1. South Pointe Park
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 1 Washington Ave.
Description: A $22 million facelift in 2009 turned this once run-down and dodgy beach into a family destination, which is now an ideal spot for gorgeous city views, swimming, and picnicking. Whether you settle under a palm tree with a good book, set up a picnic, or yell “bon voyage!” to departing cruise ships, there’s plenty to do on these 17.5 acres. At night, 18 brightly colored, neon light towers illuminate the park’s 20-foot-wide walkways. The park is both children- and dog-friendly.
2. Flamingo Park
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 999 11th St.
Description: Opened in 1950, the 30-acre park was renovated and reopened in 2002, featuring shiny playground equipment, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art football field. There is also ample outdoor space for playing and sporting games. There are 3 park entrances according to the City of Miami Beach: 11th Street and Jefferson Avenue, 13th Street and Michigan Avenue, and 13th Street and Meridian Avenue. A pool on-site is open daily until 7:30 p.m. and has an entry fee of $1.25 per person.
3. Normandy Isle Park
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 7030 Trouville Esplanade
Description: Take advantage of 2 basketball courts, a tot lot, a soccer field, and rentable pavilion for special events. The 4-lane lap pool is distinct from the play pool for kids and changing rooms with showers are also available.
4. Lucky Strike
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 532-0307
Address: 1691 Michigan Ave.
Description: The high-end bowling alley started in Hollywood, but now has locations all over the country, including Miami. The vibe is more nightclub than bowling alley, which is the reason for its 21+ and enforced dress code after 9 p.m. In addition to 20 lanes, there is bottle service, free Wi-Fi, and reasonable lane rentals: $4.95 per game until 6 p.m. and $5.95 after that.
5. Captain Jay’S Deep Sea Fishing
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (877) 943-3372
Address: 10800 Collins Ave.
Description: Fourth-generation fisherman Captain Jay navigates the Gulf Stream in search of that great catch for his guests. The company has 2 charter boats: the luxurious, 57-foot Spellbound complete with air-conditioning and an entertainment system, and the 43-foot Free Spool Too used for day trips and anchor-style fishing for grouper and snapper. Sharks, kingfish, marlins, mahi, and swordfish are just some of the fish they specialize in. Kids are welcome.
6. Old Hat Fishing Charters
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 773-0700
Address: 10800 Collins Ave., Slip E16
Description: Captain Paul Lee, a Miami native who has been a licensed captain for over 25 years, mans this fishing charter’s custom 41' Hatteras Sportfishing Yacht, which he keeps in a pristine state. Bait and rods are provided. Reservations for fishing charters must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Old Hat is happy to accommodate groups and has taken many major corporations out for a day at sea. A fleet of charter boats is available for team-building exercises or a fishing tournament. Check the photo gallery for some of the amazing catches in the past.
7. Pirate Bait & Tackle
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 867-4722
Address: 1197 71st St.
Description: Squid, chum, fresh pilchards, and silversides are all available at this no-frills, Miami Beach fishing spot. The store also carries a quirky assortment of other marine-related items including beach accessories, aquariums, fountains, and “pirate” jewelry. Service repairs are available as well.
8. Crunch Gym
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 531-4743
Address: 1676 Alton Rd.
Description: This trendy gym chain is known for its fun workout classes, many of which are inspired by pop culture. Recent additions include Eat, Pray, Love Yoga and a Glee Club aerobics class. Sexual innuendos are another popular theme for workouts including cardio striptease, pole dancing, and virgin yoga. Check the website for free guest passes. A second Miami Beach location is at 1259 Washington Ave. (305-674-8222).
9. David Barton Gym
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 534-1660
Address: 2323 Collins Ave.
Description: The 45,000-square-foot South Beach outpost of this high-end, New York gym chain looks more like a swanky nightclub than a fitness center. Then again it is located within the uber posh Ganesvoort hotel. Despite its appearance, the gym is serious about exercise. Free weights, 2 floors of cardio equipment, and 5 group training studios can all be found here along with numerous classes including spin, Krav Maga, and 10 different types of yoga. Upscale amenities like beach access, valet parking, therapeutic massages, live DJs, and, of course, top-notch personal trainers remind members why they are paying more than the average strip-mall establishment.
10. Equinox
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 673-1172
Address: 520 Collins Ave.
Description: The Ritz-Carlton of gym chains appropriately has a location in South Beach. In addition to cardio machines and weights, the facility has a yoga studio, a cycling room, and a general fitness studio where classes like Luscious Legs, Just Abs, and Brazilian Butt Lift are held. In addition, there are also kickboxing, Pilates, and Zumba classes. Machines are top of the line and the space features the sleek, minimalist design Equinox is known for. The gym’s full-service spa and popular juice bar are ideal rewards post-workout.
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 850 Washington Ave.
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 300 Alton Rd.
13. Flamingo Park
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 673-7760
Address: 999 11th St.
Description: Nineteen clay courts (15 of which have lighting) can be found at this public park. A full-service pro shop is on the premises along with locker rooms and showers. GSI Bollettieri, a private tennis management company started by three tennis pros, manages the courts and the various clinics and lessons held there. Court rates are reasonable—$4 an hour for residents, $8 an hour for nonresidents. The park’s South Beach location provides a funky, Art Deco backdrop not to mention the potential for celeb run-ins. The courts are reportedly a favorite of Anna Kournikova.
14. North Shore Park
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 604-4080
Address: 501 72nd St.
Description: This relatively new tennis center features 10 hydro-flow, Har-Tru clay courts and 2 hard courts all equipped with lights. GSI, the same company that manages the Flamingo Park courts, oversees this facility and its programs. A practice wall is also on site along with locker rooms with showers and a pro shop. The courts are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon through Fri, 8 p.m. on weekends. Nonresidents pay $8 an hour, per person. Reservations should be made a day in advance. A youth center and 2 shuffleboard courts can also be found at this park.
15. Bikram’S Yoga College Of India
City: Miami Beach, FL
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (305) 534-2727
Address: 235 11th St.
Description: Fans of Bikram Choudhury’s 26-posture, 105-degree-Fahrenheit practice can attend classes at this South Beach studio. The price per class is $25 and includes one towel rental. Discount class cards and unlimited memberships are available. In town for only a short amount of time? The studio offers one week of unlimited classes for $50. Mat rentals are $5 and additional towels cost $3.