The Tennis Traveler: Top 5 things to do in Miami—other than watch tennis

As the sun sets on another Indian Wells, it rises over the South Florida landscape as we head into the Miami Open. And if you’re a part of the ‘we’ that is physically heading to the tournament, you better take full advantage for those of us who aren’t.

That doesn’t necessarily mean scrambling to watch 10 times more matches at the Hard Rock Stadium than you were intending to. On the contrary, make time to leave Miami Gardens for a trip to the city itself and experience everything the Magic City has to offer.

Don’t know where to start? Need a little inspiration? Look no further, my friend. Here are my Top 5 things to do in Miami:

1. Take Me To Cuba

If you’re not sprinting from baggage claim to restaurant, what are you doing? The number one item on any Miami to-do is to feast, and the only way to properly feast is to savor the country’s best Cuban restaurants.

Family-owned restaurants like Versailles and La Carreta are regarded as two must-try eateries. For a more upscale dining experience, Havana Harry’s is the go-to, not only for their “Best Flan” Award and their Top 10-mojito-in-Miami status, but also for its expansive dining menu featuring international cuisine delights (in case you’re traveling with a picky eater).

One thing’s for certain in Miami: there’s no shortage of Cuban food. And, truth be told, I wouldn’t judge you if that’s all you ate while traveling. I’d be impressed and inspired.

2. Enter the Fun Dimension

Post-feast, one of two things happen: A fat nap or a great adventure. And since you’re in Miami, opt for the latter with FunDimension, an “upscale experience to gaming.”

From bowling to laser tag to virtual reality to bumper cars to rock climbing to arcade games to an e-gaming room—the fun quite literally never ends. Everyone will have a blast at FunDimension, located just a 30-minute drive from the tennis action.

Even if you’re going for the world-record of Cuban feasting, there are also food and drink options at this adventure venue. There’s also a lounge for when the fat nap energy starts creeping in.

3. Be One With Art

Somewhere in between 'fat nap energy' and 'great adventure' lies this immersive art experience that is one for the books. At SuperBlue Miami, exhibits come to life, a concept store highlights the joy, and a café offers a tranquil escape.

World-renowned artists are showcased in this 50,000-square foot location. There are free daily guided tours and sensory-friendly sessions every third Thursday of the month.

SuperBlue Miami is the first and only active location of many planned worldwide that are taking shape. Be one of the first to experience SuperBlue at its birthplace, and escape into the living art.

4. Decorate a Bear

The only way to one-up an art exhibit is to get out there and make your own art. But you’re in Miami, and that inspired feeling from your SuperBlue experience will fade by the time you return home. So make your way to Fluid Bear Workshop and pour your creative juices onto the perfect blank canvas: a bear statue.

There’s Fluid Bear and Sneaky Bear, both of which would love to be splattered in your creations. There’s also a bunny, cookie monster and bear charms to choose from. With up to five acrylic paints in hand, your unique Miami souvenir is ready to take shape.

5. Party, and Party Hard

Whatever party means to you—drinking, dancing, socializing, or all of the above—do it, and do it hard.

The only way to truly experience Miami is to party through it, whether that’s on a party bike happy hour crawl, party bus, or a classic pool party. Bonus points if there’s an open bar, not that you have to indulge.

Why else would there be so many professional sports teams in the area? To watch sports? Please, it’s for the good times.