Here’s how to have fun outdoors in Miami now that we’re not melting in the heat anymore
At long last, the weather has cooled off a bit in South Florida.
And you know what that means. It’s time to get outside before we’re back to face-melting heat (which will return sooner than expected or wanted, as is the way in Miami).
There are many places to go, including, obviously, the beach, if you don’t mind stepping around a few tourists.
But here are a few other spots to enjoy what Miami is best at: Winter.
The Everglades
You can bike the 14-mile loop at Shark Valley or drive to the Homestead entrance and take a stroll along the Anhinga Trail. Either way, you’re gonna see some gators (and if you choose Homestead, stop by Robert is Here for key lime and strawberry shakes).
See our guide to the Everglades.
The NightGarden
Stroll the illuminated pathways, walk through an LED-flower maze, watch for fairies and talk to the tree that captivated Kanye West (yes, that Kanye West) at the display at Fairchild Tropical Garden, which runs through Jan. 11.
See our guide to The NightGarden.
10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild doesn’t merely come alive at night this time of year. Take a day trip and explore the 83-acre garden, which includes rare tropical plants, a butterfly garden, tram tours and plenty of room to walk in the sunshine without sweating through your clothes.
10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables
Jungle Island Luminosa
The animals will be asleep, but you and the kids can enjoy the night-time Chinese Lantern festival at this Miami attraction, which runs through Jan. 8.
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami
Zoo Miami
The largest zoo in Florida can feel overwhelming in the middle of summer, but now is the perfect time to visit.
12400 SW 152nd St,, Miami
Wynwood Walls
Miami Art Week is over, but you’re still allowed to check out the street art that made Wynwood famous.
2520 NW Second Ave., Miami
Coral Castle
From hard-won personal experience we can tell you Miami’s weirdest retro attraction is brutal in August. But winter is the perfect time to ask: How did this lovesick Latvian move all this coral around?
See our guide to Coral Castle.
28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead
Fruit and Spice Park
You can walk around and look at trees or ride the tram and look at trees. Trees are dope.
See our guide to Fruit and Spice Park.
24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead
Redland Market Village
This giant outdoor market has everything from cheap home goods to a farmer’s market, plus plenty of food options.
See our guide to Redland Market Village.
22420 South Dixie Highway, Homestead
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
If you feel like taking a drive, head north to this lovely Japanese garden, stroll the grounds and stay for lunch at the outdoor museum cafe.
See our guide to the Morikami Museum.
4000 Morikami Park Rd. Delray Beach
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Experience the magic before this Tropical Park attraction closes for the season on Jan. 5, 2020.
See our guide to doing Santa’s Enchanted Forest Without Losing Your Mind.
Visit your favorite churro spot
We are fond of the churros at La Palma Cuban restaurant. But really any churro is a worthy churro.
Eat dinner outside
It’s the perfect season for hanging out on the water with a beer in one hand and a conch fritter in the other. May we suggest you grab both at Monty’s in the Grove, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary?
2550 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove
