The Magic City is a multicultural destination with water, water, everywhere. The greater Miami metropolitan area stretches from the Everglades, the famed River of Grass, in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, so the city’s trails cover a variety of landscapes and settings. From protected natural areas and sandy beaches to historical neighborhoods and urban hot spots, there’s something for everybody. And most trails accommodate walking, biking and inline skating. Plus, you’ll find plenty of points of interest along the way—including museums, historic sites, parks and more to keep you occupied. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature buff, a history fan or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll find your fix in Miami.
At every turn, you’ll see gorgeous blue waters, pristine beaches and palm trees blowing in the briny breeze—so don’t forget to take some snapshots! Also, because of the natural beauty of this tropical paradise, outdoor activities are the norm, and the city is well equipped for bikers and walkers. Air-conditioned buses, complete with bike racks, make cycling a breeze, and many trails connect easily to one another for a seamless ride. Plus, if you get hot under the strong Florida sun, there’s always a body of water nearby for cooling off. Whether it’s a pool or the ocean, just dive in for instant refreshment.
Open-air dining is also popular, so you can park your bike (or just your aching feet) and continue enjoying the gorgeous weather while you refuel with any number of international cuisines: Russian, Italian, Japanese, Thai, Chinese, French, Colombian, Spanish … the list goes on and on. Keep in mind that many of the city’s most popular restaurants—including those by celebrity chefs like Tom Colicchio, Daniel Boulud and Scott Conant—are located within hotels. So don’t be shy. You can wander right in and explore the public spaces (but not the pool or beach areas) even if you aren’t a guest.
Finally, as Miamian Gloria Estefan once famously sang: “The rhythm is gonna get you.” This is especially true in Miami, as you’ll find a myriad of musical styles floating on the air, emanating from jazz bars, salsa clubs, amphitheaters and street corners. These upbeat melodies set the perfect soundtrack for a sunny bike or walk around the city. And the music doesn’t stop once the sun goes down. Miami’s nightlife is legendary, and hot spots like LIV and Wall don’t get going until 1 a.m. or so—and they keep the party going well into the wee hours of the morning. Remember: Dancing is a great way to keep your cardio workout going!
So what are you waiting for? Slap on some sunscreen, put on a hat and sunglasses and hit the trails to discover all that Miami has to offer. We’ll see you out there!
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Sandy Beach off of Rickenbacker Trail
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Black Creek Trail (Miami-Dade)
Along the Rickenbacker Trail
Miami Skyline
Citi Bike Miami allows you to unlock a bike at any station, ride it wherever you want and return it to any station. Users can opt for a membership or an hourly rental to take advantage of this solar-powered bike-sharing system. Dock stations can be found throughout the city—available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Miami metropolitan area is quite large and spread out, so it’s best know where you’re going and plan ahead. Public transportation is available but not as extensive as other major cities, so wait times for buses (Metrobus) or trains (Metrorail and Metromover) may be a bit longer than you’re accustomed to.
The best time to visit Miami is spring. In March, April and May, temperatures usually range in the high 70s and low 80s. Tourists flock to Miami in the summer to enjoy the beaches and in winter to avoid the cold, so lodging is more expensive during these peaks. And note that the area receives the highest average rainfall from June through September.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is located about 8 miles from downtown. The MIA Mover provides free train service between the airport and the Miami Airport Station, where you’ll have access to Metrorail’s Orange Line which heads downtown. To ride Metrorail, you’ll need to purchase an EASY Ticket at the station or online (transitstore.miamidade.gov).
Check out these helpful websites for planning your travel in Miami.
For more than 20 years, this no-frills, open-air outpost has been serving up cheap Cuban food, pastries and fresh produce. Don't miss the chicharones and tamales.
For more than 20 years, this no-frills, open-air outpost has been serving up cheap Cuban food, pastries and fresh produce. Don't miss the chicharones and tamales.
This Design District staple features Chef Michael Schwartz's locally sourced New American cuisine as well as a welcoming courtyard.
This Design District staple features Chef Michael Schwartz's locally sourced New American cuisine as well as a welcoming courtyard.
Enjoy people-watching at its finest at this quaint sidewalk cafe in South Beach's Art Deco District. This was a favorite morning spot for designer Gianni Versace, and it's open 24/7.
Enjoy people-watching at its finest at this quaint sidewalk cafe in South Beach's Art Deco District. This was a favorite morning spot for designer Gianni Versace, and it's open 24/7.
This institution opened in 1913 and has garnered a clientele of celebrities and politicians with its namesake crustaceans and white-glove service.
This institution opened in 1913 and has garnered a clientele of celebrities and politicians with its namesake crustaceans and white-glove service.
A Calle Ocho landmark, Versailles calls itself "the world's most famous Cuban restaurant." Walk up to the window for a quick (and strong) Cuban coffee, or enjoy a feast inside.
A Calle Ocho landmark, Versailles calls itself "the world's most famous Cuban restaurant." Walk up to the window for a quick (and strong) Cuban coffee, or enjoy a feast inside.
Founded by plant explorer David Fairchild in 1938, this 83-acre garden features extensive collections of rare tropical plants. It also hosts special events throughout the year.
This mixed-use complex in the heart of Coconut Grove comprises shops, restaurants, a movie theater and more.
Enjoy sealife and wildlife exhibits ¿ including dolphins, killer whales, penguins and more ¿ amid this 38-acre facility on Virginia Key.
Learn about early Miami history by visiting the spot where settler Ralph Middleton Munroe built a boathouse and the main house, The Barnacle.
