Best Outdoor Activities in Coconut Grove

"Shark Valley Tram Tours offers two-hour guided tours of the paved loop trail that runs 15 miles through the Everglades from the Shark Valley Visitors Center. This is a great way to spot some wildlife and get a high-level perspective of the park from the Observation Tower at the loop's most distant point. If you're planning on visiting during the park's busy season (December through April), be sure that you call ahead for a reservation."

"The two-hour tram tour is the best way to tour through the area. A naturalist is aboard the tram who educates about the ecosystem of the wetland, the animals found in the region and the diverse plants present. The tram takes along the Tram Road Trail."

"Part vintage surf shack, part sultry outdoor club, Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach hotel is a prime spot to rub elbows with the young and fabulous of South Beach beneath string lighting and palm trees. Inside the bar, you’ll find VIP tables, a DJ booth and dance floor, while outdoors there’s a sprawling space to mix and mingle in the fresh air by the swimming pools. For a debauched weekend daytime pool party, this is one of the hottest scenes in town."

"Hyde Beach offers artful mixology and cuisine from Jose Andrés — all in an over 8,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor space with a gorgeous pool and beach access."

"For those of you who want a little more variety (or for those that don't like shopping), you can stop at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, where there is something for everyone. Guests have the option to enjoy the casino, horse racing, live entertainment and more."

"Continue south on Collins Avenue and enjoy the views of Miami Beach, eventually reaching iconic South Beach. Park and head to the sand to enjoy a few hours on the beach. If that doesn’t sound like the right fit, enjoy a walk along iconic Lincoln Road for shopping, eating, drinking and people watching."

"For a more chilled beach day option, head to North Beach Oceanside Park, a serene destination, out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach’s hotels and restaurants. Pack your cooler to the brim, bring a Pub sub, and take in the blissful scene of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features shaded walking trails, a bike path, and a dog park and playground to entertain the kids and fur babies."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"Restaurants Bakeries Design District. Miami’s late-night purveyor of gooey, made-to-order, donut-sized cookies is holding strong as one of the city’s best dessert delivery. It used to be that only FIU college students and people living nearby had access to these dank treats but thanks to a second store in the Miami Design District, nearly everyone can get their hands on these."

"Nice to know that the more things change, then change again, then get downright effing surreal, some things stay the same. Like how Night Owl Cookies will still bring you a dozen cookies at almost any hour of the night. And, though you can still go into the store to pick them up for now, you’ll have to wait outside until you get a text saying they’re ready.Cost: $2.75 a cookie; order through Postmates"

"We’re never one to turn down the fun flavor creations like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, birthday cake or pumpkin spice on Night Owl’s ever-changing menu. But the Ave Maria has our heart, made with guava, Maria cookies (crunchy tea biscuits), white chocolate chips and a cream cheese frosting drizzle. (FYI: The South Miami shop is opening a satellite location in Wynwood sometime in 2019.)"

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Coral Gables. This South Miami neighborhood spot is a mainstay for traditional, no-fuss ice cream. Servings are cheap, cookies are freshly baked and the staff—made up of mostly teens and kids from the area—are cheery and eager to let you try whatever is in the freezer."

"This place has occupied its tiny little storefront on Sunset Drive for decades. Their milkshakes are so thick you can barely get them through a straw, and their chocolate malt shake is as classic as it gets. No fancy machines, no exotic flavors, just some of the best classic ice cream around, with generous scoops."

"Started in 1985, Whip ‘N Dip ranks as a long-time staple among the best Miami ice cream shops. Using locally sourced ingredients from partner suppliers, they make new flavors daily. Some must-trys include banana nut chip, heath bar brownie and chocolate-covered almond."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Design District. Pastry chef Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgore’s playful dessert spot sells vibrant unicorn cakes, rich chocolate bark and soft-serve in unexpected flavors. Her ice cream, in varieties such as matcha and berry rhubarb, is already pretty special yet she always finds a way to kick it up a notch with add-ons like edible glitter, gold leaf, gold dust, cotton candy and fancy sprinkles—and we’re all the more grateful for it."

"Soraya Kilgore — best known as the pastry chef at restaurants like Brava and Alter — is the woman behind this palace of sweets in Miami's Design District. MadLab Creamery isn't just about the ice cream, however. This spot also entices young and old to create their own sweet-treat work of art via more than 30 toppings, including edible glitter, tufts of pink cotton candy, golden-sheet sprinkles, even a macaroon or two."