Miami is home to a variety of cool and fun activities that go hand-in-hand with its sunny, warm weather and beach lifestyle. The city and its surrounding area offer water sports and activities, as well as on-land fun. Get pampered and rejuvenate at one of Miami's many spas, then hit the beach for some surfing or snorkeling. Also, try some of Miami's health-conscious restaurants.
Golfing
Miami is home to some of the most revered golf courses in the country, and the city hosts several professional tournaments every year. The Country Club of Miami consists of the par 72 west course and the par 70 east course. The west course is known for its unforgiving bunkers and palm-lined fariways. The International Links Miami Melreese Golf Course is a 7,173-yard, 18-hole course that underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in the late 1990s and features Tiftdwarf grass on its greens for perfect putting conditions.
Spas
Spas have become as much a part of the Miami scene over the past several years as clubs and beaches. Whether you are in search of a massage or more specialized beauty and health treatments, Miami spas will fit your needs and budget. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental has 17 private treatment rooms and features three levels of floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the bay. Services include Thai massages and exotic shower experiences. The Spa at Grove Isle is a 6,000-square-foot facility with one of only five Watsu pools on the East Coast. Other highlights include Zen steam rooms for couples and an outdoor yoga deck.
Water Activities
The Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay offer a variety of water sports and activities. Some cool things to do that will get you on or under the water include deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, swimming, surfing and parasailing. Jet-skis are a common sight along the coastal waters of Miami, and they are a great way to experience the bay as well. For divers seeking adventure, the many shipwrecks that dot the waters offshore make for fun exploring. The bay is a popular reef diving spot that is protected as part of the Biscayne National Park.
Beaches
Miami is perhaps best known for its beaches, the place to be and be seen. Many Miami beaches are consistently ranked as some of the best in the country. Miami's South Beach is arguably the most popular and well-known. A great place to watch cruise ships coming in and out of the harbor, the beach offers food and drink concessions, beach chairs and umbrella rentals, restrooms and shower facilities, as well as walking trails and volleyball courts. The beach is lifeguard-protected and has a beach patrol. The North Shore Open Space Park offers a calm beach environment with picnic tables and barbecue grills, walking and biking trails, as well as restroom and shower facilities.
Healthy Eating
A large selection of restaurants in Miami offers heart-healthy options that satisfy without adding on the pounds. Area 31 restaurant serves sustainable seafood prepared with a Mediterranean flare. The surprisingly mild and popular Wahoo dish is served with a lemony olive oil-herb sauce. BondSt in Miami Beach prepares sushi, sashimi and sakes in a trendy, New York-inspired restaurant. Specialty sushi rolls include the yellowtail, which is combined with scallions and fried shallot chips, and the lobster tempura.
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