Miami is a sprawling city, best known for its nightlife and as a gateway to the Everglades and the Florida Keys. However, this city of more than 400,000 people offers you many outdoor things to do to stay healthy and active. Though some days in the summer can get quite hot, Miami stays warm during the fall and winter months, making it a prime destination for outdoor fun.
Beaches
Miami's location right on Biscayne Bay gives you access to the sun, the sand and the waves, where you can swim or sunbathe. Take a walk or ride your bike on the Promenade, the palm-lined trail that weaves between the beach and Ocean Drive. If you decide you want to take a dip, stop at Lummus Park, where you can go into the water under the watchful eye of six lifeguard stands.
Parks
Miami is home to numerous parks, if you are looking for some green space for games or to ride your bike through. The city's oldest park is Matheson Hammock Park, a 100-acre space that offers trails for both walkers and bikers through its mangrove swamps. It also offers an enclosed tidal pool that makes for good swimming for young children. To commune with nature, visit the 4.5 acres of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, which features palm trees and colorful hibiscus flowers.
Boating
Just outside downtown is Oleta River State Park. Here you can rent canoes and kayaks and pilot them through twisty mangrove corridors. This is Florida's largest urban park and also offers swimming and fishing opportunities. You can also charter a boat closer to downtown to take you out into Biscayne Bay and enjoy its blue waters.
Yoga
If you are a yoga enthusiast, Miami's Bayfront Park offers free outdoor yoga classes. These classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9 a.m. Each class lasts one hour and 15 minutes. You must 18 years old to participate and space is first-come, first-serve. Bring your own mat, towel and water.
Food
If you are like many healthy travelers and like eating fresh, visit one of Miami's many farmers markets to sample locally grown produce and meat. There are numerous farmers markets held in Miami, such as Miami Beach's Lincoln Road Farmers' Market and Collins Park Sunday Market. Sample fresh citrus fruit and maybe even some homemade key lime pie.
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