Top Ways to Spend a Day Under the Sun in Miami

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An ideal day in Miami is one spent immersed in the natural beauty of the city. Here, Maya Frenkiel, concierge supervisor at Acqualina Resort & Spa, shares tips for enjoying the fresh ocean breezes.

 

1. Charter a luxury yacht.

“There is no better way to experience the best of Miami [than] through the ocean,” says Maya Frenkiel, concierge supervisor at Acqualina Resort & Spa. “Our No. 1 recommendation is for a private boat or yacht to sail away through the day. With over 60 marinas [in] the Miami area, guests can choose to spend the day on a 50-foot yacht to a 135-foot yacht with full catering.” The concierge team at Acqualina Resort & Spa often recommends Luxury Yacht Charters. “[Owners] Tony and Paola are a delight to work with and they will always assist with your boating or yacht needs,” Frenkiel adds. (15000 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-604-3456; luxuryyachtsinc.com)

 

2. Dine at Mandolin Aegean Bistro

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(Gesi Schilling)

“[For lunch,] Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a Greek restaurant located in the Miami Design District,” Frenkiel says of the eatery that offers items like kefte and saganaki as well as Turkish delicacies such as grilled sucuk. “The idea is to make each dish as simple as possible, emphasizing the natural flavors of each dish. Mandolin is all about the local fisherman, purest oils, fresh herbs, vegetables as well as farm-raised meats. Not only do you get to experience Greek cuisine at its finest and its freshest, you will also experience the beautiful garden on the outside dining area.” (4312 N.E. Second Ave.; 305-749-9140; mandolinmiami.com)

 

3. Cruise through Key Biscayne

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“If you are looking to experience Miami through the streets, and tour the most known and high-end restaurants, you are also looking to fit in with the elite drivers,” Frenkiel explains. “[Rent] a car through many of the luxury car rental companies. You can cruise through Miami with a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or even the most unique of them all, the newest BMW i8. … You may want to [drive] through the Key Biscayne area overlooking the most beautiful beaches. I would also recommend a drive through South Beach. The palm trees, the ocean, the scenery [are] must-sees when visiting Miami, and you will encounter many more exotic cars in the area.” (Red Line Luxury Auto Rental: 900 Park Centre Blvd., Ste. 400B; 305-733-5463; redlineluxury.com)

 

4. Spend time at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

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(Courtesy of Florida Department of Environmental Protection)

“After enjoying a day driving your luxury car, a visit to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a must,” Frenkiel says. “The state park is an island … in the Key Biscayne area. Activities [such] as … biking, hiking, kayaking [and] fishing, as well as a visit to the most famous lighthouse, will enhance your Miami experience. Bill Baggs is as tropical as you can get in the area. Sit back and relax during a picnic and watch the wildlife around. You may see a show money can’t buy.” (1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; 305-361-5811; floridastateparks.org)

 

5. Watch the sunset from Rusty Pelican’s patio.

“After a day [exploring], you cannot miss the experience of the Miami cuisine,” Frenkiel says. “If you are looking for a local gem, you will want to stop at the Rusty Pelican in the Key Biscayne area. Stop at the restaurant on the boat or by car, the restaurant is located on the marina and has a gorgeous view of the sunset.” (3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne; 305-361-3818; therustypelican.com)

 

—Written by Kirsti Correa