Feliz verano Miami! The days of blistering heat, crushing humidity and inexplicable rains that fall on half of your lawn only to leave the other half dry have returned and we couldn’t be more excited! That means it’s time to get in on some of the action going on here in the Magic City this summer, so if you’re looking at your weekends and wondering what you’ll do, just scroll through these awesome ideas, all the way from open-air candlelit concerts to exhilarating pool parties!
1. Surround yourself with immersive art at Superblue
Miami’s most exciting art experience is filled with over 50,000 sq. ft. of installations you won’t find anywhere else. From a sprawling floral-and-waterfall activation to a magnificent mirrored maze, every corner of Superblue Miami provides a truly breathtaking experience. It’s the perfect summertime activity for all ages, so be sure to grab tickets here!
2. Step into a world of optical illusions
Home to over 70 different installations, Paradox Museum flips your world upside down and turns your mind inside out! It also makes for some unique but wonderful photos, as well as a chance to learn the science behind some of these mind benders. From a Zero Gravity Room to a camouflage exhibit, find out more about Paradox Museum here.
3. Find your favorite city view with Miami’s best rooftops
This time of year also calls for outdoor dining and we’re loving it, especially when it comes with a side of gorgeous city views! From wonderful waterfront enclaves to lush rooftop gardens, these Miami rooftops have it all.
4. Go on a celestial voyage through Miami’s Immersive Space Symphony
Mark your calendars for Immersive Space Symphony: Music of Hans Zimmer, which combines interactive projection mapping with live music for an otherworldly journey right from your seat! These unique performances will take you through the scores of Interstellar, Inception, Dune and more. Snag tickets here.
5. Light up your summer with fluorescent brilliance at Neon Brush
Having sprouted the seeds of creativity in cities around the world, the Neon Brush experience is finally here in Miami. Paint and sip in a luminous, retro-futuristic setting at these unique painting sessions that inspire attendees to let their creative side shine. This activity will be held at the Novotel Miami Brickell this summer, and you can get your tickets here.
6. Experience wonderful concerts bathed in flickering Candlelight
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a whole new light with these sensational concerts in some of Miami’s most magical venues. Whether you’re a Coldplay, Queen or Adele fan, these intimate concerts will leave you in awe. All Candlelight concerts in Miami can be found here.
7. Go for a reinvigorating hike at one of these local spots
You may be thinking this one’s a bit out there (no pun intended) especially since it’s super hot in Miami during the summer, but beloved Magic City is also surrounded by some absolutely stunning wilderness. From the sprawling paths of that lead to the heart of the Everglades to the more urban trails of Matheson Hammock Park, explore the great outdoors at these gorgeous spots, perfect for hikers of all levels.
8. Or a scenic bike trail around the city
There are tons of beautiful parks, roads and trails across the city to spend a lovely summer day biking. Plus, it offers up some amazing sunset views if you go at the right time! For a few scenic bike trails, check out our full list here.
9. Become one with nature at a magical garden (or two!)
Miami and its surrounding neighborhoods are home to some beautiful gardens perfect for escaping the city without even having to leave it! For example, have you ever wondered what a fairy village would look like? We have and honestly, it would look a lot like McKee Botanical Gardens. Or did you even know South Florida holds a century-old connection with Japan? Tucked away in Delray Beach, Morikami Museum & Gardens is home to hundreds of unique species of Japanese flora, winding paths and carefully-designed gardens that will make you feel you’ve been transported to Japan in one fell swoop!
Find the full list of gardens to check out this summer here.
10. Enjoy moonlit Concerts Under the Stars
The magical Concerts Under the Stars at Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay will take you back in time with vintage sounds in beautiful venues that will pay homage to some of the greatest hits we all know. Experience the works of ABBA, legendary rock artists, Bossa Nova and many more presented by the city’s finest entertainers this summer. Get your tickets here!
11. Look up at a whimsical display of butterflies at CityPlace Doral
A sea of colorful kites — each beautifully decorated with pink, yellow and blue butterflies — can be seen fluttering high above CityPlace Doral! The summer art installation makes for the cutest backdrop for all your weekend selfies this summer. It’ll be up through July 31st.
12. Soak up the sun at these hotel pools with day passes
Nothing beats relaxing in a breezy cabana or wading in a pool with a fresh cocktail in hand. So why not add a splash of excitement by lounging away at a hotel pool that offers day passes? Find out which hotels you can lounge at by the water without having to spend the night here.
