Summer is on in the 305!
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! (Honestly, though, we love it despite it sometimes being a pain in the neck. We wouldn’t have it any other way ❤)
And now that we’re all getting vaccinated and things are finally returning to normal, it’s time to get in on some of the action going on here in the Magic City! So if you’re looking at your weekends and wondering what will you do, just scroll through this article, we’ve got a few awesome ideas that may be of your liking, all the way from open-air, candlelit concerts to exhilarating pool parties and wild adventures!
1. These wildly popular concerts by candlelight are taking over the 305.
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a new light with these sensational concerts in some of Miami’s most magical outdoor locations. Now running several shows throughout Miami, this concert series known simply as “Candlelight” invites everyone to relive the greatest works of classical music in an intimate atmosphere.
And after having enormous success around the world—in cities like Paris, New York and L.A.—the experience has finally made its way to Miami! Buy tickets for Miami candlelight concerts here.
2. This dazzling immersive experience will have you looking at Van Gogh in a whole new light.
Artwork from the iconic post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh will come to life this month in a 360-degree digital spectacle that’ll illuminate and transform the physical space into a fully immersive exhibit. You’ll see Van Gogh’s work take over the walls and encompass your surroundings through the lenses of several dozen projectors, hyper-realistic VR headsets, or a mix of both. Get your tickets here!
3-12. Join an awesome pool party at one of these 10 Miami spots.
Chilling under the sun, sipping on cocktails, and cooling off by the pool of some of the trendiest hotels in the 305 — Summer in Miami simply cannot go without an awesome pool party. From the newest pool clubs in town to absolute staples of summer parties, here are 10 of the best pool parties in Miami you have to check out this summer
3. 1 Hotel Rooftop
4. The Clevelander
5. The Confidante
6. Fontainebleau Miami
7. Freehand Hotel
8. Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach
9. Mondrian
10. Nikki Beach
11. Strawberry Moon
12.The Shelborne
13. Head to Islamorada to live out your best boho dreams.
Life in paradise now also includes a shopping center perfect to fulfill all your dreams of a boho life in the Keys. Tucked away in the gorgeous enclave of Islamorada, Village Square at Trading Post is your one-stop-shop for all things decor, gifts, fashion, coffee and everything necessary to live out your best hippie life in the Tropics.
14. Or, alternatively, go cruising in your very own tiki boat!
If you’re into tiki bars and sailing we may have just found the perfect cruise for you. Docked at Islamorada’s Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, the Cruisin Tikis will take you on a fun tour through the crystalline waters of Islamorada while you relax and enjoy your drink on one of their floating tiki bars.
15. Speaking of tikis… this Tiki Hut Airbnb in Key West offers the perfect escape from city life.
Talk about glamping to escape the hustle and bustle of the city! This tiki hut in the middle of the bay in Key West takes the average city break to a whole new, isolated level. So if you’re looking to get a break from civilization, this might just be the spot for you.
16-25. Find your favorite city view by making your way through some of Miami’s best rooftops.
This year also calls for outdoor dining all year long 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 ten Miami rooftops have it all (including safety measures)! Check out our map below to see which one you can visit next.
16. Area 31
17. Astra
18. Juvia
19. La Côte at Fontainebleau Hotel
20. No 3. Social
21. Serena rooftop
22. Sugar
23. Terras (temporarily closed)
24. Vista
25. Watr At the 1 Rooftop
26-32. Go for a reinvigorating hike at one of these 7 amazing local spots.
You may be thinking this one’s a bit out there (no pun intended) especially since its 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 seven gorgeous spots, perfect for hikers of all levels.
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26. Shark Valley Trail, Everglades
27. Matheson Hammock Park Trail
28. Oleta River State Park
29. Florida Trail, Big Cypress
30. Anhinga Trail, Everglades
31. Bill Baggs Lighthouse Trail, Cape Florida State Park
32. Bear Cut Preserve Natural Trail
33-34. Check out a magical Miami 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? Well, we have…And honestly, it would look a lot like McKee Botanical Gardens. Filled with luscious greens, this magical oasis near Miami is home to some whimsical creations and botanical wonders that will make you feel like you’ve wandered into a fantastic fairytale land.
