From art walks in Wynwood and fresh markets in downtown to endless miles of coastline and a smattering of new restaurants, start Miami's hottest months on the right note. Whether you choose to embrace South Florida's sauna-like outdoors or spend your days inside, these ten pastimes sport a little something for everyone.
10. Stroll Through Sidewalk Art in Wynwood
Most people roam Wynwood for its graffitied walls. But walls aren't the only vividly painted concrete canvases in Miami's ever-growing arts district. What about the ground below you? Although the practice isn't legal, plenty of lawbreakers have stenciled and painted quotes,
9. Roam a Farmers' Market
A common misconception is that farmers' markets are less prevalent in the summer months. This time of year is just as perfect to roam a market as any other. On any given weekend, dozens of farmers' markets across Miami offer the freshest and brightest fruits and vegetables grown right in our backyard. Wherever you are, there's a good chance a market is nearby.
8. People-Watch at the Beach
Summer technically began June 20, but in Miami, every day feels like the scorching-hot season we all love to hate. Because the outside temps reach upward of 90 degrees, you'd better cool down at the beach. South Florida features endless coastline, and the best part is most of its free (give or take a few parking fees here and there). There are myriad public-access beaches, including Haulover (10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach), Bill Baggs Cape Florida (1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne), Lummus Park (Fifth to Fifteenth Street east of Ocean Drive), Surfside (9301 Collins Ave., Miami Beach), and North Beach (50th Street east of Collins Avenue, Miami Beach). Make sure to pack a suit, towel, and lots of water (and maybe some cold beer). Oh, and bring the darkest shades you can find. Besides blocking the sun, sunglasses will give you a surefire way to secretly people-watch Miami's most outlandish beachgoers.
7. Forget the Beach and Try the Pool
Whether it's the drive, the struggle for parking, the sand in all the wrong places, or all of the above, sometimes trekking to the beach is just too much. Why not chill poolside instead? From water parks in Hialeah to SoBe-style pools and Coral Gables' beloved Venetian, take your pick at one of the best public spots around. Grab a towel, snag a
6. Try a New Restaurant
We're only six months into 2016, but a plethora of new restaurants have opened. So many, in fact, that it's been difficult to try them all. From fast-casual and vegan-friendly to downright lavish, pick one and treat yourself to a reservation. The summer is notoriously slower for Miami's restaurant industry, meaning you'll probably get better service, food, and experience.
5. Work Off All the Food You've Eaten
All bodies are "summer bodies," as far as we're concerned. But if you're in need of a confidence booster, why not try a new workout? Miami offers free hourlong yoga sessions nearly every day of the week. The Underline Cycling Club features free rides, and many newly opened gyms, from boutique
Miami isn't always bike-friendly. But if you know where to go, the 305 has a few great paths waiting to be wheeled on. There's Hialeah's Amelia Earhart Park, Miami Beach's Rickenbacker Causeway, Shark Valley inside Everglades National Park, and Virginia Key's mountain-bike trails. Because it's summer, make sure to bike early (before the standard 3 p.m. thunderstorm) and check the weather before you head out.
3. Hang Out at a Museum
Museums are a favorite summer pastime in the 305 — not least because most are indoors and boast high-functioning air conditioning. Sometimes visiting is pricey, ranging from $10 to $30 including transportation and parking. But if you plan right, you can save big. The first Thursday and second Saturday of every month, admission to Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
2. Catch an Indie Flick
Forget mainstream, crowded movies at traditional theaters. Cool off with a flick at one of Miami's many independent theaters, which feature a selection of classic, foreign, art, and family films year-round. There's O Cinema, which has three locations in Miami, including Wynwood, Miami Shores, and North Beach; Little Havana's Tower Theater, which is one of Miami's oldest landmarks; Bill Cosford Cinema, which often welcomes actors, directors, and industry professionals to take the stage and discuss film; Miami Beach Cinematheque, located inside the historic South Beach City Hall; and the Coral Gables Art Cinema, right across from Books & Books in the heart of the Gables.
1. Get an Artsy Dessert in Wynwood
Booze-infused ice cream? Uniquely flavored doughnuts?
