From live music on a rooftop to kayaking through bioluminescent waters, here's epic summer plans in and around Miami to make the best of the season!
Bianca Marcof - Staff Writer•
Feliz verano Miami! The days of blistering heat, crushing humidity and inexplicable rains that fall on half of your lawn only to leave the other half dry have returned and we couldn’t be more excited! That means it’s time toget in on some of the action going on here in the Magic City this summer, so if you’re looking at your weekends and wondering what you’ll do, just scroll through these awesome ideas, all the way from open-air candlelit concerts to exhilarating pool parties!
1. See Van Gogh’s art in a whole new light at this dazzling immersive experience
If you haven’t yet experienced the mesmerizing exhibit dedicated toVan Gogh, then this is your sign to do so! Step into famous paintings like Sunflowers, Starry Night and Almond Blossom in a way you never have before, and take in every detail of the post-impressionist painter’s work through the use of 360-degree digital projections. Book your tickets here!
2. Explore Dolphin Mall’s new Vivo! entertainment district
Vivo! Dolphin Mall, a new destinationanchoring the city’s largest outlet mall,is set to open on June 23rd. Translating to “lively,” you can expect 62,000 square-feet of dining and entertainment space including a plaza with room to fit up to 2,000 people for concerts and events; nationally acclaimed concepts like Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar; as well as beloved local favorites like Sergio’s. Learn all about it here.
3-4. Find your favorite city view by making your way through Miami’s best rooftops
This time of year also calls for outdoor dining and we’re loving it, especially when it comes with a side of gorgeous city views! From wonderful waterfront enclaves to lush rooftop gardens, these Miami rooftops have it all:
- 27 Beautiful Miami Rooftops With Breathtaking Views Of The City
- 12 Elevated Rooftop Bars In Miami To Enjoy A Few Drinks
5. Experience wonderful concerts bathed in flickering Candlelight
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a new light with these sensational concerts in some of Miami’s most magical venues. Whether you’re a Coldplay, ABBA, Queen, Juan Gabriel, Beatles or Adele fan, these intimate concerts will leave you in awe. All Candlelight concerts in Miami can be found here.
6. Enjoy moonlit Concerts Under the Stars at this rooftop bar
Concerts Under the Stars at Elevar Wynwood will take you back in time with vintage sounds in beautiful that will pay homage to some of the greatest hits we all know. Experience the works of Amy Winehouse, Bossa nova, Jimmy Buffet and many more presented by the city’s finest entertainers this summer. Getyour tickets here!
7. Catch a breezy outdoor flick
One of the best ways to spend a summer night is definitely by enjoying an outdoor movie. Whether you’re on a Miami Beach rooftop, a hotel pool or a drive-in in downtown, there are dozens of outdoor flicks screening this summer. See the full list of movie spotshere!
8. This iconic Islamorada restaurantoffers the perfect escape from city life
Talk about escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a trip to the Keys! After a full, four-year makeover, Islamorada staple Marker 88 has reopened! Visitors can expect extended beach and oceanfront dining, two tiki bars and, of course, fantastic sunset views that we know and love! Read all about it here.
9-12. Go for a reinvigorating hike at one of these local spots
You may be thinking this one’s a bit out there (no pun intended) especially since it’ssuper hot in Miami during the summer, but beloved Magic City is also surrounded by some absolutely stunning wilderness. From the sprawling paths of that lead to the heart of the Everglades to the more urban trails of Matheson Hammock Park, explore the great outdoors at these gorgeous spots, perfect for hikers of all levels:
- Shark Valley Trail, Everglades
- Matheson Hammock Park Trail
- Oleta River State Park
- Florida Trail, Big Cypress
Click here for the full roundup!
13. Or a scenic bike trail around the city
There are tons of beautiful parks, roads and trails across the city to spend a lovely summer day biking.Plus, it offers up some amazing sunset views if you go at the right time! For a few scenic bike trails, check out our full list here.
14. Become one with nature at a magical Miami garden (or two!)
Miami and its surrounding neighborhoods are home to some beautiful gardens perfect for escaping the city without even having to leave it!For example, have you ever wondered what a fairy village would look like? Well, we have and honestly, it would look a lot like McKee Botanical Gardens. Filled with luscious greens, this magical oasis near Miami is home to some whimsical creations and botanical wonders that will make you feel like you’ve wandered into a fantastic fairytale land.
