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Miami's not often thought of as a big skateboarding town, but that doesn't mean that skaters in the Magic City have nowhere to go. Cruise on over to Haulover Park near Sunny Isles Beach, where you'll find Haulover Skate Park situated next to the water. The park features a stylish and versatile pump track, with varying inclines and sharp turns meant for anything on wheels: skateboards, bicycles, and everything in between. There's also an adjacent ramp and grind rail where you can go at your own pace or test your mettle and perfect your trick skills while your friends watch with awe (or laughter). The skate park is free and open to the public from sunup to sundown (parking is $5 to $7). And if you don't have wheels of your own, there's a bike rental shack right next to the ramps.

Photo by Mike Diaz

If you already owned a bike or were lucky enough to score one during the pandemic's "bicycle boom," then you've probably avoided the chronic boredom that comes with quarantining. The key to not breaking shit in a rage during these trying times is to go outside and be active in a safe manner. For West Kendall suburbanites, the Hammocks lakes beckon with a scenic bike/jogging path surrounded by multiple lakes, mini beaches, and nature. (Although use of the waterside reprieve is technically only for residents of the Hammocks community, everyone has a cousin who lives in the Hammocks.) After a peaceful day biking the trail, unwind with a socially distanced picnic at one of the beaches. Just keep your sandwiches away from those crazy Miami ducks. For the geographically precise, the area is bounded roughly by SW 88th Street and SW 120th Street on the north and south and SW 147th Avenue and SW 157th Avenue on the east and west.

No time like the present to enjoy some fresh air, am I right? The Commodore Trail in Coconut Grove takes hikers through a bevy of scenic locations, namely Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Peacock Park, and the Barnacle Historic State Park. You can walk, skate, or bike the five-mile trail while capturing plenty of covet-worthy photos for the 'gram. The popular trail begins near Ingraham Terrace Park in Coral Gables and concludes in Coconut Grove. Once you complete the long and winding road, you'll find diverging paths. Take a left to continue down the M-Path, future site of the Underline linear park, which is being constructed below the Metrorail tracks. Go to your right to start on the Rickenbacker Trail. Or just take a beat, chill, and enjoy the leaves waving from the nearby trees.

Larry and Penny Thompson Park, located adjacent to Zoo Miami, offers 270 acres of fun for families and nature aficionados. Nestled between Country Walk and Cutler Bay, it's a quick and easy camping getaway — no need to drive hours out of the city to the Everglades or the Florida Keys. Among the available activities are biking or hiking on trails, horse riding, picnicking under shaded pavilions, and swimming in the freshwater lake; amenities include tent camping areas, 240 RV sites with water and electrical hookups, restroom and laundry facilities, and a camp store. The campground reopened in July, but on-site construction has caused temporary closures of the gazebo and pool cabanas; best to call for the current arrangements.

Deering Estate photo

Communing with sea cows is certainly one effective way to social-distance. But even when a pandemic isn't going on, we adore paddling around Deering Estate, one of Miami's treasured national landmarks. Drifting over seagrass beds and exploring mangrove forests in the calm company of the local manatees that hang around this historic oceanside venue reduces our stress levels, no matter what's going on in the peopled world. Kayak rentals are available daily between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; go to the Deering Estate website for details.

Though you can't see it, the Miami-Broward border is alive and well. But there is one undeniably good reason to cross the border: Hollywood Beach and its Broadwalk. Along a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of pristine beach, the Broadwalk is lively with small restaurants, tiki bars, ice cream shops, and a brewery. Unlike South Beach, Hollywood retains its Old Florida charm. Most of the eateries are of the open-air, mom-and-pop variety. Park at one of the ample city-owned parking garages and rent a bike or simply stroll the Broadwalk, working up your appetite. Stop in for a fish dip atBonny & Read's Toucan Hideout, have a mango IPA at Hollywood Brewing Company, or eat your weight in tacos at the Taco Spot. Head north to one of the handful of tiki huts, many of which offer live music. Then, plant your beach chair on the sand to watch the pelicans glide by overhead. Save for the occasional holiday weekend, Hollywood Beach is rarely as crowded as South Beach and its family-friendly vibe is welcoming to all. EvenJimmy Buffett's tribute to blender drinks and commercialism — the Margaritaville Resort — fits in. Instead of being an eyesore, it's turned into a renewed source of energy for this seaside community.

