Endless sunshine. Warm temperatures. Summer in any season. 

There are tons of reasons to visit Miami, and the city’s gorgeous weather is easily one of the most popular reasons to vacation here. 

Most people know Miami for its beaches — and, to be fair, they are pretty great. 

But sunning yourself on the Atlantic shores is only one of the ways you can spend your day soaking up some Vitamin D when you visit Miami. 

What are the best outdoor things to do in Miami? 

If you’re planning a trip to the Magic City and are wondering how you can spend your day in the sun but don’t necessarily want to get in the water, you’re in luck.

There are plenty of parks, museums and outdoor shopping malls you can visit to enjoy the gorgeous South Florida weather.

Here are 10 of the best outdoor things to do in Miami — no beach day required.

1. Bike along the Boardwalk. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Miami for the first time or this is your seventh trip to the city — you’ll probably find yourself on Miami Beach at some point during your vacation. 

While this part of Dade County is home to some incredible beaches, biking the Boardwalk is one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami. This pedestrian-friendly path runs parallel to the shoreline, and you’ll have to cross it if you want to make your way to the sand. 

And if you don’t have your own bike, no worries. You can easily rent a Citi Bike for your day of adventure. 

This stretch of pavement runs through North, Mid and South Beach, so if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could cover the length of Miami Beach on this one path. 

Likewise, if you’re biking the Boardwalk as your workout for the day, there are also plenty of free exercise stations available nearby. That way, you can sneak in a quick calisthenics workout in between biking.

On the Boardwalk, you’re likely to run into locals and tourists, and it tends to get more crowded the closer you get to South Beach. 

Visit: Miami Beach Boardwalk

2. Study history at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

If you’re looking for the best outdoor things to do in Miami that are equal parts beautiful and educational, head down to Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. According to the park’s website, Virginia Key was once the unofficial “colored only” beach for Black and Brown vacationers and residents in Miami. 

Today, everyone is welcome. 

The only way to get here is to drive over the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway, which is worth the drive in itself. During your drive, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach as you head toward Virginia Key. 

If you’re traveling with nature lovers, this is an excellent part of Miami to visit. Virginia Key is home to some endangered wildlife and fauna, so look but don’t touch when you’re spending the day in this historic spot. 

Visit: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

3. Kayak through Oleta River State Park. 

Visiting Oleta River State Park is one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami because there’s so much you can see and do here. 

Plus, this state park is located in North Miami Beach (though it’s not actually on the beach), and you can easily reach it from Miami proper, Fort Lauderdale and the beaches. 

Oleta, as it’s most often referred to by locals, sits on the waterway that shares the same name. Here, you’ll find plenty of ways to escape into nature — all without ever leaving Miami. 

Oleta River State Park is home to several miles of off-roading bicycle trails, plenty of places to fish and rustic cabins you can rent for the ultimate escape. 

This is also one of the best places to go kayaking in Miami because the river leads you right into Biscayne Bay. 

Be warned, though: This area is full of jumping fish. If you’re like me and are afraid one of these creatures will flop its way into your kayak, head out with a friend or choose a different spot. 

Visit: Oleta River State Park

4. Take a tour of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. 

Mediterranean-style architecture, sweeping bay views and beautiful gardens — all of these are yours to enjoy when you visit Vizcaya. Exploring this historic home is often listed as one of the best things to do in Miami travel guides, and for good reason. 

It’s absolutely gorgeous.

With your entry ticket to Vizcaya, you’ll have access to the house and the expansive grounds it sits on. 

And while the mansion itself is well worth exploring, I’m always most enchanted by the landscape surrounding the structure. 

It’s easy to spend hours wandering along the hedges, flowers and trees that frame the property, but my favorite photo spots are closest to the bay. 

Perched in the water, you’ll find a boat that looks like it’s half sunken in the water. And if you turn around and walk along the northern perimeter of the house, you’ll see elegant steps and a pool that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale. 

Like a Local: If you’re visiting friends in Miami who have a library card, you might be able to visit Vizcaya for free. The city’s Museum Pass offers free entry for groups (two adults and two children) to different museums around the city — and in the fall and winter months, Vizcaya is included. 

Visit: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

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5. Explore The Ancient Spanish Monastery. 

Visiting The Ancient Spanish Monastery is one of my favorite Miami travel activities, and it’s one of the first touristy things I did when I moved to the city nearly a decade ago. 

But it’s usually kept off most tourists’ traditional South Florida vacation itineraries. 

