The Best Things To Do In Miami

Miami is more than just a big city: it is a veritable center for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Health-conscious visitors flock to the Miami metropolitan area each year to soak up the sun on its famous beaches, enjoy healthy and authentic ethnic dishes and mingle with the city's multicultural inhabitants.

Local Food

If you happen to be in North Miami, a meal at Here Comes the Sun is a must for health-conscious denizens and the restaurant has been lauded by the "Miami Herald" and "Frommer's" for its miso burgers, grilled fish and numerous vegetarian options. At Miami Beach, the Gourmet Carrot is the place to go--the food is healthy, filling and kosher to boot.

Outdoor Activities

As Miami enjoys summer weather year round, there is a seemingly unlimited resource of outdoor options. Lummus Park Beach is a popular spot for beach volleyball. On South Beach, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming and numerous walking trails. South Beach is also home to the Miami Beach Golf Club. If you want to sunbathe au naturel, Haulover Beach is the place to be.

Water Sports

Haulover Beach Park is a popular area in Miami for surfing and windsurfing. At Miami-Dade Park, kayaking and snorkeling tours can be arranged. At South Beach, which is probably Miami's most famous beach, a variety of rental water sports are on offer. If boating and yachting is your sport of choice, head to Biscayne Bay, on the southern border of Coconut Grove, where sailboats and yachts can be rented.

Spas and Wellness Centers

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is reportedly one of Jennifer Lopez's favorite spots in town. Get sweaty and rejuvenated at Spa V at the Hotel Victor, famous for having the first Turkish style hamam or Turkish bath in the South Beach area. The Spa Internazionale at Fisher Island is the city's most exclusive spa, according to "Frommer's"; here you can enjoy the legendary 75-minute-long cleansing facial.

Warning

Like any large American city, Miami has its more dangerous areas. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, avoid the Overtown district altogether. It has the highest rate of violent crime of all neighborhoods in Miami. And if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure to wear lots of sunscreen, no matter what time of year you happen to be Miami-bound.