Sports & Recreation

Sports radio in South Florida has seen a lot of changes over the past few years, but one thing has been a constant: Marc Hochman anchoring an afternoon-drive show that absolutely demands your appointment listening. Hochman and ex-Dolphins legend Channing Crowder combine on a daily basis to co-host Hochman & Crowder, which is simulcast on the market-dominant 790 AM and 560 AM radio stations. Hochman, a University of Miami graduate, has entertained Miami fans for years; his knack for combining sports and humor even resulted in a short-lived stand-up gig as "The Sports Comic." We love to hear him riff about the funny side of sports, but it's the balance he brings as a top-notch sports mind that makes it all work. Hearing what Hochman has to say about the latest in his field has become a welcome tradition in the lives of Miami fans, and for good reason.

Amid the 305's hustle and bustle, it can be hard to find any peace of mind. Seems like just about every nook in our city comes packaged with honking horns. Good thing, then, that we've got Biscayne Bay, where you can easily get away from it all. Whether you're upright on a paddleboard or sitting in an inflatable kayak, the journey from Miami Beach or Miami to Monument Island (AKA Flagler Memorial Island) is a unique mile perfect for the age of social distancing. Embark from Purdy Marina or Margaret Pace Park on the mainland; depending on the current and the wind, the trek to the uninhabited island can range from laid-back to strenuous. Afterward, you'll be appropriately reinvigorated or worn out; either way, you'll be reminded of how very special this city is.

For more than 70 years, Haulover Beach has offered a multifaceted escape for locals and visitors alike. The 177-acre park, situated between Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour, first opened to the public in 1948, and over the decades has become a beloved destination. Among its diverse offerings are the 150-plus-slip Bill Bird Marina, an expansive dog park (Fido loves the beach, too, y'all!), a skate park, and fishing spots with beautiful blue vistas of the Atlantic. Any description of Haulover would be incomplete without mentioning the sandbar, an uber-popular boater hangout in the intracoastal just off the park's southwestern shore. Last but not least, the park is home to Florida's oldest and perhaps best-known nude beach. If you leave Haulover Park bored, well, that's on you.

Black Point Park and Marina sits in that perfect sweet spot between beachside marina and the kind of natural forested park that is endemic to South Florida. Located at the mouth of Black Creek in Homestead, the boat launch feeds directly into Biscayne Bay, and the park itself is adjacent to Biscayne National Park. Vessels large and small leave from the marina daily, mostly manned by locals and vacationers looking to take advantage of one of Miami's most beautiful vistas. But whether you're in a boat or on foot on Black Creek Trail, you're looking out on a beautiful ocean bordered by lush green treetops. For their part, the creek and walking trail are bordered by natural species of trees and plants along small waterways that keep you connected to Florida's roots; you'll also find plenty of good fishing spots along the way. Keep the chill vibe going at Black Point Ocean Grill, which offers waterfront dining for more of that gorgeous view.

The long stretch of road that winds through Little Havana in Miami affectionately known as Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) has undergone a change over the years — not the kind of change that makes you want to avoid it, but rather a kind of beautiful metamorphosis. Calle Ocho will always retain its Cuban flavor — you'll find some of the city's best Cuban restaurants here — but its evolution has attracted visitors from near and far. Think of it as Miami's very own picturesque Main Street. It's a great place to take out-of-town friends and family for a foolproof Miami experience. Forget South Beach. Take your visitors to Calle Ocho and watch their eyes widen and their mouths drop. Take them to dinner at chef Michelle Bernstein's Cafe La Trova before heading to Ball & Chain for specialty cocktails and a night of dancing. During the day, walk around and take in the street art and the viejitos studying their games at Domino Park. For a well-rounded Cuban-themed tour, stop by the Cubaocho Museum, then enjoy a cigar from one of the many vendors along the way.