Photo by Laine Doss

Less than four hours northwest of Miami, there's a piece of Florida that seems untouched by time. If you want a weekend away from high-rise condos and shopping at Target, head to Anna Maria Island. There, you'll find miles of untouched beaches, tiny restaurants serving fresh fish dip and cheap beer, and incredible sunsets, often accompanied by some dude in a floral shirt playing guitar. Check in to the Compass Hotel ($116 and up per night). It's a brand-spanking-new venture from the Margaritaville people — think of it as Jimmy Buffett-lite. The rooms are "coastal-chic," decorated in neutral shades with views of Anna Maria Sound. After your drive, you'll want to unwind, so hit the Floridays bar for a beer from one of the many breweries in nearby Clearwater and some of the best fish dip you'll ever have. Now you're ready to explore. Call the Monkey Bus, a free shuttle that takes you anywhere on the island (leaving a tip is customary, so bring some cash), and stop at the Rod & Reel Pier, where a buck gets you a beer. Try your hand at fishing or just watch the water. A short walk from the pier is Bean Point, a secluded stretch of beach where you're likely to see more sandpipers than people. Grab a seat at one of the restaurants on the Gulf side to watch the sun set. The next morning, check out the West Coast surf shop, founded in 1964. Soak up some vitamin "sea" at Holmes Beach or grab an ice cream at Two Scoops. The Island, which consists of three small towns — Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, and Bradenton Beach, isn't overrun with chains. Instead, you'll find yourself chatting with the bar owner. In these COVID-19 times, what better way to decompress and social-distance than by finding a stretch of beach that isn't overrun with people, cracking open a local brew, and listening to the sound of the waves?

Courtesy of Purple PR

Sometimes you just want to pretend to be a tourist on Miami Beach. The ocean, the sand, the neon lights, the food, the dancing — all of it can be yours at the Miami Beach Edition on Collins Avenue, the quintessential South Beach hotel. Inside you'll find an all-white-and-gold (but sophisticated) color scheme, and decor that easily blends over-the-top elegance with Miami tropical vibes. The Edition has all you need for a full day of staycation indulgence. Start with a facial and massage at the spa, then have lunch at Jean-Georges' Market; afterward, take a dip in the pool or enjoy access to a private slice of Miami Beach. Later, change for dinner at the Matador Room, then change again for drinks and dancing at Basement. Back in your room, sink into luxuriously soft linens and dream about your next getaway. Hotel rates vary by season, but an average night runs about $350.

Photo by Air Force

By now, you've settled comfortably into the daily drill: Wake up, put on the coffee, sit in front of the computer, and attempt to look like the peppy, engaged employee you've always been. But maybe you've discovered that the photo you can use in place of a video feed looks much, much better than your real face (complete with bloodshot eyes from binge-watching Netflix). Fortunately for you, there are a few people who haven't caught on yet — so instead of pretending to be engaged in the latest quarterly report, you can check out the living situations of your co-workers. Is Bob from accounting actually reading Gravity's Rainbow, or is he just trying to impress the boss? When was the last time Angie dusted? And why has Samantha painted all of her nails a different color? Just be sure to text any catty remarks directly to co-workers rather than using the could-accidentally-go-to-everyone messaging function. Not that we know anything about that.

With bar closures and restaurant limitations in place, planning the perfect first date can be tricky. The ideal venue must be spacious enough to ensure social distancing, properly sanitized and, of course, boast a killer cocktail menu to rein in those first-date jitters. At Casa Florida, you'll find all that and more. The airy patio space transports you to an evening in Key West, replete with lush foliage, bright-pink flamingo accents, and cozy seating for taking in an evening sunset with tropical libations. Spice things up with a specialty Canoe Club cocktail — crafted with Ilegal mezcal, crème de mûre, lime, and serrano and ginger syrup — alongside some broiled Florida oysters for a magical evening that will undoubtedly make a great first impression. Happy hour runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Best Of Miami®

Best Of Miami®