Walking distance from the Miami Heat's home at the Kaseya Center is 94 feet of concrete where ballers of all shapes and sizes chuck up bricks and swishes, each shot carrying its own hoop dreams. The Pace Park basketball court's central location draws players from all over Dade to run game. The winds pushing off Biscayne Bay can make three-pointers challenging, but the shadows from the nearby skyscraping Edgewater condos make up for it, giving players respite from the harsh afternoon sun. Even more refreshing for vampires and hoopers with day jobs is that the court has lights, so you can play after the sun sets, all the way until the park closes at 10 p.m.

A former roller-hockey rink in the shadow of the new Florida Panthers' practice facility is the local pickleball hotspot. The space was recently renovated into six lit, free-to-the-public pickleball courts, where there's paddle action literally from sunrise through sundown. Some are labeled as challenge courts where the winners stay on or as "four on, four off." What makes the Holiday Park pickleball courts special is its level of play — let's just say it's not for amateurs before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on weekdays. If you've been winning too often at your local courts, hit Holiday Park to be quickly humbled by a grunting, sweaty pickleball bro or senior player to totally kick your ass. The system here is easy, too. Just place your paddle in a respective court's queue to get in on the next game.

Remember tennis legend Chris Evert? She was Martina Navratilova's nemesis on the court. She took home 18 grand slam titles throughout her incredible career. She's also from Fort Lauderdale, and there's a world-class tennis center in her hometown bearing her dad's name. The Jimmy Evert Tennis Center is nothing new — it's been a South Florida tennis breeding ground for tennis talents like Jennifer Capriati and Brian Gottfried. Today, it has 18 pristinely kept clay tennis courts. What makes it the best is the classy yet approachable ambiance. The courts are easy to book in advance for a fee via its pro shop, and if you want to fly solo, there's a ball machine rental for honing those skills.

Miami Roller Rink, formerly known as Hot Wheels, Thunder Wheels, and Super Wheels, has been on a roll ever since re-opening its doors on January 1 of this year. The rink is Miami's longest-standing roller rink and the go-to venue for parties, birthdays, corporate events, retro-themed fiestas, and music videos — even earning Drake's stamp of approval. Looking for skate lessons? They have weekly classes taught by Rocs World and other world-class skate coaches every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Lot 11 skatepark occupies a space that was once a parking lot underneath I-95 in downtown. The park boasts a crowd of good-humored regulars who are either beginning their skate journey or working to get signed to a skate team. Lot 11 welcomes visitors with a massive halfpipe as soon as you walk through the gates. There are obstacles like stairs and rails for those who want a challenge, and vert riders can use the large, empty pool space. What really sets Lot apart is its feeling of community. Even a Wednesday night is pretty packed with enthusiasts who blast music and enjoy the night air and camaraderie. Some of the Lots' most famous visitors include musician and designer Pharrell Williams and the late fashion designer and skateboarding advocate Virgil Abloh. You might also run into pro skaters like Jamie Foy and Sean Pablo at the park or happen upon a skate jam or other event, like a rave or Japanese wrestling.

The Charles Hadley Park pool was named after a gregarious politician known locally as the unofficial mayor of Black Miami. "Uncle Charlie" was honored after his death in 1985 with name dedications on an elementary school and park. His is a sparkling Olympic-sized, 50-meter pool with six diving boards and a high-dive platform that offers swimming lessons, lifeguard training, water aerobics, and public fun times for families. And thankfully, for those who don't enjoy shivering in a cold pool, the water is a solid 79-82 degrees all year. Neighbors may be hearing more splashes at Hadley than normal — in March, state lawmakers unanimously passed a law to prevent child drowning by providing swimming lesson vouchers for children ages 4 or younger in families with an income of no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Happy laps!

The gorgeous stretch of the Venetian Causeway is unbeatable in terms of accessibility and views. Spanning the breadth of Biscayne Bay, it's a thoroughfare of 12 bridges with delightful architectural details that connect Miami, the Venetian Islands, and Miami Beach. Sure, you can enjoy the ride from your car, bicycle, moped, or even Onewheel, but the 2.8-mile stretch offers joggers and runners a special kind of intimacy with the still waters of Biscayne Bay, especially at sunrise and sunset, and time to people watch. Plus, it's pretty safe, as there's enough space on the sidewalk to stay away from anyone speeding by.

The stunning 13.5-mile Old Cutler Trail cuts through some of Miami's oldest and most lush neighborhoods. Pretend you're living in the past as you enjoy a stroll under the shade of hundred-year-old banyans or jump on a bike for an easy, flat ride through nature. Along the way, you'll pass the tangled mangroves and glistening bay views of Matheson Hammock as well as the established greenery at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Pinecrest Gardens. And all in all, Old Cutler promises a safe stroll. Tree roots might trip you up more than drivers because the speed limit around the trail is about 35 miles per hour.

The South Florida Council — Scouting America (AKA Boy Scouts of America) holds its annual Scoutmasters Camporee at Markham Park every February. Nobody knows camping like a scout, so that's the flare alerting us that this is the best campground in town. Nestled in the western reaches of Broward County, Markham Park is within spitting distance of both the vast Everglades wilderness and the convenience of Sawgrass Mills shopping mall. With tent and RV sites, full hookups, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and even a restroom complex with hot showers, you may not feel like you're roughing it. But there's no shame in taking in nature while also enjoying a flushing toilet. The "luxuries" don't end there. There's also a dog park, mountain bike trails, ranges for archery, skeet, and target shooting, and even an airfield for RC planes and drones.

Have you been to saltwater beaches in other cities? They may have fish, but you sure won't be seeing them through murky waves. Here in South Florida, we have some of the clearest warm waters in the lower 48. To really get up close and personal with sea creatures, head to the uncongested 165-acre Bear Cut Preserve on Key Biscayne. Its shallow seagrass habitat is teeming with life, like colorful sponges, starfish, barracuda, or pufferfish. Bear Cut's nature trails have numerous beach access points, all ideal for snorkeling. Park at the north end of Crandon Park at the Biscayne Nature Center to ogle at the hardwood hammocks and mangroves before the trails end at an overlook of a fossilized coastal reef with a fantastic view of downtown. Pro tip: Go when the tide is low to get a closer look at the sea critters.