The Top Things To Do In Miami, Florida

Whether you live in Miami or just plan to visit, the city offers a diverse range of activities geared toward making a healthy lifestyle fun and accessible. Miami's tropical climate provides an abundance of healthy fruits and vegetables from surrounding farms and makes the city and its beaches convenient for outdoor activities.

Farmers Markets

Miami's tropical climate provides a year-round growing season and supports a diverse agricultural community. Miami-Dade County hosts 11 separate farmers markets, many held year round and each offering healthy local foods. The Lincoln Road Farmers Market in South Beach offers 10 blocks of fresh local produce, cut flowers and other local fare. Enjoyed by Miami's locals, the Normandy Village Marketplace in Miami Beach offers less tourist traffic and an eclectic lineup of produce and cultural crafts. Both markets are open year round on Saturdays, according to the Miami Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Parks

Miami's Parks and Recreation Department provides health enthusiasts a variety of opportunities, from a quiet afternoon nature hike to an exciting day of parasailing. Bayfront Park, in downtown Miami on Biscayne Bay, offers 32 acres of green space for walking or running, according to Bayfront Management Trust. Other healthy activities at Bayfront Park include trapeze classes--except during summer months--and parasailing, as well as free yoga and self-defense classes. Nature lovers appreciate Miami's Virginia Key Beach Park for its isolated barrier island location and extensive nature trails, which offer opportunities to view rare native and endangered plant and animal species.

Organized Sports

Miami is famous for its professional sports teams, and the city provides plenty of opportunities for adults and children who wish to participate in organized sports. Miami has more than 100 parks and recreation facilities offering youth and adult sports, including table tennis, kickball, basketball, flag football, softball, soccer and volleyball and fitness classes such as cultural dance, karate, aquatic fitness and aerobics. Miami's Parks and Recreation Department maintains tennis courts at 12 locations and offers youth and adult tennis lessons. Miami has more than 30 golf courses and offers venues for fencing and cricket. The Miami Sport and Social Club organizes year-round, coed sports leagues for adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s with an emphasis on the social aspect of sports.

History and Culture

With 29 official historic sites and an abundance of museums, downtown Miami offers a trekking opportunity loaded with history and culture. The area adjacent to Bayfront Park includes numerous examples of Art Deco, Revival, Chicago and Renaissance architecture. A laid-back, self-guided downtown excursion may include strolling down NE 1st Avenue, over to East Flagler Street and back up NE 2nd Avenue. The Historical Museum of Southern Florida also offers guided boat, coach, walking and bike tours to highlight Miami's culture and history.

Water Activities

Staying out of the water in Miami is nearly impossible with the large lineup of water activities offered. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent throughout Miami. Miami Seaquarium in Key Biscayne offers opportunities to swim with dolphins. Snorkeling is popular at many of Miami's calm beaches including Crandon Park. Miami-Dade County's artificial reef program attracts scuba enthusiasts to its numerous inshore and offshore reef sites. According to Miami-Dade County, Miami is "known as a premier wreck-diving destination."