If you're looking for a destination with beautiful weather and a wide variety of activities that promote a fun and healthy lifestyle, Miami, Florida is the place to go. The constant warm weather allows for year-round outdoor attractions for all ages. Whether you want to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, bike through the park, or walk through the historical art district, Miami has something for everyone.
On the Sand
Beaches in Miami are the prime spots to get some exercise and enjoy a beautiful day in the sun. If you want to stay dry then you can take a walk down Miami Beach's four mile Boardwalk along Ocean Drive. You'll find shops, hotels, restaurants, and a front row view of the Atlantic Ocean. Miami's South Beach offers a little bit of everything: walking trails, biking paths, water sports, and volleyball courts. Miami's Haulover Beach has picnic areas and a kite shop to enjoy kite flying in the afternoon breeze.
Under Water
Miami is loved for its unmatchable views--above and below the water. Opportunities in Miami to explore under water are plentiful, largely because it has a huge underwater reef program. According to Southbeach-USA.com, South Beach Dive and Surf Company's program has sites with sunken tugboats, freighters, barges, and yachts, for your diving convenience. As you dive to explore the vessels, you'll be surrounded by fish, including the grouper, barracuda and other tropical fish. As of August 2010, diving with scuba gear included is only $120. If you're only interested in snorkeling, South Beach Dive and Surf Company also offers four-hour snorkeling trips and equipment for $65.
Water Sports
A trip to Miami is not complete until you've taken part in some extreme water sports. At Miami's Boucher Brothers, you can rent a kayak, sailboat, yacht, catamaran, jetski or waverunner. Boucher Brothers also offers rides on banana boats, waverunner tours, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Jet Ski Tours of Miami offers tours of the city, via jetski. You will see the homes of celebrities on Star Island, which is only accessible through water. You might even see dolphins and manatees.
Miami Culture
If you want to get a taste of some art and culture in Miami, you can walk down the Art Deco District located in South Beach. The Art Deco District is 23 blocks long and features modern artwork, architecture, shops, and restaurants. Within the Art Deco District you will find attractions like Espanola Way, a 1920's Spanish-Mediterranean style village. If you're visiting this area on a Thursday or Saturday, the Art Deco Welcome Center provides walking tours.
Swim Through History
Coral Gables, an area in Miami county, has a Venetian swimming pool that you can actually swim in. According to MiamiBeach411.com, this pool was originally formed by a rock quarry in 1923 and is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. The Venetian Pool is filled with spring water and is chlorine-free. As you swim you will notice two waterfalls, a three-story observation tower, coral rock caves and a palm-fringed island.
Parks
Oleta State Park is an urban park that offers a wide array of recreational activities: kayaking, swimming, camping, fishing, trail walking, picnicking, and more than 6 miles of mountain bike trails. In the middle of South Beach you will find Flamingo Park, a park that has a swimming pool, water park, dog park, tennis, basketball and handball courts, as well as a baseball, football, and soccer field. If you're looking to take a peaceful stroll through nature, you can visit Kampong Tropical Gardens, where you'll find a large garden filled with tropical plants.
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