At Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, commune with nature by kayaking through mangrove wetlands that feel far removed from bustling Downtown Miami. The mangrove trees are an essential nesting and feeding habitat, so keep your eyes peeled for native wading bird species and mangrove tree crabs. Oleta offers kayak, canoe and standup paddleboard rentals — all perfect for exploring the mangroves, Biscayne Bay, or the Oleta River.

Due west of Miami’s bright lights lies Everglades National Park, the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states. The refuge is a unique ecosystem of mangrove forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, and freshwater prairies. For active adventurers and anyone who loves spending time in nature, a hike through Everglades National Park is one of the best ways to experience the park's subtropical wetlands, sawgrass prairies and pine rocklands.

Hear the word “park," and you immediately think of trees, but Biscayne National Park is 95% underwater, making it the perfect spot to explore marine life. Divers and snorkelers are often impressed by the clear waters and coral reefs. Places like the Biscayne National Park Institute offer experiential programs daily like snorkeling and scuba trips highlighting the park's history, wildlife, and delicate ecosystems. Boat tour options are available, too.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is situated on 83 acres of lush tropical gardens, rainforests and coastal habitat. It was founded in 1938 and includes more than 3,400 species of butterflies and native and exotic plants. Explore the gardens on your own or enjoy a narrated tour, then cap off your visit with a light lunch and a glass of prosecco at Glasshouse Café. Also, check their monthly calendar for special guided events like morning bird walks.

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a lush three-acre landscape filled with 100 palm species, over 1,200 orchids, and various themed landscapes like the edible garden. Visitors can take a botanical tour or one of the garden's special activities like Tai Chi, Vinyasa/Hatha style yoga or a Sound Bath Meditation. Morning yoga classes are offered every Sunday and are suitable for any level.

If your're a golfer, challenge yourself at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne. This 18-hole course is one of America’s top 75 upscale courses, according to Golf Digest, and the former site of the Senior PGA Tour. You don’t want to miss the view either: Crandon Golf is considered one of the most beautiful and difficult par-72 courses. After a few rounds, consider exploring Crandon Park's other outdoor activities like naturalist-led hikes.

Located on Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a natural paradise where outdoor adventure awaits. You can visit the park by boat and explore various trails. In the middle of the park is a 1.5-mile paved bike path that's smooth and makes for an easy bike ride. Backpackers and birders can hike along the seawall and even make it to the mangrove wetlands to observe wildlife and native plant communities.

Miami's waters offer a little something for every adventurer. Perhaps the easiest way to get out on the water is on a half-day cruise departing from Downtown Miami's Bayside Marketplace or the Miami Beach Marina. Visitors can hop on a sightseeing cruise to see the celebrity mansions on Star Island or strap themselves in for a high-speed jet boat tour.

Discover the rich history of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, a beautiful stretch of surf and sand with a story that dates to 1896. This Biscayne Bay Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It holds a significant place in Miami's history, as it was a black-only beach during segregation. Today, it is a nature-lovers paradise offering biking trails, kayaking opportunities, and guided eco-history tours. August 1st is the official Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Day.

Those looking for a relaxing day at the beach should consider Sunny Isles Beach, known for uncrowded sands and an easy-going atmosphere. The beach is just steps away from luxury condominium resorts, a 700-foot fishing pier and casual dining. Several parks are also nearby, making this a great beach destination for families.