Signs Of Summer Miami — Summer Activities In Miami

Whereas our other Refinery29 site sisters, summer means a time for shorts, phrases like "bikini body" or "summer shape-up" get bandied about, and sunglasses become a must. This, dear Miamians, is our yearly reality. But summer means something different to us (besides just a serious spike in the already steamy temperature) — it means that tourists tend to sit out the hot/stormy months and we get to really experience the city in its most organic form.

Sure, Miami Music Week and Basel are great loads of fun, but when we get a solid three months of visitor respite, we appreciate the quiet. Which is why summer is best for us who really know Miami, who want to experience the tastes (Miami Spice!) and the sounds (305 Fest!) without hordes of interlopers.

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Check out our 29 signs it's summer in Miami, and see if you agree — or what you'd want to add. Either way, we're excited for what this summer has in store, even if it does mean a tropical storm or two.

You know it's summer in Miami....

When the best way to get a little respite from the heat is July's Spa Month. Plenty of spas on the cheap, helping us get out from the stickiness? Yes, please.

When Facebook and Instagram become flooded with pictures at Marlins games at the new stadium — and hopefully our homerun dolphin statue will get put to good use.

Marlins Stadium, 501 Marlins Way.

When you get your Goombay on at the wild and colorful Miami Goombay Festival. Hey, we are one of the best places to hear Goombay in the U.S.
Thursday, August 2 to Sunday August 5, Goombay Festival, Coconut Grove.

When The Summer Shorts or “mini plays” at the Arsht Center send us into a theatre-planning frenzy.

Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard; 305-949-
6722.

When The Haulover Sandbar is like a constant party, but never so much as it is on the Fourth of July.

When our kind of fashion week surfaces in July, with bikinis and swim at the front-and-center.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week from Thursday, July 19 to Monday, July 23.

Because we live in Miami and have access to the best mangos in the states. So we celebrate it (and "20 years of the mango!") with the International Mango Festival at the idyllic Fairchild Garden.
Saturday, July 14, 2012 to Sunday, July 15, International Mango Festival, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables; 305-667-1651.

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When we are all sitting around, chewing our nails, hoping that The Heat keeps killing it like they have been and go all the way with the NBA playoffs. Good luck against the Colts, guys!

Photos: (Left to right) Courtesy of Fairchild Garden, The NBA, Yelp.

You know it's summer in Miami....

When the wet and wild Surfcomber pool parties bring together Miami locals and those traveling to enjoy a little Independence Day havoc.
Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Avenue Miami; 305-532-7715.

When all of Miami just knows three words: "I Heart Radio." The Fontainbleau + Calvin Harris = We found love in a party place.
Friday, June 29th to Sunday, July 1. I Heart Radio at the Fountainbleau, 4441 Collins Avenue, 877-326-7412.

If Miami gears up to go "Dancing On Its Own" with Robyn's Body Talk party, which is one of few parties in the U.S. hosted by the Swedish pop-star this summer.

Friday, June 29, Robyn & Rokk: Body Talk at Grand Central, 697 North Miami Avenue.

When Hump Day means getting a little celebratory with the outdoor fun of Whiskey Wednesdays at
Greenstreet.
Greenstreet, 3468 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305-444-0244.

Photos: (Left to right) Courtesy of The Fontainbleau, Surfcomber Hotel, and Greenstreet.

You know it's summer in Miami....

When Miami Spice gives us the hook-up on the best
deals on our fave restaurants — plus lets us try out a few new spots for less, too.
Miami Spice from Wednesday, August 1 to Sunday, September 30.

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When you get bummed at the new, post-Bonnaroo followers that flock to Gastropod after our favorite food truck returns from the festival.

If we can justify that caloric splurge with a cool, tasty shake at Miami's favorite after-beach hot spot, Shake Shack.

Shake Shack, 1111 Lincoln Road, 305-434-7787.

When Raspados, which are good any time of year, really do the cool-down trick. The leche syrup at Loly's is literally. The. Most. Refreshing. Thing. Ever.

Raspados Loly's, 10404 West Flagler Street.

Photos: (Left to right) Courtesy of Shake Shack, Gastropod, and Area 31.

You know it's summer in Miami....

If all you are thinking about are the hot summer concerts that're hitting the city including Bon Iver, Coldplay, and Childish Gambino. Seriously, we have a must-attend show almost every week!

Because we have another brief flash back to WMC weekend when Identity Festival brings us that tikitiki music we love so much.
Saturday, August 12, Identity Festival, Klipsch Amplitheatre at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Boulevard.

When local hip-hop group ArtOfficial seems to be more ubiquitous than neon flip-flops! The group's citywide touring schedule is a real handful.

When those of us who think Miami is all about electronic music are sorely mistaken after 305 Fest comes to town. Torche, Jacuzzi Boys, and Iron Lung show the city how to rock and roll.
305 Fest at Churchill's, 5501 NE 2nd Avenue; 305-757-1807.

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Photos: (Left to right) Courtesy of Identity Festival, Art Official, and the Fillmore Miami Beach.

You know it's summer in Miami....

When everyone seems to have some sort of amazing "secret" spot for beach parking.

When you start thinking you can perhaps claim residency in Key West, you visit the islands so frequently.

When that crucial bastian of relaxation, Coral Gables' very own Venetian Pool, opens for revelers.
Venetian Pool, 2701 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305-460-5306.

If you’re running out of space to put your avocados, because everyone keeps giving you the "tastiest 'cado you have ever had".

When restaurants and stores have misters outside... and no one judges you as you stand in front of them.

If your closet is totally overflowing with our favorite MIA wardrobe staple: The colorful and comfy linen pant.

If you find yourself checking the Weather Channel Hurricane Tracker more than you check your Facebook, Twitter, or email...put together.

When seat covers become mandatory, especially if your car has black leather
seats...yowch!

Because, finally! Tourists leave! It means us locals can get together and feel authentically Miamiamian.

Photos: (Left to right) Via The Government of Coral Gables, avocado.org, and Wunderground.