Adventure and speed seekers can partake in watersports and activities such as paddle boarding or jet-skiing at any local marina and conquer the waters, maybe even spot a playful dolphin along the way! Charter a sailboat, yacht or catamaran for an offshore fishing excursion in search of swordfish, marlin and other big-game fish. Or harness the power of our breezes with some serious kitesurfing, parasailing or windsurfing along Key Biscayne’s historic Virginia Key.
For those looking for excitement, the Miami ThrillerSpeed boat Adventure is one water ride you do not want to miss.Hop on one of the speed boats in Downtown Miami at Bayside Marketplace and soar on a 45-minute boat tour of Miami and Biscayne Bay. It can hold 85 passengers and can do a 180-degree spin. See celebrity mansions on Star Island, get a glimpse of PortMiami and Virginia Key, and take Instagram-worthy pictures of Miami’s iconic skyline.
Go Deep!
With more than 75 sunken wrecks to explore, Miami is a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts. A short 25- to 30-minute boat ride is all it takes to reach scenic coral reefs. Located 3.25 miles east of Key Biscayne, Neptune Memorial Reef is a magnificent dive for all levels. The structure is teeming with marine life and also serves as the final resting place for ocean lovers who wish to be buried at sea.Also near Key Biscayne, experienced divers can swim inside the entire length of a sunken 195-foot steel barge. The Belcher Barge Wreck Trek is another popular dive in 60 feet of water with a trail that leads to two other wrecks.Boulders create artificial reefs and give marinelife a home. Emerald Reef is another beautiful freshwater dive site where you will see grunts, snapper,barracuda, angelfish, anemones, stingrays, turtles and more. Off Mid-Beach, two WWII-era tanks sit underwater facing each other along about 1,060 tons of limestone boulders since 1994. Now, they are home o spiny oysters, sponges and a variety of hard and soft coral.
jessica Savill
Connect With Nature
Miami is also home to some truly beautifullandscapes, being near the Everglades and hostinga variety of gardens as well as two national parks:Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park.
Another local favorite is the Bill Baggs Cape Florida Another local favorite is the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park with guided tours, a keeper’s cottage, kayaking opportunities and more. Don’t forget to check out the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami, the Cape Florida Lighthouse, located in the park.
From lush green spaces to rainbow-colored orchids, edible gardens and even a Japanese Garden, Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers nature enthusiasts a colorful treat. Additionally, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden in Coconut Grove boasts a collection of exotic fruits and flowers from Southeast Asia, Central, South America and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the Ichimura Miami Japan Garden is influenced by Japanese landscapes and hosts annual festivals.
If tee time is your thing, golf aficionados will enjoy the smooth greens of Miami Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Course, both public golf courses. Hit the fairways, land the ball pin high and tap it in. The 19th hole awaits.
Historic Landmarks
Coconut Grove’s Barnacle Historic State Park and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are other historically significant places to visit. Vizcaya is a stunning waterfront estate with manicured gardens and an Instagrammer’s paradise filled with beautiful architectural details and lovely fountains.
Educational Experiences
Plan a trip to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferré Park (Museum Park). This impressive high-tech museum hosts a 3-D planetarium, an aquarium with a 31-foot oculus and impressive interactive exhibits. Its MeLab initiative encourages visitors to focus on health and well-being with interactive experiences and demonstrations.
Located on Watson Island, the Miami Children’s Museum is another attraction filled with educational exhibits and demonstrations set to inspire and ignite curious minds.
Host with the Most
In 2020, Miami was honored to host the 54th Super Bowl along with the thrilling festivities that came with it. This is the NFL-record 11th time the city has had the privilege to bring this supreme championship to our doorstep. From the pregame parties to the game itself to the star-studded after-parties, there was much to celebrate. The Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers put on a thoroughly entertaining display of grit, determination and athleticism; and Miami was proud to take part and once again establish itself as one of the top sporting event capitals of the world.