Built in 1913, the Lyric Theater was the heart of a bustling entertainment district in Overtown known as "Little Broadway," where such legendary artists as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and B.B. King graced the stage. As the sole surviving symbol of that district, the theater has undergone extensive renovations over the years to cement its place in Overtown's history. In addition to still hosting talent, Miami's oldest theater also houses an extensive archive of historical records, photos, and artifacts related to South Florida's Black history. The theater was acquired by the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida in 1988 and added to the National Register of Historic Places the following year. We may not be able to sit in for a live performance right now, but the foundation launched a #SaferAtHome virtual series with various speakers and fun events like "Jeopardy Noir" to put your knowledge of Miami's Black history to the test.

Heading into his fifth season, DeVante Parker was a bit of a mystery for the Miami Dolphins. Although he'd shown glimpses of dominance on the field, he was often hampered by injuries, bad coaching, bad quarterback play, or a combination of all three. But then Parker took off, demonstrating why the Dolphins had picked him so high in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. He caught 72 passes for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns last season, earning himself a new contract and a chance to continue proving that he's a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Having dealt with so many changes since his 2015 start, he's sure to benefit from stability in both the coaching staff and the quarterback room this season. If his stellar 2019 is any indication, the sky is the limit for Parker.

With Dwyane Wade hanging up his sneakers after a long and fruitful career, the Miami Heat needed a new franchise cornerstone to step into the fold. Most believed that man would be Jimmy Butler after he signed with the Heat in free agency during the offseason. No one expected Bam Adebayo to be an NBA All-Star so soon, but that's exactly what happened. Bam has averaged 16 points, ten rebounds, and five assists in his third NBA season, far surpassing expectations for a team with so many offensive options. He's already one of the best centers in the NBA, and he's barely old enough to legally buy a beer. It's become nearly impossible for the Heat to replace what Bam brings to the court when he's missing from the lineup or in foul trouble. He's quickly become the team's rock and, undeniably, its best player.

In his third season at Miami, DeeJay Dallas transformed from part-time weapon to full-time leader. Throughout his career with the Hurricanes, Dallas was one of the best players on the field, but in 2019, he truly stood out. Ten total touchdowns and a combined 800-plus yards from scrimmage in ten games doesn't tell the entire story. Dallas came up big in the clutch more often than not; from sealing games when the Hurricanes needed it to breaking a big run against Florida State, he was Miami's own "Mr. Dependable." His play didn't go unnoticed by the NFL, either: Dallas was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Whenever the Hurricanes next take the field, DeeJay Dallas will be missed.

The Miami Hurricanes basketball team had its ups and downs last season, which made the efforts of senior guard Dejan Vasiljevic even more essential. Vasiljevic averaged 13.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 2019, his final season in Coral Gables, and led the team as they fought and clawed their way against ACC competition. The Australian native might not be the flashiest player who's ever stepped on the court for Miami, but he's one of the most dependable leaders the Canes have seen in recent years. And while his college career is at an end, his playing days aren't: Vasiljevic signed a three-year deal in July with the National Basketball League's Sydney Kings.

Inter Miami was a blip on the radar in 2020, coming and going in the blink of an eye. Before the season was even a handful of games old, the coronavirus ended it. Then the MLS resumed in Orlando for a tournament that gave Inter Miami little chance to grow together as a team. Looking ahead, Rodolfo Pizzaro will undoubtedly be a part of that growth, as he was the best player in Inter's inaugural season. When Pizarro left Mexico's Monterrey, his club team, for Inter Miami, he was an instant star. He lived up to that status when he scored Inter's first goal in a 2-1 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Union. Pizarro would also score Inter Miami's first official goal in a 2-1 loss to D.C. United in the club's first real game. Not winning a game in 2020 was a tough pill to swallow for Inter fans, but knowing that a player of Pizarro's caliber plays professional soccer in Miami now makes it a lot easier to be patient.

Brian Anderson rakes, which is why Miami Marlins fans call him as "The Groundskeeper" — and in 2019, Anderson definitely cleaned up. The Marlins third baseman swatted twenty home runs and drove in 66 runs, all while batting a respectable .261 in 459 at-bats. For a team that struggled to find its way in the win column for much of the season, Anderson gave the Marlins a fighting chance on many nights with his timely hits and stellar play, and he quickly became one of the team's leaders. After trades and roster turnover, the Marlins needed some familiar faces to step up and show the younger players how the pros do it. In 2019, Anderson was the Marlins' best player, but even more important, he taught the team's future stars how to play the game right.

