Experience Miami Magic: Fun Things to Do with Summer Approaching
Miami, renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and lively atmosphere, offers an array of exciting activities to enjoy as spring comes to a close. Whether you're a local seeking adventurer or a visitor eager to explore, Miami promises an unforgettable experience. Here's a roundup of some of the most enjoyable things to do here.
1. Beach Bliss
Of all the things Miami is known for, its world-famous beaches are definitely on top of the list. There’s the iconic South Beach, the serene sands of Key Biscayne, and plenty to do at each location to boot. People are often seen bathing, and burning in the sun, but that doesn’t scratch the surface of what we offer.
Miami Beach. Image Courtesy of Artur Debat | Getty Images
For starters, you can rent a bike and ride through the boardwalks. If you’re more inclined to sightseeing (and a touch of that old European charm outside of the continent itself), Española Way in Miami Beach– with its charming cafés, art galleries, and mystic little thrift stores is the place to be.
There is of course the wondrous nightlife that Miami is known for— but have you heard about Miami Beach Botanical Garden? It has over 100 unique species of palms and plants, and it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of experiencing the true chaos and charmingly disordered Miami life.
2. Stars, Moon and Sky
It’s easy to forget there is life and nature around you when you live in a big city like Miami. There’s so much to do and so many things to see that you can’t help but get a little overwhelmed. The natural solution to that is to take a step back – breathe and take in your surroundings. What better place to do that than at night, at a campsite, free from the city’s light and pollution?
The Everglades at Night. Image Courtesy of Anthony Sleiman | Instagram
Stargazing isn’t an activity that most people think of when they picture summer. Often, they think about beaches and sunshine, not the stars and the moon – but that’s exactly why it’s so underrated. There are loads of places you can do this— like your backyard, but my recommendation here in South Florida is the Everglades where it’s purest. There’s very little light pollution, so you have the chance to see the Milky Way, along with some constellations, and even a meteor shower or two if you’re lucky!
3. Culinary Delights
I’m not going to say that the food scene in Miami is underrated, because if you live here – or if you’ve even heard stories of the city – then you probably know just how good it can be. There’s something for everyone.
A diverse array of food to be found in Miami. Image Courtesy of Ruben Cabrera | Insidehook
One of my favorite spots is Tâm Tâm, located in Downtown Miami. I swear their glazed pork ribs are some of the best food I’ve had, and their wings – covered in crispy garlic – are actually to die for. If you want some Southeast Asian flair, Ghee Indian Kitchen is exactly what it sounds like, but the traditional Indian dishes are made up with a dash of Miami style. Their main dishes are amazing, but my personal favorite is their dessert dish: Sticky Date Cake. What can I say? I had it once and now I’m hooked. Finally, it wouldn’t be Miami without at least one Cuban sandwich recommendation. Sanguich de Miami is in Little Havana and they have the equation for the perfect sandwich down, from the crunchy bread right down to their homemade pickles – a food lover’s dream!
4. Sporting Spectacles
You can experience the best of sports in Miami. Locals already know this of course, and even though prices for tickets can go sky-high, many people have found the investment worth their while. Catching a game in Miami is an experience like no other. Like cheering for the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena or the Kaseya Center!
Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Image Courtesy of the NBA
A personal tip from me: wait until gameday and try your luck with Stubhub or Gametime. Tickets are usually at their cheapest, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a seat in the 100s section for $30 or less! With prices like that, even if you aren’t a hardcore basketball fan, the money can be worth the experience.
5. Shopping Extravaganza
Retail therapy can be an expensive habit, but no one’s ever denied that it works. Miami is known for its food, nightlife, and sports, but also for its expensive stores and luxury malls too. It is no secret that visitors coming to the city for the first time often do so because shopping here is a whole new world for them. If you’re a local, you know how dangerous (for your wallet) the malls here can be, but a trip now and then can’t hurt, right?
Miami Design District. Image Courtesy of Earth Pixel LLC | Alamy
Brickell City Center and the Miami Design District are both places where your wallet goes to die. We all know this. A less expensive alternative is Dadeland Mall: a less populated shopping center that carries good luxury products at lower prices. It might interest you to know that the Urban Outfitters there – compared to the one in Brickell – have their clothes slightly marked down, so if you keep your eyes open, you might be able to find some gems here and there. Also, Läderach chocolate store is located in Dadeland Mall, so if you’re looking to turn hot girl summer into junk food summer, you know where to go.
6. Festive Events and Celebrations
By now, I think it’s apparent that Miami is the hub of all entertainment. The city is not for the faint of heart, but nightclubs, festivals, and concerts can be well worth it if you’re going at the right time and with the right people. Summer nights in Miami are some of the most magical I’ve ever experienced, so if you’re looking for a time to go out, then now is it.
Ultra Music Festival. Image Courtesy of Alive Coverage | Billboard
One of my favorite places in Miami is the Ultra Music Festival. You can always find amazing artists there and listen to old and new singers play. Calvin Harris just had a show there, so you know the festival is the real deal.
On the other hand, former One Direction singer Niall Horan is coming to Hard Rock in late May, and Ed Sheeran will be there earlier in the month! If you love either of those singers, it might be worth purchasing a ticket to see them. Later in September, Drake will be performing at the Kaseya Center, and it’s worth mentioning that Taylor Swift’s Eras tour is coming to Miami in October, but that’s long after summer’s passed.
The point is, that the Miami experience is irresistible and all-consuming. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked adventures, cultural discoveries, or vibrant nightlife escapades, there will always be something waiting for you here. The people may be crazy and drive like death is a figment of their imagination, but it’s worth venturing out of your house now and then to see them.
Strike Out,
Helia Roghani
Miami
Blog Editor: Priscilla Fernandez
Helia Roghani is a writer for Strike Magazine, Miami. She grew up writing terrible fanfiction about Harry Potter and now writes slightly less terrible fiction and non-fiction pieces of her own. She enjoys listening to Taylor Swift, reading the latest from Cassandra Clare, and is a proud (and loud!) hater of Colleen Hoover. You can reach her on Instagram @heliaroghani or email heliaroghani02@gmail.com.