Or did you even know South Florida holds a century-old connection with Japan? Tucked away in Delray Beach, the was once home to a colony of young Japanese farmers seeking to revolutionize Florida’s agricultural techniques. Nowadays, the enchanting 16-acre estate is home to hundreds of unique species of Japanese flora, winding paths, and carefully designed gardens that will make you feel you’ve been transported to Japan in one fell swoop!
15. Go roller skating at the Miami Beach Bandshell
Grab your skates and get your groove on because the Miami Beach Bandshell is turning into a roller skating disco for one day only! Presented by the Rhythm Foundation and the City of Miami Beach, the historic venue is transforming into an outdoor roller rink for the return of Beach Skateon the Fourth of July. Read all about it here.
16-20. Unwind by the water at one of Miami’s best waterfront dining destinations
We’re a seaside city so what better plan for a summer evening than to spend the evening chilling and cooling off by the water at one of the many beautiful waterfront spots Miami has to offer? From seafood shacks to the most refined of waterfront enclaves, you ought to check out these wonderful waterfront spots!
- Baia Beach Club
- Kiki on the River
- La Mar
- Rusty Pelican
- Tigre
Click here for the full list!
21. Discover an exciting new restaurant popping up in the city
While many of us start planning our summer trips, here at Secret Miami, we’re actually looking forward to planning summer trips to the city’s newest restaurants. It can seem like there’s a new spot opening up every passing minute, but we’re here to tell you which ones are a must-visit! From multi-level food halls to an omakase den and unique dinner cabaret, click hereto see the full list of new restaurants in Miami to check out right this second.
22. And while you’re looking for fun places to dine, give these dinner parties a try
And it’s time to bring on the fiesta! Combining the best of fine dining and Miami-style partying, dinner parties are a total staple of nightlife in the Magic City and are perfect for changing up things when it comes to dinner, especially if you enjoy a good party! From dinner-with-a-show options to incredible party vibes, have a fun night out all the following dinner partiesfound here.
23. Embrace your inner sinner at this steamy new cabaret show
Turn up the heat (in the spirit of summer) with a visit to Nocturna’s newest burlesque show, Sin City, where weekends can be spent indulging in co*cktails, lust, greed and many more deadly sins…. Set in Savage Labs Wynwood, take a journey into your deepest fantasies as you enjoy mesmerizing aerial performances, poetry and exquisite live vocals. Get tickets here!
24. Go exploring underwater caves at Ginnie Springs
Hidden away in High Springs, Florida — five hours away from Miami —lies a stunning natural park of blue lagoons and wondrous underwater caves waiting for you to explore its crystalline waters.Ginnie Springsis so surreally gorgeous, it will have you dreaming of tropical oases for days!
25. Hop on a clear kayak and go cruising through bioluminescent waters
Jump on a kayak or a paddleboard and go cruising through the Lagoon as you surround yourself with the ethereal blue glow of the glittering waters. As you paddle your way through, you’ll notice how the neon blue waters light up everything they touch like little fish and seagrass down below, and even manatees if you’re lucky enough! You’ll discover a wondrous underwater world, so surreal and magical, you’ll feel like you’re dreaming!
26. Go on a wild sightseeing boat tour
A speedboat tour is the perfect activity to kick off a weekend this season. Experience thrills during a 45-minute ride and soar along the Miami coastline, taking in views of the spectacular skyline, famous multi-million mansions in Star Island and Art Deco designs across South Beach. Don’t forget to take all the pictures you can and grab your tickets now!
27. Soar above turquoise waters by parasailing
On the lookout for a new adventure? Float high above the waters of Biscayne Bay and absorb the incredible views of the Miami skyline and the dolphins and turtles swimming down below. You’ll be in the company of two friends and the best part is that all instruction and safety gear is provided so no experience is necessary! Get tickets here.
28. Have the ultimate night out at a BRESH party
BRESH has treated Miami to several incredible fiestas and this time around, the party is headed back to Club M2 on July 7th for another night to remember. Since first taking place in Argentina in 2016, BRESH has earned its reputation as “The Most Beautiful Party in the World” and now, it’s time for Miamians to show them how it’s done – again! Purchase tickets here.
29. Check out Miami’s coolest exhibits
Miami is filled with some of the best museum and art galleries one can find. Within them are a series of rotating exhibits that you simply cannot miss. From Yayoi Kusama’s colorful art at Pérez Art Museum to a compelling collection of mummies inside the Frost Museum of Science, there are many interestingly amazing exhibits you should catch this summer! Find a full list here.