Native Canadian Aaron Ekblad is undoubtedly one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underachieving Florida Panthers franchise. Since 2014, the defenseman the Panthers selected first overall in the NHL draft has led the team both on and off the ice, conducting himself as the sort of professional the floundering franchise desperately needs. Ekblad notched a career-high 41 points in 2019, making him one of fewer than a dozen defensemen in NHL history to reach double digits in goals in each of their first four seasons. Ekblad rarely misses a game: In 2017 and 2018, he appeared in all 82 games for the Panthers, and during the 2019-20 season — shortened by the coronavirus — he played in 67 games. The Panthers need more players like Ekblad; he'd shine on any team in the NHL.

Chris Wittyngham has come a long way since graduating from the University of Miami in 2014. In almost no time at all, he's gone from co-hosting on local sports radio to being the voice of Miami Dolphins radio pre-game and halftime shows. Where he really excels, though, is amplifying the sights and sounds of the beautiful game. Wittyngham, now Inter Miami's radio broadcaster and co-host of the incredibly popular Chelsea Mike'd Up podcast with Dan Le Batard Show producer Mike Ryan Ruiz, gives voice to what's happening on the pitch better than anyone doing similar work in the market, no matter the sport. His intense knowledge of soccer and off-the-job obsession with the sport bleeds through the speakers, bringing even the most casual of fans up to speed on the action. Miami is lucky to have Wittyngham — and who knows? One day he could move from Miami Dolphins pre-game radio to game-day sportscaster. At this point, nothing would surprise us.

Ethan Skolnick covered South Florida sports for years, and after stints with the Palm Beach Post, Miami Herald, and Sun Sentinel, he knew something had to change: In his mind, newspapers were just too slow to adapt to what fans wanted in 2020. It wasn't that they weren't capable of reaching today's fans; it's that they weren't even trying. To fill what he saw as an unmet need, Skolnick created Five Reasons Sports Network and the Five on the Floor podcast, which specializes in Miami Heat coverage. Together, Skolnick, co-host Alphonse Sidney and a cohort of contributors break down everything Miami Heat better than anyone behind a paywall. Also setting Skolnick and his staff apart is the fact that they're fans themselves, so rooting in the press box is definitely encouraged. In turn, fans feel like they're part of Five on the Floor, not just passive listeners. The show also engages fans via social media and watch parties, something Big Media barely attempts to do. The broader network is made up of Twitter personalities and friends of friends that all have one thing in common: an obsession with Miami sports.

The motto here is "A better playing experience," but we'd like to amend that: Stadio offers the best playing experience for youth academy teams, men's leagues, women's leagues, co-ed teams, pick-up games, kids' birthday parties, and more. One reason this facility stands out is what it stands under: the I-95 Expressway (NW 75th Street), which protects the high-quality turf and lighting from the elements. Another reason? It was created by soccer players, which you can tell from the dimensions, themes, and names of the four fields: Camp Nou, Monumental, Juventus Stadio and Stamford Bridge. Reserve a field online or by phone, or sign up to be called for a pick-up team; Stadio is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on weekends from 8 a.m. until noon.

The pandemic is making things tough for hoops junkies: Outside of the bedroom, few activities involve as much close contact as basketball. The City of Miami Beach tried to give the junkies their fix, allowing the courts to open for a couple of months with three players to a basket, each shooting with their own ball. But the ballers at Flamingo Park couldn't resist the courts' glass backboards, smooth double rims or overhead lights that let games go on until midnight. Games were breaking out all over like it was 2019. And so, as of this writing, the Flamingo Park courts — and all other public basketball courts in Miami-Dade — have been ordered closed again. The yellow tape around them preserves them as a monument to a better time, when strangers of all colors and creeds could come together and argue over whether that was a foul or not.

There are only a few places in Miami where a rogue tennis ball might find itself floating in a body of water, but Margaret Pace Park is arguably the best place to find one. The park has been popular during the pandemic because of its grassy open areas, prime location next to the water, and variety of activities available for visitors to entertain themselves with, including walking trails for socially distanced recreating. The tennis courts at Margaret Pace are situated on a quiet side of the park and offer the ideal spot for a match with an unobstructed view of Biscayne Bay.

