The Ten Best Ways to Cool Off in Miami

Locals are well-versed in the signs of Miami summers: sweat, sandals, shorts, sun, and sand. The days are long and the sun shines extra-hard. Hey, this is the cost of living in paradise.

Still, sweltering temperatures shouldn't stop you from enjoying the city. Miami has a lot to offer indoors and outdoors to help you cool off and beat the heat.
Snag a scoop. There's nothing cooler than ice cream that's just been blasted with nitrogen liquid at -320°F. Lulu's Nitrogen Ice Cream near downtown is a necessary stop when you're feeling like you need a refresher. For more ice-cream options, check out New Times' list of the best spots in the city. 2001 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; lulus-icecream.com.
Flaunt your swimsuit. Millions of tourists flock to Miami for the beaches, so why shouldn't you? Just steps off the hot sands are chill Atlantic waters that are sure to cool you to the core. Don your swimsuit and hit up one of the many beaches, from South Pointe Park to Surfside. Here's a list of New Times' favorites.
Wade in Venetian Pool. Not a fan of the beach? You can still splash down in style. Unsuspectingly located in Coral Gables, this historical spring-fed public pool is an ideal spot to bask in really cold water. Admission costs $20 per adult and $15 for children aged 3 to 12. Coral Gables residents receive discounted admission. 2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables; coralgables.com.
Lose yourself in a book. With locations in Miami Beach, downtown, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove, Books & Books is nearby and ready for you to escape the sun and help you discover your next favorite read. Enjoying a book set in wintry snows might help you forget you're still in Miami. Various locations; booksandbooks.com.
Make happy hour your best hour. Whether you're a beer or cocktail person, Miami has the perfect drink for you. Visit a local brewery and find out which weird IPA piques your taste buds, or sip your favorite elixir. It's hot out, so order your whiskey on the rocks.
Escape to a museum. Whether you're a fan of science, history, or contemporary art, Miami has a handful of museums to explore. Thankfully, most are indoors and away from the sun. Downtown alone offers the Frost Museum of Science, Pérez Art Museum Miami, HistoryMiami, and the Museum of Art + Design. Did you know you can check them all out for free by checking out a pass at the library?
Shop till you drop. Shopping at an outdoor mall in the summer sucks. You don't want to be sweaty while you're trying on clothes. Gross. Instead, head to an indoor center such as Dolphin Mall, International Mall, Dadeland Mall, or Aventura Mall to shop and dine in the comfort of air conditioning.
Cool off on ice. The Kendall Ice Arena, a true neighborhood landmark, is one of the literally coolest places to be when it's too hot out. Beginners and pros are welcome to rent some blades and hop onto the rink. Admission typically costs $9 on weekdays and $12 on weekends, and skate rentals are just $3. 10355 Hammocks Blvd., Miami; 305-386-8288; kendallicearena.com.
Sip some iced coffee. Drinking coffee might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think of Miami's blistering sun, but an iced coffee or cold brew is a foolproof way to cool off and boost your energy. From All Day in Downtown to Panther Coffee in Wynwood, Miami's top coffeehouses are spots to stop on a sunny day.
Catch a flick at an arthouse theater. There's nothing like escaping the blaring sun by ducking into a dark, chilly movie theater and watching an indie film. Miami's many arthouse cinemas offer daily rare and diverse screenings of worthy films, many of which never make it to the multiplex. From Coral Gables Art Cinema to O Cinema, opportunities to flee the heat abound.