Activities for a Rainy Day in Miami
Whether or not you live in Miami, you know that it rains quite a bit here, especially during the summer. You've likely been caught in a downpour and rushing to hide somewhere while hailing an Uber to take you home. This is my fifth summer here since I moved from New York and the rain has been heavier and more frequent than the previous four. Given Miami's abundance of outdoor activities, we need some back-up plans.
Storms in Miami typically don't last very long, but just like the Luke Combs song, "When it Rains, it Pours", and it can happen 5 times in a given day. Rain will come down in buckets during the summer and it's usually accompanied by loud thunder and an impressive lightning display. What makes Miami weather tricky is how quickly things can change. Storms roll in off the Atlantic Ocean usually from the East but sometimes from the South and it happens very quickly. You can go from a sunny day without a cumulus cloud in sight to a torrential downpour and total darkness 15 minutes later.
Needless to say, the weather in Miami is fascinating but it also makes it difficult to plan your day accordingly. Most major cities are able rely on an extended forecast. Not Miami. Have you ever found yourself asking, "What can I do now that it's raining?". Hopefully this article gives you some ideas and a useful reference for the next time your plans are forcibly changed.
PS, if you're visiting Miami, see the best hotels in Miami.
Activities for a Rainy Day in Miami!
July and August are Miami's Spa Months! Head to a spa for great deals.
Interactive Art Experience. Just opened this year. Check it out!
Come on. Bouncing around is fun. Great for the family.
The best arcade in Florida. Non-stop family fun. It's also very fun for adults with a solid drink menu!
Multiple locations in Miami. Coconut Grove is their best. Books, beer, wine. Perfect for a rainy day.
Covered, dry fun for everyone, especially a family.
Self-explanatory. Check it out. It's not the cheapest activity, heads up!
It's a sweet looking hotel in the shape of a guitar (up in Hollywood). Stop by to take care of your gambling needs.
The southernmost winery in the US! It's not your typical winery as all of their wines are made from fruit. Quality grapes can't grow in Florida, so this is the only way to make it happen and it'll pleasantly surprise your taste buds. It's about 45 minutes south of Miami's city center, but worth the trip. It's mostly outdoors with plenty of rain protection and live music. Miami Brewing Company is right next door for the beer lovers.
I know what you're thinking. Who wants to go to the movies in Miami? Especially if I'm here on vacation. CMX is worth a visit. The most comfortable chairs you'll ever sit in (or lay down in) and top-notch food, drink, and service. It's a movie theater experience unlike any other.
Use teamwork to escape. (It may be difficult to book last minute.)
Breweries
If you're going to drink on your rainy day, have some fun with it and try something new:
A year-round attraction in Wynwood. Can you survive?
Buy an explorer ticket and have fun. It's not just for kids.
Daily tours will take about 45 minutes to cover the museum. The building itself is impressive enough!
The gorgeous interior of this mansion will take up at least 2 hours of your time. If there is a break in the clouds, go outside and see the lush gardens.
Go Shopping
Brickell City Centre
Dadeland Mall
Dolphin Mall
Bal Harbour Shops
Aventura Mall
The Falls
Sawgrass Mills
Lincoln Road Mall
Bayside Marketplace
Miracle Mall
Sporting Events
With 4 pro sports teams and a major university, there is a strong chance that one of the teams will have a game/match during your stay in Miami.
Miami Marlins
Sport: Baseball, MLB
Division: NL East
Venue: Marlins Park (20-30 minutes from Miami Beach)
Style: Retractable roof
Home Games Per Season: 81
Time of Year: Spring thru Fall
Cost: $
Miami Heat
Sport: Basketball, NBA
Division: Southeast
Venue: American Airlines Arena (15-20 minutes from Miami Beach)
Style: Arena
Home Games Per Season: 41
Time of Year: Fall thru Spring
Cost: $$
Miami Dolphins
Sport: Football, NFL
Division: AFC East
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium (35-50 minutes from Miami Beach)
Style: Open-air Stadium
Home Games Per Season: 8
Time of Year: Late Summer thru Winter
Cost: $$
Florida Panthers
Sport: Hockey, NHL
Division: Central
Venue: BB&T Center (50 minutes to an hour from Miami Beach)
Style: Arena
Home Games Per Season: 41
Time of Year: Fall thru Spring
Cost: $$
Miami Hurricanes Football
Sport: Football, NCAA
Conference: ACC
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium (35-50 minutes from Miami Beach)
Style: Open-air Stadium
Home Games Per Season: 6
Time of Year: Late Summer thru Winter
Cost: $
Miami Hurricanes Basketball
Sport: Basketball, NCAA
Conference: ACC
Venue: Watsco Center (30-45 minutes from Miami Beach
Style: Arena
Home Games Per Season: 14-18
Time of Year: Fall thru Late Winter
Cost: $