No sport is as well-suited to social distancing as golf. You're outdoors, not sharing any equipment, and the closest people outside of your party are hundreds of feet away. And no other spot in South Florida tees up as pleasant a setting for this most frustrating of games as Miami Beach Golf Club. First opened in 1923 by Carl Fisher as a way to lure rich out-of-towners to Miami Beach, the nearly 7,000-yard course continues to attract golfers from around the world to play its 18 holes. You'll pay a pretty penny to enjoy the course's beautifully maintained grounds, but it's worth it. During the summer season, which runs through Halloween, rates are $129 per player, while peak-season rates (December 21 to April 30) will set you back $232. The course is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call ahead for COVID-19 guidelines, such as one person per cart and no touching of the flagstick.

Amid oodles of day-at-the-pool options, 1 Hotel South Beach is the glistening winner. For hotel guests and staycation warriors, the oceanfront property has four separate pools scattered about: the center pool, the cabana pool, the south pool, and what should be anyone's fave: the rooftop pool. Situated 18 stories up, so that you feel like you're floating in the clouds, the rooftop pool is 21-plus, and on Sundays is open to non-hotel guests who rent a cabana. The next time you want to splurge on the cabana life, this is about as elegant, exclusive and inspiring as it gets. Adding to the pool's ambience, the attendants are super-friendly, the surrounding area is clad with trees, greenery and tasteful wooden fixtures, and the convenient rooftop bar comes with an equally dazzling view. You deserve the good life, and it's totally here.

Miami's not often thought of as a big skateboarding town, but that doesn't mean that skaters in the Magic City have nowhere to go. Cruise on over to Haulover Park near Sunny Isles Beach, where you'll find Haulover Skate Park situated next to the water. The park features a stylish and versatile pump track, with varying inclines and sharp turns meant for anything on wheels: skateboards, bicycles, and everything in between. There's also an adjacent ramp and grind rail where you can go at your own pace or test your mettle and perfect your trick skills while your friends watch with awe (or laughter). The skate park is free and open to the public from sunup to sundown (parking is $5 to $7). And if you don't have wheels of your own, there's a bike rental shack right next to the ramps.

If you already owned a bike or were lucky enough to score one during the pandemic's "bicycle boom," then you've probably avoided the chronic boredom that comes with quarantining. The key to not breaking shit in a rage during these trying times is to go outside and be active in a safe manner. For West Kendall suburbanites, the Hammocks lakes beckon with a scenic bike/jogging path surrounded by multiple lakes, mini beaches, and nature. (Although use of the waterside reprieve is technically only for residents of the Hammocks community, everyone has a cousin who lives in the Hammocks.) After a peaceful day biking the trail, unwind with a socially distanced picnic at one of the beaches. Just keep your sandwiches away from those crazy Miami ducks. For the geographically precise, the area is bounded roughly by SW 88th Street and SW 120th Street on the north and south and SW 147th Avenue and SW 157th Avenue on the east and west.

No time like the present to enjoy some fresh air, am I right? The Commodore Trail in Coconut Grove takes hikers through a bevy of scenic locations, namely Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Peacock Park, and the Barnacle Historic State Park. You can walk, skate, or bike the five-mile trail while capturing plenty of covet-worthy photos for the 'gram. The popular trail begins near Ingraham Terrace Park in Coral Gables and concludes in Coconut Grove. Once you complete the long and winding road, you'll find diverging paths. Take a left to continue down the M-Path, future site of the Underline linear park, which is being constructed below the Metrorail tracks. Go to your right to start on the Rickenbacker Trail. Or just take a beat, chill, and enjoy the leaves waving from the nearby trees.

Larry and Penny Thompson Park, located adjacent to Zoo Miami, offers 270 acres of fun for families and nature aficionados. Nestled between Country Walk and Cutler Bay, it's a quick and easy camping getaway — no need to drive hours out of the city to the Everglades or the Florida Keys. Among the available activities are biking or hiking on trails, horse riding, picnicking under shaded pavilions, and swimming in the freshwater lake; amenities include tent camping areas, 240 RV sites with water and electrical hookups, restroom and laundry facilities, and a camp store. The campground reopened in July, but on-site construction has caused temporary closures of the gazebo and pool cabanas; best to call for the current arrangements.

