Things To Do In Miami Besides The Beach: Your Outdoor Adventurer’S

ByEric James Updated on

Let’s be honest: when you think of Miami, you probably picture crowded beaches, buzzing nightlife, and Art Deco architecture. It’s a common picture, but it leaves out the best part—the wild, untamed nature hiding just beyond the city skyline.

If you’re like us at OutwardLab, you’re looking for more than just a tourist trap. You want a real adventure. We promise to guide you past the chaos and into the heart of South Florida’s incredible ecosystems.

This guide will show you the best things to do in miami besides the beach, from exploring the vast Everglades to paddling through serene mangrove forests. Get ready to swap your flip-flops for hiking boots and discover a side of Miami you never knew existed.

Explore the “River of Grass”: Your Everglades National Park Adventure

Forget everything you think you know about national parks. The Everglades is a one-of-a-kind wetland, a slow-moving river 60 miles wide and 100 miles long. It’s a place of subtle beauty and incredible biodiversity, and it’s an absolute must-do for any outdoor enthusiast.

The main park entrance at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is about an hour’s drive from downtown Miami, making it an easy day trip. This is your gateway to some of the most accessible and rewarding trails.

Must-Hike Trails for Beginners

Even if you’re new to hiking, the Everglades offers trails that deliver big on wildlife with minimal effort. Here are our top picks:

  • Anhinga Trail: This is the superstar. A 0.8-mile paved and boardwalk trail that is world-famous for its wildlife viewing. You are almost guaranteed to see alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons, and egrets. It’s more of a wildlife walk than a strenuous hike, perfect for a first taste of the Glades.
  • Gumbo Limbo Trail: Right next to the Anhinga Trail, this 0.4-mile paved path takes you through a shaded, jungle-like hardwood hammock. It’s a great way to see the contrast in ecosystems and escape the sun for a bit. Keep an eye out for the peeling red bark of the Gumbo Limbo tree, often called the “tourist tree.”

Pro Tips for Your Everglades Visit

Visiting a subtropical wetland comes with unique challenges. One of the most common problems with things to do in miami besides the beach is being unprepared for the environment. Don’t let that be you.

Bring a reliable bug repellent with DEET, especially during the wet season (May-November). Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants treated with Permethrin for extra protection. A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable. Finally, carry more water than you think you’ll need—at least one gallon per person. A good hydration pack like a CamelBak or Osprey Talon is perfect for this.

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Paddling Paradise: Kayaking in Biscayne National Park

Just east of Miami lies a true hidden gem: Biscayne National Park. What makes it unique? It’s 95% water. This is not a park you explore on foot; you explore it by boat. This is one of the best eco-friendly things to do in miami besides the beach.

The park protects a rare combination of mangrove shorelines, the clear waters of Biscayne Bay, and living coral reefs. Renting a kayak or canoe from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center is the best way to get up close and personal with this incredible marine world.

Your Biscayne Bay Itinerary

For a perfect day trip, launch your kayak from the visitor center and paddle along the mangrove-fringed coast. These tangled roots act as a nursery for countless fish, crabs, and shrimp. You might even spot a manatee or a dolphin cruising through the bay.

If you’re a more experienced paddler, consider making the seven-mile open-water crossing to Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key. Here, you can camp overnight (permits required), hike short trails, and feel like you’re a world away from the city. Always check the marine forecast before attempting an open-water paddle and file a float plan with someone back on shore.

The Ultimate Miami Wildlife Safari: Airboats and Alligator Spotting

An airboat tour is a classic Florida experience, and for good reason. These flat-bottomed boats, powered by a giant fan, are designed to skim across the shallow waters of the Everglades where other boats can’t go. It’s a thrilling way to cover a lot of ground and see alligators in their natural habitat.

However, not all airboat tours are created equal. As part of our things to do in miami besides the beach guide, we recommend choosing your operator carefully.

Choosing a Sustainable Operator

Look for companies that operate just outside the official National Park boundaries, as motorized airboats are restricted inside most of the park. Reputable operators prioritize wildlife safety and education over cheap thrills.

They should never feed the alligators and should maintain a respectful distance. A good guide will teach you about the ecosystem and the history of the area, making it an educational experience as well as an exciting one. This is one of the most important things to do in miami besides the beach best practices.

Our Complete Guide to Things to Do in Miami Besides the Beach: Local Parks & Trails

You don’t always have to venture far to find a great outdoor escape. Miami-Dade County is home to several fantastic parks that offer hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities right within the metro area.

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Oleta River State Park

Located in North Miami Beach, Oleta is a surprising oasis of wilderness. It’s most famous for its extensive network of off-road bicycling trails, with over 15 miles of routes for beginners to experts. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one at the park.

Oleta is also a fantastic place to kayak. You can paddle through mangrove tunnels that lead out into the open waters of Biscayne Bay. They even have rustic, air-conditioned cabins you can rent if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Situated on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, this park offers a more “manicured” nature experience but is stunning nonetheless. You can climb the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse (built in 1825) for breathtaking views of the Atlantic and Biscayne Bay.

The park has paved bike paths and a 1.5-mile nature trail that winds along the shoreline. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and a much calmer alternative to the bustling city beaches.

Essential Gear and Prep for South Florida’s Unique Environment

Success in any outdoor adventure comes down to preparation. South Florida’s heat, humidity, sun, and insects can quickly turn a fun day into a miserable one if you’re not ready. Here is a quick things to do in miami besides the beach care guide for your gear and yourself.

  1. Hydration is Key: The humidity will make you sweat more than you realize. Carry a reusable water bottle like a Nalgene or a hydration reservoir. Plan on drinking at least a half-liter of water per hour of activity. Add an electrolyte tablet like Nuun to your water to replenish lost salts.
  2. Sun Protection: The sun here is intense, even on cloudy days. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30. A wide-brimmed hat is better than a baseball cap, as it protects your ears and neck.
  3. Insect Defense: Mosquitos and no-see-ums can be relentless. A repellent containing at least 20% DEET or Picaridin is essential. For maximum protection, treat your clothing with Permethrin spray before your trip.
  4. Proper Footwear: For hiking in the Everglades, choose lightweight, breathable hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip. Waterproof boots can get hot and swampy. For kayaking, water shoes or secure sandals like Chacos or Tevas are ideal.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Miami’s Outdoor Adventures

What is the best time of year to explore Miami’s outdoors?

The best time is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. Temperatures are milder, humidity is lower, and mosquitos are far less of a problem. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing in the Everglades, as animals congregate around the remaining water sources.

Are alligators dangerous?

Generally, no. Alligators are naturally wary of humans and will usually keep their distance. The key is to be “gator-aware.” Never feed, harass, or approach an alligator. Keep a safe distance of at least 25 feet. Pay extra attention near the water’s edge, especially with small children or pets.

Do I need a guide to explore these areas?

For most of the activities mentioned, like hiking the main trails in the Everglades or kayaking from the visitor center in Biscayne, a guide is not necessary. However, if you want to explore the deeper backcountry, go on a specialized wildlife tour, or try something like saltwater fly fishing, hiring a licensed local guide is highly recommended. They provide safety, expertise, and a much richer experience.

Exploring these natural wonders offers incredible benefits of things to do in miami besides the beach, including escaping crowds, connecting with a unique ecosystem, and building your confidence as an outdoor adventurer.

So next time you’re in Miami, pack your sense of adventure alongside your swimsuit. The wild heart of Florida is calling, and it offers an experience far more memorable than any crowded beach. Explore safely, leave no trace, and enjoy the journey.

Eric James
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