Miami, Florida, features so many things to do that it can be difficult to decide where to start. The beaches are the most obvious place, but Miami offers much more than sun, sand and surf. The city of Miami drips with history and culture, and visitors can explore the local customs, landscape and architecture while keeping active. Miami attractions provide healthy activities plus the chance to enjoy the area's interesting background.
Historical Architecture Walking Tour
Miami is famous for its architecture and historical buildings, especially for the influence on and preservation of the Art Deco style. The Miami Design Preservation League offers guided and self-guided tours of the area's most prominent historic districts, including the Art Deco District, Lincoln Road and Collins Park neighborhoods. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, depart from the Art Deco Gift Shop and bike tours also are available.
Biking Along the Beach
Miami has an active bike scene, and riding groups cruise the beachfront frequently. Die-hard bikers might want to bring their bikes and catch up with a local club to ride. If you don't bring your bike, you can rent bikes for getting around town, riding along the beach or exploring the area's historic districts. Rent a bike from one of 100 Decobike stations scattered throughout Miami as part of the Decobike Program, which was launched by the city in August 2010.
People Watch on South Beach
Few things are more interesting than people watching, and few places have more interesting people to watch than South Beach. Give your people watching experience a healthy kick by observing from a restaurant or cafe that serves nutritious food and drinks. The Front Porch features a prime location on Ocean Drive in the Penguin Hotel and offers a variety of healthy selections to munch on while enjoying the scenery from an outdoor perch. Or grab a smoothie or some fresh-squeezed fruit juice at the Juice Zone, find a bench and take in the sights.
Explore the Everglades
Experience the most interesting Florida landscapes and wildlife in the Florida Everglades. Taking up most of southwest Florida, Everglades National Park provides miles of trails and waterways for hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. Camping is also available if you want to be totally immersed in this natural wonder. Experienced hikers may choose to head out on their own, but beginners should stop by one of the park's four visitor centers for maps and valuable information.
Snorkel a Reef or Dive a Shipwreck
Miami's beaches are home to natural reefs and more than 75 sunken wrecks off the South Florida coast for diving and snorkeling. Whether you are a beginner in need of lessons or an advanced diver looking for a challenging scuba session, you should check out the South Beach Dive and Surf Center. South Beach Dive offers wreck-diving trips, scuba instruction and frequent jaunts to the reefs at John Pennekamp Marine Sanctuary in nearby Key Largo. For the non-diving set, the dive center offers free introductory surfing lessons on Sundays.
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