This 43-acre waterfront estate comprises a villa and gardens in the Italian Renaissance style as well as a historic village outbuildings compound. Built in the early 20th century, it is on the U.S....
Custom fittings, repairs and rentals in addition to accessories, apparel and energy-boosting food help maintain this shop's reputation as one of the best in Miami. They also offer free cycling...
Located in the North Beach area of Miami Beach, this shop has offered expertly maintained inventory for more than 20 years. Novices and professionals alike will enjoy this one-stop shop, featuring...
Conveniently located in the heart of the Brickell neighborhood, near the Rickenbacker Trail, this small but substantial shop offers rentals, sales and repairs done by knowledgable staff.
They serve up an extensive selection of road, mountain, hybrid and BMX bikes alongside accessories, clothing and repairs.
This popular establishment, which has been in South Miami for 57 years, offers rentals, sales, apparel and gear in an industrial-style venue.
Formerly owned by fashion designer Gianni Versace, this high-end boutique hotel was built in 1930 in a romantic Spanish style.
This exclusive boutique hotel, built in 1947, was designed by Philippe Starck as a hideaway for celebs. Its Rose Bar is a popular spot for nightlife and people-watching.
Established in 1926, this AAA Four Diamond property in Coral Gables oozes Old World glamour. It's home to a Donald Ross golf course and the signature Palm d'Or restaurant.
The grand dame of Miami Beach hotels has award-winning dining, hot nightlife, an over-the-top spa and a long history of catering to first-class clientele. It was created by architect Morris Lapidus in...
A former haunt of the Rat Pack, the Eden Roc combines classic glamour with modern amenities in the Mid-Beach area of Miami Beach. Architect Morris Lapidus designed this Miami Modern gem in the...
Overview Surrounded by palm trees and meandering through South Beach, this 10.8-mile trail (also known as the South Beach Trail) is nestled in one...
Red Road Linear Park is a 1.3 mile paved trail that runs along the west bank of the Snapper Creek Canal. The trail intersects and overlaps the Old...
The Commodore Trail is a 5-mile paved route that takes you along several roads including South Miami Ave., Bayshore Dr., Main Highway and Douglas...
Overview The 13.6-mile Old Cutler Trail goes through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the greater Miami area under the cover of...
Rickenbacker Trail begins in southern Miami and continues south along the Rickenbacker Causeway/Crandon Boulevard for nearly 9 miles, traversing the...
Neighborhood trails don’t come much nicer than the Snake Creek Trail in southeast Florida. The paved 6.5-mile route offers an easy and level riding...
The M-Path is a paved multi-use trail in urban Miami-Dade County, which was opened in 1983 and is part of the Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) system. The...
Overview The South Dade Trail runs 21 miles along the South Miami-Dade Busway between N Kendall Drive/SW 88th Street in South Miami and Krome Ave...
At first glance, the bright lights of Broadway with traffic signals at every block may not seem like an ideal place for biking and walking, but New York City is full of surprises. Trails have been carved out for cyclists and pedestrians across all five boroughs, in parks, lining the riverfront, in nature preserves, on former elevated rail lines and alongside the beaches (yes, New York City has...
The doorways to San Francisco are always open. Visitors can arrive by car, public transit, ferry or bike. Its position at the waterfront, characteristic hills, compact streets and unique districts lead to the city being very congested, yet very walkable. The established trail network leading to and along key destinations such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and the Presidio sits...
For its small size, the nation’s capital is jam-packed with attractions: world-class museums, a plethora of historical sites, top-notch theaters and art galleries and a first-hand look at America’s three branches of government. And, for those who want to take it all in, an expanding network of bicycling and walking facilities connects it all.
Despite the hills, despite the rain, Seattle is a great city for walking and biking. And, thanks to the city’s infrastructure investments, it’s slowly getting better all the time. In 2016, Bicycling Magazine ranked Seattle the 5th best bike city in the U.S. WalkScore says Seattle is the 8th most walkable city in the country.
The Magic City is a multicultural destination with water, water, everywhere. The greater Miami metropolitan area stretches from the Everglades, the famed River of Grass, in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, so the city’s trails cover a variety of landscapes and settings. From protected natural areas and sandy beaches to historical neighborhoods and urban hot spots, there’s something for...
Whether you prefer pedaling among high-rise buildings of downtown, clocking fast miles on a paved veloway, exploring a gravel trail along the lake or cruising separated bike paths alongside creeks and streams, Austin’s trail system beckons. The city may be best known for its network of single-track mountain biking and off-road running trails along Barton Creek, but it’s quickly making strides with...
To really understand why Bicycling Magazine recently placed Chicago first on their list of the 50 best U.S. cities for cyclists, it takes a look beyond the 100 miles of new protected bike lanes Chicago has added since 2015, the nearly 600 bright blue Divvy Bike Share stations and, of course, the city’s iconic Lakefront Trail.
Water, most notably the Mississippi River, but also Minnehaha Creek and the Chain of Lakes, shaped the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, literally. The river, creeks and lakes provide the defining beauty and character of the landscape. They also attracted people, supported the industries the led to the growth of the cities and encourage the active lifestyle of today’s citizens.
Towering saguaros, 115-degree summer temperatures, Major League Baseball spring-training parks: They are all signature features of Phoenix, Arizona. A bit more under the radar, perhaps, is the well-established network of trails that crisscrosses the massive urban area.
Picture year-round mild weather, miles of multi-purpose trails, one-of-a-kind sights and a mountains-to-coast terrain with small hills, short hills, large hills and long hills—all interspersed with acres of level land. If you see a pattern here—best described “perfect”—you’ve captured San Diego County’s biking and hiking scene.