13. Or head to a rooftop pool
Luckily for us, Miami is also home to many rooftop pools that can be visited with a day pass or a hotel room key! Not to mention, you’ll get to take in the most stunning views of the city while you cool off. Click here to see the full roundup or check out a few options below:
- Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
- Moxy South Beach
- SLS Brickell
14. Give these restaurant parties and clubstaurants a try
And it’s time to bring on the fiesta! Combining the best of fine dining and Miami-style partying, dinner parties are a total staple of nightlife in the Magic City and are perfect for changing up things when it comes to dinner, especially if you enjoy a good party! Have a fun time at the following Miami restaurants found here.
15. Experience sushi in a whole new light (or lack thereof) at Dining in the Dark
Treat yourself to a culinary experience like no other at this omakase edition of Dining in the Dark. A tasty, 12-course sushi menu awaits at Sushi By Bou, but in complete obscurity. Is your palette up for the challenge? There’s only one way to find out — get tickets to Dining in the Dark now!
16. Hop on a clear kayak and go cruising through bioluminescent waters
Jump on a kayak and go cruising through Indian River Lagoon, located just a few hours from Miami, as you surround yourself with the ethereal blue glow of the glittering waters. You’ll notice how the neon blue waters light up everything they touch like little fish down below, and even manatees if you’re lucky enough! Read all about it here.
17. Go on a wild sightseeing boat tour
A speedboat tour is the perfect activity to kick off a weekend this season. Experience thrills during a 45-minute ride and soar along the Miami coastline, taking in views of the spectacular skyline, famous multi-million mansions in Star Island and Art Deco designs across South Beach. Don’t forget to take all the pictures you can and grab your tickets now!
18. Soar above turquoise waters by parasailing
On the lookout for a new adventure? Float high above the waters of Biscayne Bay and absorb the incredible views of the Miami skyline and the dolphins and turtles swimming down below. You’ll be in the company of two friends and the best part is that all instruction and safety gear is provided so no experience is necessary! Get tickets here.
19. Spend the summer at this charming Greek city in Florida
There’s a hidden gem that resembles Greece, just five hours from Miami. If you’re looking for your summer getaway, Tarpon Springs is your answer! This Greek coastal community along the Gulf Coast has plenty of historic charm, attractions and traditional eateries to explore. Read all about it here.
20. Escape the heat at Aventura’s Tidal Cove
Full of water slides, a lazy river, kids playscape and a surf simulator, this spectacular water park part of the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort is the perfect thing to do with kids or just dedicating a day to summer fun! Plan a day trip to chill in a breezy cabana or glide down Tidal Cove’s massive 60-foot tower with seven slides.
21. See Miami from new heights at Treetop Trekking
Trek through Jungle Island at extraordinary heights and see nature from a whole new angle by planning a trip to South Florida’s only aerial zipline adventure park! A perfect summer activity for adrenaline junkies that are not afraid of heights (or maybe you’re none of those things and simply want to take on a new challenge), there are several thrilling courses to choose from, with the lowest at 3 feet and the highest at 55 feet.
22. Cool off at Venetian Pool
We’re definitely looking forward to taking a dip in one of the most beautiful swimming pools ever to exist, the Venetian Pool. This Coral Gables gem, built in 1923, is a beautiful destination for summer with its Mediterranean architecture, coral bridges, cave-like grotto and streaming waterfalls.
NOTE: Venetian Pool is temporarily closed but is set to reopen in summer of 2025.
23. Dip into a natural spring around Florida
Sometimes you just need a little getaway from the city, and one of the best ways is to set up a trip to one of Florida’s crystal clear freshwater springs! You can spend the day relaxing and gazing at the beautiful nature all around you while on a kayak or a floatie. Find great springs to visit this summer here.
24. Get your adrenaline fix on this nighttime ATV adventure
Get yourself into gear this summer by exploring the city’s scenic countryside on this Night ATV Tour with LED Lights. Tours are designed with families in mind, offering an enjoyable experience for all ages. Experience the thrill of the ride here.
25. Let the good times roll at Lucky Strike
Spend your summer days and nights challenging your friends to some bowling fun with Lucky Strike’s 28 lanes, expansive arcade, craft cocktail bar and full food menu. There’s also an intimate VIP room with six private bowling lanes. While kids are welcome, they have to be accompanied by someone 21+.
26. Belt out your favorite tunes at a local karaoke bar
Whether you prefer a private room to belt out your favorite tracks in front of your friends or open karaoke bars when feeling extra confident, Miami boasts a wide array of venues that promise to leave no karaoke lover disappointed. So grab a mic and flaunt your vocals at one of the best karaoke spots in the city here!
27. Learn to make classic French macarons
Be transported to the streets of Paris and learn to make delights you’ve never made before. In this fun, hands-on class in Wynwood, you’ll learn the skills you need to make authentic French macarons from a professional pastry chef! You’ll also get to explore a few flavor profiles and filling variations like white chocolate ganache, fruit preserves and dulce de leche. Get to baking with tickets here!