Take advantage of the cool air and the decrease in humidity while engaging in some of Miami's best outdoor activities this winter.
Miami winters are a lot like Miami fall and, really, Miami springs. Although the seasons don't vary much in this area, the temperature does drop just enough to drive away humidity and mosquitoes and provide us with the perfect excuse to spend some wintertime fun outside in Miami. The best places to go outside at this time of year are always the parks and the beaches in Miami. However, if you're prepared to travel a few hours north, you can find more conventional seasonal attractions like winter parks and illuminated Christmas lights. What you make of it determines the best outdoor activities Miami has to offer this winter. Wishing for a longer summer? That's in the city. Are you prepared to embrace everything cozy and icy? Be ready for the impending cold.
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| The best outdoor activities in Miami and the surrounding areas this winter |
1. Visit Manatee Bend Park and look for manatees.
The manatee season runs from November to March. Around this time of year, Florida's sea cows swim in search of warmer freshwater springs as the temperature drops. The abundant population of Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River is well-known, but you don't have to travel five hours north to catch a glimpse. These cute animals live in herds at Little River's Manatee Bend Park, where they spend their days lounging in the brackish water. Regardless of how adorable and cuddly they may appear, you may gaze but never touch. NE 77th St. Road, 465
2. Attend the Strawberry Festival in Florida
Plant City, Florida hosts a packed 11-day celebration of everything strawberry every year in late winter, approximately four hours north of Miami. This open-air festival, which combines elements of a carnival and a rural gathering, features live acts, animal exhibitions, midway rides, and an abundance of berry-related sights, sounds, and snacks. March 4–14, 2021
3. Visit Snowcat Ridge to experience snow indoors.
"Real snow, real fun" is the tagline, and Florida's first winter-themed theme park delivers just that kind of cold-weather excitement. Experience the ultimate holiday gathering spot, Alpine Village, where you can roast s'mores over a campfire, fling snowballs in the Arctic Igloo, and go tubing down a snowy slope. Saint Joe Road, 27839, Dade City, Florida
4. Visit Knaus Berry Farm and indulge in cinnamon rolls.
Visit the family-run Knaus Berry Farm for a taste of the old Homestead, complete with plentiful fruit orchards and crop fields. Although you can still pick your own tomatoes and strawberries here, the charming bakery is the main draw. Knaus Berry Farm serves homemade (and incredibly addictive) fruit milkshakes and cinnamon rolls from November through April. While there's always a wait, winter is the ideal season to line up and get your freshly baked goods without having them bake all day in the sun. Florida; 15980 SW 248th St., Homestead
5. Head to Gulfstream Park to watch the Pegasus World Cup.
This January, Gulfstream Park will host the $3 million horse race, which is worth a million dollars. Not a fan of horses? Come for the vibe—thanks to a day party and live musical acts at the Pegasus LIV Stretch Village—which, if it's anything like previous years, should border on South Beach nightclub. January 23
6. Visit Hancock Groves to pick oranges
Put an end to picking apples. In Florida, during the fall and winter, we gravitate toward citrus. You can pick the freshest crops to take home and stroll through orange groves if you're willing to make the drive to the state's northwest coast. Hancock Groves is a family-run farm that grows peaches and strawberries as well. Make sure to visit when your preferred fruit is in season. Blanton Road, 31107, Dade City, FL
7. Visit Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo to experience a western winter.
Located in the heart of a western adventure, this opulent glamping resort in Central Florida offers teepee accommodations and cowboy-worthy outdoor activities, like mechanical bull riding and horseback riding, as well as a family-friendly Saturday night rodeo. River Ranch, Florida 3200 River Ranch Blvd
8. Spend a day at Nikki Beach.
Take advantage of Nikki Beach's new weekday day trip offer, It's Always Summer in Miami, by taking a sick day from work. You can have your own daybed, a bottle of rosé, and a beach bag full of goodies to keep you comfortable while you lounge for $100 per person.
Walk around the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
Vizcaya is truly delightful, particularly in the cooler months when strolling through its picture-perfect gardens is pleasant. Explore the outdoor space of the Italian Renaissance-style villa, which features a maze, fountains, pools, and views of Biscayne Bay, for the entire day. On a calm winter's day, taking a stroll here can be quite magical.