The days of blistering heat, crushing humidity and inexplicable rain that fall on half of your lawn only to leave the other half dry are back and we couldn’t be more excited! Summer in the Magic City hits different, and there’s no shortage of activities to plan for.
From enchanting candlelit concerts to high-energy pool parties, scroll down for the ultimate summer bucket list in Miami!
Don’t miss the city’s World Cup fever at the Hard Rock Stadium (and beyond)
Grab your favorite jersey and get ready to cheer alongside fans as the biggest sporting event in the globe touches down in the Magic City this summer. With the Hard Rock Stadium hosting seven matches for the FIFA World Cup, the energy is going to be absolutely electric. Even if you can’t get tickets to the actual games, you have to add a watch party or official fan festivals to your bucket list.
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 below!
Treat yourself for less during Miami Spa Months and Miami Spice
Summer in Miami means luxury at a fraction of the cost! From July through August, Miami Spa Months offers discounts on signature treatments at five-star resort spas across the city. Then just as you’re feeling completely zen, Miami Spice kicks off in August and September. It’s the perfect time to try that super expensive, Michelin-starred restaurant you’ve been eyeing because they’ll be offering three-course prefix menus for lunch and dinner at unbeatable prices.
Soak up the sun at a hotel pool with a day pass
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.
Luckily for us, Miami is also home to many rooftop pools that can be visited with a day pass or a hotel room key, from the Kimpton EPIC Hotel to Moxy South Beach! Not to mention, you’ll get to take in the most stunning views of the city while you cool off.
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 below.
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.
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 Frank Sinatra, legendary rock artists, Bossa Nova and many more presented by the city’s finest entertainers this summer.
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.
Cool off at Venetian Pool
This summer, we’re 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.
Have a laid-back beach day at Key Biscayne
While paddleboarding and kayaks are a good time for the summer, sometimes you just need a classic beach day. Skip the heavy tourist crowds and head across the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne. Spend the day grilling under the palms at Crandon Park, or head all the way to the end of the key to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. There, you can soak in the turquoise waters, rent a bike and take a tour of the historic lighthouse!
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.
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.
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!
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!
If you’re looking to add a playful detour to your Miami summer plans, the Museum of Sex invites visitors to explore the evolution and cultural impact of human sexuality through vibrant exhibitions, lively lectures and interactive experiences. From the dynamic F*CK Art 2026: Nature & Artifice exhibit to the wildly popular Super Funland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival, it’s an inclusive space that’s perfect for challenging norms and sparking open conversations.
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.
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!
Escape to the Italian Riviera at Sparrow Amalfi
No passport? No problem! Beginning June 5, Wynwood’s Sparrow Italia is undergoing a luxurious transformation. For a limited time, the award-winning steakhouse will become Sparrow Amalfi, an elevated pop-up inspired by the sun-drenched towns of Italy’s southern coast. Step through a lush entrance cascading with lemons and greenery to find a reimagined dining room designed by Floratorium.
Then enjoy exclusive dishes like Chili Crab Linguine and Eggplant Fritters, sip on lemon-inspired craft cocktails and soak in the timeless glamour of the Sparrow House Band as they perform a nightly set of reimagined Italian classics.
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.
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.
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!
Given its storied past, the Freedom Tower is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon wandering through exhibits that pulse with the city’s rich history. Three permanent exhibitions anchor the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD): Libertad traces the building’s legacy and tells the story of those who found refuge and built new lives in Miami; Languages of Migration explores global journeys through rare maps, books and more; and Unidad: The World’s Game offers a FIFA Museum-curated look at soccer’s unifying power.
Each gallery is thoughtfully designed to reflect the building’s evolution from a center of information to a living archive of Miami’s diverse communities.
Cool down alongside massive inflatables at Jungle Island’s new Aqua Rush
If you thought Jungle Island couldn’t get any wilder, think again! Launching just in time for the summer, Aqua Rush is the parks’ newest addition featuring oversized inflatable water slides (reaching a staggering 23 feet high), splash zones, climbing areas and side-by-side racing lanes. It’s a great way to cool off with the family between encountering the animals and exploring the rest, like Treewalk Village, the new indoor Space Jump playground and the Guardians of the Jungle live show.
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.
Discover your “dessert destiny” at the Santo Dulce! x Salt & Straw Pride Pop-Up
Get ready for the ultimate sugar rush! In celebration of both Pride Month and National Churro Day, Santo Dulce! is teaming up with Salt & Straw for a limited-time pop-up. Head to the retro Airstream parked outside the Wynwood scoop shop to vibe with live DJs, spin a tarot-inspired giveaway wheel and consult a roving tarot reader to reveal your true “dessert destiny.”
You’ll be paired with heavenly combos like Panther Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches or The Salty Donut Guava & Cheese ice cream, perfectly matched with ChurroCones and halos topped with ube, Fruity Pebbles, or dulce de leche!
A summer of free concerts with the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival
The Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF) is back, offering an epic lineup of public concerts and immersive experiences across South Beach through July 18. This year’s programming goes beyond traditional concerts, combining full orchestral performances with cutting-edge visuals.
Highlights include a massive July 4th patriotic concert and fireworks display at Lummus Park and “Celestia, A Symphony of Light” — a first-of-its-kind dome projection and symphonic experience happening inside the historic Temple Emanu-El Sanctuary.
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.
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 below!
