But we who choose to live here do so because we like it, hot weather
1. Top Golf. Why not hit some balls in a climate-controlled golf cage? Top Golf offers 100-plus hitting bays and a full-service restaurant and bar. There’s also a rooftop terrace with a fire pit if you want to just sit back and lounge. It’s a good idea to reserve in advance
2. 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant. If you’re looking for something out of the box and want to have a nosh too, head to 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, where you can sit inside and watch planes take off from Miami International Airport. There’s something dreamy about travel and aviation, people coming and going — and when it's scorching outside, you can dream of jetting off to someplace cooler, like the North Pole. 94th Aero Squadron also offers a good happy hour, which is always a fun time to check out a restaurant. Mosey up to the bar and watch those giant birds take off. 1395 NW 57th Ave., Miami; 305-261-4220; 94thmiami.com. Lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday; brunch and dinner Sunday; happy hour Monday through Friday 4 to 7 p.m.
3. iFly. Another novel idea is indoor skydiving at iFly. Finally, you get to fly! But first, you’ll meet with an instructor who trains you. Next, you and the instructor enter a flight chamber and get buoyed up into a wind tunnel that will have you feeling like a weightless wonder à la Charlie Bucket after drinking Willy Wonka's fizzy lifting drink. 11690 W. State Rd. 84, Davie; 954-280-4359; iflyworld.com/fort-lauderdale. Open seven days a week.
4. The Standard. It's a shame to spend your whole summer indoors, even if the alternative is braving stifling humidity. If you've just gotta see the sun, the Standard provides a wide variety of ways to stay cool (or at least cool-ish). Once the former 1960s-era Lido Hotel, the Standard has kept its vintage charm while giving strong boho, tropical, spa-hotel vibes. The lush atmosphere and views of the bay surround a large swimming pool with underwater speakers, pumping out ambient tunes as you swim/float/relax in a dreamlike state. But on certain days, you won’t want to be stuck with your head underwater. Fridays, DJ Pam Jones spins an eclectic mix of genres, from electro house and R&B to hip-hop and funk. Saturdays bring DJ Lumin's sexy, soulful disco, deep house, and supersolid R&B. Let the turntablists do their thing and get to groovin’. 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach; 305-673-1717; standardhotels.com.
5. Books & Books. Head to literary events and readings at Books & Books, Miami's renowned independent bookstore, to stimulate the old intellect. Poetry readings, photography exhibits, and cooking classes are just a few of the offerings at the various Books & Books locations around town. And even better, most of the events are free. The Coral Gables store hosts the lion’s share of happenings, but you can also hit up locations in South Beach, Bal Harbour, Coconut Grove, the Adrienne Arsht Center, and Miami International Airport. Multiple locations; booksandbooks.com.
6. Nite Owl Theater. Escaping the heat inside a movie theater is a summertime tradition, and Nite Owl offers a unique way to do it. Catch a late-night viewing of one of the nightly featured 35mm cult classics at a venue in the heart of the Design District. Advance ticket purchase is recommended because space is limited. Get nostalgic and indulge in a timeless throwback on the big screen. 3930 NE Second Ave., #201, Miami; niteowltheater.com. Tickets cost $10.