Or, like, did you even know South Florida holds a century-old connection with Japan? Tucked away in Delray Beach, the Morikami Museum & Gardens was once home to a colony of young Japanese farmers seeking to revolutionize Florida’s agricultural techniques. Nowadays, the enchanting 16-acre estate 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!
35-44. Relax and unwind by the water at one of Miami’s best waterfront dining destinations.
We’re a seaside city so what better plan for a summer evening than to spend the evening chilling and cooling off by the water at one of the many beautiful waterfront spots Miami has to offer? From seafood shacks to the most refined of waterfront enclaves, you ought to check out these 10 wonderful waterfront spots!
35. Amara at Paraiso
36. Baia Beach Club
37. Café Kush
38. Garcías Seafood Grille & Fish Market
39. Kiki on the River
40. La Mar
41. Malibu Farm
42. Rusty Pelican
43. Tigre
44. The Wharf
45. Hop on your car and go exploring underwater caves at Ginnie Springs.
Hidden away in High Springs, FL, lies a stunning natural park of blue lagoons and wondrous underwater caves waiting for you to explore its crystalline waters. Ginnie Springs is so surreally gorgeous it will have you dreaming of tropical oases for days!
46. Head up to Indian River Lagoon, hop on a clear kayak and go cruising through bioluminescent waters.
Jump on a kayak or a paddleboard and go cruising through the Lagoon as you surround yourself with the ethereal blue glow of the glittering waters. As you paddle your way through, you’ll notice how the neon blue waters light up everything they touch like little fish and seagrass down below, and even manatees if you’re lucky enough! You’ll discover a wondrous underwater world, so surreal and magical, you’ll feel like you’re dreaming!
47. Go on a wild sightseeing boat tour of Miami
Cruise around PortMiami and into Biscayne Bay reaching speeds up to 40mph before heading to Star Island, where you will slow down and hear a short narration of some famous’ multi-million mansions. From there, it’s back up to speed and out past Fisher Island into the Atlantic Ocean along South Beach, returning to Bayside 45 minutes later. Don’t forget to take pictures of Downtown Miami!
48. Visit this ancient building in North Miami Beach that is almost 8 centuries older than Miami itself
Built in 1141, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is one of the oldest buildings of the Western World! This Medieval gem now lies tucked away in a peaceful corner of North Miami Beach, but to get to us today it has been through some serious history.
49-54. Or explore these other places around Miami that look so surreal you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world
From ancient temples to engineering wonders that look straight out of this planet, Miami is full of hidden gems to discover (or rediscover!) that you simply won’t believe are hiding in plain sight in the Greater Miami area. So if international travel is a no-go for you once again this year — or even if it isn’t– get on exploring our beautiful city and go on the hunt for these 7 surreal places that will have you traveling to other magical worlds without even leaving the 305!
49. Coral Castle
50. McKee Botanical Gardens
51. The Venetian Pool
52. Morikami Japanese Gardens & Museum
53. The Historic Curtiss Mansion
54. Stiltsville
55.Check out Miami’s inspiring new exhibit on Womxnhood
Step into a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Miami. Entirely designed by women to celebrate all women, the Womanish exhibit will take you on an inspiring journey into womxnhood. Enter a dreamland of colorful lights, juicy scents, Insta-worthy moments and imaginative displays that explore womxnhood and all its ISH! Flirt with censorship in a juicy way and follow paper planes to a holographic dimension. Exploring fresh perspectives and new identities, Womanish Experience is like nothing you’ve seen before and another wonderfully unique thing to do here in Miami this month. Book your tickets here
56-65. Explore Miami’s public art scene
There’s certainly no shortage of beautiful street art in Miami. From Wynwood Walls to Little Havana and Little Haiti, Miami is bursting at the seams with stunning public art installations, museums and, of course, murals. Miami’s façades are everchanging, with new murals popping up here you never know what new work of art you may find when you turn the corner.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite murals, their history, and where to find them right now before they get torn down or painted over. So put on your best pair of sneakers and get on exploring! Check the murals out here.
[Featured image: Unsplash]