This historic treasure is just off West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach — and maybe that’s one of the reasons why a lot of people don’t go here.

It’s not something you’d find unless you’re looking for it. 

Construction on this monastery began nearly a thousand years ago in Spain, and, after a lot of mishaps, it made its way to Florida in the 20th century. Now, it’s a church with cloisters and gardens you can stroll through during your day in the Miami sunshine. 

While this is a popular wedding spot and photo shoot location, touring the grounds is also one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami — especially if you’re looking to spend a quiet afternoon in nature. 

Visit: The Ancient Spanish Monastery

6. Spend the afternoon at Bayside Marketplace. 

Visiting Bayside Marketplace is one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami if you want to feel like you’re on vacation. 

Popular among tourists and locals, this breezy outdoor market is full of shops and restaurants that are worth checking out when you visit Miami. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see the towering ferris wheel standing proudly against the skyline. 

While you can easily spend a few hours meandering among the storefronts in the warm air, Bayside is also a great jumping-off point if you want to explore some other outdoor attractions nearby. 

You’re only a few steps away from everything Downtown Miami has to offer, and many different boat and bus tours kick off from Bayside. 

Visit: Bayside Marketplace

7. Go window shopping on Lincoln Road. 

Whenever I want to feel like a tourist, I go to Lincoln Road — and I mean that in the best way possible. If you’ve ever seen photos of an outdoor Miami shopping strip, it was probably taken here. 

This pedestrian walkway stretches nearly the width of South Beach from Alton Road to Collins Avenue, making it one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami on your vacation. I like to walk it sometimes just to get some fresh air, but it’s also lined with restaurants, cafes and stores you can dip into if you need a break from the midday sun. 

On Sundays, the road is overtaken by vendors selling any sorts of goodies — so if you’re looking to sample some delicious mango with vinegar and spices or are looking for an extra special souvenir to take home, Sunday is your day to go. 

Visit: Lincoln Road

8. Wander around the Wynwood Walls. 

In the past decade, the Wynwood Walls have exploded in popularity — and for good reason. The colorful murals have become ubiquitous with Miami, and exploring them is one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami. 

When you travel to Miami and start researching how to visit the Wynwood Walls, most sites will direct you to the paid museum you can visit. While the murals are striking and definitely worth a look, they’re not the only murals you’ll see in Wynwood. 

In fact, spend a few minutes walking around the neighborhood, and you’ll quickly find more murals than you can count. Some are more popular than others, but you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one worth a photo op. 

Like a Local: There’s no set route to follow if you want to see some impressive artwork — but you’ll find most of the murals between North Miami Avenue and NW 5th Avenue (east to west) and NW 29th Street to NW 22nd Street (north to south). 

Visit: Wynwood

9. Climb the lighthouse at Bill Baggs. 

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, and you’ll have to travel over the Rickenbacker Causeway and pass Virginia Key to get here. 

But once you do, it’s well worth the view.

The state park itself is full of history, kayaking opportunities and walking paths you can explore, but the real gem of the key is the lighthouse. 

The 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse served as a (literal) beacon for sailors for years. And now, you can climb to the top for unbeatable views of Miami, Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. 

If you want to learn more about the lighthouse’s history, make sure you join one of the tours. 

Visit: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

10. Explore Amelia Earhart Park. 

Amelia Earhart is a true local’s park, and you’re not likely to find as many tourists here as you would in other parts of Dade. 

And while the park is full of trails, workout equipment and picnic areas, the real gem of this space is the Miami Watersports Complex (MWC). If you’re searching for the best activities in Miami for families or kids who can’t get enough of adventure, stop here. 

The MWC is a boat and cable park where you can learn to wakeboard on a freshwater lake. All skill levels are welcome, and this is easily one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami because of how much fun you can have here. 

Visit: Amelia Earhart Park

BONUS: Head out to a National Park. 

South Florida is home to two National Parks, and they’re both an easy drive from Miami. 

The first is the Everglades National Park, and it’s located west of Miami proper. The other is Biscayne National Park, and the majority of it’s in the water. 

If you want to take an airboat tour into the marshy grasslands and have a chance to spot alligators, head to the Everglades. And if you’re craving a day on the water — whether by snorkeling or going on a glass-bottom boat tour, head to Biscayne. 

Visiting either of these parks is easily one of the best outdoor things to do in Miami. 

Visit: Everglades National Park | Biscayne National Park