Communing with sea cows is certainly one effective way to social-distance. But even when a pandemic isn't going on, we adore paddling around Deering Estate, one of Miami's treasured national landmarks. Drifting over seagrass beds and exploring mangrove forests in the calm company of the local manatees that hang around this historic oceanside venue reduces our stress levels, no matter what's going on in the peopled world. Kayak rentals are available daily between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; go to the Deering Estate website for details.

Though you can't see it, the Miami-Broward border is alive and well. But there is one undeniably good reason to cross the border: Hollywood Beach and its Broadwalk. Along a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of pristine beach, the Broadwalk is lively with small restaurants, tiki bars, ice cream shops, and a brewery. Unlike South Beach, Hollywood retains its Old Florida charm. Most of the eateries are of the open-air, mom-and-pop variety. Park at one of the ample city-owned parking garages and rent a bike or simply stroll the Broadwalk, working up your appetite. Stop in for a fish dip atBonny & Read's Toucan Hideout, have a mango IPA at Hollywood Brewing Company, or eat your weight in tacos at the Taco Spot. Head north to one of the handful of tiki huts, many of which offer live music. Then, plant your beach chair on the sand to watch the pelicans glide by overhead. Save for the occasional holiday weekend, Hollywood Beach is rarely as crowded as South Beach and its family-friendly vibe is welcoming to all. EvenJimmy Buffett's tribute to blender drinks and commercialism — the Margaritaville Resort — fits in. Instead of being an eyesore, it's turned into a renewed source of energy for this seaside community.

Less than four hours northwest of Miami, there's a piece of Florida that seems untouched by time. If you want a weekend away from high-rise condos and shopping at Target, head to Anna Maria Island. There, you'll find miles of untouched beaches, tiny restaurants serving fresh fish dip and cheap beer, and incredible sunsets, often accompanied by some dude in a floral shirt playing guitar. Check in to the Compass Hotel ($116 and up per night). It's a brand-spanking-new venture from the Margaritaville people — think of it as Jimmy Buffett-lite. The rooms are "coastal-chic," decorated in neutral shades with views of Anna Maria Sound. After your drive, you'll want to unwind, so hit the Floridays bar for a beer from one of the many breweries in nearby Clearwater and some of the best fish dip you'll ever have. Now you're ready to explore. Call the Monkey Bus, a free shuttle that takes you anywhere on the island (leaving a tip is customary, so bring some cash), and stop at the Rod & Reel Pier, where a buck gets you a beer. Try your hand at fishing or just watch the water. A short walk from the pier is Bean Point, a secluded stretch of beach where you're likely to see more sandpipers than people. Grab a seat at one of the restaurants on the Gulf side to watch the sun set. The next morning, check out the West Coast surf shop, founded in 1964. Soak up some vitamin "sea" at Holmes Beach or grab an ice cream at Two Scoops. The Island, which consists of three small towns — Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, and Bradenton Beach, isn't overrun with chains. Instead, you'll find yourself chatting with the bar owner. In these COVID-19 times, what better way to decompress and social-distance than by finding a stretch of beach that isn't overrun with people, cracking open a local brew, and listening to the sound of the waves?

Sometimes you just want to pretend to be a tourist on Miami Beach. The ocean, the sand, the neon lights, the food, the dancing — all of it can be yours at the Miami Beach Edition on Collins Avenue, the quintessential South Beach hotel. Inside you'll find an all-white-and-gold (but sophisticated) color scheme, and decor that easily blends over-the-top elegance with Miami tropical vibes. The Edition has all you need for a full day of staycation indulgence. Start with a facial and massage at the spa, then have lunch at Jean-Georges' Market; afterward, take a dip in the pool or enjoy access to a private slice of Miami Beach. Later, change for dinner at the Matador Room, then change again for drinks and dancing at Basement. Back in your room, sink into luxuriously soft linens and dream about your next getaway. Hotel rates vary by season, but an average night runs about $350.

