It’s no secret that #2020 has been a rough year for travel as we continue dealing with a global pandemic. When travel shut down around the world earlier in the year, I rounded up some of my best friends to share travel planning tips, quarantine adventures and pandemic perspectives. Right before lockdowns began I actually went on trips to Idaho and Florida. While in the Sunshine State, I explored Miami’s wild side. So many of Miami’s outdoor adventures are just a short drive from its iconic downtown. As we continue battling COVID-19, there’s no better time to turn to nature for adventures. Here’s 6 can’t miss outdoor things to do in Miami Florida.
Video & Photos by: Jorge Lopez Media1. Sailing
Coconut Grove is Miami’s hot spot for sailing. Thanks to Shake-A-Leg I can finally check learning to sail off my travel bucket list. Within minutes of learning how to raise the sail and steer the tiller I was gliding toward the Miami skyline like a boss on a beautiful sunny day. To make things even better, Shake-A-Leg makes a difference in the community by giving veterans and those with disabilities the opportunity to learn water sports including sailing.
2. Kayaking
One of the best views of the Miami skyline can be found on a kayaking excursion by Virginia Key Outdoor Center. Trips launch from Virginia Key North Park, which is less than a 6-mile drive from Downtown Miami. Paddling with Virginia Key Outdoor Center is an easy way to escape city life by enjoying city views from nature. For sunset, it’s the best seat in the house, or rather on the water!
3. Airboating
Taking an adrenaline inducing Everglades Nature Tours airboat ride through some of Everglades National Park’s 1.5 million acres of land is epic! I can’t believe I grew up visiting Florida on family vacations and we never did this. Airboating is now one of my favorite things to do in Miami Florida. If you’re lucky, you might just see some alligators which tour guides make sure is safe for both guests and gators. It’s so crazy to me that this beautiful national park is just a 45-minute drive outside of Downtown Miami.
4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Miami is home to two National Parks, the Everglades and Biscayne National Park. Before exploring Miami I had never heard of the latter. Biscayne National Park is 95% water and is the third largest offshore reef in the world. Biscayne National Park Institute offers a variety of ways to experience the park including snorkeling, sailing, boating, and what I opted for: stand up paddle boarding. Paddling through the maze of mangroves is peaceful, fun and a good workout! I also love that Biscayne National Park Institute is a non-profit organization so profits made from their eco-adventures go right back into park protection and education.
5. Hiking
Did you know there’s hiking in Miami? I didn’t! Located in Key Biscayne within Crandon Park is Bear Cut Preserve. Best part, visiting is free and offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature. The preserve has easy-to-navigate jungle and beach paths that end at a fossilized reef. Not a bad way to start the day!
6. Beaching
No list of outdoor things to do in Miami Florida would be complete without iconic South Beach. If you’re a beach bum like me, the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are a little slice of paradise. Beyond soaking up rays, people watching and swimming, I recommend checking out the art deco lifeguard towers. From the tip of Miami Beach at South Point Park to 86th Street there are 36 brightly colored towers each with their own fun personality.
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