Summer’s winding down, but there’s still time to squeeze in a little more sun, water, and downtime. If you’re local or just spending a few days in the city, Miami’s full of ways to enjoy the last stretch of the season without a lot of planning. Think day trips, low-key adventures, and easy escapes that still feel fresh. Here’s how to make the most of it.
If you want to get outside without heading into the usual beach crowds, Biscayne Bay is a great place to start. You can rent a paddleboard, kayak, or just go for a walk along the water. It’s calm, close by, and a solid option when you want to feel like you did something, but don’t want to deal with a full day of logistics.
Go early before the sun really kicks in, or head out before sunset for cooler weather and great views. Either way, it’s an easy way to get on the water without a long drive or big commitment.
Sometimes the best weekend getaways from Miami FL are just an hour or two down the road. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve stepped out of your routine. A few ideas:
Easy to explore on foot, with good food, art, and a totally different vibe than Miami. Fort Lauderdale is quick, simple, and just enough of a change to feel like a getaway. Plus, it’s under an hour's drive from the Upsun Hotel and Social Club.
Delray Beach, about an hour drive away from Upsun Hotel and Social Club, is a solid pick for romantic getaways in Miami Florida. It’s got beach access, a fun downtown area, and the kind of slow pace that makes a short trip feel longer (in a good way).
Not all Miami getaways need to involve packing a bag. There’s plenty to do right here that can break up the week or fill a weekend afternoon without getting in a car.
- South Pointe Park is a good go-to for fresh air and open space. Walk the pier, bring a blanket and lunch, or just sit and people-watch for a while.
-Lummus Park and Ocean Drive are busy but never boring. Rent a bike, skate along the path, or stop for something cold and watch the world go by.
-Lincoln Road Market (on Sundays) is perfect for wandering, local vendors, snacks, and usually some good people-watching too.
Even a few hours doing something outside your usual loop can feel like a reset.
There are still some great things happening in and around Miami before summer winds down. A few options to check out:
-SoundScape Park outdoor movies: Free movies under the stars, usually midweek. Bring a blanket or a low chair.
-Wynwood Art Walk (Second Saturdays): A mix of food trucks, local art, and music. Easy to walk through and explore at your own pace.
-Live music or DJ sets at local venues: Many spots around the city host open-air events, follow your favorites on Instagram or check Time Out Miami for updates.
You don’t need to plan your whole weekend around an event, just tack one of these onto your day, and it feels like you did something new.
Go early or late: Midday sun can be a lot. Morning paddles or evening walks hit better.
Pick one thing per day: Don’t overplan. Give yourself space to go with the flow.
Stay hydrated and bring the basics: Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, phone charger, maybe a hat.
Check traffic before you leave: Leaving the city? Try to avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday nights.
A little flexibility goes a long way, and honestly, that’s kind of the whole point of a good end-of-summer day.
There’s no rule that says summer ends in August. If you’re planning a full day trip, staying local, or just making room for one more sunset by the water, there’s still plenty of time to do something good with this season. For more inspiration, check out our guide to Brightline travel and Miami’s chillest poolside picks.
Book your stay at Upsun Hotel & Social Club and make the last days of summer count.