With warm temperatures year-round, Miami, Florida has outdoor recreational pursuits for every member of the family. The coolest month of the year is January, when lows average in the high 50 degrees F range. In July, highs occasionally reach into the 90s. Enjoy low-cost and free activities that take advantage of the city's Atlantic shoreline, tropical gardens and eco-friendly environment.
Take a Walk
Getting around Miami by vehicle is difficult so leave the car behind and take a walk through some of Miami's colorful neighborhoods. South Beach has more than 30 city blocks of historic Art Deco motels, apartments and life-guard stations. Work up an appetite walking through Coconut Grove, a neighborhood that has inspired musicians and authors. Check out Coconut Grove Playhouse, the shops of CocoWalk and Peacock Park before breaking for lunch or dinner at Anokha, an Indian restaurant known for its vegetarian fare.
Ride a Bike
Miami is a very bike-friendly metropolitan area. Key Biscayne has over 12 miles of bike paths; an hour's bike rental is just $5 and a 24-hour rental runs $15. Coconut Grove has tree-lined bike paths; bicycling is allowed on the hard-packed sands along the coast. Dade County's Park and Recreation Department has nine developed bike trails that are also open to walkers and in-line skaters. Snake Creek, Rickenbacker, Commodore and Old Cutler trails are paved; Biscayne and Black Creek have paved and dirt sections; the Biscayne-Everglades Greenway and Southern Glades trails are gravel or rocks.
Paddle the Waters
Miami's coast is not the only location in the city to find water-based recreation. Oleta River State Park not only has a river running through it, but is bordered by the Intercoastal Waterway. Florida's largest urban park is open to kayaking and canoeing. Admission is just $3 per person or $5 per vehicle. Launch a kayak or canoe into the waters of Biscayne Bay for free from Biscayne National Park south of Miami. Rentals are available around the city.
Visit a Park
Vita courses in many of 13 of Miami's parks let visitors work-out in beautiful settings. The courses have between 12 and 20 stops with exercise equipment for free work-outs. Miami Lakes West and South Dade Park have exercise equipment grouped together into adult fitness 'playgrounds' with signs explaining how to use the equipment. Highland Oak Park has one vita station that is handicapped accessible. Twelve parks have tennis facilities; non-residents pay just $3 an hour during daylight hours; play after 6 p.m. and pay only $1 per hour.
Take a Swim
Dive into one of the Miami Parks and Recreation Department swimming pools. All 11 pools are open during the summer, but between Labor Day and Memorial Day only five are open. Fees start at $1 per person. Sandy ocean beaches fronting the Atlantic Ocean or Biscayne Bay have restrooms and shower facilities. Let the kids splash in the surf; lifeguards are on duty. Beach concessions sell food and drinks; restaurants are close by.
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