Places to Cool Off in Miami

By Iris Alon, about.com

Miami’s summer temperatures can be unbearable with average highs in the mid-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The city is also quite humid making it seem like it’s eight to 10 degrees hotter than the actual temperature. Visitors to the city who aren’t quite acclimated to this type of weather might find it uncomfortable, sometimes unbearable. If you happen to be visiting during the summer months, here are some of the best places to cool off in Miami.

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The Beaches

Fortunately, unlike other cities like Atlanta, Charleston or Savannah, Miami has plenty of beaches you can escape and cool off at during the hot summer months. Popular spots include South Beach, which features fine golden sand and lovely views of Miami’s Art Deco district, Miami Beach North, a quieter, less crowded option that has a beach volleyball park and the popular music venue North Beach Bandshell, Hobie Beach, a dog-friendly beach on the Rickenbacker Causeway that serves as the city’s prime windsurfing spot, and Surfside, a mile-long beach haven from 88^th-96^th Street that’s perfect for long walks and enjoying natural scenery.

[post_ads]Miami’s Best Pools

If getting bits of hot rocks and sand on your feet isn’t quite your idea of cooling off, you might consider a dip in one of these luxurious hotel pools. These aren’t just your typical pools. They often come with fantastic views like the one at The Perry’s on South Beach. It sits 18 floors up with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. There’s also the Mediterranean-style Delano Hotel pool, which the hotel refers to as its “water salon.” The pool area is lined with private cabanas and features a DJ and chef-made poolside eats. Designed by renowned French designer Philippe Stark, The Delano Hotel pool is one of the few that are accessible to the public. Finally, there’s The Setai, which provides its guests with not just one, but three swimming pools, each with different water temperatures.

Spas and Treatment Facilities

During particularly hot summer days, heading to the beach or pool might be a less desirable option especially when the water temperatures can make it feel like you’re taking a hot bath rather than a cool dip. Luckily, there are plenty of arctic spa treatments available in Miami if you need a relaxing and therapeutic way to cool off. Take the Arctic Plunge at The Standard Hotel for example. A pool of ice-cold water will definitely soothe the muscles and joints and is included in the daily room rate. There’s also the igloo treatment at the Carillon Hotel Spa where you can soothe yourself in three different arctic mist experiences – menthol, mint, and eucalyptus.

Indoor Hangouts

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than the feeling of centralized air conditioning, especially on a humid day. Indoor hangouts like museums will not only cool you down but also teach you a thing or two, while shopping stores can provide a quick relief from the heat and make for some great people watching as well. Take in a few hours at the HistoryMiami Museum and learn about the culture of Miami, much of south Florida, and the natural history of the Everglades or pop around the Wings Over Miami Air Museum and take a look at the historical aircrafts from the World War II and Cold War eras, many of which remain in working condition still.

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Miami is also a shopper’s paradise with boutique shops lining the streets of the Design District. Have your pick from traditional furniture showrooms to innovative retail spaces. If the latest in fashion is more of what you’re looking for, head over to Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive where many of the world’s famous designers have stores. Brides-to-be can find plenty of boutique bridal shops, fancy bakeries, and shoes and accessories stores at the charming neighborhood of Coral Gables.

The city might have its hot and humid days during the summer months, but there are certainly plenty of places to cool off in Miami.