30. Experience sushi in a whole new light (or lack thereof) at Dining In The Dark
Let your tastebuds take you on a trip through chef’s choice 12-piece “omakase” with Fever Original’s Dining in the Dark. You’ll be completely blindfolded while you enjoy a unique tasting experience that livens your remaining senses. This experience is definitely one you won’t want to miss, and you can get your tickets here.
31. Escape the heat at Aventura’s Tidal Cove
Full of water slides, a lazy river, kids playscape and a surf simulator, this spectacular water park part of the JW Marriot resort is the perfect thing to do with kids or just dedicating a day to summer fun! Plan a day trip to chill in a breezy cabana or glide down Tidal Cove’s massive 60-foot tower with seven slides.
32. Go wild with a visit to Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is Florida’s largest zoo and, thanks to its commitment to conservation, it’s filled with all kinds of animals roaming its wide-open terrain — so seeing them feels like spotting them in the wild. With more than 3,000 animals and 1,200 plants and trees, walk the beautiful grounds and encounter an amazing array of species in the natural world. Click here to get your tickets!
33. See Miami from new heights at Treetop Trekking
Trek through Jungle Island at extraordinary heights and see nature from a whole new angle by planning a trip toSouth Florida’s only aerial zipline adventure park! A perfect summer activity for adrenaline junkies that are not afraid of heights (or maybe you’re none of those things and simply want to take on a new challenge), there are several thrilling courses with obstacles to choose from, with the lowest at 3 feet and the highest at 55 feet.
34. Treat your pup to a Paws Patio playdate
On June 24, treat your best friend (the furry kind) to the ultimate Paws Patio playdate at the InterContinental Miami with The Summer Solstice Sunset Dog Event presented by Doggizen. The adorable “pawty” will begin at the hotel’s Bayside Terrace with a memorable dog yoga session for you and your four-legged friends (bring your own mat), followed by a guided sound bowl healing experience for all to unwind, relieve stress and provide soothing energy. For the humans, complimentary mocktails will be available after the class and more paw-some surprises.
35. Belt out your favorite tunes at a local karaoke bar
Whether you prefer a private room to belt out your favorite tracks in front of your friends or open karaoke bars when feeling extra confident, Miami boasts a wide array of venues that promise to leave no karaoke lover disappointed. So grab a mic and flaunt your vocals at one of the best karaoke spots in the city here!
36. Do some goat yoga at this Homestead farm
Start your Sunday with a furry, friendly and jump-y challenge… goats! Pinto’s Farm offers beginner level yoga classes taught outdoors with the company of goats to help you find your zen. The next one is on June 25th, but the schedule is always being updated with new dates, so remember to be on the lookout!
37. Learn to make classic French macarons
Be transported to the streets of Paris and learn to make delights you’ve never made before. In this fun, hands-on class in Wynwood, you’ll learn the skills you need to make authentic French macarons from a professional pastry chef! You’ll also get to explore a few flavor profiles and filling variations like white chocolate ganache, fruit preserves and dulce de leche. Get to baking with tickets here!
38. Tee up at Puttshack
Down for a little friendly competition? Head to Brickell City Centre for fun days and nights spent at Puttshack, featuring exhilarating games of tech-infused mini golf, bumping beats and refreshing co*cktails. With half-price rematches during the week before 4 p.m. this summer, you can put your golf skills to the ultimate test!
39. Head up to Universal Orlando and go bananas for the new Minion Land
Calling all Minions fans! Minion Land, a much anticipated summer staple arriving to Universal Orlando, has officially soft opened. Visitors have gotten a glimpse of the new area which is set to features tons of, well, Minions, with themed foods, character meet-and-greets and a brand new ride that will open later this summer! Read more here.
40. Roam with dragons and mystical creatures
There’s an enchanting new experience in town! All ages can step into a world of wonder as 16 magnificent mythical beings take up residence at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. From smoke-breathing dragons to awe-inspiring creatures, families are in for a treat with an array of activities designed to create unforgettable memories, such as “A Dragoneers Waterquest” with water blasters and “Princess Tales & Tea on the Terrace” with delightful tales, tea and princess crown crafts.
41. Enjoy summer programming in Fort Lauderdale Beach
This summer, Las Olas Oceanside Park will host a series of events including Dog Days of Summer movies and a revamped rendition of the its Farmer’s Market coined The MKT! Bring your furry companions to the Movies by Moonlight “Dog Days of Summer” series, taking place on the last Friday of June, July and August. Then on Saturdays and Sundays, shop and stroll a variety of market vendors or take part in an oceanside yoga class at the The MKT!
Read more: 23 Great Ways To Celebrate Pride Month 2023 In Miami