By now, you've settled comfortably into the daily drill: Wake up, put on the coffee, sit in front of the computer, and attempt to look like the peppy, engaged employee you've always been. But maybe you've discovered that the photo you can use in place of a video feed looks much, much better than your real face (complete with bloodshot eyes from binge-watching Netflix). Fortunately for you, there are a few people who haven't caught on yet — so instead of pretending to be engaged in the latest quarterly report, you can check out the living situations of your co-workers. Is Bob from accounting actually reading Gravity's Rainbow, or is he just trying to impress the boss? When was the last time Angie dusted? And why has Samantha painted all of her nails a different color? Just be sure to text any catty remarks directly to co-workers rather than using the could-accidentally-go-to-everyone messaging function. Not that we know anything about that.

With bar closures and restaurant limitations in place, planning the perfect first date can be tricky. The ideal venue must be spacious enough to ensure social distancing, properly sanitized and, of course, boast a killer cocktail menu to rein in those first-date jitters. At Casa Florida, you'll find all that and more. The airy patio space transports you to an evening in Key West, replete with lush foliage, bright-pink flamingo accents, and cozy seating for taking in an evening sunset with tropical libations. Spice things up with a specialty Canoe Club cocktail — crafted with Ilegal mezcal, crème de mûre, lime, and serrano and ginger syrup — alongside some broiled Florida oysters for a magical evening that will undoubtedly make a great first impression. Happy hour runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

It's tough to know where to take the kids for entertainment these days. Plenty of indoor places have reopened, but maybe you're wary of taking your kids back to their favorite fun spot, regardless of mask policies and bottles of hand sanitizer in every corner. Pack up the car with plenty of snacks, water and sunscreen, and take a drive to Shark Valley in Everglades National Park. Jump on a limited-capacity tram tour ($27 for adults and $14 for kids) or go for a bike ride, if you're feeling brave enough to endure the heat. Bring your own bikes or rent them for $20 apiece. Peeping alligators, anhingas, turtles, herons, and egrets along the way never gets old, no matter your age. (Note: Though the park is open, at press time its visitor centers remained closed; best to call for current status.)

The no-frills spa nestled beneath the Castle Beach Club condominium in Miami Beach channels your grandmother force-feeding you honey and garlic at the first sign of a sniffle — and Babushka would definitely approve of this rainy-day excursion. But the traditional bathhouse, which boasts sixteen treatment rooms, proves an ideal hideaway for relaxing and rejuvenating whatever the weather. The labyrinth of treatment rooms seems never-ending, and steams and aromas pour out of every door, tempting intrigued visitors. The adventurous (or masochistic) will want to try the infamous "platza" treatment, a circulation enhancer that involves a branch of oak leaves and a practitioner with a firm center of gravity. The often-overlooked high point of the spa? The food. Shvitzing, plunging, and exfoliating can work up quite an appetite, and the spa's café beckons with a menu of authentic home-style Russian delights, including cheese blintzes, pierogi, borscht, and homemade rye bread. Make no mistake: These hearty bites are an integral part of the healing process.

A fun, safe, uncrowded, and socially distanced activity is what we all need after months spent cooped up indoors talking to our pets. So when the prospect of some fun in the sun comes up, a trip down south to Homestead's Fruit & Spice Park feels almost necessary. The South Dade gem boasts 37 acres of subtropical bliss, with a global selection of more than 500 exotic fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, vegetables, plants, trees, and scenic paths, plus one very special perk: Not only can you bring in a picnic, but you're free to enjoy edible fruits that have fallen from the park's trees. (Don't even think about picking them, however.) Note: Because of the pandemic, tram tours are currently suspended, and the on-site Mango Café is open for takeout only.

