Some cities might look at a wheel and think: There's no point in reinventing you! But Miami's the kind of town that takes a revolving disk, invests $18 million into it, and unveils a ginormous wheel fit for Apollo's chariot. This rotating contraption soars 200 feet over Bayfront Park, reshaping the angular city skyline with its rounded protuberance. To compare it to the Ferris wheels of your youth — the rickety seats, the greasy, leering carny operators, the wafts of regurgitated funnel cake — would be an insult. During your 12- to 15-minute ride, 42 climate-controlled gondolas fitted with music and video features offer shifting panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, downtown Miami, and Miami Beach. Tickets cost $17 for adults, $16 for seniors and military, and $15 for children 11 and under (kids under 4 ride free with a grownup). But adrenaline seekers should opt for the VIP gondola ($50 per person), which boasts a glass-bottom floor, custom LED light show, Ferrari-style bucket seats, and the all-important Miami perk of skipping the line.

Have you ever looked up at the sky and admired a flock of birds spending an afternoon riding the thermals? Maybe you've always wanted to skydive, but the thought of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane didn't sound like a good idea? There's a safe solution to the problems of gravity: iFLY! When you go, you'll be outfitted in a cute jumpsuit, then given a few pointers before being led into what looks a giant money tube from the bank drive-thru — and before you know it, you're flying! Technically, you're riding on jets of air, but let's suspend disbelief and call it magic. The operation is so safe, even kids as young as three can do it, but adults are free to fulfill their Peter Pan and Wendy fantasies, too. Prices start with a package of two flights for $85 — but how can you put a price on feeling free as a bird?

It's outlandish to think that people live in Miami without a car. The light rail system, with its regular delays and minimal reach, doesn't seem dependable enough for a daily commute. To be fair, though, the world's more efficient mass-transit systems (think London, Tokyo, New York City) operate via systems of interconnected underground tunnels, and that's just not going to happen here. Luckily for us, the Metromover offers a visually stunning ride. Hopping on one of these trains gives riders an extensive and completely free tour of downtown Miami's utopian skyline. Little cars loop between buildings and roll on as smoothly as the Disney monorail, albeit with much more interesting sights. Hop off anywhere and wander around on foot. Why deal with the stress of driving around downtown when you can rise above it all? Miami is a city of views, after all, and there's no better way to view it than from a car in the sky. The Metromover runs from 5 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

Oh, Miami, if you look at the tabloids (or even out your car window), you'll see a life of wealth and luxury, with rappers and Kardashians drinking champers on yachts. What's that? You don't have seven mil to plunk down on a 92-foot Ferretti yacht? Well, here's a little secret: Those celebrities probably don't own one, either. Instead, they charter. Boatsetter, a sort of Airbnb for yachts, will rent you that Ferretti for a cool $16,000 a day. The yacht comes complete with captain, crew, ice, towels, and fuel; you just BYOB and food. Sound expensive? Well, the yacht holds a dozen people, so that comes to a little over a grand each. You'd probably spend as much if you went to Disney World for the weekend. Let's see...wait in line for It's a Small World while eating a giant turkey leg, or make like a flippin' baller for a day? If the yacht is a tad too dear, Boatsetter has more modest vessels for your perusal. A Pelican pontoon with captain costs $200 and holds up to 12 people. Yes, it's a smaller boat — but the water and views are exactly the same.

Zoos are magical no matter your age. Zoo Miami is especially magical, as the 740-acre ecological park is said to be the largest and oldest one in Florida. It's home to elephants, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, jaguars, gorillas, flamingos, and tons of other species the kiddos likely have never seen before. And there's no shortage of activities to entertain the family for a whole day, from a playground to a water play area to animal feedings, bike rentals, tram tours, a wildlife carousel, and a gift shop where the kids will beg you to buy them a cute stuffed animal. Zoo Miami has implemented capacity restrictions and weekends are selling out, according to the zoo's website so consider buying tickets online ahead of time. Masks are required for guests visiting all the zoo's indoor facilities regardless of vaccination status and are recommended outdoors as well as inside. Visit the zoo's "Know Before You Visit" webpage for more information. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; final tickets are sold at 4 p.m.

The drag brunch at R House, held Saturdays and Sundays ($50 per person plus tax and tip) is hosted by the lively and talented Athena Dion. Some performers come and go sporadically, but many return weekend after weekend, forming relationships with their audience. As mimosa no. 1 sneakily becomes mimosa no. 7, Juicy Love Dion, Morphine Love, and other local drag stars perform to tracks by Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Lopez, and more, each with their own unique style, flair, and preferred playlist. If you go on your birthday, Athena Dion will invite you to run up front for a twerking contest with a cash prize. Book a reservation early via R House's phone or website to guarantee a table for you and your guests.

Finding a good place to drop in your kayak can be a hassle in the urban jungle that is Miami. Those Richie Rich types have gobbled up the prime real estate near our beautiful canals and waterways; even worse, they don't cotton to scruffy pirates tromping through their backyards. But just like water finding its way into Miami Beach during king tides, kayakers and paddleboarders have found a way. Near the corner of 71st Street and Bay Drive East is a strange, semi-deserted plot of vacant land that's the perfect spot to paddle around Normandy Isle. Or head a little to the north and moon Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump when they move into their new digs on Indian Creek. A few words of caution: The spot is a favorite of not-always-attentive folks — and their flying hooks — fishing nearby. On the plus side, the parking is relatively easy on the street.

Synergy Center offers some 50 yoga classes a week, including aerial, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha, Tantra and Yin yoga. But Synergy is also a place of holistic healing. Experienced professionals specialize in deep-tissue massage, reiki, acupuncture, reflexology, and chakra balancing. Open since 1997, Synergy focuses on healing the whole person, bringing them peace, and connecting them with a higher power. Yogis of all levels are welcome. The yoga center strives to give everyone a topnotch wellness experience, as well as the chance to feel content and free of worries. Studio director Victoria Brunacci says yoga has the power to help people rediscover who they truly are. At Synergy, that's more than true, thanks to the community of people who call the studio a home away from home. Perhaps the best part of this Miami Beach gem is the people — all the mindful souls who support you in reaching your goals and improving your well-being.

Every great city has its great parks and open spaces. Miami is home to a plethora of top-tier parks that offer vibrant greenery and a respite from the urban bustle. But when it comes to your jog, why not enhance the experience by availing yourself of the unique, ten-mile linear park that stretches all the way from Brickell to Dadeland? Welcome to the Underline, an outdoor park-in-progress that's revitalizing the space underneath the Metrorail. Begin your jog at the Miami River and slowly take in the first fully finished half-mile of the Underline as you head south. The path neatly marks a lane for pedestrians and another for cyclists. (It's important, folks, to share the road and the sidewalks!) Having sufficiently elevated your heart rate, follow the signs to the M-Path, which leads you all the way to the Dadeland South Metrorail station. As you chug along, consider that the train ride back to where you started will give your legs a well-deserved rest.

Old Cutler Trail is a popular spin for cyclists in search of a leisurely ride with a nice view and shade from the sun — and with good reason. Banyans and oaks form a tree tunnel of shade, giving cyclists an easy ride past the beautiful homes and mansions through neighborhoods of south Miami-Dade. The paved roadside trail begins in Coral Gables just south of the roundabout where SW 72nd Street and LeJeune Road, Cocoplum Road, and Old Cutler Road meet. Adding to its charm, Old Cutler Trail is often riddled with bumps and cracks formed by large tree roots. For extra fun, the path offers access to destinations such as Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Matheson Hammock Park, and the Deering Estate.