Outdoor Things to Do in Miami: A Local Chef's Top 3 Picks

Looking for outdoor things to do in Miami that don't revolve around a dinner reservation or a bar tab? Here are three local favorites from someone who spends most of his life around food: shooting film photos at Hobie Island Beach Park, sweating it out in a partner workout at LEGACY in Coral Gables, and spending a slow day at Tropical Park. They're all easy, cheap or free, and very good for stress relief.

This is Part 5 of my Miami Locals Series, where I ask people who live here to share three things to do in Miami that aren't eating or drinking. This time I sat down with a chef, which I love, because if anyone needs a break from food, it's the person cooking yours.

Meet Chef Pedro Mederos of Kojin 2.0

Chef Pedro Mederos (@petemederos) runs Kojin 2.0 with his wife, pastry chef Katherine Mederos. Kojin started as a pandemic pop-up and grew into a tiny chef's counter behind a ramen shop in Little River that earned a Michelin Guide recommendation. Today it lives at 804 Ponce de Leon Boulevard here in Coral Gables, in the space many of us remember as Lion & the Rambler (and Eating House before that). The menu mixes Japanese technique with Miami roots, and the Michelin Guide has recommended it two years in a row. I wrote a full guide to Kojin's tasting menu if you want to plan a visit.

Restaurant hours are long and stressful, so I asked Pedro where he goes to reset. His answers were refreshingly simple: a camera, a hard workout, and a big green park.

1. Shoot Film Photos at Hobie Island Beach Park (Rickenbacker Causeway)

Pedro's first pick is grabbing a film camera and heading to Hobie Island Beach Park, the narrow strip of sand along the Rickenbacker Causeway on the way to Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. Locals call it "Windsurfer Beach," and on a breezy afternoon you'll see sails dotting the shallow water with the downtown Miami skyline behind them. That view is exactly why it's such a great photo spot.

Where: Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, about 15 minutes from downtown.
Hours: Generally sunrise to sunset.
Price: Free to visit. The Rickenbacker Causeway charges a southbound toll (SunPass or toll-by-plate, no cash), so check the county's current rate before you drive over.
Parking: Free, with no time limit.
Who it's for: Photographers, dog owners (it's one of Miami's best-known dog-friendly beaches), and anyone curious about windsurfing, paddleboarding, or Hobie Cat sailing. Rentals and beginner lessons are available nearby.

Local tip: Go about an hour before sunset. The light on the water is soft, and the skyline starts to glow as the towers light up. If you shoot film like Pedro, bring a faster film stock for that last bit of light. Rules about dogs off leash have changed over the years, so bring a leash and follow the posted signs.

2. Partner Interval Training at LEGACY (Coral Gables)

For Pedro, stress relief also means a really hard workout. His spot is LEGACY on Merrick Way, right in downtown Coral Gables. Their signature class is P.I.T., short for Partner Interval Training. You pair up with someone and rotate through 20 stations of strength and high-intensity cardio. One partner works while the other rests, then you switch. It's coach-led and lasts 60 minutes, including a warm-up and cool-down.

Where: 22 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Phone: (305) 240-1096.
Hours: Class times vary by day, so book through LEGACY's online schedule.
Price: LEGACY's website currently promotes a free first session for new visitors. Membership pricing is listed on their site.
Who it's for: Anyone who works harder with a buddy. Bring a friend, or come solo and get paired up.

Local tip: If you've had a stressful week, this is the place for it. You can't think about your inbox when you're halfway through 20 stations. Make it a Gables morning and walk Miracle Mile afterward.

3. Spend the Day at Tropical Park (Bird Road)

Pedro's third pick is one of my favorite places in Miami-Dade, too: Tropical Park. It's a huge county park off Bird Road and the Palmetto, just a few minutes from Coral Gables. You can easily spend a whole day there.

Where: 7900 SW 40th St (Bird Road), Miami, FL 33155.
What's there: Miles of paved paths for walking, running, and biking, four lakes for fishing and paddle boating, a fitness court, a boxing center, tennis and pickleball courts, a track and stadium, batting cages, picnic shelters, and the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center, which hosts horse shows.
Dogs: There's a 2-acre dog park with separate areas for small and big dogs.
Saturdays: The Southwest Community Farmers' Market sets up just inside the Bird Road entrance year-round, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Who it's for: Families, runners, dog parents, and anyone who needs grass and shade without driving to the beach.

Local tip: Hours differ by facility (for example, the stadium opens at 6 a.m. and closes at sunset), so check Miami-Dade Parks before an early run or an evening visit. Bring a blanket and a book, find a shady spot by the lake, and put your phone away for an hour.

A Chef's Stress-Relief Day, Mapped

You can do all three in one day. Start with a morning P.I.T. class at LEGACY in the Gables. Head to Tropical Park for a lakeside walk (on Saturday, browse the farmers' market). Finish with golden hour and a camera at Hobie Island Beach Park. And if you want to end the night with food after all, you know whose kitchen to visit.

Want more ideas from this series? Catch up on Part 1 with photographer David Gary Lloyd, Part 2 with Sebastian of Turn Back the Clock Shop, and Part 4's artsy picks with museum educator Grace Torres.

FAQ

What are some things to do in Miami that aren't eating or drinking?

Try film photography or windsurfing at Hobie Island Beach Park, a partner workout at LEGACY in Coral Gables, or a day of walking, fishing, and paddle boating at Tropical Park. Every part of the Miami Locals Series adds more local picks.

Is Hobie Beach free?

Yes. Hobie Island Beach Park is free to visit and parking is free. The Rickenbacker Causeway does have a southbound toll, so check the current rate before you go.

Is Hobie Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, it's one of Miami's best-known beaches for dogs. Leash rules have been reported differently over the years, so bring a leash and follow the posted signs.

What is there to do at Tropical Park?

There are paved trails, four lakes for fishing and paddle boating, a 2-acre dog park, tennis and pickleball, a fitness court, boxing, an equestrian center, picnic shelters, and a farmers' market on Saturdays.

Your Turn

Thank you, Chef Pedro, for showing us how a chef unwinds! Now tell me: what's your favorite non-food activity in South Florida? Come share it with me on Instagram at @coralgableslove, and save this post for your next free weekend. Ready for more? Part 6 with Paula of @keepingitpaula is up now.