Bayfront Park may not be the most low-key of places, but hear us out. The free lounge chairs overlooking Biscayne Bay at this iconic Miami attraction provide the perfect spot to spark a blunt. As the buenas vibras take over, watch the boats drift lazily by and the cars zip past on the MacArthur Causeway bridge (adorned with purple lights at night for extra stoner appeal). Feeling more of an adrenaline buzz? Hop on one of the many pay-by-the-hour scooters in the area — Lyft, Jump, Bird, and others are all available — and whiz around in your kushy haze. If you start to go too deep and it's bringing you down, get back up—way, way up—at the new Skyviews MIAMI Observation Wheel. This Ferris wheel in the back of Bayside Marketplace has been in the works since at least October 2019, and it now provides one of the best views in all of Miami. Light up that wood one more time at the very top as you stare out at the city's skyline and revel in 305 pride.

Whether you're an essential worker on your feet all day or a remote employee crouched over your laptop in your new home office/kids' playroom, one thing is probably true: You're feeling stiff and achy in the new normal. Finding a way to stretch it out and maybe discover a little zen along the way has never been more important. Ahana Yoga, a small studio tucked away in the Design District, has perfectly pivoted to meet the moment. Yogis of any experience level can sign up for unlimited online classes for just $20 a month or sweat it out in person at socially distant outdoor classes, which are offered for a $25 drop-in rate (with discounted multi-pack options). And each Thursday at 7 p.m., Ahana offers a free outdoor class so you can stretch your body without stretching your budget.

Whether you're traversing the William Powell Bridge on two feet or two wheels, any Miamian who exercises knows the difficulty of conquering the Rickenbacker Causeway. Beginning at the southern end of Brickell and connecting the mainland with Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, the five-and-a-half-mile stretch of the Rickenbacker is probably the most challenging running route in the county — but also the one that offers the most reward. The view from the top of the William Powell Bridge (AKA "the tallest hill in Miami") offers sweeping views of the downtown skyline and of the deep-blue waters of Biscayne Bay. You just have to get up there first.

Tucked just north of the Julia Tuttle eastbound on-ramp sits dog-friendly Martell Park (also known as the "Martell Bark Park" in some circles). Although the enclosed pooch playground area is small in size, it still packs a big bark. Unlike at more traditional dog parks, big and little pooches do not have separate areas here; everyone is expected to just get along. And why not? In addition to the overarching mellowness of the dogs and their owners, the park boasts a million-dollar view of the causeway and Miami Beach. A word of caution: There's not much in the way of close-in parking here, but it's easy enough to find something in the surrounding blocks. Just don't use the Taco Bell lot, or you and your pup could be hoofing it home — and paying big bucks at the tow lot.

If you're looking for a getaway after a hard work week or just an escape from the pandemic blues, there is no shortage of things to do in Florida's largest urban park. Take an easy hike on miles of dirt and paved trails, or go for an adrenaline-fueled ride on off-road biking trails. Snorkel in the water off of Sandspur Island, or prop a beach chair in the sand and read a book. Kayak or canoe surrounded by mangroves in this 1,000-acre oasis, keeping an eye out for dolphins, manatees, herons, and turtles. Currently, visitors can expect limited hours, amenities, and capacity; see the park's website for more information.

In many ways, Alice Wainwright Park, at the northern end of Coconut Grove, contains many of the elements of South Florida outdoor public spaces that parkgoers love: a playground, a basketball court, picnic shelters, and tastefully placed benches. Any spot in Alice Wainwright Park is good enough to set up your picnic blanket, but your best bet is to descend into the park's "lower level," beneath a small limestone formation that's part of the Miami Rock Ridge; a grassy area sits right up against the lapping waters of Biscayne Bay, and picnic shelters are hidden in the nearby thicket of casuarina trees.

It's been maddening, right? Every day feels the same, an endless loop of Groundhog Day without the witty banter of Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. And no Punxsutawney Phil, for that matter. When neighbors meet in the street or the elevator, the most common response to the "How are things going?" question seems to be, simply, "Surviving." But there's a way to break up the day, one that costs essentially nothing: going for a goddamn walk. Depending on the day and the mood of whatever city manager's domain you happen to be in, walks might be masked or unmasked, but it's a freeing experience either way. Hell, it's even good exercise. This being the subtropics, morning might be the best time, but for the hair shirt-inclined, nothing quite beats a noontime walk. Although your clothes will quickly appear as though you've run headlong into Biscayne Bay, the combination of sun, sweat and exercise will have you feeling like a new person, ready to take on the next endless Zoom meeting.